On our wedding day, my wife's first love, Hank Scott, threatened to slit his wrists.

She ignored him and went through with the ceremony anyway, until news arrived that he was dead, his blood staining the ground.

From that moment on, Shirley Lowell withdrew into a convent, becoming the cold, distant woman everyone knew.

In the name of atonement, she forced me to copy the Bible a thousand times and kneel in endless prayer, grinding me down until I was crippled.

Bound to a wheelchair, I asked her for a divorce.

She refused, saying we owed Hank a debt and had to atone for it together.

She used my family to threaten me, keeping me by her side and tormenting me for the rest of my life.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on our wedding day.

This time, I chose to push her toward Hank.

I would become the first love in her heart, the one who led her onto the path of devout faith.

Panic clung to me, a ghostly shroud, as I snapped my eyes open, lungs clawing for breath.

Where was I?

Some afterlife courtroom? Did I die?

"Is he done throwing his fit? Doesn't he know what today is? I'm not about to leave my husband to chase after him!"

The crash of the phone hitting the table yanked my gaze in its direction.

There she was, Shirley Lowell, panting in her bridal gown.

My thoughts raced, and a staggering realization hit me like a bolt of lightning.

I was given a second chance at life!

In my previous life, at that very moment, I was gloating over Shirley's rejection of Hank Scott.

However, with clarity returning, I saw the tight fists she made without even realizing it.

'Of course, she'd be worried sick about Hank's safety,' I mused.

Her staying by my side was merely to dodge the accusations of being a heartbreaker, nothing more.

Yet, that facade of loyalty crumbled the instant she laid eyes on Hank's lifeless body.

She had her excuse to unleash her fury on me, blaming me for ripping them apart.

She seemed so innocent, so detached from worldly desires, but behind the scenes, she orchestrated the brutal shattering of my legs.

Confined to a wheelchair for life, I became a shell of myself, a cripple I loathed.

She, on the other hand, emerged with her reputation intact, hailed as the epitome of devotion, mourning her lost love.

I was painted as the villain in their love story, cursed and reviled.

However, who really knew the truth?

Once, Shirley braved a blizzard to woo me, standing under my window with flowers, showering me with kindness and empathy.

I could not stand to disappoint such a wonderful woman, so I chose her with all my heart.

Little did I know that choice would lead to my downfall.

Given a second shot at life, I was determined not to waste it.

This time, I did not explode with jealousy or demand to know why Shirley had gotten a call from Hank. Instead, I gently touched her hand and said, "Shirley, it's someone's life at stake. You should go check on it."

She froze, taken aback by my calmness.

In the previous life, just the mention of Hank would set me off into a rage, demanding she choose between us. However, then, I was the picture of understanding.

She was not naive, though, and shook her head with conviction. "No, it's our wedding day. I can't do something so cruel.

"I've already hurt you enough because of him. How could I cause you more pain?"

I looked down, my hands instinctively caressing my legs that were now strong and healthy. I was not about to repeat past mistakes.

With that thought, I pulled her close. "Silly girl, I trust you. You wouldn't betray me.

"If he's really out there thinking of ending it all, and you don't go, you'll be the one people blame. I can handle a bit of hardship, but I can't stand the thought of you getting dragged through the mud because of me."

The onlookers in the makeup room, who were ready for a spectacle, were then touched by my words. "Mr. Charlton, you're so understanding. Ms. Lowell, you're lucky to have him!"

Seeing that I gave her an out, Shirley was visibly moved. "I'll take care of it and come right back. I won't say more to him than I have to."

I smiled at her. "I'll wait for you. I've waited a long time for this day."

Once she saw I was not upset, she hurried downstairs, ready to drive off to Hank.

When the room finally emptied, I let myself fall into a chair, feeling like all the strength left me.

'Everything's going to be okay. There's still time,' I reassured myself.

In a previous life, her hesitation had cost a life and destroyed another.

In this life, I would not stand in her way of seeing the one she truly loved. All I wanted was a quiet life.

The drama unfolded to that climax, and to stop then would leave everything unresolved.

I stood on stage, eyes fixed on the door, playing the part of the devoted husband to perfection.

I had everyone in the palm of my hand, so much so that her parents could not stand it anymore and urged me to take a break.

However, I never expected Shirley to actually return. I was sure Hank would have kept her by his side.

When she saw me, her discomfort was clear.

Hank, however, was unabashed.

"Anthony, you're not mad, are you? You know I'm sincere about Shirley. I just got carried away today, you can understand that, right?"

His challenge was as bright as daylight.

However, I was not angry. I just looked at Shirley and asked,

"What's this about?"

Shirley fidgeted, touching her nose.

"He said we don't have to go to extremes, just go through the motions of the ceremony. It's all for show, don't mind it.

"I did it for us, so our lives wouldn't be disrupted by him. What do you think?"

It was not just me who was taken aback. Shirley's parents were appalled:

"Shirley! Don't be so ungrateful! Your husband has been more than fair to let you meet another man on your wedding day. How can you ask for something so outrageous?"

My own family was fuming.

"What do they take our kid for? Whoever heard of swapping grooms mid-wedding? It's disgraceful!"

Shirley, under fire from all sides, was sweating bullets. However, even so, she was not ready to back down.

"Anthony, this is my final plea to you. After this, I'll follow your lead, okay?"

The whispers around us swelled, their message clear: if I could stomach this, then I was the ultimate doormat.

However, hey, being the target of ridicule was old news to me.

The taunts grew harsher, yet they paled in comparison to the physical agony I faced in my previous life.

I let out a weary sigh.

"No worries, life's too precious, and my feelings? They're small potatoes."

My cool-headedness shone next to Hank's tantrum, drawing a frown even from Shirley.

Hank, catching her look, lost his cool.

"If you hadn't snatched Shirley from me, would I have to act this way? You're the real intruder here!"

The crowd erupted, scolding him for his pettiness, his ingratitude, and for lashing out at me.

Hank went white as a sheet but stood his ground.

"You don't get it! Shirley's heart belongs to me. If it weren't for all the family gossip, we'd already be hitched!"

I nearly burst out laughing.

Shirley's reputation was her everything, and Hank's public outburst?

He was dancing on her last nerve!

As expected, Shirley cut him loose: "What are you blabbering about? Anthony's the good guy here, stepping in so you wouldn't mess up. Me? I've got zero interest in you."

Hank realized his blunder and, feeling the heat, reluctantly hung his head in apology.

"I got carried away. I thought you were finally coming around to me."

"So, are we good for the wedding? Anthony doesn't seem to mind."

Shirley's eyes flickered with worry as she edged closer, reaching out to wrap me in a comforting hug. I sidestepped her silently, muttering an excuse about needing the restroom.

No sooner had I stepped out than I caught Shirley on stage, gazing at Hank with such tenderness it was almost sickening. Reluctant? Her smile was so wide it could have split her face.

I was ready to bail when Hank leaped from the stage, beelining for my brother with a snarl, "What did you say? Say it again!"

My brother stood his ground, firing back, "You two are made for each other, both so low and despicable!"

In a flash, they were tangled in a brawl, the hidden turmoil beneath our calm façade bursting forth.

I could take a hit, but my family? That was another story. I stormed over, fury fueling my hand as it met Hank's cheek with a resounding smack. "Enough already, will you!"

My brother, my little sidekick since forever, was ready to fight my battles, especially since he was my rock when life knocked me down. I owed him everything.

In the chaos, I landed a few good ones on Hank, puffing his face up like a balloon. However, then Shirley, frantic to defend her sweetheart, shoved me hard.

I stumbled back, my head crashing against the sharp corner of a wedding prop. The room spun, screams pierced the air, "Blood! There's so much blood!"

My forehead split open, a crimson flood unleashed.

The old fear of death, a shadow from another life, crept over me.

Shirley was a mess of panic, "Are you okay?" She reached out, but I shoved her away, done with her, done with words.

My little brother jumped, tears streaming down his face.

"Don't freak me out! What's wrong with you? We need to get to the hospital! Now!"

I tried to tell him I was okay, but my head was spinning so much that all I could do was lean into his embrace.

So, the chaos came to an eerie close.

The hospital was abuzz when Shirley's father, Bennett Lowell, started yelling at the top of his lungs in the hallway.

"You can't blame it all on my daughter! If this guy hadn't run his mouth off, none of this would've happened!"

Shirley was shaking, not expecting things to escalate.

"Yes! Yes! I was freaked out, and getting cursed out on my wedding day, I was obviously upset, you get that, right?"

'Understand you? As if. Drop dead.' I seethed silently.

The doctor was stitching me up, and even with his years of experience, he could not help but suck in a breath at the sight of my wound.

"You're lucky. This is a nasty one, almost hitting the bone. You could've ended up paralyzed!"

Shirley jumped in hastily. "Even if you were paralyzed, I'd be there for you!"

The word 'paralyzed' triggered a flood of bitter memories.

"Shut up!"

It was the first time I ever snapped at her, and she was taken aback.

I turned to Bennett.

"Mr. Lowell, it seems like you've forgotten that on her wedding day, it was your daughter who ditched her husband to see another man, not me. If I didn't step back, today's joy could've turned into mourning. Don't you think I've given up enough?

"Look at me, all beaten up. Who do you think deserves a little sympathy here?"

Bennett, clearly knowing he was at fault, shot me an angry look.

"That's just how our daughter is. If you can't handle it, no one's forcing you to marry her."

When he could not win with logic, he resorted to pettiness.

In that, he was no different from Shirley.

Her brother could not take it anymore and scoffed."What a shameless bunch."

Shirley moved closer, trying to show some softness.

"Don't be mad, I never saw this coming. I'm too busy loving you to ever want to hurt you. It was just an accident."

Hank could not stand her playing the caring card and jeered.

"A big guy like you gets a couple of taps and ends up like this? For real? Or is this just another one of your games?"

I was about to give Hank a piece of my mind when Shirley shoved my hand away.

"Yeah, you've pulled stunts like this before, Anthony. Didn't you say you were done with all that? Are you lying to me again?"

Just like that, I was cast as the villain once more.

I was so ticked off, I had to laugh. "With imaginations like yours, you guys should be writing fiction."

Shirley hesitated, biting her lip, about to check on my injury.

However, Hank beat her to the punch, dramatically clutching his chest and collapsing.

"Shirley, my heart; it's acting up again. I'm sorry, I'm such a letdown."

Shirley was frantic, veins popping as she cradled Hank, who was feigning weakness.

"What's wrong with you all? Get a doctor, now! If he dies on me, I'm done for!"

She could not even fake concern for her husband's head injury. However, at her so-called soulmate's slightest discomfort, she was a mess.

I felt a wave of sadness wash over me.

Hank was always her number one, and I regretted not realizing it sooner in my previous life.

Even my kid brother could see what was going on.

"You'll be fine. You're a great guy, lots of people will like you."

I gave his hand a reassuring pat. "I get it."

Just then, the doctor came in for his rounds, but Shirley was already pulling him aside.

"Doctor, can you please check on Hank first? He was just fine, and now he's passed out?"

The doctor's face was stern. "Stop this foolishness! I'm not a heart specialist. Move aside, the patient needs his medication changed immediately, or there could be serious complications!"

However, Shirley was not hearing any of it. "What do you mean? You're a doctor, you're supposed to know how to handle everything! It's just a little scrape, but Hank's out cold! He's obviously in worse shape!"

The throbbing in the back of my head intensified, and my back was slick with sweat.

I was still bleeding from my head, and she calls it a little scrape?

With great effort, I stood up. "No, help me first!"

Hank was just jumping around a moment ago, and then he's unconscious,

Who would buy that?

However, Shirley was relentless, grabbing the doctor and heading for the door.

"If you don't look after Hank, you won't be treating Anthony either!"

She treated life-and-death matters as if they were a game.

I felt a chill in my heart.

I tried to catch Shirley's eye, but she would not meet my gaze.

"Anthony, I'm doing this for your sake. If he dies, it'll affect you, too, right? Now's not the time to be stubborn. It's just a little blood, you can tough it out."

'Can I really just tough it out?' I wondered.

As they vanished through the hospital doors, and I was on the verge of passing out from the pain,

I collapsed into a warm, fragrant embrace.

"Idiot! You can't let anything happen to you!"