I smiled at Sophia gently.

"Sophia, let's look at them tomorrow. I have a surprise for you."

Her eyes rested on me, and her brows furrowed. "You're acting strange today. What is it? Have you gone crazy with happiness after marrying me?"

It was indeed something worth celebrating. At the very least, I was able to see her alive again.

I smiled. "I think you're the best person in the world. Whoever marries you will be very happy."

She scoffed coldly and turned to leave. If I had not known she did not like me, I might have thought she was just feeling bashful.

At that moment, a young couple nearby was chatting excitedly.

"Tonight, there'll be a once-in-a-century meteor shower! Legend says that couples who watch the shooting stars together will grow old together. Darling, let's go too."

My steps slowed.

I remembered that in my previous life, I had pestered her to watch the meteor shower on this same day, hoping she might fall in love with me.

Back then, her cold mockery had stung when she said, "Do you really think watching a meteor shower as husband and wife will somehow make our relationship last longer?

"By that logic, would there be no more unhappy marriages if everyone in the world watched a meteor shower? What fantasy are you living in?"

This time, I had no such expectations. However, Sophia suddenly spoke up, "I can accompany you to watch the meteor shower if you want, but forget about a honeymoon. The company's keeping me busy, and I don't have time."

I looked at her in surprise, not expecting her to bring it up, but then I understood.

Although Sophia could be sharp-tongued, she had always been kind-hearted. Otherwise, she would not have sacrificed her life to save me three times.

The first time was when we were 18 years old. I was being robbed in an alley, and she took a knife to her right hand trying to save me. The radial nerve damage she was left with meant she could never lift heavy objects again, and she could no longer play the piano.

The second time was during an earthquake. We were trapped in the rubble together, and she tricked me into consuming all the remaining food and water, giving me the chance to survive over her.

If rescue had not arrived in time, she would have died there.

The third time it happened was when she embraced me protectively when a truck came hurtling toward us. Flying glass shards pierced the back of her head, while I suffered only scratches in her arms.

Three life-saving sacrifices—how could I ever escape the trap of loving her?

Sophia did not wait for my answer and asked impatiently, "Are you going to watch the meteor shower or not?"

Coming back to my senses, I smiled at her. "Sure. Let's watch the meteor shower together tonight."

Sophia's expression finally softened as she hailed a cab.

"Let's go home first, and later we'll go to the observatory for the meteor shower."

Just then, Sophia received a phone call, and her brow immediately furrowed.

"Ethan's hand is injured. I'm going to check on him. You go home first."

I nodded. "Alright."

She looked somewhat surprised. “Aren't you always bothered by me going to see him? Why the change of heart now?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but she just laughed coldly. "I suppose it makes sense. After all, we're married now, so he's no longer a threat to you. Let me know when you get home. I'm leaving."

She got into the car and left, not seeing the disappointment and bitter smile on my face.

In truth, I had never tried to stop her favoritism toward Ethan.

Until once, Gavin, Allison, and I accidentally saw Ethan kissing a middle-aged woman. Upon further investigation, we discovered he had been kept by various wealthy older women for some time.

That was why I desperately tried to prevent Sophia from having too much contact with him. Sophia knew nothing of this, and she suffered for ten years after his death.

If I had to choose now, I would rather see her with Ethan than have her endure such torment and ultimately die for me.

After all, guilt and self-reproach could crush a person.

I sighed, went to the university to secure my guaranteed admission placement, and then returned home.

Gavin and Allison had already prepared a table full of food. Seeing me return, Allison happily took my hand.

"Julian, you're back from getting your marriage certificate so soon! Why didn't Sophia come back with you?"

"She had something urgent at the company to take care of."

Allison chided, "That daughter of mine! Today's such an important day. She should know when to set work aside."

Gavin smiled. "It's good that she's dedicated to her career. Besides, they're married now—we can have a family dinner anytime."

Allison continued to express her dissatisfaction with gentle grumbles. I felt a lump in my throat as I witnessed this warm scene before me.

"Gavin, Allison, Sophia and I didn't get our marriage certificate. I've arranged my study abroad documents, and I'm planning to leave the country in a few days."

Allison was immediately shocked.

"What do you mean, you didn't get married? Did Sophia mistreat you? That girl is just tough on the outside. She actually cares deeply about everything concerning you and truly loves you in her heart.

"Besides, you taught yourself psychology and stayed by her side day and night to provide emotional support. We all saw your genuine feelings for her. You love each other, so of course you should be together!

"And you know that Ethan isn't a good person. We can't let him succeed."

Gavin quickly added, "Sophia's just being stubborn. Once you insist on marrying her, she'll surely soften."

These words were all too familiar; they had said the same things before. Unfortunately, forcing that outcome had made everyone regretful in the end.

I took Allison's hands and said softly, "Please don't get upset. Let me explain. Although I hate to admit it, you just can't force love.

"Sophia has never really had feelings for me.

"Last night, I had a dream where Sophia and I were married, but she refused to see me. She worked herself sick at the company every day, even developing stomach problems.

"She wouldn't eat the food I made for her and wouldn't let me take care of her when she was ill. She told me that the pain I brought her outweighed any happiness, and she died at the age of 30 under a truck trying to save me."

As I said this, my heart ached so much I could barely breathe.

Allison was stunned. "B-b-but that was just a dream, Julian. Sophia wouldn't do that."

I sniffled and forced a smile.

"Gavin, Allison, dreams are premonitions. I want her to be free from marrying me. We don't need to be husband and wife, but I want her to live a long, healthy life.

"Everything points to this conclusion. Sophia loves music, not business, and she hates following a path chosen for her. If her hand hadn't been injured back then, she wouldn't have taken this route.

"It's the same now. If it weren't for your arrangement, she wouldn't be forced to marry me.

"The root of all this is me. It's all my fault, and I don't want to keep making the same mistake.

"My study abroad program is already arranged. I'll always remember your kindness, and I'll take care of you both in the future!"

Allison secretly wiped away a tear. "You're a good man, Julian. Sophia doesn't know how fortunate she would have been to marry you."

I hugged them with misty eyes and smiled.

"It's alright. If I can't be your son-in-law, I can still be like a son to you. In the future, I'll still look after you both."

Gavin and Allison finally smiled through their tears and ultimately agreed with my decision.

I remembered the second wish in Sophia's diary. That should count as fulfilling it, right?

The time machine would only allow me to stay here for thirty-six hours. Now, there was one last wish to fulfill.

I wondered if it would go just as smoothly.

As night approached, I went to the observatory alone.

This was the best spot to view the meteor shower. I leaned on the railing, feeling a faint sense of anticipation.

After waiting for who knows how long, the door behind me suddenly opened. I turned around with hopeful eyes.

"Sophia, you came."

I saw Sophia approaching with a dark expression, striding toward me in a few quick steps. There was anger simmering in her eyes.

"Julian, just because I didn't go home with you and went to see Ethan instead, you ran to complain to my parents? Do you know they called and berated Ethan?

"He was distracted by the whole situation and got hit by a car while crossing the street. He's bleeding heavily now and might die. Are you satisfied now?"

I stood frozen in place.

In my previous life, Ethan had also gotten into a car accident and emerged severe bleeding. He died because of a blood shortage at the hospital before they could save him.

Perhaps Sophia was merely blasting me with sharp words and mockery before that, but she truly came to hate me after that incident.

Even so, this was supposed to happen a month after our wedding. Why was it happening so much earlier now?

I had been wondering how to fulfill Sophia's third wish. Now, the opportunity had presented itself.

I looked at her. "So, you've come to ask me to donate blood for him?"

Hearing this, Sophia let out a surprised and angry scoff. "Shouldn't you? This is a debt you owe him."

She grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the hospital.

At the hospital, I immediately donated one pint of blood. It felt like some of my strength had been drained away, leaving me weak.

The nurses frowned with concern. "The blood donation isn't nearly enough. It will take at least ten more minutes to arrange for an additional blood supply. We don't know if the patient can hold on until then."

I looked up at Sophia. Her gaze was fixed on the person in the hospital bed. Seeing Ethan's deathly pale face, her eyes revealed undisguised concern.

As the nurse began to remove the band from my arm, I gently stopped her hand. "Ma'am, please take another pint from me."

The nurse was startled and hurriedly tried to dissuade me. "That's not possible! The maximum donation at one time is one pint!"

Nonetheless, I smiled at her. "It's fine. I'll recover. Saving a life is more important."

A doctor rushed out of the emergency room, shouting, "The blood supply isn't enough! Hurry and get more blood—the patient won't last much longer!"

I urged the nurse again, and she said gratefully, "Sir, you're so kind. The patient will surely be grateful when he wakes up."

"Julian, you..." Sophia began, then paused. "I'll make it up to you."

As the needle entered my vein again, I gave her a slight smile.

"It's okay. This is my choice."

She had risked her life to save me. The least I could do was protect the man she loved. What was the big deal?

However, I had underestimated the consequences of donating too much blood. I collapsed right there.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying in a hospital bed. The needle wound had been bandaged.

Sophia was nowhere to be seen. Everyone was bustling about, and no one noticed that I had just awakened.

I looked up and caught sight of the wall clock. Only one hour remained before I would have to return to the future.

On the small hospital TV, they were replaying footage of last night's once-in-a-century meteor shower.

The shooting stars were beautiful, but unfortunately, I had missed them again.

Indeed, it seemed my wishes were destined to remain unfulfilled.

I was lost in thought until footsteps approached, followed by Sophia's tired yet joyful voice.

"You're awake. Ethan has regained consciousness too, thanks to your timely blood donation last night."

I turned to look at her. "Good."

When she saw my pale face, she suddenly paused, then awkwardly continued.

"Thank you for your help. I was harsh last night, but you really shouldn't have complained to my parents. Our situation has nothing to do with him."

Hearing her words, I felt a twinge of bitterness.

She always misunderstood me like this. If this had been thirteen years ago, I would have rushed to defend myself.