He chose me over his childhood sweetheart, but after rebirth, I didn’t follow him–because I knew he’d regret it.
When the kidnappers forced Declan to choose between us, he picked me over his childhood sweetheart. But I refused to go with him, knowing he’d regret it.
In my previous life, after I was rescued, Cora, Declan’s childhood sweetheart, was caught in compromising photos by the kidnappers and tragically took her own life that night. Declan appeared indifferent and went through with our wedding, but during our marriage, he made me feel the weight of his resentment. Seven years later, I finally got him to agree to a divorce, but on the way to finalize it, he lost control and drove us off a cliff. Even in his dying moments, he blamed me, saying, “This is the price we owe Cora. In this life, we should make amends for her. How can you just live in peace…”
This time, I didn’t want to live that way.
1 “Willa, come with me.” When I realized I had been reborn, the kidnappers were pressing knives to both Cora’s and my necks, demanding Declan choose who to save. His gaze flickered between us, and after a moment of intense internal conflict, he made the same choice as before -reaching out to me. But I shook my head decisively. “Declan, save Cora first.”
In this life, I don’t want to owe anyone or carry the weight of a life on my conscience. Declan seemed relieved. “Willa, you’re my fiancée, so I should save you first: But since you said so, don’t blame me then.” He quickly took Cora away, anxious I might change my mind,
Unlike him, I don’t regret my choices. Last time, he came with the ransom, but the kidnappers demanded more, saying they could only release one person initially. Declan had no option but to choose me. While we struggled to gather more money, the kidnappers began to exploit Cora, taking inappropriate photos. We arrived with the police just in time, but the experience had already shattered her dignity. She returned home in despair and ended her life that night. By the time we found her, it was too late.
Declan showed no concern when he heard the news. He calmly managed her affairs and gave her family a substantial sum for consolation. Even when I suggested postponing the wedding, he refused. “Willa, marrying you was always part of the plan. We can’t let others influence it!” Yet, the “outsider” was on his mind throughout our seven–year marriage. Marrying me was merely a way to bind me and atone for Cora. But what did I do wrong?
2 After Decian left, I began thinking of ways to save myself, uncertain if he’d come back. Previously, he discreetly slipped a tracker into Cora’s pocket when he hugged her, allowing us to locate her even if the kidnappers moved her. But this time, he seemed to have forgotten that. I guessed that from the start, the only one he truly wanted to save was Cora. Only because I was his fiancée did he reluctantly choose me, fearing criticism. Our marriage was arranged; our feelings weren’t deep. Cora had been with him through their formative years; they were childhood friends and confidants. His regret in the past life was understandable. This time, he could have what he truly wanted. I was happy for him and didn’t forget to find my own escape route.
I knew the kidnappers would pass an auto repair shop when they moved locations. The workers there were tough and formidable. Last time, the kidnappers tried to take over the shop, not expecting the owner to be a hard nut to crack, refusing to give in. A fight erupted, and the kidnappers, not expecting to meet someone fiercer than them, had to flee. Later, when the kidnappers were caught, the shop owner testified against them.
3 Like before, they left one person in the car to watch me while the others went to the repair shop. My hands were tied behind my back, and the kidnapper in the driver’s seat wasn’t paying much attention to me. Taking advantage of his distraction, I used my mouth to open the car door handle. Then I pushed the door open and ran toward the auto repair shop, hoping they wouldn’t ignore my plight.
The shop was already in chaos. I spotted the young shop owner immediately. His features were sharp and upright, exuding a sense of integrity. His swift movements made him seem cool. To avoid getting hurt, I crouched low and dashed over, accidentally knocking him over. I fell into his arms, terrified. “S–sorry, I stammered. “Could you please help me?”
He glanced at me, frowning. The next second, he rolled us both several times on the ground. A chair landed where we just lay with a “bang.” If he hadn’t noticed on time, I would have been in serious trouble. Still shaken, I saw that the kidnappers realized I had escaped. What started as a squabble over territory was now a demand for me. The two sides faced off.
I looked at the man beside me with pleading eyes and whispered, “If you can save me, I’ll do anything.” But he didn’t reply, only eyeing the kidnappers thoughtfully. Someone behind him couldn’t help but remind him, “Jasper, sometimes less trouble is better.
So he was called Jasper. Not getting any response, my heart sank. Fine, there’s no need to force anyone. As the kidnapper leader called for me the third time, I started to walk towards them. But soon, someone pressed down on my shoulder, stopping me.
Jasper stepped forward and said to the kidnappers, “She’s under my protection today.” It seemed even heaven was on my side. Suddenly, motorcycle engines roared outside. A confident smile appeared on Jasper’s face. “My backup is here.” The kidnappers, unwilling, glared at me and left cursing. My tense nerves finally relaxed. I let out a silent breath and felt the rope on my wrist loosen. Jasper had cut it.
