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 Declan 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. 4 “I’m Willa Lin, thank you so much for earlier,” I said, extending my hand to him. Jasper kept staring at my wrist, where the rope had left bloody marks, looking alarming. “Let me help you with that,” he said. I shook my head, “It’s just a small injury, it’s nothing.” “Weren’t you the one who said you’d do anything if I saved you?” Without waiting for a reply, he sat me down and took out a first-aid kit. “Bear with it,” he said. I bit my lip, watching him carefully treat my wound. A warmth spread through me. I remembered when I first married Declan, one time he got drunk, and as I helped him to his room, I casually mentioned he should drink less. He flew into a rage, pushing me away. I lost my balance and fell, shattering the jade bracelet on my wrist; the shards cut into my skin. I screamed, clutching my bleeding wrist. Declan just coldly stared and said, “Does it hurt? It should. Cora hurt a thousand times more than you, and now she can’t even say it. If it weren’t for saving you, she wouldn’t have been humiliated by the kidnappers or lost hope…” I sat there, disbelief on my face, feeling my heart grow colder. After a long time, I found my voice. “But the kidnappers took Cora and me to threaten you! You chose to save me first; why blame me now?” Declan, his drunkenness seemingly fading, looked at me with icy eyes. “Willa, I was always against this arranged marriage. If you hadn’t told Grandma you liked me, she wouldn’t have forced me to marry you.” “So, you’re saying if it weren’t for me, you’d only need to save Cora?” I laughed bitterly, “Declan, you’re insane. Blaming me instead of the kidnappers.” I got up and treated my wound alone in my room. After that, no matter how much it hurt, I never told Declan. Now, the man in front of me was gently blowing on my wound, afraid I’d be in pain. My eyes stung, and I closed them, taking a deep breath, asking knowingly, “What are you doing?” Jasper looked up with a genuine smile. “When I was little and got hurt, my mom did this. Does it feel better?” I nodded, “Yes, a lot better.” Encouraged, Jasper continued. But the moment was soon interrupted. 5 “Jasper, I heard someone’s causing trouble at your shop, so I rushed over…” “Whoa! Where did you find such a pretty girl?” A tall man with tattooed arms entered, eyes lighting up when he saw me. “This is rare. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen such a beautiful girl here…” The tattooed guy said, a strange blush on his face. Jasper stepped in front of me protectively. I nodded, “Yeah, much better.” Jasper, reassured, continued with his task, but the atmosphere was quickly disrupted. “Jasper, I heard there was some trouble at your shop, so I rushed over…” “Whoa! Where did you find such a beautiful girl?” A tall man with a tattooed arm walked in, his eyes lighting up as he saw me. “Really unusual, I think it’s the first time I’ve seen such a pretty girl here…” The tattooed guy said, with an oddly shy expression. Jasper noticed and moved to shield me. “Thanks, but it’s sorted now. As for other stuff, it’s none of your business. I’ll treat you to a drink another day.” The tattooed guy paused, then got the hint. “Jasper, now that you have a girl, you’re ditching your buddies?” He turned away with a playful huff, looking slightly upset. Jasper sighed and pulled him aside, whispering, “Can’t you take a hint? Go hang out somewhere else.” “Jasper, is she your girlfriend?” “Does it look like she is?” “Absolutely! You two look perfect together.” “Smart observation.” “I’m not leaving until you give me some wedding candy.” “You’ll get your share.” “…” Not far off, the two of them continued their whispering, but even though they tried to keep their voices down, I could hear everything clearly. Trying to ease the awkwardness, I pretended to be busy, looking everywhere except at them. A few minutes later, Jasper managed to send the tattooed guy away. After he left, Jasper asked me, “Where do you live? I’ll take you home.” Maybe it was selfish of me, but suddenly I didn’t want to go back so soon. My parents are always busy with their own affairs. Even if I didn’t go home for a month, they wouldn’t notice. As for Declan, if I’m right, he might have been reincarnated too. He’s probably eager to be with Cora now. I was married to him for seven years in my past life. He never took me to any events or shared a room with me. When people asked about me, he’d always have a cold expression, turning me into a joke in our circle. This time around, I want to stay far away from him. So I pleaded with Jasper, “Can you let me stay for a few days?” I gently tugged at his sleeve. Looking at both lives, he should be a good person. Plus, he can protect me. If I cling to him, would he refuse? Jasper suddenly leaned close, his gaze intense. “Little girl, if you keep this up, I might take it seriously…” The proximity was so close, I could even smell the fresh scent of soap on him. I swallowed instinctively, about to speak, when a familiar voice came from behind. “What are you doing?” It was Declan… He’d brought the police with him. “Are you okay?” Declan looked at me, genuine concern in his eyes. I shrugged, “Do I look like I’m not okay?” Declan was silent. Cora walked in right after. She glanced around the now normal auto repair shop and bluntly asked: “Willa, how did you escape from the kidnappers? As far as I know, there were six of them. Your hands were tied, and you were unfamiliar with the area. I’m really curious…” What is Cora trying to say? “Everyone knows the Lin family and the Shen family plan an arranged marriage. But they’re also both eyeing that piece of land in the south of the city. The auction is in ten days, highest bidder wins. But right at this crucial moment, this happens, and the ransom is ridiculously high. Willa, it’s hard not to think otherwise.” Is she suggesting I hired the kidnappers? I admit, I’ve never been this speechless in two lifetimes. I truly felt helpless and sympathetic about Cora’s past life. But this time, I practically saved her. And her first reaction after being saved is to accuse me. It’s truly disheartening. I suddenly raised my hand and shouted, “Officer, someone here is slandering me.” And then we were all taken away. While waiting for questioning, Cora wouldn’t let it go. “Willa, why won’t you say anything?” I scoffed, “Why should I tell you? You’re not the police.” Cora was at a loss for words. Declan couldn’t stand it, immediately speaking up for Cora. “Willa, Cora just wants to understand what really happened, so she knows what to say during the questioning.” “What? You plan on lying to the officer?” Declan stood up angrily, pointing at me, “Willa, you’re being unreasonable!” Jasper came out of the interrogation room just in time to see this, and without a word, he stood in front of me. “Put your hand down.” His tone was flat, yet carried an undeniable pressure. I hid behind Jasper, unable to see the expressions on their faces, but I could sense the tension. Declan asked, “Who are you to her?” Jasper turned slightly to look at me, a small smile on his lips. He countered, “What do you think?” I looked up at his ridiculously perfect profile, and impulsively made a heart shape with my thumb and index finger. Declan’s face darkened several shades at the sight. Just then, the police called him in for a statement. After some questioning, things started to clear up a bit. The police identified suspects, but can only proceed further once the kidnappers are caught.
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