During the Christmas holiday, on a snowy road home, my ex-husband, Nolan Vance, and I were in a severe car accident.
When I opened my eyes again, we had both been reborn to the eve of our college graduation, a time that would decide our futures.
In my previous life, our marriage was a seven-year charade of politeness and distance, leaving us more like roommates than husband and wife. He was still hung up on his childhood sweetheart, Blair Kensington, and flat-out refused to have a child with me.
This time, I decided to let go.
I blocked all his social media accounts, changed my phone number, and accepted an offer for advanced studies at Johns Hopkins University.
…
Seven years later, at our ten-year high school reunion, a successful Nolan announced his engagement to Blair.
When he spotted me, he couldn't resist a taunt. "Ava, I know you always carried a torch for me, but you don't have to throw your life away for me."
I didn't respond. I just took the hand of my six-year-old son.
Nolan's face went white, his eyes turning red as he stammered, "Ava, what is this? That boy… he can't be… Whose son is he?"
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1
Seven years apart, Nolan Vance and I met again at our high school reunion, held in a hotel in Manhattan.
I had just come off a twelve-hour coronary artery bypass surgery and was utterly exhausted. I slipped into the banquet hall still in the casual clothes I'd thrown on over my scrubs, without a stitch of makeup on my face.
Nolan was the center of attention, Blair Kensington on his arm, basking in the crowd's adoration.
"Nolan, you're incredible. Just a few years on Wall Street and you're already one of the top traders! You're the pride of our high school!"
"No kidding. I heard major investors are lining up to buy him dinner just for a stock tip. What he makes from one of those meals is more than most of us make in a year!"
"Nolan, I've been dabbling in stocks lately, got any advice?"
Someone in the crowd asked curiously, "Nolan, are you and Blair getting engaged?"
Nolan glanced at Blair, a tender smile touching his lips. "Yes, we're getting engaged on December 20th."
A chorus of congratulations erupted from the crowd.
Then, with a mix of nostalgia and jest, someone called out, "Nolan, are you still in touch with Ava Sterling? You two were inseparable back then. Do you still remember your secret hideout, that abandoned observatory?"
At the mention of my name, Nolan's smile faltered, and a shadow passed over his eyes.
Standing beside him, Blair smiled politely and replied smoothly, "Don't be silly. Nolan and I are getting married. High school games are just that—childish. You can't take puppy love seriously. He's long since forgotten about Ava."
The crowd laughed again, calling them a match made in heaven.
But I knew that in that observatory, Nolan had told me he loved me for the first time.
In our past life, we had been together since high school, marrying right after graduation.
I still remembered the way he’d looked into my eyes, his gaze so open and sincere as he said, "Ava, look at me. I love you. The eyes can't lie."
And I believed him.
But he had lied.
I stepped into the banquet hall, my expression calm despite the bone-deep weariness from work. A few sharp-eyed classmates spotted me immediately.
"Ava! You finally made it. What took you so long?"
"Look at you, dressed so casually! It's a reunion, you could've at least put on a little makeup."
"Did you just get off a shift? Ava, what do you even do for a living now? There are some big shots here tonight. Maybe one of them can hook you up with an easier job!"
A few people snickered, their words a thin veil of concern over a core of mockery.
I paid them no mind, just offering a faint, composed smile.
From the moment I entered, Nolan's gaze was fixed on me.
I greeted him politely, "Long time no see."
He hesitated, his expression unreadable. Then he let out a low, mocking laugh. "Ava. After all these years, you haven't changed at all. Still the same old Ava."
