The Other Side of Reality

I smiled bitterly, and the last shred of hesitation in my heart vanished completely. So, this was what Jessica meant by treating me well from now on.

The driver soon took me to the hospital. After a thorough examination, it turned out I only had some cuts and minor internal displacement. My whole body ached as I lay in the hospital bed, but my mind was surprisingly calm.

Late that night, Jessica walked in with exhaustion written all over her face. Seeing I was awake, a flicker of panic crossed her features. "Are you alright? Do you feel any better?

I looked at her coldly and said nothing.

She wrung her hands nervously as she explained, "Marcus was traumatized by the accident. I've been staying with him this whole time, so…"

Under my unwavering gaze, her words faltered, and she trailed off awkwardly.

"Listen. It all happened so fast, and Marcus was closer to me. I just reacted on instinct…" Jessica paused, seemingly searching for the right words. "I didn't know you would get hit."

I interrupted her, "When are you planning to leave for Lisbeth?"

She replied hesitantly, "Tomorrow."

"Got it. I need to rest now. You should go," I said, closing my eyes and dismissing her.

Jessica seemed to want to say more, but in the end, she took the hint and left.

…

The next day, Margaret came to visit me in the hospital. She carried a thermal lunchbox, her face wreathed in smiles. "Zachary, Jessica asked me to look after you. Are you feeling better?"

"I'm feeling much better. Thank you, Mom," I said.

As she poured me some soup, she rambled on. "Jess is so clumsy. I don't know if she'll be able to take good care of Marcus…"

Halfway through, she seemed to realize her slip and paused awkwardly.

"Mom, the one marrying Jessica is Marcus."

Margaret was stunned. It took her a long moment to process what I'd said.

"What… What did you say?"

"The marriage application I submitted was for Marcus," I replied.

Her face went from shock to pure delight.

"You really did the right thing. I knew you were the sensible one," she said, gripping my hand excitedly. "Thank you, Zachary. Thank you for making this possible for them."

I smiled faintly and said nothing.

Making it possible for them? I was really just making it possible for myself.

Jessica's heart had always belonged to Marcus. Even if I had devoted myself to her in my past life, she still left all her inheritance to him in her old age.

"Mom, let's not tell them about this yet."

Margaret smiled from ear to ear. "Okay. I understand. So… What are your plans for the future?"

"I'll be leaving in a few days, too," I said, but didn't reveal where I was going.

She wanted to continue asking, but her mind was occupied with Jessica and Marcus' wedding.

Seeing that, I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep.

I didn't notify anyone on the day I was discharged. Before leaving, I wrote a letter to Jessica.

"Jessica, by the time you read this, I'll already be on a train heading south. I know you've always loved Marcus, so I'm stepping aside for the two of you. Our fate together has run its course, and I wish you both happiness."

I slipped the letter, along with the train ticket to Lisbeth and the marriage certificate, into an envelope and mailed it to their address.

After that, I dragged my suitcase and headed straight for the train station.