Chapter 6 Refusing To Get Involved

Ximena finally recognized me. Her face shifted between shades of red and green, and although hostility blazed in her eyes, she didn't dare challenge me.

Sitting down and pulling my mom along with me, I started to gripe. "I wasn't keen on attending today. Mathias was insistent that I come with him. The whole affair is just dull."

"This is a significant event, not something to find dull," my mother remarked in a gentle, affectionate voice as she held my hand.

Casting a casual glance at Ximena, I continued the conversation. "It really is dull, Mom. By the way, I've asked Lanny to find us some housemaids. Mathias thinks I need to put on some weight, so I'm planning to eat more and take it easy."

Ximena bit her radiant lip, clearly struggling to hold back.

"It's high time you did that. The home you share with him is immense; there's no way you could manage it on your own," my mom concurred.

"I initially wanted some quality alone time with him, but I've had my fill of that," I stated, my words leaving room for interpretation. After all, in Mathias's life, Ximena was but a fleeting presence, eclipsed by more significant players like Olivia.

All of a sudden, Ximena rose and made a hasty exit.

Zendaya trailed closely behind her, likely feeling equally uncomfortable.

When the evening's activities finally concluded, I opted not to return home with Mathias. Instead, I chose to savor some quality moments with my parents.

"Fine, I'll be on my way." Mathias never particularly concerned himself with my whereabouts, as long as I didn't cause him any humiliation.

My dad remained engrossed in animated discussions with friends, seemingly unaware that the event had come to a close. My mom handed me the car keys and instructed me to wait for her in the parking lot while she endeavored to conclude my dad's extended conversation.

In the parking lot, just as I was about to enter the car, I saw Mathias embroiled in a heated moment with Ximena.

Visibly distraught, Ximena gripped the hem of Mathias's attire. "You've treated me so well; can there really be no sincerity behind it? I can't accept that."

"Whether you accept it or not is your issue. Just cease pestering me from now on," Mathias retorted, breaking free from Ximena's hold.

He was always like this. Each time he lost interest in someone, he would become indifferent toward them.

Did Ximena actually think that a mere apartment gift meant she was the love of his life?

Catching sight of me, Mathias's eyes conveyed a mix of impatience and disdain, as though I were the one causing him grief.

Swiftly, I entered the car and secured the locks. Had it not been for waiting on my parents, I would have accelerated out of there at once.

Seeing as I seemed nonchalant about his affairs, Mathias did something out of character: he approached my car, tapping on the window to signal for me to exit.

I furrowed my brow, shook my head, and silently mouthed the word, "No."

At that moment, my phone buzzed. It was Mathias. "Rylie, step out of the car now!"

"I have no intention of getting entangled in whatever drama you're caught up in," I declared, locking eyes with his livid gaze through the window.

I had made up my mind: If I couldn't divorce Mathias before he met Olivia, I would endure until he suggested the divorce. This strategy would also let me secure a portion of the Murray Group's shares.

In my previous life, Mathias had asked for a divorce after doggedly pursuing Olivia for a year, revealing his true intentions to our family.

I had refused, trying by all possible means to win him back for nearly a year, and it all ended in complete failure.

Holding onto thoughts of revenge after coming back to life seemed like foolish persistence. The past increasingly felt like a mere dream. I wasn't about to go mad in my current reality over a past nightmare.

"Come out this instant!" Mathias shouted angrily, likely never having seen such defiance from me before.

Ximena approached, her cheeks stained with tears, and she clung to Mathias's clothes once more.

Considering she was a bit famous, why was she acting so desperate and clingy in front of Mathias? Then, it felt as though I was staring into a mirror reflecting my past self. I realized I had no room to judge.

Mathias glared at me furiously, then suddenly took Ximena's hand, leading her to his car. As I watched him drive away, I exhaled a sigh of relief.

By the time my parents made it back to the car, I was nearly asleep.

"You chatted so long that Rylie almost fell asleep waiting for you!" my mom chided my dad.

"Oh, we had some project issues down south that needed thorough discussion about approvals," my dad explained as he buckled his seatbelt.

Sitting in the backseat, I felt overwhelmingly sleepy.

In the past, my dreams were consumed with the chase after Mathias. Now, they were plagued by memories of my previous life. It felt as though the heavens were forever reminding me of the hardships I'd suffered.

"Mom, I feel like eating roast chicken," I announced. Seeing me in the back, my mom joined me there. I immediately gripped her hand tightly, leaning into her.

This was the warm and reassuring embrace only a mother could provide.

In the final moments of my previous life, my parents had wept beside my bed, aging overnight from their profound sorrow and despair.

"You want roast chicken at this late hour?" My mom patted my hand, looking slightly annoyed. "What happened today? Did you argue with Mathias? You seldom came home in the past few years. Are you avoiding him by coming home with us tonight?"

"I guess love blinded me in the past!" I responded cheerfully. "From now on, I'll be your devoted daughter."

Everyone sort of knew about my unrequited feelings for Mathias. So, my words caught my mom off guard, and my dad nearly lost control of the car.

"You don't have feelings for Mathias anymore?" my dad inquired.

I still did, but that wouldn't stop me from moving on.

After all, clinging to him was futile. He wasn't mine; he belonged to Olivia, that captivating young woman.

"Dad, we've been married for five years. What's there to love or not love anymore? I think I should focus on other aspects of my life, not just make my world about him," I stated with resolve.

"That's a sensible perspective. Take Mathias, always the subject of rumors. I've been uncomfortable with it for quite some time!" my dad finally said, clearly dissatisfied with Mathias.

He had refrained from speaking out earlier because of my feelings for Mathias, worried his comments might alienate me from him.

I concurred, declaring, "Exactly, what a jerk!"

Seizing the opportunity, my parents began to air their grievances about Mathias, revealing the extent of their silent endurance for my benefit.

A wave of sadness and guilt washed over me, making it hard to raise my head.

When we finally arrived home, it was already late. I showered and then headed for bed. After a little while, I heard a knock on my door. Still half-asleep, I asked, "What is it, Mom?"

"Didn't you say you wanted roast chicken? I made some for you. Would you like to eat before going back to sleep?" my mom offered.

Immediately, I snapped to full alertness. Sitting on the bed and stunned for a moment, I felt my eyes brimming with tears.

Since my return to life, I hadn't shed a tear, even when tormented by vivid memories from my previous life. I'd become emotionally calloused, resigned to whatever came my way.

But now, as my mom stood there with the dish I'd casually mentioned wanting, my eyes welled up with tears, and I couldn't help but feel like crying.