The Other Side of Reality

After being reborn, I decide to write my younger brother Marcus Jensen's name on the marriage application. This time, I will fulfill Jessica Carter's wishes. In this life, I'm the one who dresses Marcus in the groom's suit and slips the engagement ring onto his finger. I personally orchestrate every encounter between them. When she takes Marcus to Lisbeth, I head south to Humridge College without hesitation. Why am I doing this? Because in my previous life, even after I turned 50, Jessica and our son were still on their knees begging me for a divorce. They wanted me to let her have one final chance at love with Marcus. In this new life, I only want to spread my wings and soar higher. I'm done with romantic entanglements. Chapter 1 "Just fill in the name and give it to me," Jessica Carter said, rapping her knuckles impatiently on the table. I stared at the marriage application. As my fingers lightly traced the rough edge of the paper, my thoughts drifted. In my past life, I wrote my name down as seriously as if I were signing a royal decree before excitedly dragging her off to buy wedding favors. I ended up getting chewed out by Jessica, all because she was in a rush to go home and make soup for a sick Marcus Jensen. I gave a noncommittal response. "Yeah, okay." I glanced up, taking in her agitated expression and the way her eyes kept darting to her watch. Jessica was wearing a white shirt-dress today. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her slender forearms. I remembered that Marcus loved it when she dressed like this. He said she looked clean and fresh. "If you've got things to take care of, go ahead," I said, forcing down the bitter tide rising in my chest and feigning nonchalance. "I'll submit it once I fill it out." Relief washed over Jessica's face, and her tone softened slightly. "Don't worry. Since we're getting married, I'll take responsibility for you. But stop being jealous of Marcus from now on. If people find out, it'll damage his reputation." I stayed silent. In my past life, I'd explained myself countless times. But in her eyes, I was just a jealous, petty elder brother who couldn't tolerate his kindhearted younger sibling. Jessica didn't say anything else and hurriedly turned to leave. I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart, but my mind couldn't stop replaying scenes from my past life. On our wedding night, Jessica had used the excuse of caring for her sick younger brother and stayed out all night. Other than that, when she was getting stationed at a new base, she only brought Marcus along, claiming he'd never been to Lisbeth before. Even on our son's first month birthday, Jessica was too busy consoling the recently divorced Marcus to show up. And right before I died, I heard my son pleading in my ear, "Dad, just let Mom go. You can't compare to Uncle Marcus, anyway. She's been miserable with you all these years. Let her be happy." I lay in that hospital bed looking at my indifferent wife beside me. She didn't say a word. That deathly silence was her tacit agreement. I bit down hard on my lower lip, only releasing it when I tasted the metallic tang of blood. I had decided that I wouldn't repeat those mistakes in this life. I picked up the pen and slowly wrote the name "Marcus Jensen" in the applicant field. Since Jesicca loved Marcus that much, I'd grant her that wish. I handed the completed form to the clerk, took the marriage certificate, and walked out of the City Hall. I didn't feel sad but rather an indescribable sense of liberation. In my past life, Marcus and I were adopted by the Carter family after our parents died in the line of duty. Marcus had a way with words that made the Carters' elders favor him over their own son. Jessica's mother, Margaret Sullivan, had long harbored the idea of him marrying her daughter. But with a single, well-placed "I don't want to compete with Zachary", Marcus effortlessly made Jessica willingly marry me instead. Chapter 2 In reality, Marcus was just stringing Jessica along. After all, she was just an ordinary soldier at the time. Instead, he was holding out for someone he considered more impressive. I visited the college to inquire about the necessary preparations required for enrollment, as well as living expenses. Only after I had all the details straight did I feel reassured enough to head back. When I returned to Jessica's military housing and walked through the door, I heard Marcus whisper, "Jess, you rushed back to be with me instead of accompanying Zach. Won't he be upset?" "I can spend time with him anytime," she replied. "But you're unwell, and I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone at home." He chuckled, his voice dropping into a teasingly forlorn tone. "Will you still treat me well after you marry him?" "Of course," Jessica replied firmly. "Who else would I be nice to if not you? If Zachary mistreats you, I'll divorce him." My fists clenched tightly as I fought to swallow the bitter pang in my heart. Even after a second chance at life, hearing her speak of me with such cold indifference still stung. I composed myself and walked into the house as if nothing had happened. Noticing my presence, Jessica walked out of Marcus' room with a hint of embarrassment on her face. She explained, "I-I just saw Marcus wasn't feeling well, so I went in to check on him." I gave a noncommittal hum and returned to my room. In my past life, I'd argued with her countless times over their ambiguous relationship. But in this life, I wasn't going to bother anymore. She called after me, "Zachary, why don't we buy some wedding favors to give out to the neighbors?" I glanced at her in surprise, then realized this was probably her way of compensating me for not making a fuss. "No need. There's no point in such formalities," I answered. She froze for a moment, probably finding it hard to believe that I'd actually refuse her suggestion. "Zach, are you upset because Jess took care of me?" Marcus emerged from his room, his face the picture of hurt and innocence. He was wearing the dress suit I'd specifically bought for my wedding photos. I'd scrimped and saved for half a year in my previous life to afford it, but never once wore it. Seeing my gaze, he hastily explained, "I saw this outfit on your bed today and thought it looked nice, so I tried it on. I forgot to take it off." He lowered his head, wringing his fingers together like a child who'd done something wrong. Jessica couldn't help but say, "Zachary, don't—" I cut her off and said calmly, "It suits you well. Keep it, then. I never wore it, anyway." I could still smell the faint mix of sweat and blood on the outfit. Just thinking about it made my stomach turn. Under their astonished gazes, I returned to my room and locked the door. Later, I pulled out my document folder, which contained my acceptance letter from Humridge College. I'd always loved the South, and this was for a finance program I was truly passionate about. In my past life, I'd given up my education for Jessica's sake and willingly stayed home to take care of her family. This time, I was fortunate to still have a chance, and I was determined to live for myself. I flipped through the calendar. In ten more days, I would be able to leave this place. Time was tight, but I had to make every second count. A sudden knock broke my focus, and I opened the door impatiently. Jessica stood there, holding a plate of pasta, and asked softly, "Are you hungry? I made you some pasta." For a moment, I was dazed. In my past life, she was either indifferent or openly hostile toward me. I hadn't seen this kind, tender side of hers in years. Chapter 3 I replied, "No, thanks. I already ate out." "How is that possible? Aren't you usually the one who never wants to spend a dime?" Jessica asked. Her words stung, precisely because they were once true. I'd been frugal to a fault, saving every penny from my part-time job just to spend it on her and buy her stuff. Now that I was going to college, there was so much to spend on, and every penny also had to be carefully budgeted. I looked up at her and said calmly, "I remember giving you the money a few days ago to buy wedding supplies. It looks like you didn't buy anything with it, so just return it to me." Jessica froze for a second, then offered an awkward explanation. "That money… I used it to buy dress shoes for Marcus." I couldn't help pursing my lips. Seriously? It was the same nonsense as always. "If there's nothing else, I'm closing the door and going to bed," I said. "I'll pay you back tomorrow," Jessica said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "We're married. Do you really have to make such a big deal about this?" I couldn't help but sneer at her words. "So, I'm not even allowed to fuss over the fact that my hard-earned savings are being spent on someone else?" I retorted. Even though Jessica knew she was wrong, she still muttered stubbornly, "You're being unreasonable." I didn't bother arguing with her anymore and slammed the door shut. Over the next few days, I sold off some of my worthless personal items—the sentimental keepsakes from my past life. Looking back now, they were nothing but cheap junk. I bundled everything up and sold it to a scrap collector for a small amount of money. As I continued packing that afternoon, Jessica stood in front of me, holding the money. She said stiffly, "Here's your money." I took it and nodded. "Thanks." She looked at me with a complicated expression before her eyes fell on my packed luggage. "I've decided that Marcus will join me at the duty station in Lisbeth first. There's no need for you to pack." I nodded and continued packing. Jessica seemed unsettled by my attitude, clearly not used to me being so indifferent. "What's wrong with you lately? It's like you've become a different person." I turned away impatiently as I didn't want to complicate matters. She didn't love me, but if she noticed Marcus' name on the marriage papers, she might still push to redo it with me for his sake. But I wanted nothing more to do with this scumbag couple. "It's nothing. I just want to pack my things," I said. "Once you're in Lisbeth, I'll move back to the countryside." Jessica looked relieved and explained, "It's not that I don't want you to come with me, but Marcus has never been to Lisbeth and wants to visit. In a few months, I'll arrange for you to join me." I nodded absentmindedly. In my past lives, she never arranged for me to join her for eight long years. It wasn't until Marcus married a prestigious military family's daughter that Jessica, in crushed acceptance, brought me to Lisbeth. My silence was clearly unnerving her. When we were alone, I'd normally chatter nonstop. But now, my reticence made her restless. "Didn't you always want to take wedding photos? Let's go to the studio tomorrow." No way was that happening. I planned to buy supplies for college tomorrow. Just as I was about to fabricate an excuse, Marcus walked in. He draped his arm affectionately around Jessica's shoulders. "What's this about a studio? I want to take pictures, too." She laughed and patted his head. "Sure. We can all go together tomorrow." "You guys go ahead. I have something to do tomorrow," I said. Jessica frowned. "What could possibly be more important than taking our wedding photos?" Chapter 4 "Let's go take the photos first. I'll go with you to buy whatever you need afterward," Jessica said firmly, as if giving me no room for refusal. Marcus chimed in, "Yeah, Zach. You're not refusing to go because of me, are you?" At that point, I didn't feel like arguing and just nodded in agreement. Early the following morning, I could hear Jessica fussing in Marcus' room, coaxing him out of bed. The bright red numbers on the calendar reminded me that my freedom was just four days away. Just as my patience was wearing thin, they finally dragged their feet out of the room. Jessica diligently fetched hot water and personally washed Marcus' face. I must have been blind in my past life to naively think that once we were married, she'd treat me the same way. I was lost in thought when Jessica shyly walked over to me, holding a ring. "Mrs. Wilson said couples these days wear wedding rings, so I got you one." I didn't take it when I recalled there had been no rings in my past life. As soon as Marcus saw it, he frowned. "That looks great. I want one, too." I generously offered, "Then take it." Jessica's face instantly darkened. "Stop messing around. This is our wedding ring." Marcus snatched the ring, slipped it onto his own finger, and waved it at her. "Does it look good on me?" She looked at him with undisguised affection and nodded with a smile. Then, she turned to me guiltily and whispered, "I'll… I'll buy you another one next time." I nodded indifferently. I'd heard her make promises like that countless times and never seen her follow through. … At the photography studio, Marcus went first and even took several photos with Jessica. When it was my turn with her, the photographer raised his camera but awkwardly lowered it again. "Oops. Sorry, but I'm all out of film." I secretly cheered, but kept a straight face, saying calmly, "Oh. Forget it, then." As we left the studio, Jessica pulled a train ticket from her pocket and handed it to me. It was a standing-room-only ticket to Lisbeth, departing in four days. "I don't mean to leave you behind. I'll get settled first and wait for you there," she said. The trip would take three days and nights. I had no idea how she thought I could stand for that long during the journey. Besides, there was only one spot for family accompaniment, so where was I supposed to live once I got there? But asking now wouldn't get me a satisfactory answer. Seeing me accepting the ticket, Jessica was visibly relieved. "Don't worry. Even if you don't stay in the military housing, you're still my one and only husband. I'll treat you well from now on. By the way, I only treat Marcus as my younger brother." At that moment, because she had never spoken to me so tenderly before, I felt my guard slip a little. Suddenly, a truck came speeding around the corner straight toward us. Jessica grabbed Marcus' hand and pulled him to safety. In the chaos, I felt someone shove me. As the car barreled toward me, I froze in terror. The vehicle swerved sharply and hit me, dragging me along the ground. The pain was so intense that I blacked out, and cold sweat streamed down my face. The driver hurriedly jumped out of the car and asked incoherently, "Young man, are you okay? Are you hurt?" A crowd began to gather, pointing and murmuring. My gaze cut through the onlookers, fixing squarely on Jessica. She was comforting Marcus and was completely unaware of what had just happened to me. Or perhaps she noticed and simply didn't care. Chapter 5 I smiled bitterly, and the last shred of hesitation in my heart vanished completely. So, this was what Jessica meant by treating me well from now on. The driver soon took me to the hospital. After a thorough examination, it turned out I only had some cuts and minor internal displacement. My whole body ached as I lay in the hospital bed, but my mind was surprisingly calm. Late that night, Jessica walked in with exhaustion written all over her face. Seeing I was awake, a flicker of panic crossed her features. "Are you alright? Do you feel any better? I looked at her coldly and said nothing. She wrung her hands nervously as she explained, "Marcus was traumatized by the accident. I've been staying with him this whole time, so…" Under my unwavering gaze, her words faltered, and she trailed off awkwardly. "Listen. It all happened so fast, and Marcus was closer to me. I just reacted on instinct…" Jessica paused, seemingly searching for the right words. "I didn't know you would get hit." I interrupted her, "When are you planning to leave for Lisbeth?" She replied hesitantly, "Tomorrow." "Got it. I need to rest now. You should go," I said, closing my eyes and dismissing her. Jessica seemed to want to say more, but in the end, she took the hint and left. … The next day, Margaret came to visit me in the hospital. She carried a thermal lunchbox, her face wreathed in smiles. "Zachary, Jessica asked me to look after you. Are you feeling better?" "I'm feeling much better. Thank you, Mom," I said. As she poured me some soup, she rambled on. "Jess is so clumsy. I don't know if she'll be able to take good care of Marcus…" Halfway through, she seemed to realize her slip and paused awkwardly. "Mom, the one marrying Jessica is Marcus." Margaret was stunned. It took her a long moment to process what I'd said. "What… What did you say?" "The marriage application I submitted was for Marcus," I replied. Her face went from shock to pure delight. "You really did the right thing. I knew you were the sensible one," she said, gripping my hand excitedly. "Thank you, Zachary. Thank you for making this possible for them." I smiled faintly and said nothing. Making it possible for them? I was really just making it possible for myself. Jessica's heart had always belonged to Marcus. Even if I had devoted myself to her in my past life, she still left all her inheritance to him in her old age. "Mom, let's not tell them about this yet." Margaret smiled from ear to ear. "Okay. I understand. So… What are your plans for the future?" "I'll be leaving in a few days, too," I said, but didn't reveal where I was going. She wanted to continue asking, but her mind was occupied with Jessica and Marcus' wedding. Seeing that, I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. I didn't notify anyone on the day I was discharged. Before leaving, I wrote a letter to Jessica. "Jessica, by the time you read this, I'll already be on a train heading south. I know you've always loved Marcus, so I'm stepping aside for the two of you. Our fate together has run its course, and I wish you both happiness." I slipped the letter, along with the train ticket to Lisbeth and the marriage certificate, into an envelope and mailed it to their address. After that, I dragged my suitcase and headed straight for the train station.