After Both I and My Rival Refuse to Marry, He Regrets Madly

The day I died, my hospital room was crowded with people.

Even my lifelong rival showed up.

The only one missing was my husband of twenty-five years, Grant Wilder.

He was off in Iceland with his secret mistress and their son, watching the Northern Lights.

In my final moments, my phone buzzed with a message from him.

[Back then, for the sake of the family, I had no choice but to marry you through that alliance. But all these years, you agreed to take birth control, never having a child, so you've been a decent wife.]

[If there's a next life, I'd still choose you. In this one, go in peace. I'll handle the funeral myself.]

My rival, Zoe Riley, saw the message and let out a mocking snort.

[Lynn, you're really not cut out to be Mrs. Wilder.]

[In the next life, don't fight me for him.]

Little did she know, her words would come true. When I opened my eyes again, we both found ourselves back at the day of the Wilder family's marriage alliance.

Grant Wilder said coolly,

[Lynn, you drew the short straw. You'll be the Wilder family's young madam.]

Without a second thought, I shoved the short straw into Zoe's hand.

[I think the role of Mrs. Wilder suits Zoe better.]

Mrs. Wilder looked puzzled.

[Lynn, you and Zoe used to make such a scene fighting over Grant.]

[Now that fate's on your side, why turn it down?]

The Hayes, Riley, and Wilder families were three of the biggest tycoons in the San Francisco elite circle, evenly matched and usually keeping to themselves.

But both Zoe and I had fallen for Grant Wilder.

To avoid offending either the Hayes or Riley families, the Wilders came up with the fairest solution: a lottery draw.

In my past life, I cried tears of joy when I won.

But it led to a lifetime of loneliness and misery.

Given a second chance, I didn't dare tempt fate again. I didn't want it anymore.

I calmly replied to Mrs. Wilder.

[Mrs. Wilder, I'm too indecisive. I'm afraid I couldn't manage the Wilder empire.]

[Zoe's known for being decisive and efficient, she's a much better fit.]

Seeing my mind was made up, Mrs. Wilder turned to Grant.

[What do you think?]

Grant sat at the table sipping coffee, not even bothering to look up.

[Doesn't matter who I marry.]

Of course it didn't. To him, not getting his true love meant anyone would do.

Grant's real love was Cheryl Jordan, the mistress he'd kept on the side in my past life.

Cheryl was a motorcycle salesperson.

Back in his sophomore year of college, his buddies dragged him to a biker meet-up.

He saw her tearing up the track on her bike and couldn't forget her.

He thought she was bold, unique, that only with her could he live life to the fullest.

Unfortunately, the immense Wilder fortune didn't allow him to marry a woman with no background.

He had to accept his fate and pick between the Hayes and Riley families for a marriage alliance.

Since Grant didn't object, Mrs. Wilder didn't push further.

She just reminded us,

[You two figure it out.]

[Our three families have been allies for generations. Don't let this cause any rifts.]

I understood her concern.

Zoe and I had both crushed on Grant since we were kids.

I was softer, never one to fight or grab.

But Zoe was no pushover.

Grant always saw me as fragile, so he'd lean toward protecting me a bit more.

That made Zoe feel sidelined, and she'd target me constantly.

Spreading rumors that I cheated on exams or calling me a manipulative bitch.

That was routine.

I got used to it, never getting mad, only pushing back lightly when it got too much.

Now, reborn, knowing Grant's true feelings, I saw us both as pathetic clowns.

Why would we keep fighting?

I nodded calmly.

[Don't worry, Mrs. Wilder. Zoe and I talked it over. We won't let it come to that.]

Mrs. Wilder seemed satisfied.

[Alright, Grant's grandfather is gravely ill and can't wait long. The wedding's in three days.]

As Zoe and I left the Wilder estate and found a place to talk.

Grant showed up with Cheryl in tow.

But he wasn't there for me.

He held Cheryl's hand and stood in front of Zoe, acting like it was all perfectly normal.

[Zoe, since our marriage is set, there's something I need to tell you.]

[You know I love Cheryl, so I won't ditch her just because I'm marrying you.]

[Unless there's something major at home, I'll be living at her place.]

In my past life, he'd said the same to me.

It was his first real demand, and I didn't want to disappoint him, so I agreed.

Back then, I thought his thing with Cheryl was just a phase.

Once the novelty wore off, he'd come around.

But Grant loved her deeper than I ever imagined.

And Cheryl wasn't content to stay in the shadows like she'd promised.

She was insanely jealous, picking fights with me every few days.

Her snide remarks were the least of it.

Sometimes she'd even hurt herself to frame me and drive a wedge between Grant and me.

The reason Grant wouldn't let me have kids? Cheryl had faked a miscarriage with their first child and blamed it on me.

He believed her, and I paid for it with a childless life as penance.

The bitterness hit me hard, but Zoe's voice snapped me out of it.

She burst out laughing mockingly.

[Grant Wilder, do you think I'm someone to be trifled with?]

[Listen upif you dare move in with Cheryl after we're married, I'll make sure she never sets foot in this city again!]

Grant shuddered.

Zoe was famously fiery, but she'd saved all her softness for him.

He had no idea we'd both been reborn, so he couldn't fathom her sudden change.

He figured Cheryl's presence had set her off, so he softened his tone to explain.

[Zoe, don't be ridiculous. Cheryl's pregnant.]

[She needs me there.]

Zoe wasn't buying it. She eyed Cheryl with a cold smirk.

[Grown woman like you, pregnant and can't even take care of yourself? Then why bother having a kid?]

[Just get rid of it.]

Cheryl's face went pale.

Grant's heart ached for her.

He dropped the act, his face darkening with rage.

[Zoe Riley, shut your mouth.]

[This baby is something Cheryl and I have wanted for ages! We're not getting rid of it.]

Zoe shrugged indifferently.

[Whatever. Just remember, if you move in with her after the wedding, I'll make you regret it in ways you can't imagine.]

Probably fed up with the tension, Zoe grabbed my arm and stormed out of the caf.

But Cheryl chased after us alone.

She tugged at Zoe's sleeve, putting on a pitiful face.

[Zoe, I know you don't like me, but the baby's innocent. He can't be born without a father.]

[Please, don't push us to the edge, okay?]

I glanced back at the caf and sure enough, Grant was watching intently from inside.

This was just like my past life.

On the seventh day after marrying Grant, he tried to move out.

I begged him not to, and then Cheryl showed up alone to "apologize" and plead.

Back then, she also tugged my sleeve, then pretended I'd pushed her down the stairs, causing a miscarriage.

My heart raced. I was about to warn Zoe when Cheryl pulled the same stunt, leaning back dramatically.

My stomach dropped.

Even though it wasn't me this time, Zoe had been by my side till the end in my last moments.

I saw her as a friend now.

But at the last second, Zoe grabbed Cheryl's collar.

She turned to me.

[Is this how she framed you with that baby, costing you a chance to have children?]

I nodded heavily.

Zoe sneered at Cheryl.

[Using such dirty tricks? Looks like you really don't want that kid.]

[In that case, I'll help you solve it myself, so you can't blame me later.]

With that, Zoe let go, letting Cheryl hit the pavement.

A car swerved too late, slamming into her stomach.

Grant came running from afar, eyes bloodshot and wild.

He cradled the bleeding Cheryl, glaring at Zoe with murderous rage.

[Zoe Riley, you're vicious!]

[Someone like you doesn't deserve to be the Wilder young madam!]

[Even if you beg on your knees, I won't marry you.]

Then, arrogantly, he turned to me, his tone commanding.

[Lynn, get ready. In three days, you'll marry me instead!]

Before I could refuse, the ambulance arrived.

Grant climbed in with Cheryl, not sparing me a glance.

As the siren faded, I asked curiously,

[Zoe, this is the life I lived before.]

[You've seen it now. Do you still want to marry him?]

Zoe looked dazed, taking a moment to reply.

[One last thing. If he disappoints me again, I'll give you my answer.]

She pulled out her phone.

[Dad, come with me to the hospital...]

I actually understood Zoe pretty well.

Because I'd been that unwilling to let go myself.

Grant had blindly trusted Cheryl, misunderstanding me countless times.

Friends urged me to divorce him.

But after loving him since childhood, I couldn't bear to leave.

So I kept convincing myself to forgive him.

I knew emotions like that.

You had to figure them out on your own, no one else could help.

So I didn't push, just said calmly,

[Go ahead, do what you need. I'll be there with you.]

By the time we reached the hospital, Cheryl was out of danger and awake.

When she saw Zoe and me enter the room, Grant protectively stepped in front of her.

[Zoe Riley, Cheryl lost the baby because of you! I haven't settled the score yet, and here you are showing up!]

Zoe's eyes flashed with pain as she explained,

[Grant, I didn't mean to hurt her.]

[She was trying to frame me! That's why I acted.]

Cheryl whimpered pitifully,

[Grant, I didn't.]

[I just wanted to apologize to Zoe alone, beg her to forgive and stop pressuring you.]

[But she refused and called our baby a bastard, saying it didn't deserve to be born.]

[Grant, maybe I'm just not good enough for you. Let's end this...]

Grant panicked, pulling her into his arms and kissing her forehead tenderly.

[Don't talk nonsense. You're the only one in the world who's worthy of me!]

Then, he turned back, face dark.

[Zoe Riley, the wedding's off!]

[In three days, I'll ally with the Hayes family instead.]

Zoe sneered,

[Grant Wilder, you think if you don't marry me, Lynn will...]

[Fine.]

My voice wasn't loud, but it stunned Zoe.

I didn't rush to explain to her, instead continuing to Grant,

[The Hayes family can form an alliance with the Wilders.]

[But with Cheryl ill, you probably don't have the energy for wedding prep. Let me handle it.]

[In three days, just show up at the Hayes estate to pick up the bride, and we can get the marriage license after.]

Grant looked flattered, smiling instinctively.

[Lynn, you're still the sweet, understanding one.]

I held up a hand to stop him.

[But I have one condition.]

[I saw the whole thing today, and it's exactly like Zoe said.]

[So, have your Cheryl apologize to Zoe.]

Cheryl protested unwillingly,

[Grant, she's slandering me...]

Grant frowned, displeased.

[Lynn Hayes, I thought you were empathetic, but you're just like Zoe!]

I let out a self-deprecating bitter laugh.

[Grant Wilder, the three of us grew up together. We know each other best.]

[Why won't you believe Zoe and me?]

Grant snorted disdainfully.

[Because I know Cheryl better!]

[Every time we go riding, she makes a point to visit local orphans and elderly, buying them food and clothes.]

[How could someone so kind frame Zoe?!]

[I bet you two are just jealous and ganging up on her!]

[If it weren't for family pressure, I'd never consider either of you!]

Zoe and I shared the same disappointment.

I shook my head helplessly.

[So, neither of us is who you want to marry, right?]

Grant didn't hesitate.

[Exactly. You're lucky if you get to marry me.]

[Don't expect more.]

[Behave, and you'll stay Mrs. Wilder forever.]

[Misbehave, and don't blame me for being ruthless.]

Zoe was fuming, but I held her back.

I said calmly,

[Okay, I get it.]

[I'll prep the wedding. Don't be late.]

As we left the room, Zoe asked in frustration,

[Are you crazy?]

[I'm here to cut my ties, why are you jumping in?!]

[Haven't you suffered enough last life? You want to marry him again?!]

I closed the door before answering.

[Relax, I said the families can ally.]

[I never said it'd be me marrying...]

Zoe didn't get a chance to ask more before two older men at the door each grabbed one of us and dragged us out of the hospital.

Zoe looked at the man beside me, surprised.

[Uncle Hayes, what are you doing here?]

I smiled.

[You called your dad for backupwhy can't I?]

But right now, both dads weren't in the mood for jokes.

Their faces were darker than storm clouds.

Uncle Riley fumed,

[Zoe Riley, you called me here just to watch you get humiliated and dumped?]

Zoe scratched her head awkwardly.

[No, I was worried Grant might come after me, and I couldn't take him, so I needed you for support.]

I quickly smoothed things over.

[Uncle Riley, it's good you came anyway.]

[At least now you see what kind of guy Grant isbetter to be cautious in business dealings.]

[Plus, this isn't Zoe getting dumped; it's her escaping a disaster.]

Uncle Riley's expression softened a bit.

But my dad's face got even darker.

He eyed me, laughing in anger.

[Lynn Hayes, you know it's a pit of fire, and you're still rushing in.]

[Your lovesick brain is hopeless!]

I'd chased Grant for years, and Dad had seen it all.

He'd always thought it was unreliable.

Now, hearing Grant's crap firsthand, he couldn't understand why I'd still throw myself at him.

But despite the scolding, Dad was famously doting on his daughter.

He sighed after his rant.

[No way. Even if you hate me forever, I'm telling Grant we're not marrying.]

I grabbed his arm quickly.

[Dad, hold on.]

[Allying with the Wilders benefits the Hayes family.]

[You've always wanted to partner with them on that west side development, right?]

[If we burn bridges now, how will business go?]

Dad roared in frustration.

[No business is worth trading my daughter's happiness!]

Uncle Riley chimed in.

[Lynn, as a father myself, I get your dad's feelings.]

[Business matters, but not more than our kids.]

[Don't worrythe west side plot is basically the Wilders', but if our families team up, we could snag it.]

Zoe linked arms with me, looking sympathetic.

[Come on, Lynn, listen this time.]

[I liked Grant as much as you, but today I finally see he's not worth it. Don't repeat the mistake.]

The three of them talked over each other, making me chuckle despite myself.

When they finally paused, I explained.

[Hold up, let me speak.]

[It's not me marrying.]

They exchanged confused looks, not getting it.

I patiently continued.

[I told Grant the Hayes and Wilders can ally.]

[As long as it's a Hayes daughter marrying, right?]

Dad was still puzzled.

[You're my only daughterwho else?]

I smiled meaningfully.

[Dad, after Uncle and Aunt passed, didn't Cousin Leah get adopted under your name?]

[She's a legitimate Hayes miss too.]

Dad waved it off instinctively.

[That cousin of yours is sneaky and rotten to the core. I finally shipped her abroadmarrying her off would be chaos!]

My cousin Leah Hayes was a born troublemaker.

Mom and Dad raised her like their own after her parents died, giving her everything.

But instead of gratitude, she schemed to grab the family fortune.

She even caused Mom's fall, leaving her wheelchair-bound for life.

Dad couldn't bear to jail herUncle was his only sibling and had raised himso he forced her out of the country.

Now, thinking about it, no one was better suited to marry into the Wilders.

For the three days' wedding, I arranged a traditional ceremony.

Leah flew back and took my place under the veil.

As Grant led the bridal sedan away, Zoe and I stepped out from the shadows side by side.

Zoe stared curiously at Grant.

[Lynn, who do you think wins between Cheryl and your cousin?]

I didn't answer, instead pulling out my phone to book two plane tickets.

[Doesn't matter who winsit won't affect us.]

[Let's go to Iceland for the Northern Lights. Snap some pics and send them to Grant and Cheryl.]

[I have a feeling they won't get the chance this life...]