Chapter 4After Rebirth, My Wife and I Parted Ways

"Why didn't you answer my calls?"

Monica's face was almost twisted with accusation.

"Why didn't you come back to help me find Stella?"

Monica suddenly yelled, startling my parents. They clearly hadn't expected her to be so emotional.

I, however, watched her coldly. After being her son-in-law for over two decades, I knew better than anyone her talent for theatrics and twisting facts.

My mom couldn't stand it and was about to speak up, but I tugged her arm.

"Let's go inside. It's not worth it."

Mom hugged me, shot Monica a fierce glare, but couldn't resist throwing out one last line: "You can't manage your own daughter and expect Alex to do it for you? What relationship does Alex have with you to do such a thing? You've got the wrong person, I'm telling you!"

Once inside, my dad immediately started contacting friends to arrange house viewings for the afternoon. If things went smoothly, we might even move tomorrow.

Mom and I sat on the couch, Mom patting my back distractedly. "It's okay, it's okay. We'll be far away from them, very soon."

I leaned against Mom, humming in agreement.

The speed of finding and moving houses was faster than I expected. Even faster was the university acceptance letter that had already arrived.

This time, there was no Stella, no car accident. I happily went to school to collect my acceptance letter.

When I got home, my parents were still discussing how much allowance to give me. We laughed together, so incredibly happy.

Only occasionally would I still dream of my previous life, how I struggled to support a family on meager savings, enduring the complaints of Stella’s parents, the misunderstandings of my children, and the constant bickering with Stella, just to survive those years.

Thankfully, I was starting over.

Soon, the school year began. Standing on campus, my parents were also happy with my decision to choose this university.

In my previous life, at this time, I had just finished my parents' funeral, distraught, heading to that ordinary university with Stella. Whenever people asked about our relationship, Stella would instinctively keep her distance from me, then force an unnatural smile.

She'd say I was her classmate, even though we were already engaged then.

I shook my head, clearing away the extra thoughts, and went to the registration office with my parents.

New school, new beginning. After my parents reluctantly left, I quickly adapted to the new environment, cherishing everything around me.

The education I couldn't continue in my last life because of childcare and family responsibilities now finally had a chance to resume. I studied harder than anyone.

When I went home for winter break, I brought back scholarship money and what I earned from coding freelance gigs. I bought gifts for both my parents. Their eyes crinkled into slits as they smiled, praising me as their most successful son.

That night, my parents teamed up to make a huge dinner. At the dinner table, we chatted about recent events, until Mom casually mentioned she'd seen Monica Reed a couple of days ago.

"She and her husband were selling vegetables at the market. They were only barely getting by on their relief funds after being laid off…"

My mom sighed wistfully. "I heard Stella signed with some company in New York. The monthly training fees alone are thousands, not including food and lodging. If she really succeeds, fine, but if not…"

I lowered my head, picking at my food, but laughed mockingly inside.

Stella wouldn't succeed; I was absolutely sure of that.

Stella was someone who couldn't resist showing off. As soon as she signed with some obscure company, she posted it on her social media.

But she was so caught up in the fact that a company signed her that she didn't pay any attention to the company's name.