3
On my way home, I got a call from my parents. They sounded excited, saying they prepared a big meal and were waiting for me to bring Nora. My grip on the steering wheel tightened, and after a moment, I confessed that we didn’t register.
My father’s voice turned somber, “What’s going on? You were so eager to get married, and now you don’t want to? Is it because Nora thinks the dowry isn’t enough?” My parents really liked Nora. When our family was struggling, the Johnson’s business was booming. Nora never forgot our childhood betrothal, which won my parents‘ hearts. They swore they’d spare no expense for her as their daughter–in–law.
I sighed, taking all the blame. “Dad, Mom, I just feel I’m not worthy of Nora right now. I want to wait a bit longer.” Hearing this, they didn’t press further, just sighed, “It’s our fault for mismanaging and going bankrupt. Son, we’re sorry.”
After hanging up, I messaged my old college roommate. In my past life, I was focused on family, so when my roommate Ethan Johnson invited me to start a business, I refused. But what came of it? I lost my career, became a doormat, and lost Nora too.
Ethan was thrilled with my affirmative response, eager to book me a flight to New York immediately. I had no objections, thinking that on my last day before leaving, I would settle everything with Nora.
After the call, I noticed three missed calls from Declan on my phone.
I ended the call and texted my old college roommate.
In my past life, I was all about family, so when Ethan, my roommate, asked me to start a business with him, I flat out said no.
And what was the outcome?
I lost my career, got labeled as a freeloader, and completely lost Nora.
After I gave Ethan the go–ahead, he was so thrilled he wanted to book my flight to New York right away.
I had no objections, thinking I should resolve everything with Nora on my last day before leaving.
7:47 AM
<
Her voice was angry on the line.
“Jasper, what did you do? I knew you were up to no good. Now Jasper has been pushed to the edge because of you. Are you happy?”
My mind went numb, and everything seemed to fade to black.
It was the same in my previous life.
Jasper fell from a building under mysterious circumstances, leaving only my name written in blood, with no other clues.
I became the prime suspect.
Even though the police questioned me for three days and nights, they found no evidence, yet everyone around insisted I was behind Jasper’s death.
Cold sweat ran down my back, and I struggled to stay on my feet.
Am I doomed to live under Jasper’s shadow again in this new life?
I refuse!
I immediately turned the car around and raced to the hospital.
When I arrived outside the emergency room, the corridor was chaotic, with Nora surrounded by several intimidating men.
The leader glared at her, “If you weren’t Jasper’s wife, why would you be so anxious the moment he got into trouble? Now that he’s in a bind, you must settle his debts with us, or I won’t let you go!”
Nora frowned, clearly unaware of Jasper’s true nature and now utterly confused.
“You’ve got the wrong person! If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.”
But these thugs never feared the police; her words only emboldened them, and they began to push her around.
Seeing Nora about to fall, I hurried forward to support her, giving a cold stare to the rowdy men.
“I’m Jasper’s brother. If there’s anything, talk to me.”
“Perfect, your brother owes us a million in gambling debts, pay it all now!”
Nora was shocked, eyes wide open, “Are you insane for money? Do you think you can extort just anyone? Jasper, ignore them. I’ll call the police right now.”
“This is ridiculous. Jasper doesn’t even gamble. How could he owe a million in gambling debts?”
I said nothing, just looked at my bank card balance.
Seeing my silence and counting the balance, Nora tugged at my arm, “Jasper, have you lost your mind? Do you have so much money you don’t know how to spend it? Do you even know these people-”
Her words stopped abruptly as she seemed to suddenly realize. So you were the one who owed the gambling debt, and you framed Jasper, right? No wonder you’re so willing to pay it back!”
