Fleeing Overseas to Escape My Ex

After being given a second chance at life, I made a deliberate choice to avoid Nevaeh Charlton entirely. When she enrolled at Brookshire University, I left the country and went to study in Hollandia instead. When she followed me there, I disappeared again—this time, chasing war zones across continents as a field reporter, always just out of her reach. Years passed. In the end, I returned home with the woman I loved, ready to marry her and begin a new life together. On the day of our wedding, Nevaeh was stopped outside the venue. Her eyes were rimmed red, and her voice was unsteady. "Why don't you love me anymore?" Chapter 1 Chester's POV Nevaeh Charlton and I had grown up together. Our families were of the same social status, and everyone said we were the perfect childhood sweethearts. That was, until senior year. A transfer student named Edward Rogers showed up in our class. He carried himself with effortless grace, distant and untouchable, like he did not belong to the same world as the rest of us. Nevaeh fell for him almost instantly. Three months later, she finally said it. "Chester, let's call off the engagement. I like Edward. I only want to be with him." I could not accept it, and I made a scene so big that everyone found out about it. The fallout was brutal. Nevaeh was locked up at home under strict watch. As for Edward, my family pulled some strings and had him transferred to a better school in another city. A month later, Edward took his own life after being unable to endure the bullying at school. When Nevaeh heard the news, something inside her seemed to die along with him. She stopped talking and refused to eat. Out of both love and guilt, I dropped everything to stay by her side. Every day, I spoke to her in soft, careful words. I fed her bite by bite, begging her to keep living. Two months later, after planning everything down to the smallest detail, I took her to the snowy mountains she had always dreamed of visiting. When the first ray of sunlight broke through the clouds and lit up the entire snowy peak, golden light poured over everything. It reflected in her hollow eyes, as if something inside them was finally waking up. Slowly, Nevaeh turned to look at me. For the first time in what felt like forever, her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Chester, thank you. For everything." In that moment, I thought I had pulled her out of the darkness. I thought I had found the love of my life again. We later got married, just like everyone expected. We had a son and a daughter, both bright and full of life. However, when they turned ten, everything fell apart. I became seriously ill and eventually was paralyzed, unable to even turn over in bed on my own. That same day, Nevaeh walked into the house holding Edward's hand. Edward was supposed to be dead. I never imagined he was still alive. What shattered me even more was what happened next. My children ran straight into his arms, laughing, calling out, “Dad!" in clear, happy voices. I trembled all over, too stunned to speak. Nevaeh looked down at me from where she stood, her gaze colder than ice. "You never had children of your own," she said. "Our so-called children are actually Edward's and mine. You were just their nanny for all these years. "You destroyed our lives. Your family used their power to push Edward into a corner with no way out. I married you and endured you for years, waiting for this day to finally come." She took a deep breath, then delivered her verdict with a chilling calm. "You won't be alone for long. Your parents will be joining you very soon. Everyone who tore Edward and me apart will pay. Not a single one of you will escape!" After I died, she did exactly what she said. She used every trick she had to send both my parents and hers to prison. One by one, they died in convenient ‘accidents’. After some time, I opened my eyes again. I had been sent back to the day she told me she loved Edward. Chapter 2 The classroom was empty after school, so every voice sounded louder than usual. "Chester, I really do love Edward." Nevaeh stood there, holding Edward's hand. The two of them leaned close together, their bond firm and unshakable. I snapped back to the present and looked at their still-youthful faces. For a moment, everything felt unreal. My throat tightened, and I said nothing. I just bent down to pick up my backpack from the floor. My hands were shaking. I tried to pull the zipper closed, but it kept slipping. Nevaeh watched me, her tone as icy and sharp as ever. "If you want to cry, then cry. I'm not changing my mind." Edward, who was usually so proud, had his head lowered. His voice sounded almost humble. "I'm sorry. This is my fault. I shouldn't have shown up in Nevaeh's life. If you want to hit me or yell at me, I'll take it." I did not even look at him. My eyes stayed on Nevaeh. She immediately reached out and pulled Edward back up when he started to kneel. "This isn't his fault," she said. "I just didn't understand my own feelings before." Then, she looked at me and said the words that still cut just as deep, even after living through all of this once already. "I only ever saw you as a brother." Even with a second chance at life, I still could not accept that. Every morning on the way to school, she used to bring me my favorite blueberry muffins, still warm in the bag. On rainy days, when my favorite shoes got dirty, she would crouch down, not caring about how she looked, and wipe them clean for me. All those years, whenever people teased that we were destined to get married, she never once denied it. However, in the end, I was just a brother to her. I nodded and forced a smile. "All right. We'll cancel the engagement. You two can be together. I'll talk to my parents." She froze for a second, clearly not expecting me to give in so easily. "You don't have to worry," she added, her tone softening a little. "I'll still treat you the same as before." She reached out, but I stepped back slightly. "I'm not feeling well today. I'm heading home." I practically ran out of the school building. Only after I jumped into the car that had come to pick me up did my racing heart finally settle. My phone rang in my pocket. It was my sister, Tracy Smith. "Chester! Have you thought about what I told you last time?" Her bright, eager voice poured through the speaker. "With your grades, staying here to study that boring finance stuff would be such a waste! Come to Hollandia and study media. You can keep me company, too! Okay?" I held the phone as my mind drifted to an old box of my mom's books. Inside were neatly arranged records from her days as a reporter, stories of the risks she took and the things she uncovered. When I was little, I loved flipping through those pages. Back then, I thought my mom was the bravest person in the world. Because of her, I fell in love with that career and decided I wanted to study media, too. However, Nevaeh wanted to attend Brookshire University for finance, so I changed my path just to stay by her side. "Tracy," I cut her off mid-sentence. My voice was still a little hoarse, but it was steady. "I've decided. I'm coming to Hollandia." There was instant silence on the other end. A few seconds passed before she spoke again, disbelief clear in her voice. "Really? Are you sure? What about Nevaeh? Can you really let her go?" Nevaeh… I looked down at the empty water bottle in my hand, and suddenly, a memory from that morning hit me. My throat had been dry, but the water dispenser at school was broken, so I could not get any water. I saw Nevaeh carefully hand her own cup to Edward, her voice soft. "Drink slowly. It's really cold." At the time, I had been too focused on fixing my mistakes in a problem set to think much of it. However, that memory overlapped with other memories with Nevaeh, who would always notice I was thirsty before I did and get up right away to fetch water for me. The care that once belonged only to me had been given to someone else, unchanged, as if it had never been mine at all. I spoke into the phone, my voice quiet but firm. "She likes someone else. I'm not going to force my way in between them." After I said that, I hung up and shoved the empty bottle deep into my backpack. When I got home, I told my parents about my plan to study abroad. They were overjoyed and immediately started making arrangements. Then they told me that with my grades, I could leave as soon as I graduated high school. Three months… There were only three months left until graduation. I let out a breath I did not realize I had been holding. Just three months. After that, Nevaeh and I would have nothing to do with each other anymore. Chapter 3 The next morning, I got up early on purpose so I could miss Nevaeh, who usually came to walk to school with me. By the time she walked into the classroom, I had already previewed the lessons for that day. Edward was right beside her. In his hand was my favorite blueberry muffin. Nevaeh met my eyes. She quickly looked a little embarrassed and tried to explain. "I heard from your driver that you came early today. I was going to bring this for you, but Edward was hungry." I lowered my head again, flipping through my book like nothing mattered. "It's fine." She walked over quietly. "Don't be mad about this. Do you want me to go buy you another one?" She still thought I was the same short-tempered guy I used to be. However, I had already lived through this once. I just shook my head. "I'm not mad." It was only a blueberry muffin. I could buy as many as I wanted for myself. With that thought, I pulled out the muffin I had left untouched in my drawer and started eating it right in front of her. Edward, who had been standing behind her looking a little smug, froze for a second. Nevaeh let out a small breath of relief when she saw. "I guess I won't need to bring you blueberry muffins anymore." As she said that, she took out a notebook from her bag. "Your math scores haven't been great lately. I stayed up late to organize these notes for you. Take a look!" Maybe due to her guilt, the notes were even more detailed than before. They were clear enough that even an idiot could understand them. I took the notebook, then handed it straight to Edward with a gentle smile. "I think you need this more than me." Edward's face darkened instantly. "Chester, are you trying to make me mad?" "I know I'm not as strong in math as you are, but Nevaeh's always made notes for you. Now you give her notes to me right in front of her, actually because you're blaming me for the connection between us, don't you?" As he kept talking, his whole body started trembling, as if he had just been deeply humiliated. I had not expected his reaction to be that dramatic. Nevaeh stepped forward and pulled him into her arms, gently comforting him. Then, she looked at me. "I know you're upset, but don't make things hard for Edward. He has his pride." I almost laughed. How had I never noticed before that Nevaeh could be so blind? Edward tugged on her sleeve and shook his head. "Don't argue with Chester because of me. This really is my fault. Maybe I'm just too insecure, so I misunderstood him. "I'm sorry." Before Nevaeh could even respond, I spoke first. "No, I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't realize I hurt your feelings." Nevaeh froze. Even Edward opened his mouth then closed it again, clearly not expecting that from me. I looked at Nevaeh and placed the notebook back into her hands. "From now on, you don't need to come find me anymore. I don't want Edward to feel uncomfortable." With that, I turned and went back to my seat, burying myself in my studies again. Only Nevaeh remained standing there, unable to snap out of her shock for a long time. Chapter 4 Maybe what I said had had some effect, as Nevaeh stopped looking for me. It lasted for a few days before she started again, stubborn as ever. She would press her notes into my hands, and sometimes she would stay behind, insisting on helping me work through problems. "Aren't you coming to Brookshire University with me to study finance? Your math still needs work." For once, I did not argue. In her world, I was still the same guy who would follow her without hesitation, no matter what she chose. Maybe in this new life, we could at least be friends, even if we could not be together. However, every time I looked up from studying, tired and unfocused, I would catch Edward staring at me with quiet resentment. Then, one month before final exams, everything snapped. I had just walked out of the school gates and was about to head to the bookstore across the street to pick up some reference books. I saw Nevaeh rushing toward me. She was dragging Edward along with her. His face was pale, and there was blood on his clothes. Before I could even react, she stopped right in front of me. "Chester!" Her voice was tight, her anger barely held in. "You hate him so much that you hired people to beat him up outside of school?" I froze. I looked at Edward. Half his face was swollen, and the way he looked at me was full of fear and anger. "I have no idea what you're talking about." I frowned, a sense of disbelief rising in my chest. "No idea?" Nevaeh let out an icy laugh that quickly caught the attention of the students nearby, who began turning to look. "When those thugs were kicking him, they said Mr. Smith told them to teach Edward a lesson. Who else would use such disgusting methods besides you? "So this is the real you! All that patience was just an act." I looked at Edward. He was trembling. "Chester, if you've got the guts, fight me fair and square instead of pulling dirty tricks like this. "We're both guys. You should be ashamed of yourself for chickening out.” As he spoke, his body shook even more. "I didn't do it." I looked straight at Nevaeh, my voice calm. "I wouldn't stoop that low." "Where's your proof? Who's going to believe you?" She would not listen. Edward's condition and his words had completely clouded her judgment. She paused for a moment, like she was making a final decision. Then, her voice turned icy, each word clear and sharp. "Edward. Hit him back, just like how he hit you." The words exploded in my ears. I stared at Nevaeh in disbelief. She was telling Edward to hit me. All my life, even my parents had never laid a hand on me. Edward looked startled, too. He shook his head. "Nevaeh…" "Do it!" She shoved him lightly toward me, then grabbed hold of me, her hands locking me in place. "He owes you. I'm right here. No one's going to touch you ever again!" More and more students gathered around us, their whispers buzzing like a swarm of mosquitoes. Under all those eyes, Edward looked even more helpless and fragile. He raised his hand slowly, his fingers trembling. It was as if he finally made up his mind. He shut his eyes and swung. Smack! The sound was sharp and loud. Pain burned across my face. The force was strong enough to make my ears ring. I tried to struggle, but Nevaeh's grip tightened, her nails digging into me in warning. She was born with immense strength. However, she hesitated when she saw the blood trickling from my nose. She probably had not expected Edward to hit that hard. Something flickered in her eyes. When she saw Edward standing there, shaking after the slap, she immediately let go of me and gave him a hug. "It's okay now." Then, she looked back at me. "I'm still willing to tutor you if you apologize properly now. We can still go to Brookshire University together. "You’ve always wanted us to move out, right? We could even buy a place near campus…" I looked at her. Suddenly, I laughed. "Brookshire University? You can go with Edward. "I won't be joining you two." Chapter 5 ’You want me to be your nanny again, just like in my last life? Keep dreaming!’ I thought. Before I could stop myself, I stepped forward and slapped Edward hard across the face, right in front of Nevaeh. Then I looked at both of them, my gaze icy. "Remember, this is my doing." I had put all my strength into that slap. Edward's cheek swelled up instantly, and the pain made his whole body tremble. "Chester!" Nevaeh's voice shook with disbelief and anger. "How dare you! So you're not even pretending to tolerate him anymore in front of me?" I took a slow breath, my tone steady. "Why should I pretend? I'm just being clear and straightforward, hitting someone who deserves it in front of you. If I'm going to be accused anyway, I might as well make it true." I bent down, picked up my backpack, brushed the dust off it, and slung it over my shoulder. "Nevaeh, take your Edward and stay away from me." I met her eyes and said each word slowly, "You make me sick." Then, I turned and walked away. Behind me, Nevaeh completely lost her temper. "If you've got the guts, don't ever contact me again! When we get to Brookshire University, don't expect me to help you!" ‘Who cares?’ I thought. I did not respond. The crowd around us silently parted to make way. Their weird looks followed me, but I did not pay them any attention. From that day on, the relationship between Nevaeh and me became strange. Even though we were still in the same classroom, I treated her like she did not exist. She tried to talk to me a few times, but I ignored her every time. Once, she handed me a blueberry muffin as a peace offering. I threw it straight into the trash in front of everyone. The confusion and anger in her eyes grew deeper and deeper. Eventually, she started ignoring me, too. However, none of that mattered to me anymore. Final exams finally came to an end. After handing in my last paper, I walked out of the exam hall into the warm, radiant sunlight, pausing to take a deep breath. My parents were waiting outside, both of them wearing relaxed, proud smiles. "How did it go?" my mom asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Pretty well," I said with a smile. All I was really thinking about was my study abroad application. I had already received my acceptance from a university in Hollandia before finals. As soon as my results were submitted, I would receive my official offer and head there to start my studies. "That's great. Let's go home. I made a ton of your favorite food!" my mom said happily. When we got back, I started packing. It was time to leave. Chapter 6 There was still a delicate box sitting on my desk. Inside were all the little things Nevaeh had given me over the years, along with a thick stack of letters she had written to me. I opened the box and glanced inside. Then, without hesitation, I picked it up, walked out to the yard, and tossed the whole thing into the trash. "Chester?" My mom stood in the doorway, looking at me in surprise. "They're useless now. It’s better to throw them away." I dusted off my hands, my tone light. She walked over and pulled me into a gentle hug. "Good. It's time to move forward." The days before leaving the country passed quickly. I met up with friends, spent time with my family, and got everything ready for the trip. I deliberately blocked out anything related to Nevaeh and Edward. All I knew was that she had tried to contact me many times, but every attempt failed. Her mom said she cried for a long time on the day she found out I had thrown away all the gifts and letters. She said she did not understand why I had changed like that. She said she regretted it. As for me, I did not know what she was supposed to regret, and I did not care to figure it out. All I felt was excitement for the chapter ahead of me. The airport was loud and crowded. After checking in my luggage, I stood with my parents for one last goodbye. "When you get there, you have to video call us every day," my mom said, her eyes red. "I will, Mom. Don't worry." "If you ever run short on money, tell me," my dad added, patting my shoulder firmly. "Don't make yourself suffer." I promised them both and said a lot more things I did not even fully remember. Just as I was about to go through security, someone came running toward me, out of breath. She was stopped outside the checkpoint. "Chester!" Nevaeh's hair was messy, as if she had rushed over. "Weren't you supposed to come to Brookshire University with me? Why did your parents say you're going abroad? "Where are you going?" There was panic in her voice, impossible to hide. I did not respond. I kept walking, letting her cry out behind me until security escorted her away. When the plane finally took off, I looked out the window at the city shrinking below. My heart was calm. I knew that my new life, free from Nevaeh’s clutches, had finally begun.