Restarted Without Him

The night Gloria Leach—my husband's ex—died in the rain, he floored it and drove us off a cliff.

That's when it clicked. Evan Patterson had always hated me for getting between him and Gloria.

Then I woke up, I was back on the wedding day.

This time, he didn't even pause. Ditched the rings. Ran straight to her outside the church.

I didn't cry. Didn't make a scene.

I just called it off.

While they turned their reunion into a show, I said yes to someone else.

In this life, Evan and I were strangers.

Until eight years later. An auction.

I placed a no-cap bid on the final item—sapphire cufflinks. Won.

I was leaving when Evan stepped in front of me, scowling.

"Robyn, stop embarrassing yourself. Even if you bought every cufflink on earth for me, I still wouldn't love you. Gloria's the only one in my heart."

I didn't even look at him. Just reached for the little girl beside me.

"Sweetheart, say hi to the gentleman."

He saw her face—mine, copied clean.

His eyes went red, and his grip snapped around my wrist.

"She's our daughter?"

I'd just taken the sapphire cufflinks when a voice hit from behind—

unfamiliar, but I knew it instantly.

"Robyn. I didn't think you loved me this much. Eight years, and you still remember my birthday?"

My body locked up.

I never thought I'd see Evan Patterson again. Not in this life.

Before I could answer, Gloria Leach slid in at his side, smiling.

"Robyn, it's been forever. Evan and I are getting married next month. You should come."

People nearby swarmed in fast, all smiles and noise.

"Mr. Patterson, I heard you locked down that land in the west. And now a wedding? That's luck on luck."

"That's what they call love bringing prosperity. You two are a perfect match. Wishing you a lifetime together."

Gloria soaked it up, clinging to Evan, throwing me a smug glance.

Then someone cut in, loud and curious.

"Mr. Patterson, didn't you two get engaged eight years ago? Why wait so long to marry?"

Honestly, I was curious too.

In my last life, Evan killed himself for Gloria—called me the one who got between them, then dragged me down with him.

When I came back, he didn't hesitate. Left me at the altar. Burned the bond between our families in front of everyone.

I figured they'd rush into marriage. Make up for the regrets.

But now my daughter Mia was already old enough to run errands, and they still hadn't made it official.

Gloria's smile twitched.

Evan squeezed her hand, all soft-eyed.

"Back then, my career wasn't stable. My wife deserves the best. Our wedding has to be perfect."

I remembered our wedding.

I picked a dress barely over budget. He blew up at me in front of the staff.

Yeah.

That's the difference between love—and not.

I was about to leave. Zero interest in their show.

Then someone spotted me.

"Ms. Radcliffe? So that no-cap bid was you? When did you get back to Carmoria?"

Their eyes bounced between me, Evan, and Gloria.

Him ditching me at the altar wasn't a secret. Neither was how hard I'd once loved him.

Under the stares, I stayed calm.

"Just got back a few days ago. I've got things to handle. I'll be going."

This time, Evan stopped me.

"Robyn, aren't you forgetting something?"

I frowned. Didn't follow.

He smiled—mocking.

"You know I collect gemstone cufflinks. You pulled this stunt to get my attention. But I've only ever loved Gloria. And those cufflinks? I'm buying them."