Chapter 5: The Author Strikes Back

Dad glared at Ethan, walked over and said: “I heard everything. Ethan shouldn’t have said that. He’s sorry.”

Then he looked at Carter: “But you really shouldn’t have done this. Lillian’s only been married a year and you bring home another woman? I’m taking her home. You two are done.”

Mom was crying, her face streaked with tears: “Our Lillian was always cherished, I was scared to even hold her too tight! When you asked for her hand, you promised forever, to always put her first. But now?”

He just stood there, silent.

My heart felt like a stone was pressing on it, suffocating. I wanted to scream the truth, but how could I? How could I? No one would believe me.

Then I heard a voice behind me.

The other “Lillian” came over and stood beside Carter, only glancing at me, her voice flat as ice: “I’ve thought it over, I can accept him bringing someone else home.”

You could hear a pin drop.

The old me would never have accepted that—what’s mine is mine, not to be shared. Not even a scarf, and definitely not a husband.

Mom tried to talk her out of it, but she stayed cold, her eyes cold, locked on me.

Carter edged me behind him, gripping my hand tight.

Carter had taken quite a few hits, his face bruised. I went back to the room and got the first aid kit to treat his wounds. He took the cotton ball, his fingers gentle.

“Why are you crying again?” His voice was gentle. His hands, even gentler, holding my hand as he dabbed at the scrape on my arm I hadn’t even noticed.

I sniffled. He paused and looked up. “Did I hurt you?”

I shook my head and threw my arms around him.

Carter wrapped his arms around me, his chin resting on my head. He murmured, “I’m sorry. I should have realized sooner.”

“This isn’t your fault. If you hadn’t noticed, I’d still be wandering.” I squeezed his hand.

Carter held me tighter, swallowing hard. “Lillian, let me tell you a story.”

“There was this kid, born into a military family. All the men served, and he was no different. Up before dawn, strict parents, used to life and death. Then, one day...”

He looked down at me and smiled: “He learned he had an arranged engagement. The girl was bright and lively, and from the first moment, he couldn’t forget her. But fate is cruel, and maybe he was too dull, so she didn’t like him…”

I cut him off. “That’s not true! She liked him a lot!”

He squeezed my hand. “Let me finish.”

“He thought she didn’t care for him, but didn’t realize her body had been taken over by someone else. At the time, he didn’t notice, or maybe he sensed it but thought it was just his imagination.”

“Until an accident happened, and her whole family was framed. He…” He hesitated.

Finally, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath: “Long story short, he died.”

I stared at him, lost. I knew he was talking about us, but I didn’t get that last part. My head spun.

Carter sighed and smiled: “Maybe heaven took pity on them, so he got a second chance. This time, first thing he did was make sure the girl was really his.”

“But what he didn’t expect was that her soul was there all along, and she actually cared.”

For a long time, I couldn’t speak. It was all just too much. My throat closed up.

Carter lowered his head and gently kissed the tear tracks on my face: “I’m sorry. I realized too late. You suffered.”

My throat burned and I choked: “You’re lying.” I blinked back tears.

“Lillian, it’s all in the past.” He brushed my hair back.

I touched his cheek. “She didn’t suffer.”

“She said as long as she could watch you and be with you, she was happy.” I meant every word.

We looked into each other’s eyes. I reached up and kissed him. Carter didn’t move, just smiled. I tried to hide my face, but he caught my hand.

I asked: “Is it weird for you?” My cheeks burned.

He blinked: “What?” He looked confused.

I pouted: “Aren’t you not used to my face? After all, you always looked at that face before, and now suddenly it’s someone else’s. Weird, huh?”

He laughed: “As long as it’s you, I’ll get used to any face.” He grinned.

I grumbled: “So, do you think I’m prettier now, or before?” I nudged him.

Before he could answer, I ran to the mirror and checked myself out. I missed my old face. I sighed, and suddenly Carter scooped me up.

He whispered in my ear, “When you’re better, can I…”

I knew what he meant and quickly covered his mouth. After looking at each other, I nodded, blushing. My face went hot.

Carter gently laid me on the bed, kissing me from my brow to my collarbone, his lips brushing my ear. I shivered, pulling my shoulders up. He soothed me until I relaxed.

Outside, a gentle rain began to fall. I turned in his arms. I listened to the rain.

“Carter.” “Yeah, I’m here.” I looked up: “If you were reborn and still didn’t realize that person wasn’t me, or if I’d disappeared when she took my body, what would you do?” I bit my lip.

Carter chuckled, rubbing my nose: “You think I’m clueless?” He grinned.

I hit him: “I said what if!” I smacked his arm.

He took my hand, paused, then said: “I’d still marry you.” He squeezed my fingers.

“Hm? Why?” “I’d do everything I could to keep your family safe. If I succeeded, I’d divorce you, then go back to the base and just stay there for good.”