Rebirth:After Being Betrayed by My Best Friend and Husband

"By the way, that face cream set me back $1,580. Make sure you reimburse me," Zach said the second we left the restaurant.

His nerve! Right after we got out, he was already hitting me up for cash.

I glared at him, "Dream on. You're not getting another penny."

Typical Zach—every time I got money, he'd swoop in to "manage" it for me.

"You just won that $8,000 scholarship, right?" he prodded.

I stared him down, realization dawning.

His affection was always just skin-deep—it was always about the cash.

"Get lost," I snapped.

I was done with his games.

In my last life, today was supposed to be a high school reunion with Heather and the crew.

I couldn't wait to show up and drop some punches in the faces of the bullies.

I'd been honing my newfound taekwondo skills after the rebirth.

Today was the day!

I spun on my heel to leave.

But Zach blocked my path.

"Since when do you bite back?" he teased, reaching to pinch my cheek.

I knocked his hand away, revulsion clear on my face.

I squinted at him, my voice firm, "From today on, you won't see a dime from me."

Zach's smirk remained, but a cold shadow passed over his eyes.

"What happened to our plan? Your money was supposed to help fund our wedding."

I almost wanted to slap my past self for being so naive.

Grow some brain, former Olivia!

I had handed him every dime during school, all my scholarships, then my salary—believing we were building a future.

He turned those funds into stocks, rode the bull market, and bought a house that all became premarital assets.

It wasn't until my death I found out the house was only in his name.

"Yeah, keep dreaming," I retorted.

"Fund our wedding? Consider it a donation to your family's altar."

"We're done. You're a dumpster fire."

Zach's eyes flared with fury, a vein throbbing on his temple.

Oh, is the mask slipping now?

I arched an eyebrow, challenging him.

"You think you can break up with me?" he looked down at me, using his height to intimidate me.

Memories of his past abuse flashed before me, stirring a wave of fear.

His fist clenched, ready to strike.

I dodged swiftly, my training kicking in, and I bolted at a speed only light could chase after.

His roars of anger and the sound of his phone smashing echoed behind me.

So exhilarating!