In reality, Marcus was just stringing Jessica along. After all, she was just an ordinary soldier at the time. Instead, he was holding out for someone he considered more impressive.

I visited the college to inquire about the necessary preparations required for enrollment, as well as living expenses. Only after I had all the details straight did I feel reassured enough to head back.

When I returned to Jessica's military housing and walked through the door, I heard Marcus whisper, "Jess, you rushed back to be with me instead of accompanying Zach. Won't he be upset?"

"I can spend time with him anytime," she replied. "But you're unwell, and I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone at home."

He chuckled, his voice dropping into a teasingly forlorn tone. "Will you still treat me well after you marry him?"

"Of course," Jessica replied firmly. "Who else would I be nice to if not you? If Zachary mistreats you, I'll divorce him."

My fists clenched tightly as I fought to swallow the bitter pang in my heart. Even after a second chance at life, hearing her speak of me with such cold indifference still stung.

I composed myself and walked into the house as if nothing had happened.

Noticing my presence, Jessica walked out of Marcus' room with a hint of embarrassment on her face. She explained, "I-I just saw Marcus wasn't feeling well, so I went in to check on him."

I gave a noncommittal hum and returned to my room.

In my past life, I'd argued with her countless times over their ambiguous relationship. But in this life, I wasn't going to bother anymore.

She called after me, "Zachary, why don't we buy some wedding favors to give out to the neighbors?"

I glanced at her in surprise, then realized this was probably her way of compensating me for not making a fuss.

"No need. There's no point in such formalities," I answered.

She froze for a moment, probably finding it hard to believe that I'd actually refuse her suggestion.

"Zach, are you upset because Jess took care of me?"

Marcus emerged from his room, his face the picture of hurt and innocence. He was wearing the dress suit I'd specifically bought for my wedding photos. I'd scrimped and saved for half a year in my previous life to afford it, but never once wore it.

Seeing my gaze, he hastily explained, "I saw this outfit on your bed today and thought it looked nice, so I tried it on. I forgot to take it off."

He lowered his head, wringing his fingers together like a child who'd done something wrong.

Jessica couldn't help but say, "Zachary, don't—"

I cut her off and said calmly, "It suits you well. Keep it, then. I never wore it, anyway."

I could still smell the faint mix of sweat and blood on the outfit. Just thinking about it made my stomach turn.

Under their astonished gazes, I returned to my room and locked the door.

Later, I pulled out my document folder, which contained my acceptance letter from Humridge College. I'd always loved the South, and this was for a finance program I was truly passionate about.

In my past life, I'd given up my education for Jessica's sake and willingly stayed home to take care of her family. This time, I was fortunate to still have a chance, and I was determined to live for myself.

I flipped through the calendar. In ten more days, I would be able to leave this place. Time was tight, but I had to make every second count.

A sudden knock broke my focus, and I opened the door impatiently.

Jessica stood there, holding a plate of pasta, and asked softly, "Are you hungry? I made you some pasta."

For a moment, I was dazed. In my past life, she was either indifferent or openly hostile toward me. I hadn't seen this kind, tender side of hers in years.

I replied, "No, thanks. I already ate out."

"How is that possible? Aren't you usually the one who never wants to spend a dime?" Jessica asked.

Her words stung, precisely because they were once true. I'd been frugal to a fault, saving every penny from my part-time job just to spend it on her and buy her stuff.

Now that I was going to college, there was so much to spend on, and every penny also had to be carefully budgeted.

I looked up at her and said calmly, "I remember giving you the money a few days ago to buy wedding supplies. It looks like you didn't buy anything with it, so just return it to me."

Jessica froze for a second, then offered an awkward explanation. "That money… I used it to buy dress shoes for Marcus."

I couldn't help pursing my lips. Seriously? It was the same nonsense as always.

"If there's nothing else, I'm closing the door and going to bed," I said.

"I'll pay you back tomorrow," Jessica said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "We're married. Do you really have to make such a big deal about this?"

I couldn't help but sneer at her words.

"So, I'm not even allowed to fuss over the fact that my hard-earned savings are being spent on someone else?" I retorted.

Even though Jessica knew she was wrong, she still muttered stubbornly, "You're being unreasonable."

I didn't bother arguing with her anymore and slammed the door shut.

Over the next few days, I sold off some of my worthless personal items—the sentimental keepsakes from my past life. Looking back now, they were nothing but cheap junk. I bundled everything up and sold it to a scrap collector for a small amount of money.

As I continued packing that afternoon, Jessica stood in front of me, holding the money. She said stiffly, "Here's your money."

I took it and nodded. "Thanks."

She looked at me with a complicated expression before her eyes fell on my packed luggage.

"I've decided that Marcus will join me at the duty station in Lisbeth first. There's no need for you to pack."

I nodded and continued packing.

Jessica seemed unsettled by my attitude, clearly not used to me being so indifferent. "What's wrong with you lately? It's like you've become a different person."

I turned away impatiently as I didn't want to complicate matters.

She didn't love me, but if she noticed Marcus' name on the marriage papers, she might still push to redo it with me for his sake. But I wanted nothing more to do with this scumbag couple.

"It's nothing. I just want to pack my things," I said. "Once you're in Lisbeth, I'll move back to the countryside."

Jessica looked relieved and explained, "It's not that I don't want you to come with me, but Marcus has never been to Lisbeth and wants to visit. In a few months, I'll arrange for you to join me."

I nodded absentmindedly.

In my past lives, she never arranged for me to join her for eight long years. It wasn't until Marcus married a prestigious military family's daughter that Jessica, in crushed acceptance, brought me to Lisbeth.

My silence was clearly unnerving her. When we were alone, I'd normally chatter nonstop. But now, my reticence made her restless.

"Didn't you always want to take wedding photos? Let's go to the studio tomorrow."

No way was that happening. I planned to buy supplies for college tomorrow.

Just as I was about to fabricate an excuse, Marcus walked in. He draped his arm affectionately around Jessica's shoulders. "What's this about a studio? I want to take pictures, too."

She laughed and patted his head. "Sure. We can all go together tomorrow."

"You guys go ahead. I have something to do tomorrow," I said.

Jessica frowned. "What could possibly be more important than taking our wedding photos?"

"Let's go take the photos first. I'll go with you to buy whatever you need afterward," Jessica said firmly, as if giving me no room for refusal.

Marcus chimed in, "Yeah, Zach. You're not refusing to go because of me, are you?"

At that point, I didn't feel like arguing and just nodded in agreement.

Early the following morning, I could hear Jessica fussing in Marcus' room, coaxing him out of bed.

The bright red numbers on the calendar reminded me that my freedom was just four days away.

Just as my patience was wearing thin, they finally dragged their feet out of the room.

Jessica diligently fetched hot water and personally washed Marcus' face. I must have been blind in my past life to naively think that once we were married, she'd treat me the same way.

I was lost in thought when Jessica shyly walked over to me, holding a ring. "Mrs. Wilson said couples these days wear wedding rings, so I got you one."

I didn't take it when I recalled there had been no rings in my past life.

As soon as Marcus saw it, he frowned. "That looks great. I want one, too."

I generously offered, "Then take it."

Jessica's face instantly darkened. "Stop messing around. This is our wedding ring."

Marcus snatched the ring, slipped it onto his own finger, and waved it at her. "Does it look good on me?"

She looked at him with undisguised affection and nodded with a smile. Then, she turned to me guiltily and whispered, "I'll… I'll buy you another one next time."

I nodded indifferently. I'd heard her make promises like that countless times and never seen her follow through.

…

At the photography studio, Marcus went first and even took several photos with Jessica. When it was my turn with her, the photographer raised his camera but awkwardly lowered it again.

"Oops. Sorry, but I'm all out of film."

I secretly cheered, but kept a straight face, saying calmly, "Oh. Forget it, then."

As we left the studio, Jessica pulled a train ticket from her pocket and handed it to me. It was a standing-room-only ticket to Lisbeth, departing in four days.

"I don't mean to leave you behind. I'll get settled first and wait for you there," she said.

The trip would take three days and nights. I had no idea how she thought I could stand for that long during the journey.

Besides, there was only one spot for family accompaniment, so where was I supposed to live once I got there? But asking now wouldn't get me a satisfactory answer.

Seeing me accepting the ticket, Jessica was visibly relieved. "Don't worry. Even if you don't stay in the military housing, you're still my one and only husband. I'll treat you well from now on. By the way, I only treat Marcus as my younger brother."

At that moment, because she had never spoken to me so tenderly before, I felt my guard slip a little.

Suddenly, a truck came speeding around the corner straight toward us. Jessica grabbed Marcus' hand and pulled him to safety.

In the chaos, I felt someone shove me. As the car barreled toward me, I froze in terror. The vehicle swerved sharply and hit me, dragging me along the ground. The pain was so intense that I blacked out, and cold sweat streamed down my face.

The driver hurriedly jumped out of the car and asked incoherently, "Young man, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

A crowd began to gather, pointing and murmuring.

My gaze cut through the onlookers, fixing squarely on Jessica. She was comforting Marcus and was completely unaware of what had just happened to me. Or perhaps she noticed and simply didn't care.