The seventh day after I was driven to my death by Seraphina’s childhood best friend, she was filled with regret. Everyone praised her unwavering devotion to me. Only I knew that, in this new life, she still let her childhood friend, Damian, replace me as the Principal Musician, a spot I’d fought so hard to earn. “Asher, just wait a little longer. Next time we’re reborn, I’ll make it up to you, okay?” I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. “No need.” Later, the imperious CEO Seraphina came to me, her eyes red-rimmed, begging. “Damian and I are over. Asher, can you just look at me one more time?” I still smiled. “No need.” Did just a sliver of the truth drive her to madness? My revenge was only just beginning. … It was deep winter, a time for warm hearths and falling snow. I quietly snuck into the locked Performing Arts Academy, intent on retrieving a mysterious box. From the dressing room, hurried gasps and low moans drifted out—an unsettling sound. Through the slightly ajar window, I saw a sight that would haunt me for two lifetimes! Seraphina and her childhood friend, Damian, were entwined, impossibly close. The sickening sound of their lips grinding and saliva mixing sent shivers of ice through me. But what truly killed any last hope I held was Seraphina’s next words. “I do like Asher, but what I like more is seeing him lose hope again and again, then painstakingly pull himself back together, only to come crawling back to me.” “Don’t worry. In the last life, even though I knew you were always there for me, even closer than Asher, I still stayed in that miserable ten-year marriage with him.” “This time around, all it takes is a small gesture from me, and he’ll come running, desperate.” In that moment, it felt like a truckload of cement poured into my heart, instantly solidifying. My most beloved and I were reborn together in 1987. But even after rebirth, she still betrayed me. She even accelerated her change of heart, moving it from the second year of our marriage to *before* we were even wed. Clutching the long, dark box, I stumbled down the brutally cold street, like a zombie, one foot dragging after the other. Suddenly, a warm, spring-like voice crackled from a loudspeaker. “This is Seraphina, wishing all my colleagues at the Performing Arts Academy a happy Winter Solstice!” That familiar voice pulled my thoughts back ten years, drifting like the falling snow. My mother adopted the orphaned child of a family friend who passed away suddenly, and from then on, I became the most overlooked person in our home. My mother slapped me across the face so hard my ears rang, all because my flute interrupted my brothers’ piano practice. As I waded into the freezing river, step by step, sinking deeper into despair… Someone walked into my life. On a snowy night, the elegant and aloof Seraphina gently extended her hand to me. “Hey there, what’s wrong? Why are you crying so hard?” A child starved of love at home would give their whole heart for even a scrap of kindness from outside. And Seraphina offered not just a scrap, but ten whole years of care. Back in a time when mental health wasn’t widely understood, and people often dismissed depression as “all in your head,” she believed me implicitly. For ten years, she held me close, nurturing me like a precious light, saving me from the darkness. She chose not to inherit her family’s empire, instead taking an external consulting position, just to stay with me in Riverwood. How could I not love her to my very bones? Later, Seraphina started her own company and her heart changed. My depression relapsed, but I clung to the memories of those ten years when she truly cared. She was still my last lifeline, the only thing a drowning man could grab onto. That’s why, when Damian, her childhood friend, intruded on our marriage and ultimately drove me to my death, I was devastated. Seeing her filled with regret, leaving behind two letters, still pierced my heart. *“Seraphina’s only wish in this life is this:* *To sleep by my beloved husband’s side in life, and rest in the same grave in death.* *Through all lives, never again to betray his longing heart.”* I wanted to kill the manipulative CEO Seraphina, not *my* Seraphina. But as CEO Seraphina died, she transformed back into my Seraphina. My Seraphina died. The world praised her, saying a changed woman was worth more than gold. Even as a soul, I thought Seraphina had truly repented, and I gave her a chance to be reborn. Now, I realized how foolish I had been. The new beginning I fought for with my very life only gave her another chance to hurt me! “Meow~” A cat’s cry pulled me back to reality. The Academy’s cats were spoiled; they knew they had a home, that someone would look for them if they got lost, so they often wandered off. But I had no such luck. The person who would search for me in this world, who would wipe away the rain and tears, was gone. Arriving at the performance hall, I immediately spotted the notice that Damian had been temporarily swapped in as the Principal Musician, all under the pitying, sympathetic gazes of the crowd. Seraphina had transferred me here three days ago. The moment I arrived at the Academy, she tried to claim my private practice room. At that time, I had just been reborn and didn’t yet know that Seraphina would betray me again in this life. Filled with hope, I argued my case, refusing to back down. I firmly believed that with her memories of the past life, she would surely ensure fairness for me. But in the end, it was I who lost the practice room and remained silently crushed. Now, the dream was over. Looking at Damian, dressed in his performance attire, his words gentle but his expression overtly provocative, I no longer felt the same old resentment. “Asher, I really didn’t want this, but Seraphina is the Conductor-in-Chief. I couldn’t refuse her.” He saw Seraphina rushing towards us from behind the curtain. “—If you want to hit someone, hit me!” He actually grabbed my hand and slapped himself across the face! **Chapter 2** “SMACK!” The loud slap and Seraphina’s frantic figure arrived simultaneously. Before I could even react, Seraphina was already dotingly helping the seemingly wronged Damian, her anger immediately directed at me. “Asher, why are you still holding a grudge over that practice room?!” “You knew I was leading the performance, yet you injured my face. Your mindset is truly despicable!” “Or is it because I temporarily replaced you as Principal, and you’re taking it out on Damian?” Staring at Seraphina’s taut face, a chill ran through my entire body. She knew I had a deep-seated trauma from being slapped, that I would tremble uncontrollably if I even saw someone get slapped on the street. Yet, she believed him. “I didn’t hit him!” “If you didn’t hit him, did Damian slap himself?” I nodded honestly, “Exactly.” She scoffed, as if I’d told the funniest joke. “Asher, you really just make up lies on the spot, don’t you?” In that moment, my silence was deafening. Seraphina and my wedding was set for next month. Now, Seraphina was defending Damian in front of everyone, addressing me, her fiancé, by my full name, while treating Damian with such concern. How ridiculous. Damian feigned generosity, trying to mediate. “Seraphina, forget it. Let’s not bother with Asher. The performance is more important.” They protected each other, as if *they* were the ones getting married. It made me feel like an out-of-place outsider. Seraphina simply wouldn’t believe my explanation. She supported Damian, her eyes sharpening, her brows furrowed. “I’m all alone, with no one to rely on. Why won’t you just leave me alone?!” “If this happens again, I absolutely won’t forgive you!” Some grievances felt like slaps, rendering me speechless. When had I ever said I wanted to make things difficult for Damian? From beginning to end, I hadn’t even blamed her. In the past, whenever I saw Seraphina favoring Damian, my heart would ache. I couldn’t understand how the Seraphina who doted on me so much could change her heart so suddenly. But after two lifetimes, I suddenly felt a sense of relief. Instead of forcing things, it was better to cut my losses. “It won’t happen again. There won’t be a next time.” “Seraphina, for our wedding next month, I’ll prepare a huge surprise for you.” A grand surprise that would expose the affair between the bride and her lover, condemning her to a pillar of shame in this conservative era, crucified a thousand times over! Seeing my cold expression, and no argument despite her favoritism, Seraphina felt a strange discomfort. But then she reassured herself that I was still the same, always trying to please her out of fear of losing her. The small incident didn’t delay the performance. However, as soon as the ensemble began, I suddenly felt an intense itch all over. Realizing my hives were flaring up, I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to endure and finish the piece. But the moment I stepped off stage, Damian immediately pulled Seraphina aside to complain, claiming I deliberately sabotaged him. “Asher, I know you don’t like me, but how could you be so distracted during such an important performance, making so many mistakes?” He had the nerve to play the victim! If it weren’t for the hives making my playing unsteady and almost ruining the entire performance, why would I risk looking like an amateur in front of so many professional musicians? I rolled up my sleeve, revealing the shocking red rashes on my arm, and defended myself, word by word. “Someone tampered with my performance attire beforehand.” “This person would have to know in advance that the principal position would change, and also know I’m allergic to pollen.” I stepped closer to Damian. I watched as he grew anxious and flustered under my gaze, about to expose himself. But Seraphina, as if blind, pulled Damian behind her, shielding him tightly. She quickly issued a warning to me. “A dirty mind sees dirt everywhere.” “You obviously didn’t take care of your own performance attire. Why are you trying to pin the blame on Damian?” Disappointment felt like a gulp of cold water, chilling me from my stomach to my core. I thought my heart was numb, yet it still twinged slightly at Seraphina’s baseless favoritism. I swallowed a mouthful of bitterness, lowering my gaze, knowing there was no point in explaining further. Damian, however, chose that moment to put a hand on my shoulder, playing the role of the good guy. “Asher, don’t make a scene here and embarrass Seraphina.” **Chapter 3** Seeing Seraphina say nothing, Damian grew bolder. “You can hit me or scold me, but please don’t joke around with Seraphina’s future.” “If you truly care about Seraphina, you should quickly apologize and write a ten or twenty-thousand-word self-criticism to show your sincerity.” “Damian’s right!” Seraphina crossed her arms, turning away in a huff, waiting for me to apologize to her publicly. But this time, she was destined to be disappointed. I shook off Damian’s hand, giving him a cold, mocking glance. “I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize? You’re the one who should apologize.” The moment the words left my lips, the atmosphere grew tense. Seraphina pursed her lips, her eyes cold. Because I didn’t want to lose the only lifeline that could save me, in the past, whenever she was unhappy, I would immediately apologize and fawn over her, stumbling over myself. To beg her forgiveness, I once waited for her all night outside her door, braving a heavy snowstorm. But each time I sacrificed my dignity, all I received was Seraphina’s increasingly blatant disregard. Until, finally, the love I’d begged for became precarious, leading to my tragic death on the street. So in this life, I wanted none of it. None at all. Damian flinched when I pushed him, frowning as if in pain. “I didn’t realize Asher was so strong for someone so quiet.” As Seraphina looked over with a worried gaze, Damian quickly adopted a wronged, yet magnanimous expression. “It’s fine if Asher hits or scolds me, as long as he calms down, and it doesn’t affect Seraphina.” Those words pierced Seraphina’s heart. Her face darkened several shades. She abruptly grabbed my wrist, pulling me, stumbling, in front of her. “Go to the isolation room and reflect on your actions.” “Don’t come out until you’ve written a twenty-thousand-word self-criticism.” I huddled alone in the freezing isolation room, gazing at the solitary moon. When I was little, if I ever upset my younger brothers, I’d be met with slaps and confined to a dark, endless room. Seraphina once held my hand, telling me with grave sincerity, “Asher, as long as I’m here, no one will ever lock you in a dark room again.” Her promise still echoed in my ears. But the very person who had sworn that oath was now the one pushing me into the darkness. I raised a hand to my face, only to realize, at some point, tears were streaming down my cheeks. I didn’t want to cry. But when my depression flared up, I couldn’t control myself. My body was numb, my mind cold. The only sensation was like slowly, slowly sinking into a cold, buoyant-less pool of stagnant water, my limbs growing heavier, water rising over my mouth and nose, making it hard to breathe, my head feeling like it would explode… But, I was powerless to resist. Just as I, having lost my last lifeline, was about to drown in the boundless abyss of depression, a clear “ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling—” chimed like a saving grace. I looked up. In the interplay of light and shadow, I saw another me, resilient and brave. Reaching out, she pulled me from the darkness, telling me, “Keep moving forward, don’t look back.” The next day, the entire Academy buzzed with talk of Conductor Seraphina’s impartiality, refusing to excuse even her fiancé’s mistakes, making her a true role model. My good friend, Leo, who came to visit me at the infirmary, angrily protested on my behalf. “When I found you this morning, your body was half-frozen!” “She almost killed you, and you’re still so foolish, asking me to spread word of her noble image!” I heard the inspection team was coming soon. Of course, I had to solidify Seraphina’s reputation for integrity before they arrived. Soon after, Seraphina arrived at the infirmary with a bowl of plain porridge. Her tall, slender figure stood by the bed, her eyes dismissive. “You’re quite the actor, faking illness all the way to the infirmary.” I knew Seraphina was waiting. Waiting for me to cry and beg for her forgiveness. Suddenly, my past self seemed so pathetic and laughable, so ignorant as to place my hope for life in one woman. With pale lips, I offered her a faint smile. I didn’t defend myself, only feigned a bit of weakness. “Seraphina, I’m just so scared of losing you.” “Scared you’ll cancel next month’s wedding and marry Damian instead. I felt so desperate, so I—” I lowered my gaze, tears welling up and spilling over. **Chapter 4** In the past, when I felt wronged, I would take advantage of Seraphina’s former affection, causing a huge fuss. Then, I would cautiously try to appease her, begging for her understanding, utterly humble. I would never express my love so directly, so passionately. Seraphina pursed her lips, too embarrassed to reprimand me further, but deep down, she felt a subtle unease at my unpredictable behavior. She instinctively reached for my hand as I got out of bed, but I subtly evaded her touch. I had endured the hardest times on my own; from now on, she was no longer a necessity for me. Seraphina’s face stiffened slightly. She felt as if something incredibly important was slowly, piece by piece, being pulled away. “If you’re truly repentant, the first thing you’ll do after you’re discharged is apologize to a shaken Damian.” I pursed my lips, saying nothing. Perhaps feeling her tone was too harsh, Seraphina softened her voice. “If you behave well from now on, maybe, if I’m in a good mood, I’ll consider taking you to Capitol City.” To go to the Capitol City Conservatory was nothing short of a massive career boost. In the past, I would have been eternally grateful for her charity. But now, looking at that perpetually superior, arrogant face, I just wanted to laugh. Thanks to information from my previous life, Seraphina was scheduled to be officially transferred to be Director of the Capitol City Conservatory next month. But taking family members along was always part of the organization’s arrangement. How did it become *her* charity when it came to me? She must have originally intended to bring Damian. After a day of rest, I went to Director Davies’ office. He was quite surprised to hear I wanted a letter of recommendation to study with Maestro Silas, the master flutist. And that I wanted to sign up for next year’s adult college entrance exams. “If you pass, you’d be living far from Conductor Seraphina, you know.” I nodded bitterly, forcing a self-deprecating smile amidst Director Davies’ sighs of resignation. My public praise of Seraphina might fool others, but not Director Davies, who had watched me grow up. “I just want to be as far away from her as possible. Preferably never see her again.” The words had barely left my mouth when the door was pushed open. Seraphina walked in, her face anxious. “Asher, you’re leaving me?” She clasped my hand, nervously pursing her lips. My heart jolted. I took half a step back, creating a subtle distance between us. “I was just saying that since we’re moving to Capitol City soon, I feel a little sentimental.” Seeing she still looked doubtful, I winked playfully, though I didn’t truly meet her gaze. “You’re the only one who can pull me out of my depression. How could I live without you?” The reason was strong enough; Seraphina had no reason not to believe me. But the faint, unreadable smile on my lips suddenly made her feel utterly unfamiliar. She frowned, letting out an annoyed sigh. “As long as you understand.” Then, she also asked Director Davies for a letter of recommendation for the flute master. “With Damian’s talent, being here at the Academy is truly beneath him.” “I heard Maestro Silas is looking for a talented successor. Damian is the perfect candidate!” Director Davies frowned, reminding her. “But don’t you remember? Asher also plays the flute.” And not just that, he was Maestro Silas’s chosen successor ten years ago. Seraphina froze, as if just remembering this fact. She glanced at me with some difficulty. “It’s fine, Director. Asher can wait. And I’m not that talented; I wouldn’t achieve anything even if I went.” “Damian is different. He’s suffered a lot over the years, and now he finally has an opportunity; he absolutely cannot miss it.” To lend credence to her words, Seraphina pretended to respectfully ask for my opinion. “Asher, you can wait, right?” Under the table, she elbowed me. Director Davies saw everything, shaking his head resignedly. He seemed to understand why my attitude had been so firm just now. My face pale, I simply “hmm-ed” and left the room first. I didn’t see Seraphina reaching out to grab my hand. The person who used to cling to her desperately, who wanted to hold her hand even to the bathroom. Now just walked away without a word. Seraphina awkwardly dropped her hand, suspended in mid-air, feeling a sense of disbelief. Her gaze, complicated, fixated on my straight back. She suddenly realized that I had been unnervingly well-behaved lately. So, at dinner, Seraphina actually pushed a plate of my favorite braised beef in front of me. She said, somewhat awkwardly, that she had specially bought it for me. Everyone around us started teasing. “Spending a week’s salary on beef? Conductor Seraphina sure dotes on her fiancé!” **Chapter 5** I didn’t refuse. Under her expectant gaze, I devoured the dish with gusto. Looking up, I saw a flicker of disappointment cross her face, just as I expected. I pretended not to understand her sadness, that it was because I hadn’t, as usual, shared the meat with her. I picked up my bowl and, in one go, drank every last drop of the soup. As she stared at me with a bewildered expression, I curled my lips into a calm smile and said thank you. Then, I stood up and left. Leaving a dumbfounded Seraphina to stew in the cold. Over the next few days, Seraphina suddenly took Damian on a business trip to Riverbend. Rumors spread that the two had gone on a romantic getaway. I remained unaffected, practicing my flute during the day and reading by lamplight late into the night. A few days later, someone slipped a small note into my locker. It asked me to meet in the back hills tonight at 8:30 PM. The note was signed by Seraphina, and the handwriting looked somewhat like hers. But Seraphina was proud. She could just crook her finger, and I would come. Why would she bother putting in such effort now? Despite my doubts, I still went. Just as I expected, Damian saw me approach and made a shushing gesture. A moment later, hiding in the shadows, I saw Seraphina excitedly jogging over, holding two small books. It was just like in our ten years of mutual torment in the previous life; Seraphina would always call Damian’s name, running to *me* each time. This time was no exception. She threw herself into Damian’s arms, waving the red marriage certificates excitedly. “Damian, we finally got married!” *Got. Married!* Those two words pierced my heart like two hard arrows. Who would have thought that barely half an hour ago, Seraphina had been eagerly discussing our wedding with me! She used her external position to rush into getting married with Damian. It was then I realized: she didn’t *not* want to get married; she just didn’t want to get married *to me*. After I was reborn, I had told Seraphina. If she didn’t want to marry me, she should tell me immediately, and I would respect her choice. But while she strung along my devotion, she was already secretly despising me. A person shouldn’t, at the very least, hurt the same person so shamelessly across two lifetimes! Damian, as if declaring his ownership, kept provoking me. He spoke of how intimate Seraphina and I were in bed, how I left her wanting more. “Seraphina, tell me, who do you like better, Asher or me?” Seraphina’s voice was laced with pure lust as she was teased. “Of course, *you’re* better at teasing, little brother.” “Asher is just a clueless block of wood, so rigid, always insisting we wait until after the wedding.” Words like these were sharp hooks. Each one burrowed into my heart, tearing me open and leaving me bleeding. I never dreamed that Seraphina’s reason for changing her heart was *this*! But it was also *her* who had sworn, kissing my hand, that we would only think of such things on our wedding night. She said we would remain pure together. She said we would save our first time for our wedding night. How could this be? When I discovered their affair, I thought things couldn’t get any worse. But reality kept pushing my boundaries, over and over again. I remember walking back alone. It was dark, and the wind was fierce. But so what? Beyond the flatlands, there are green mountains; chase the wind and moon, do not linger. It was Seraphina who lost me. Not I who lost Seraphina. Shaking off the nightmare, I slept soundly all night. Early the next morning, just as the sky was brightening, I took my tape recorder and went to the terrace for my usual flute practice. Damian emerged from the dim morning light, glaring at me with gritted teeth. “You really have no shame, do you? You know Seraphina and I are married, and you’re still clinging to her. Aren’t you pathetic?” I sneered, tugging at my lip, and immediately shot back. “She’s married to you, yet she’s still dead-set on having a wedding with me, and she’s too scared to even announce you. What do you think you are to her?” “You!” Damian’s face contorted as he lunged to push me, but I, having anticipated it, dodged him. Just then, Seraphina, standing not far away, suddenly yelled. “Asher!” I instinctively turned my head. “What are you doing? Are you trying to hurt Damian again?!” **Chapter 6** Seraphina’s baseless accusations and Damian’s feigned cries of alarm rang out simultaneously. “Asher, don’t push me! I promise I’ll never appear before you two again!” “Ah—” I pretended to be pushed off the terrace by Damian. But just as I was about to fall, I suddenly grabbed his collar and pulled hard! “BANG!” Both of us tumbled down. The terrace was covered in broken glass from the night before, which hadn’t been cleaned up, so I knew how painful the fall would be. Even worse, a piece of glass happened to cut my flute-playing finger. I struggled to crawl towards Seraphina, who was extending a helping hand. But Damian, with a flash of malice in his eyes, quickly got to her first, deftly clinging to her shoulder and groaning in pain. With my finger injured, I could barely hold anything. I could only groan in agony, struggling to beg her to save me. But under Damian’s feigned pitiful cries, Seraphina didn’t even glance at me. She helped Damian up and rushed off without looking back. Amidst the broken mess on the ground, rainwater mixed with the blood dripping from my fingertip. I trembled as I stood up, clutching my injured hand, dragging my exhausted body through the rain to the infirmary. Only to be told by the nurse that the only doctor had been called away by Seraphina to examine Damian. I waited from dawn till dusk. Finally, the nurse managed to rush the doctor back, only to deliver even worse news! Due to the delayed treatment, the nerve in my finger was damaged. Forget being Principal, I might even struggle to play normally ever again. “So, Damian must be even more seriously injured?” The nurse tried to comfort me, but after a long silence, the doctor let out a soft sigh. “Damian? He’s perfectly fine. Just a bit shaken up.” “Conductor Seraphina was worried he’d be upset, so she insisted I stay with him.” The noise faded, leaving only a deathly silence. Seraphina, who had heard the news, came to me with a contrite expression. She told me not to worry, she had been reborn. “If there’s a first rebirth, there will be a second.” “Asher, just wait a little longer. Next time we’re reborn, I’ll make it up to you, okay?” I shook my head, a smile on my face. “No need.” There wouldn’t be a next time. This rebirth was the only chance I had, exchanged for lifetimes of merit. Seraphina, uneasy with her conscience, insisted on staying by my side to care for me. I ignored her, and under the lingering effects of the painkillers, I drifted into a drowsy sleep. Half-awake, I was stirred by a rustling sound. “Damian, you… why are you here?” I feigned sleep, keeping my eyes closed. I heard a faint rustling of clothes, and Seraphina’s voice was laced with a hint of flirtation. “…You’re so bold, just showing up here like this.” Damian chuckled softly, whispering something close to her ear, followed by Seraphina’s urgent protest. “Stop it, not here. It’s not convenient.” “What are you scared of? Asher’s painkillers haven’t worn off. He won’t wake up anytime soon.” “It’s even more exciting here. Don’t you want me?” Seraphina’s breathing quickened: “Then let’s be quick.” Then came the sounds of their suppressed, hurried panting. My chest felt crushed by a huge rock, an intense humiliation choking me. I pretended to unconsciously shift, turning onto my side. My hand, tightly clenched under the covers, brushed against my tape recorder. Gritting my teeth, I pressed record again! After they were done, Damian volunteered to stay and look after me. The moment Seraphina left, he sneered, mocking me. “I really have to admire you, hearing us make out with your own ears and still managing to pretend to be asleep.” “If I were you, I’d just find a quiet place to end it all. What’s the point of living?” “Oh, and that bowl of braised beef? It was my leftovers. Seraphina only gave it to you because I didn’t want it.” Watching his smug face, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. So, even that little bit of care was just Damian’s unwanted scraps. I suppressed the pain in my finger, my gaze cold as I retorted. “Ultimately, you’re just jealous that I get to marry Seraphina openly.” “You’ll always be like a shadow, hidden away, never able to take my place, and she’ll never make your relationship public.” “You!” Stung where it hurt, Damian lunged at me like a madman, grabbing my throat. **Chapter 7** I didn’t get angry; instead, I laughed, my eyes cold like a madman’s. “If you’ve got the guts, kill me right now. Otherwise, the one marrying Seraphina will definitely be me!” The consequence of Damian not daring to kill me was that, at my suggestion, the wedding, originally scheduled for next month, was moved up to the week the inspection team arrived. “Asher, since our wedding is earlier, could you possibly give the recommendation letter to Damian?” Seeing I didn’t speak, Seraphina’s thoughts seemed to drift back in time. “Over ten years ago, Damian and I accidentally performed a flute duet together. His playing amazed me and changed my entire life.” “Unfortunately, I later lost my will amidst hardships and couldn’t play with the same feeling as before.” “I really want—” “Beg me.” My eyes were filled with a wild glint. I thought that someone as arrogant and strong as her always imposed her will on others. But for the sake of recreating that legendary duet from years ago, she actually knelt before me. Her head bowed, her throat moving slightly, she pleaded in a low, subservient voice. “Asher, I beg you.” My eyes held a mocking glint, and I let out a soft chuckle. Then, I whispered, almost imperceptibly, “Okay.” Only after I died in my previous life did I learn Seraphina’s reason for being so fixated on Damian: she mistook him for the young me, with whom she had played a flute duet across the river in her childhood. That day, when I snuck into the hall, my intention was to retrieve that old flute and reconcile with her. I began to anticipate how broken Seraphina would be when she discovered that she had gone through hell and high water for an imposter, while mercilessly pushing away the one person she truly cared for. Using the excuse of going home, I took two days off, but I actually went to Riverbend to retrieve Seraphina’s marriage certificate. “You’re the first person I’ve seen who thought to check if she was married in her hometown *before* the wedding. It’s a pity though…” The clerk pulled up the marriage certificate, his gaze sympathetic and pained. I tried to lighten the mood, joking that the woman had already agreed to divorce and marry me immediately. But the clerk looked terrified. “Comrade, you must be careful! The man she married… he’s not a good one.” Before he could finish, his colleague nudged his arm. I didn’t ask further, discreetly leaving the civil affairs office. —And found a hidden spot by the back door to wait! The next day, I returned to Riverwood with a complex mix of emotions. My good friend, Leo, grabbed me, angrily accusing Damian of going to great lengths to get close to Seraphina during my two-day absence. “He’s shameless! He even tried to interfere with Seraphina getting your wedding suit!” “His calculations were practically hitting me in the face! How can you stand for that? Are you serious? Tonight, we’re going to his dorm and rip him apart!” In the past, I would have certainly made a huge scene. After all, thanks to Damian, my fingers were injured, and I might not even keep my stable job at the Academy. But now, I just looked at the traditional suit, calmly said, “That’s good,” and turned to leave. Forget the suit, anyone who wants to be the groom can be; I don’t care! Leo was practically fuming. “Asher, have you lost your mind? The guy is literally walking all over you, and you’re so weak you can’t even fart back!” I smiled, pulling my friend’s hand. “I’m about to be free. Why would I care about any of this?” I was about to fake my death. Once I did, Damian’s good times would be over. “Free?” Seraphina’s voice reached us even faster than Leo’s shocked exclamation. She was carrying Damian’s jacket, chatting happily as they walked into the Academy. Hearing my words, she rushed over, her gaze slightly nervous as she stared at me. “What do you mean, free?” I remained silent, then suddenly offered a detached smile. “They say marriage is the tomb of love, so isn’t it freedom?” “This…” She frowned deeply. “Asher, you’re not hiding something from me, are you?” *Ha!* I scoffed inwardly. The second day after rebirth, she eagerly used a business trip as an excuse to go rendezvous with Damian! She secretly married someone else behind my back, and she has the nerve to ask *me* if I’m hiding something from *her*! **Chapter 8** My gaze turned cold, and a mocking curve twisted my lips. “That’s what I should be asking *you*. Seraphina, are you hiding something from *me*?” Seraphina’s back went cold. She instinctively looked away. Damian, with no sense of boundaries, tugged on Seraphina’s sleeve, whining. “Seraphina, let’s go. Don’t worry, Asher’s practically locked in. He won’t fly away.” He was probably right. I had long since cut ties with my family and was an introverted man who supposedly couldn’t live without her. Where else could I go but stay obediently by her side? In the following days, I deliberately provoked Damian, preparing for my fake death at the wedding. I spoke endlessly about Seraphina and me as children, how she loved me fiercely. The night before the wedding, I dropped another bombshell. I called Damian on his pager, gloating about how grand the next day’s wedding would be, and how thoughtful Seraphina was to me. —Of course, I didn’t forget to mock him for being a hidden secret. “Believe it or not, if I don’t let go, no matter how much you try to please her in the future, you’ll always live in a despised gutter.” Damian slammed his pager down in a fit of rage, remembering Seraphina saying she made me wait ten whole years in the previous life, only getting recognition after I died. Worried he would never stand proudly by Seraphina’s side, a malicious idea formed in his mind. Without any family attending my wedding, I spent the night talking late with Director Davies. In the lively and festive courtyard early that morning, Someone dressed in a groom’s suit, surrounded by well-wishers, joyfully left the house. Someone else, however, was drugged and left to a woman who had entered his room. An hour later, I, my gaze vacant, walked towards Seraphina’s house. But as I reached the doorstep, I overheard words that chilled me to the bone. Damian, clutching his forehead where it had been smashed, cried and accused. “Seraphina, Asher wouldn’t get out of bed! I just urged him a few times, and he threw a fit, hit me with something, and told me not to meddle!” “It’s my fault for not convincing Asher. Now we’ve missed the auspicious time to pick up the bride, and we’ll have to wait longer.” Seraphina let out a cold, extremely displeased snort. “He’s truly arrogant, isn’t he? Throwing a tantrum, and then having the nerve to say *you’re* useless.” “He’d better just die in bed, die far away where I can’t see him, so he doesn’t dirty my eyes.” Hearing those words, the last glimmer of hope I still held in my heart was extinguished. I turned decisively, tears streaming down my face as I ran wildly into the wind. In utter despair, amidst the biting cold wind, I leaped into the turbulent river without hesitation. Like mountain birds and fish, our paths diverged, Seraphina. May we never meet again. The sky fully brightened. A military vehicle, loaded with goods, passed the wedding procession. **Chapter 9** In the back of the truck, a pair of chilling dark eyes paused, a flicker of disgust passing through them. Using the cover of the military vehicle, I changed out of my wet clothes and left the city undetected. After that woman entered my room, I used the sleeping powder Damian gave me to knock us both out. Then, under Director Davies’ watchful eyes, I tearfully left Seraphina’s house. Even my jump into the river had witnesses. I wanted to fake my death, to make Seraphina feel guilt and self-reproach, to live forever under the shadow of having watched me die without helping! Looking back at the city gates, there was no agonizing defeat in my eyes, nor the calm detachment of one who had seen through love. —Only the determination to strike a decisive blow! Gongs clashed and drums boomed, firecrackers popped and fizzed. Seraphina stood in the courtyard, her posture upright, smiling as she greeted guests. Everyone found it odd that the groom wore a veil, hadn’t said a word since leaving, and that the groom’s best friend, Leo, was nowhere to be seen. No one knew that at this moment, Leo, after drinking a bowl of sweet soup sent by the Academy, had fallen into a deep sleep, unable to be roused. The marriage certificate in the box had also disappeared. The moment Seraphina took the groom’s hand, she realized something was wrong. His fingers lacked calluses; they were definitely not my distinct, practiced hands. She craned her neck, looking around, but couldn’t find the person she longed for. Only as she was led onto the stage with the groom did Seraphina warn him in an ill-tempered tone. “You’re not Asher. Whoever you are, keep your face covered so no one notices.” “Later, quietly swap yourself out with Asher, or I’ll make you regret it!” The groom, in a fit of pique, shook off Seraphina’s hand, letting out a few cold laughs, and spoke in my original voice. “Oh really? If you knew who I was, you’d probably be begging me to come back.” Under the gaze of all, Damian suddenly adjusted his collar, arrogantly announcing to the crowd. “Everyone, Asher ran off with some wild woman to elope, so I, being charitable, am finishing the wedding for him.” “It’s just a change of groom. If I don’t mind, why are you all so surprised?” “Nonsense!” Seraphina showed no joy, trembling with rage. She pulled the smug Damian aside, lowering her voice to warn him. “Don’t slander Asher in front of so many people. He’s mentally fragile and can’t handle stress.” “Now, hurry up and get Asher back here, and I can pretend nothing happened.” “Too late.” Damian slapped the marriage certificate onto her face, his expression twisted. “You’re so determined to marry me, but look what I’ve done! I was already planning how to publicly ruin you!” “Someone saw me run off with that wild woman after we hooked up. How can a man who’d cheat on you like that be worthy of you, Seraphina?” Retrieving the marriage certificate hadn’t impacted Seraphina much, but learning I had eloped with another woman hurt her more than anything. She was so worried about me, yet I turned around and got involved with someone else? What did that make me in her eyes? A joke?! She stood like a puppet on strings, pushed onto the stage by Damian to continue the ceremony. With the witnesses Damian brought, I became the heartless man everyone condemned. At that moment, the doors to the hall were suddenly thrown open. Leo, dragging a woman not yet fully awake from the sleeping drug, burst in, radiating murderous intent. “Shameless Damian! You ruined Asher’s reputation, drove him to ruin, and now you have the nerve to put on an innocent act! You’re disgusting!” I had prepared for this; Leo and I intentionally faked being knocked out to lower Damian’s guard. Seeing the woman, Damian cursed under his breath, his eyes flashing with venom. “Seraphina, don’t believe them! He’s just like Asher, making up crazy stories. They’ll say anything!” He yelled for someone to throw Leo out. “Who dares?!” At the critical moment, Seraphina roared, her face grim. She seemed to sense something was wrong, her eyes bloodshot as she asked Leo what was truly going on. The woman confessed everything: Damian had paid her, telling her a man would be waiting in the room that morning, and to “entertain” him well. So, I hadn’t broken my promise! The affair was forced! Seraphina’s eyes widened in fury, her mind feeling like it would explode. “What happened after that? Where did Asher go?!” “He… he jumped into the river.” **Chapter 10** Seraphina didn’t remember how she frantically ran to the riverbank. Staring at the vast river, her heart sank to its depths. In the biting cold wind, she ripped off her clothes, preparing to jump in.
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