After rebirth, I no longer insisted on my husband, the company commander
Chapter 1
I decided to put my sister’s name on the marriage license.
This time, I’d give Jake what he wanted.
This time, I’d be the one to dress my sister in the wedding gown, the one to place the engagement ring on her finger.
I’d engineer every encounter between them.
When he took her to New York City, I’d head south to the University of Miami without a word.
Because in my past life, even when I was over fifty, he and our son were still begging me for a divorce.
Begging me to finalize his relationship with my sister.
Reborn, all I wanted was to spread my wings and leave romance behind.
1.
“Just fill out your name and give it to me.”
Jake tapped his fingers impatiently on the table.
I stared at the marriage license, my fingertips tracing the rough edges of the paper, lost in thought.
In my past life, I’d filled in my own name like it was a sacred decree, then excitedly dragged Jake to buy wedding favors.
Only to be met with a barrage of insults because he was rushing back to make ginger tea for Chloe, who had her period.
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” I mumbled, feigning indifference.
I glanced up at his anxious expression, his eyes constantly flicking to his watch.
He was wearing a white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his toned forearms.
Chloe loved him dressed like this. She said he looked clean-cut and fresh.
“If you’re busy, go ahead,” I said, forcing a casual tone, pushing down the bitterness rising in my throat. “I’ll hand it in when I’m done.”
He visibly relaxed, his voice softening.
“Don’t worry, we’re getting married. I’ll take care of you.”
“But please don’t be jealous of Chloe anymore. It’s bad for her reputation if people find out.”
I remained silent. In my past life, I’d explained countless times.
But in his eyes, I was just a jealous and petty older sister.
Unable to tolerate her gentle and kind younger sibling.
He didn’t say anything else, just turned and hurried away.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, but my mind replayed the scenes of my past life.
Our wedding night, he spent the entire night with Chloe, claiming she was sick. He only took Chloe with him when he was stationed in New York, saying she’d never been there before.
Even on the day our son was born, Jake was too busy comforting a heartbroken Chloe after her divorce to be present.
Then, just before I died, our son was whispering in my ear:
“Mom, just divorce Dad. You’re not as good as Aunt Chloe in any way.”
“Dad’s been miserable with you for so long. Just let him go.”
I looked at my indifferent husband on the hospital bed. He remained silent.
That deathly silence was all the confirmation I needed.
I bit my lip hard, until I tasted blood, then slowly released it.
No. Not this time. I wouldn’t make the same mistakes.
I picked up the pen and slowly wrote two words in the applicant section:
Chloe Miller.
Jake, if you loved her so much, you could have her.
I handed the completed application to the clerk, took the marriage certificate, and turned to leave the registry office.
I felt no sadness, only an indescribable sense of relief.
2.
Chloe and I were taken in by the Millers after our parents died in a work accident.
Chloe was charming and knew how to flatter, coaxing the Millers into treating her better than their own daughter.
Mrs. Miller, in particular, had her sights set on Chloe marrying Jake.
But Chloe’s single phrase, “I don’t want to compete with my sister,” made Jake willingly marry me.
In reality, she was just stringing Jake along. Back then, he was just a captain, and she was waiting for someone better.
I went to the university, clarified the procedures and the estimated living expenses, then walked home with a lighter heart.
Back at Jake’s military housing, I heard Chloe’s coquettish voice the moment I stepped inside:
“Jakey, are you sure it’s okay to be here with me instead of Sarah? Will she be mad?”
“I can spend time with her anytime,” Jake replied, his voice tender. “But you always have such bad cramps, I don’t want you to be alone.”
Chloe giggled, then feigned sadness.
“Will you still be nice to me after you and Sarah are married?”
“Of course,” Jake’s voice was firm. “Who else would I be nice to?”
“If your sister is mean to you, I’ll divorce her!”
I clenched my fists, barely holding back the tears.
Even reborn, hearing my husband speak so coldly about me still stung.
I composed myself and walked into the room as if nothing was amiss.
3.
Jake emerged from Chloe’s room, a slightly embarrassed look on his face.
“I… I just checked on Chloe. She wasn’t feeling well.”
I gave a noncommittal hum and turned to go to my room.
In my past life, I had fought with him countless times about their overly intimate behavior.
This time, I didn’t want to waste my time or energy.
He stopped me. “Sarah.”
“Maybe we should buy some wedding favors and hand them out to the other wives on base?”
I looked at him, surprised. I figured this was his way of making up for not arguing with me.
“No, it’s not necessary. I don’t need all that fuss.”
He looked taken aback. He probably couldn’t imagine me refusing this.
“Sarah, are you upset that Jake was taking care of me?”
Chloe came out of the room, looking all innocent and wronged.
She was wearing the vintage dress I’d bought specifically for our wedding photos.
The one I’d scrimped and saved for six months to buy in my past life, and hadn’t even worn once.
Noticing my gaze, Chloe stammered, “I… I saw it on your bed and it looked so pretty. I wanted to try it on. I forgot to take it off.”
She looked down at her fiddling fingers, the picture of a child who’d made a mistake.
Jake instinctively started, “Sarah, don’t…”
I cut him off, my voice calm. “It looks good on you. Keep it. I haven’t worn it anyway.”
I could smell the faint scent of blood and sweat on the dress. It brought back memories of me running home in the middle of the night, crying.
Just thinking about it made my stomach churn.
Under their stunned gazes, I returned to my room and locked the door.
4.
I pulled out my folder. Inside was my acceptance letter – University of Miami.
I’d always loved the South, and it had the Finance program I was so excited about.
In my last life, I’d given up my education for Jake, content to stay home and take care of his parents.
This time, I still had a chance. This time, I would live for myself.
I flipped through the calendar. Ten days. In ten days, I could leave this place.
Time was tight, but I had to prepare. Every second counted.
A knock startled me. I opened the door impatiently.
Jake stood there holding a bowl of noodles, his voice gentle.
“Hungry? I made you some noodles.”
I hesitated.
In my past life, he was either cold and distant or verbally abusive.
It had been a long time since I’d seen this tender side of him.
“No, thanks. I ate out.”
“No way.”
“You never spend money on yourself.”
His words stung.
I used to scrimp and save, spending most of my earnings on him, buying him gifts.
Now, with college on the horizon, I had to be careful with every penny.
I met his gaze, my voice level.
“I remember giving you $50 a few days ago for wedding stuff.”
“You didn’t buy anything, did you? Give it back.”
His hand froze, then he offered an awkward explanation.
“That money… I bought Chloe some new sandals.”
I couldn’t help but scoff. Seriously? Again?
“Well, if there’s nothing else, I’m going to bed.”
“I’ll give you the money tomorrow,” he said, a hint of anger in his voice. “We’re getting married. Do you really have to be so petty?”
I snorted. “So, I can’t even be upset when you spend my hard-earned money on someone else?”
He knew he was wrong, but still muttered, “Unbelievable.”
I didn’t bother arguing, slamming the door shut.
5.
Over the next few days, I sold some of my less valuable possessions, the trinkets that held so many memories from my past life.
Now, they seemed like nothing more than cheap junk.
I packed them all up and sold them to a junk dealer for a pittance.
That afternoon, as I continued packing, Jake appeared, holding out a fifty-dollar bill. His voice was stiff. “Here’s your money.”
I took the money and nodded.
“Thanks.”
He watched me, his expression unreadable. His eyes fell on my packed suitcase.
“I’m planning to take Chloe with me to New York first. You don’t have to pack.”
I continued packing, simply nodding.
He seemed unnerved by my lack of reaction.
“What’s gotten into you lately? You’re like a different person.”
I turned to him impatiently. I didn’t want any complications.
Even though Jake didn’t love me, if he found out that Chloe’s name was on the marriage license, he might try to remarry me for her sake.
I wanted nothing more to do with either of them.
“Nothing. I’m just packing my things,”
“So I can move back home when you go to New York.”
He seemed relieved, then added, “I’m not saying you can’t come to New York.”
“It’s just that Chloe’s never been there, and she wants to see it. I’ll send for you in a few months.”
I nodded absently.
In my previous life, he hadn’t sent for me for eight whole years.
Not until Chloe married a rich army brat from New York did he finally bring me there.
He watched me, uncomfortable. Usually when we were alone, I would chatter non-stop. Now, my silence made him fidgety.
“Didn’t you always want to take wedding photos? Let’s go to the studio tomorrow.”
That wasn’t going to work. I planned to buy some college supplies tomorrow.
I was about to make an excuse when Chloe walked in, looping her arm through Jake’s.
“Jakey, what studio? I want to take pictures too!”
Jake smiled and patted Chloe’s head. “Sure, we’ll all go tomorrow.”
“You two go. I have things to do tomorrow.”
Jake frowned. “What’s more important than our wedding photos?”
“We’ll take the photos first, and then I’ll go with you to buy whatever you need.”
His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Chloe chimed in, “Yeah, Sarah, you’re not not going just because of me, are you?”
I didn’t want to argue, so I agreed.
6.
Early the next morning, I could hear Jake trying to coax Chloe out of bed.
The bright red numbers on the calendar reminded me: four days.
In four days, I would be free from this life.
By the time they finally emerged, I was about to lose my patience.
Jake fussed over Chloe, pouring her hot water and washing her face.
I had been so blind in my past life, foolishly believing that he would treat me the same way.
Lost in thought, I barely registered Jake nervously approaching me, a small box in his hand.
“Mrs. Davis said it’s fashionable to wear wedding rings now. I bought you one.”
I didn’t take it. There was no ring in my previous life.
Chloe, upon seeing the ring, immediately pouted. “Ooh, pretty! I want one!”
I waved my hand dismissively. “Take it.”
Jake’s face darkened. “Don’t be silly, this is our wedding ring!”
Chloe snatched the ring and slipped it onto her finger, flashing it at Jake.
“Jakey, doesn’t it look good on me?”
Jake gazed at Chloe with pure adoration, nodding dumbly.
Then he turned to me, guilt evident in his eyes.
“I’ll… I’ll buy you another one later.”
I shrugged.
I’d heard his empty promises countless times. None had ever been kept.
7.
At the photo studio, Chloe went first, even taking a number of photos with Jake.
When it was our turn, the photographer raised his camera, then lowered it awkwardly.
“Oh, sorry, I seem to be out of film.”
I silently cheered, keeping my face neutral.
“Oh, well. Never mind then.”
As we left the studio, Jake pulled a train ticket from his pocket and handed it to me.
It was a standing-room-only ticket to New York, leaving in four days.
“I’m not trying to leave you behind,” he said.
“I’ll go get settled, and I’ll be waiting for you in New York.”
The trip to New York was three days and three nights. I didn’t know how he expected me to manage standing for that long.
Besides, there was only one spot for a spouse to accompany him.
Where was I supposed to stay when I got there?
But asking these questions now wouldn’t get me any good answers.
Seeing me take the ticket, Jake visibly relaxed.
“Don’t worry. Even if you don’t live on base, you’ll still be my only wife.”
“I’ll treat you well from now on. Chloe is just like a sister to me.”
I softened slightly. He had never spoken such sweet words before.
Suddenly, a car swerved around the corner, heading straight for us.
Jake pulled Chloe into his arms, dodging out of the way.
In the chaos, someone pushed me.
I saw the car coming right at me, but my body froze in terror.
The car swerved at the last moment, clipping me and sending me sprawling.
Pain shot through me, my vision blurring.
The driver jumped out of the car, frantically asking, “Ma’am, are you alright? Are you okay?”
A crowd began to gather, murmuring.
My gaze found Jake through the throng of people.
He was holding Chloe, comforting her, completely oblivious to me.
Or maybe he noticed and simply didn’t care.
I gave a bitter laugh, the last flicker of hesitation extinguished.
So much for “treating me well from now on.”
8.
The driver took me to the hospital. After a series of tests, they determined it was mostly bruising and a minor internal injury.
Lying in the hospital bed, I ached all over, but my mind was strangely calm.
Late that night, Jake came in, looking exhausted.
When he saw I was awake, a flicker of panic crossed his face.
“Sarah, how are you feeling? Are you okay?”
I looked at him coldly, saying nothing.
He wrung his hands, offering a nervous explanation.
“Chloe… she was a little shaken up, so I stayed with her… so…”
Under my gaze, he trailed off.
“Sarah, listen, it all happened so fast. Chloe was closer to me, and I just reacted…”
He paused, searching for the right words. “I didn’t know you’d get hit.”
I interrupted him. “When are you leaving for New York?”
He answered cautiously. “Tomorrow.”
“I see. I’m tired. You can go.”
I closed my eyes, dismissing him.
Jake seemed to want to say something more, but he eventually left.
9.
Mrs. Miller came the next day.
She carried a thermos, her face beaming. “Sarah, dear, Jake asked me to come take care of you.”
“Are you feeling any better?”
“Much better, thank you, Mom.”
She ladled some soup for me, chattering away.
“That Jake, always so clumsy. I don’t know if he can even take care of Chloe properly…”
She stopped mid-sentence, as if realizing what she’d said.
“Mom,” I said, “Chloe is the one who married Jake.”
Mrs. Miller froze, taking a moment to process my words. “What… what are you saying?”
“I put Chloe’s name on the marriage application.”
Mrs. Miller’s initial shock quickly turned to elation.
“Sarah, you’re such a good girl! I knew you were the most sensible one!”
She clasped my hand excitedly. “Thank you, Sarah! Thank you for letting them be together!”
I gave a faint smile, saying nothing.
Letting them be together? I was letting myself be free.
Mrs. Miller had always preferred Chloe. Even after I spent years dutifully caring for her in my past life, she still left her entire inheritance to Chloe.
“Mom, don’t tell Jake or Chloe about this yet.”
Mrs. Miller grinned. “Of course, dear! I understand!”
“So… what are your plans now?”
“I’m leaving in a few days,” I said, keeping my destination vague.
Mrs. Miller wanted to ask more, her mind clearly preoccupied with their wedding.
I closed my eyes, pretending to sleep.
I left the hospital without telling anyone.
Before leaving, I wrote a letter to Jake:
“Jake, by the time you read this, I’ll be on a train headed south.”
“I know you’ve always loved Chloe. I’m giving you my blessing.”
“Our time together has run its course. I wish you both happiness.”
I put the letter, the train ticket to New York, and the marriage certificate in an envelope and mailed it to his address in New York.
Then, I grabbed my suitcase and headed for the train station.
