Chapter 2

Chapter 2

A mysterious pull dragged my floating soul across town straight to Hayden's side.

He was sitting in an upscale French restaurant, softly singing "Happy Birthday" to Yvette across the candlelit table.

The entire dining room was empty. He had rented out the whole venue just for her.

So this was why he refused to visit me in the hospital. He was busy playing the doting lover for Yvette.

How heartless of him to ignore his newly ex-wife fighting for her life.

Then again, I had never stood a chance against Yvette in his heart.

Yvette blew out her candles with a radiant smile, and Hayden clapped warmly. "Happy birthday, Yvette."

He handed an elegant designer box across the table. "Open it."

Yvette gasped with delight as she pulled off the satin ribbon.

Inside was a custom, one-of-a-kind designer handbag―the exact one I had begged Hayden for months ago.

She squealed, planted a kiss on the leather, and walked around the table to kiss him right on the corner of his lips. "Thank you so much, Hayden!"

Hayden froze for a fraction of a second. He subtly furrowed his brows and wiped his cheek with a napkin.

Yvette was too intoxicated with joy to notice his hesitation.

"As long as you love it," Hayden murmured, gesturing toward the floor-to-ceiling window. "I bought you a car, too."

I followed his gaze and saw a sleek sports car parked under the streetlamp outside.

My chest ached phantomly.

That was my dream car. Hayden had once promised in a good mood that he would buy it for me.

I waited for years, but the promise never materialized.

Now I realized he never intended to give me the bag or the car. They were always meant for Yvette.

As they dined, Yvette tilted her head and asked, "Hayden, didn't you finalize the divorce with Sienna this morning? When are we going wedding dress shopping? I want to marry you as soon as possible."

Her words pulled my attention back to them.

Just this morning, we signed the dissolution papers at the courthouse.

On my drive home, a speeding truck smashed into my vehicle.

I was supposed to die right on that asphalt, but the System gave me one last lifeline.

Yet Hayden never showed up.

No matter how many chances I was given, the ending remained tragically identical.

Hearing Yvette's question, Hayden checked his phone with a hint of irritation. Finding no new alerts, he replied casually, "Whenever you want."

Yvette clinked her wine glass against his. "That's wonderful! I've dreamed of being your wife forever, and now it's finally happening."

Hayden's thumb unconsciously rubbed the platinum band on his ring finger, lost in thought.

Yvette noticed his gesture, and her smile instantly vanished. "Hayden, why are you still wearing that wedding ring? I don't care what it takes, you have to buy me a much bigger diamond."

Her petty jealousy made me want to laugh.

Out of all the women in the world, Hayden fell for a gold-digger who only cared about his wealth.

Hayden quietly slipped the ring off and slid it into his pocket.

I had custom-designed that ring for our second anniversary.

He used to love it and wore it constantly.

Now that Yvette was back, he would probably toss it straight into the garbage.