my former husband ended his life for his ex-girlfriend and I walked away with my baby when my husband learned that his beloved Fiona had passed away he dramatically leaped off the cruise ship during our honeymoon ending his own life only then did I realize he had never truly moved on from her transported back to my teenage years I remembered how he had once let go of my hand without hesitation and walked toward his cherished fion I watched them leave and turned away from that moment Moment On Our Lives became parallel lines destined never to meet a decade later fate brought us together again at a high profile event in Ocean City Gideon had risen among the elite Standing Tall with Fiona affectionately on his arm when he saw me mistakenly enter the venue he couldn't help but speak condescendingly stop holding on to the Past even if you wait another 10 years I still won't love you I ignored him and retrieved my cake eating from the corner his eyes suddenly rened as he grabbed my hand tightly are you trying to provoke me on purpose didn't you once say you'd love me for a lifetime I never imagined I would cross PA with Gideon again in this lifetime at an elite gathering in Ocean City he stood among the crowd with Fiona exuding charm and sophistication a far cry from the awkward boy I once knew the people around him spoke in flattering tones young Master Gideon is is truly impressive securing such a major project at a young age is this your beloved you two make such a striking couple Fiona gazed at Gideon with deep affection and said softly we planning to get married by the end of the year if you have time we'd love for you to join us a round of congratulations followed and someone curiously asked I heard you've been together for 10 years why wait so long to get married I was curious too in my past life Gideon had loved Fiona so much that he had been willing to die for her after being given a second chance he immediately broke up with me I had assumed they would marry right after graduation yet they still hadn't even registered their marriage for a brief moment Gideon's face stiffened but he quickly masked it with a smile you need a career before family I want to give Fiona the best life possible his gaze softened as he looked at her filled with a tenderness that overflowed I recalled how when we were together I had asked him countless times when we could get married he had only agreed under his family's pressure his reluctance painfully obvious it turns out the difference between love and indifference is unmistakably clear I was about to leave when I noticed a small figure and instinctively followed oops champagne spilled everywhere as a waiter holding a tray turned to me with an irritated expression where did you come from are you blind his voice was loud enough to draw the attention of those nearby Gideon's eyes darkened when he saw me Adeline why are you here I lowered my head apologizing to the waiter I'm looking for someone someone in the crowd turned to Gideon intrigued you know her young Master Gideon Gideon tightened his grip on his wine glass his expression unreadable yeah just an ex-girlfriend a guest nearby blurted out you've been with Fiona for 10 years I thought she was your first love the smile on Fiona's face faltered slightly but she quickly recovered holding on to Gideon's hand with a casual laugh We Were Young back then everyone takes a wrong turn once in their life Gideon remained silent his gaze shifting past me to the waiter charge the damages to my account count Let Her Go his tone was calm as if eager to draw a clear line between us in front of Fiona the waiter quickly ushered me toward the exit young Master Gideon is being kind cleaning up your mess but don't expect another favor he sneered at my wrinkled attire this isn't a place for someone like you hurry up and leave I pulled my arm free keeping my tongue polite I'm only here to find someone once I do I'll leave on my own the waiter scoffed rolling his eyes I've seen plenty of women trying to climb up the social ladder do you even belong here if you keep lingering I'll call security wait Gideon's voice came from behind him he sighed rubbing his Temple before looking at me helplessly she's here to find me let me talk to her I was puzzled not understanding why he reacted so strongly wasn't it normal to delete an ex's contact after a breakup besides I had someone at home who was particularly jealous if he knew I still had my ex's contact he'd definitely make a fuss didn't you say you hoped I wouldn't come looking for you after our breakup Gideon's face turned cold as if he wanted to say something but held back I remained calm I don't need breakup compensation Gideon's expression darkened f fur his voice laced with disdain what are you pretending for if you weren't in such a miserable State I wouldn't even be talking to you Fiona quickly sued him with a gentle voice well she was a prestigious University graduate given her current situation let's just consider helping her someone nearby eager to Curry favor sneered oh Fiona you're still so kind but why bother look at her pathetic State just tell her to get lost Gideon's tone was filled with scorn as if he had forgotten that 10 years ago he had been in an even worse situation than I was in my past life Gideon's family had disapproved of Fiona because of her reputation she was a woman who sought shortcuts the first time I met Gideon in college he had just picked Fiona up from a club forced by his family to break up with her during his most depressed times I had stayed by his side supporting him he loved photography so I had used the money I'd saved to start a business to buy him expensive equipment through freezing Winters and scorching Summers I frail as I was had carried dozens of pounds of gear following him just to see him smile who would have thought that he would be the one to confess to me first I had known about his past with Fiona had seen him staring at their photos in a days so when Gideon confessed I had asked him seriously have you truly moved on from Fiona at that time he had held me tightly his voice firm actually I never loved her I just saw her as a good friend it's you I love Adeline let's be together we had dated for seven years even surprising his friends he liked Fiona so much I thought you two wouldn't last but no one knew that Gideon had repeatedly dodged the topic of marriage Adeline I don't believe in marriage can't we just stay like this forever until his parents pressured him into it only then had he reluctantly agreed during our honeymoon after learning about Fiona's car accident he had jumped off the cruise ship leaving behind only a note a note filled with love for Fiona without a single word for me at the end written in his own blood he had scrawled Fiona you're the only one I want to love in this life now I'm coming for you my love for him had turned to ashes at that moment so after being given a second chance when Gideon wanted to break up I hadn't stopped him because I knew I couldn't stop it watching them reunite I had deleted all of Gideon's contact information thinking we would never cross PA pass again but I hadn't expected to encounter them here I wanted to leave but Fiona wasn't willing to let me go so easily she was determined to humiliate me do you even deserve to speak to me look at how you're dressed it's embarrassing here's an idea I can help you get a job here as a waiter if you learn to serve people you could make a five fig salary every month someone eager to please her chimed in with a grin this hotel is an a prime location in Ocean City working here is a rare opportunity you should thank Miss Fiona surrounded and and unable to leave I replied helplessly thank you but I already have a job as a photographer the moment I mentioned photography Gideon's gaze flickered with a complex expression his lips parted slightly but he quickly masked his emotions he averted his gaze and spoke indifferently how much can you even earn from photography Hobbies don't pay the bills since we're old acquaintances I can set you up with a real job I was momentarily taken aback then realized he had misunderstood my love for photography had nothing to do with him in fact the moment I had read that suicide note in my past life I had already given up on him completely when I returned to life I found that all my money had been spent on photography equipment since I couldn't sell it secondhand I had no choice but to use it myself eventually I genuinely fell in love with phot phography this time it wasn't about pleasing anyone else it was for me I declined Gideon's offer again my tone polite but distant my hobby is enough to cover my expenses but thank you for your concern Gideon's expression darkened at my refusal if you don't take the opportunity I'm offering don't come crying to me later I said nothing there was no need to tell him that my work had already been featured in National Publications and top International magazines the licensing fees alone matched if not surpassed his annual income but even if I did say it he'd probably dismiss it as boasting after all dressed in wrinkled pajamas I hardly looked the part of a successful professional not that it was my fault I had only been playing with my son in the sandbox when He Slipped Away downstairs again I hadn't even had time to change before chasing after him as I was about to excuse myself the hotel waiter suddenly pointed at me his expression sharp Balenciaga where did you get those clothes are you a cleaner here stealing from guests I frowned why wouldn't these clothes be mine F sneered her voice derping with mockery yours can you even afford them what kind of wealthy person runs around looking as unkempt as you she dramatically covered her nose figting disgust so filthy did you even wash it before wearing it Gideon's frown deepened Adeline have you really Fallen to such a low point and still refus to admit it I had no interest in engaging with them so I turned to the waiter if you really think I stole something call the police now I knew he was only trying to please Fiona by humiliating me as expected his arrogance wavered if it weren't for the VIP guests today I I'd already have called the police Fiona's eyes brightened at that VIP guests you mean Mr low I heard he's in Ocean City with his family staying here at this hotel Gideon nodded anticipation flashing across his face if our company can get the low family support it would be a game Cher for our project at the mention of Mr low the guests buzzed with excitement that entire building is owned by the low family I heard he married young and already has a child but who did he marry as the speculation continued the lobby manager suddenly rushed in looking panicked a group of Staff followed closely behind him everyone has anyone seen a seven-year-old boy HEK about this tall the manager wiped sweat from his forehead his voice urgent a murmur spread through the crowd could it be the low family's young Master the low air is seven isn't he immediately everyone started searching helping find the child could be the perfect opportunity to Curry favor with the low family Gideon and Fiona eagerly joined the search leaving me alone watching the chaotic scene I turned and walked straight to the dessert section as expected I found my son there his little face smeared with cream happily munching on a pastry I crossed my arms come here star L my son clung to the table leg no just as I was about to pull him out Fiona suddenly appeared blocking my way Adeline what do you think you're doing she scolded she turned to the guests with righteous indignation even if you're desperate to get close to the low family you shouldn't lay hands on someone else's child Gideon arrived at the commotion looking at me with disapproval Adeline I didn't think you'd stoop this low for status and wealth at that moment the waiter eagerly chimed in she also snuck into the banquet and stole a guest's clothing the manager's face turned cold arrest this woman and call the police if she frightens the young Master none of you will keep your jobs Fiona's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she crouched down and put on a kind smile come here sweetheart Auntie will protect you but instead of going to her my son carefully reached for my hand and held on tightly his voice was soft mom I know I was wrong a stuned silence fell over the room I twisted his ear my tone firm did you forget what the doctor said you have cavities and you're still sneaking sweets my son winced and clutched my arm mom I only ate a little I won't get cavities Fiona's face stiffened if he wants to eat let him who are you to scold him I looked at her calmly I'm his mother why wouldn't I a gas rippled through the guests only then did Fiona realize what my son had called me her eyes darted between him and me her expression Frozen I let go of my son's ear and he immediately clung to me attempting to please Mom let's go home I want to see Dad the lobby manager still sweating profusely cautiously stepped forward ma'am are you saying you're Mr lunk wife I nodded yes he exhaled in relief his demeanor instantly changing I apologize for the misunderstanding ma'am would you and the young Master like to return upstairs to freshen up I was about to accept when someone suddenly grabbed my wrist turning around I saw Gideon staring at me in disbelief you're married and have a child I gently pulled my sleeve from his grip my expression indifferent yes I got married after graduation Lachlan and I had met through photography while shooting abroad he had an accident while hiking and fell off a slope the signal was weak and I struggled to pull him back up while waiting for rescue he idly browsed through my photos and we started talking by the time we returned home we had already fallen for each other his family never looked down on my background instead llan had told me Adeline it was your character and strength that made my decision I once thought my past with Gideon had scarred me too deeply to love again but Lin showed me that love should be mutual where both people choose each other the pain of my past life now felt like a distant memory my son tugged on my sleeve mom letun go find Dad I want to play with him but Gideon still wouldn't let go his voice trembled slightly you told me you'd love only me in this lifetime did you really say that a deep male voice interrupted from behind me did she a ripple of respect spread through the crowd as they greeted the newcomer hello Mr low hello chairman low I turned and saw llan standing there his gaze Landing firmly on Gideon he wrapped an arm around my waist and asked casually is this your ex-boyfriend worried he'd get jealous I quickly clarified we dated for a month when we were young but we haven't spoken in 10 years Gideon's face paled I continued my voice steady I never promised to Love You for Life Gideon stiffened he understood what I meant whatever promises had been made in the past no longer mattered but we have so much history he protested how can you just forget everything I sighed why not you're getting married next month and now you want to blame me isn't that a bit much Gideon opened his mouth but Fiona grabbed his arm Gideon let's go she's married it's none of your business but when she tried to pull him away he pushed her aside for the first time he ignored her completely Lachlan chuckled sizing up Gideon with an amused expression so you're her ex he tilted his head slightly a smirk playing on his lips hm her taste was rather ordinary before are you thinking of trying again Gideon paled fumbling for words no I I I raised my hand to stop him Gideon whatever we had is over I have a family now and you have someone you love I wish you happiness those last words hit Gideon hard leaving him speechless his eyes glistened with unshed tears as he stared at me Adeline have you really forgotten our past I can't believe it we were together for so long and you loved me so much loan's displeasure was obvious he let out a cold laugh a month how long is that really longer than our marriage I knew Gideon was referring to our past life when I had stayed by his side for 10 years but telling that to Lan wouldn't make him understand I shook my head cutting Gideon off I haven't forgotten I've moved on I don't care anymore I met his gaze firmly in this life we chose different paths which means the past doesn't matter I returned his own words to him watching his realization dawned on his face Gideon let go of the past it's long over between us as soon as I said this tears welled up in Gideon's eyes I didn't want to continue the conversation but before I could step away Lan spoke in a calm yet authoritative voice I heard someone accused my wife of theft and wanted to report her to the police the waiter trembling quickly bowed an apology it was my mistake I misjudged your wife I sincerely apologized to both of you his arrogance from earlier had completely vanished after dealing with the waiter Lachlan turned to Fiona with a mocking smile you wanted to introduce my wife to a new job at my hotel should I thank you for that his voice was laced with sarcasm Adeline earns millions and royalties a year can you offer her a salary that high Fiona's forced smile faltered and she quickly retreated into the crowd I was just joking don't take it seriously the other guests who had mocked me earlier now avoided ey contact afraid that llan would remember their faces after settling everything llan looked down at me raising an eyebrow I knew he was standing up for me in his own way I wrapped one arm around our son and used the other to hold Lan's waist thanks love I'm not upset anymore Gideon still unwilling to let go took a step forward as if he wanted to say something but under Lan's sharp gaze he stopped himself back upstairs Lan wasted no time calling someone to prepare a fresh set of clothes for me and our son he pulled out his phone and had his assistant custom order a new wardrobe for me he frowned clearly still bothered by what had happened those people look down on you when I'm not around his voice grew colder looks like I need to get rid of any clothes under six figures I quickly stopped his urge to splurge I travel a lot for photography I can't wear expensive gowns everywhere just something durable and easy to wash is fine Lan fell silent for a moment deep in thought then his eyes lit up with a new idea then I'll get you a new car do you prefer a Maserati or a Maybach I shook my head amused by his way of showing affection it was clear he was upset about how I had been treated today over the years llan had always treated me well many people assumed that because I came from an ordinary background I had become a full-time housewife lowering myself to fit into his world but in reality our marriage was built on mutual respect Lan valued my career when work wasn't busy he even traveled with me letting me teach him photography with him life felt no different from any other happy couples especially today after seeing Gideon I had no regrets about my choices I had thought that banquet was the last time I would see Gideon but unexpectedly I ran into him again while out on a photography assignment that day Gideon wore a simple white T-shirt looking fresh and reminiscent of his college days when he saw me he immediately stood up as if he had been waiting Adeline I knew you'd come here he said his voice filled with pain and conflict his eyes searched mine desperately you clearly haven't forgotten the past you still love me don't you instinctively I took a step back my gaze flickered around suddenly realizing where we were this was the park we used to visit together in our previous life I had chosen this spot purely for convenience not expecting Gideon to be here he had been waiting for me I felt a headache coming on why hadn't he given up yet Gideon the past is the past what do you want I exhaled sharply crossing my arms are you just asking if I still love you I've said it countless times I don't why won't you believe me I narrowed my eyes at him my tone growing colder do you want me to say I love you and then what I divorce llan you break up with Fiona and we get back together barely had I finished speaking when Gideon lunged forward eagerly of course we can we can be together again his eyes burned with hope I stared at him stunned I had assumed Gideon was just nostalgic clinging to the idea of the girl who had adored him for 10 years in our past life but I hadn't expected him to actually want to reconcile I took another step back my frown deepening are you crazy in our last life you died for Fiona in this life you're with her and now you want to break up Gideon's face Twisted with pain his voice dropping to a whisper Adeline I wronged you his words hung in the air between us yes I saw Fiona after being reborn Gideon admitted his voice low but after being with her I realized I didn't love her as much as I thought he exhaled heavily eyes filled with regret she's brought up marriage many times but I never agreed I always remembered our unfinished honeymoon from our past life hearing him mention the past I remained calm I remember you left a note saying you'd only marry Fiona Gideon shook his head desperation creeping into his voice but I regret it I don't want to be with her if I had another chance I wouldn't leave you he took a step closer Adeline can we start over this time I'll dedicate myself to you and never CZ you pain again his confession only amused me you want another chance but a second life is already a gift Gideon we adults we must own our choices I met his gaze my tone softer but firm I don't regret this life not leaving you not marrying llan not pursuing my own dreams Gideon clenched his fists we have 10 years of memories together my love isn't less than laan's why did you choose him I smiled and tilted my head we have 10 years but tell me do you know my favorite food what I'm allergic to my favorite color my favorite game with each question Gideon's face ped further I sighed Gideon you say you love me but what exactly do you love my voice softened during those 10 years I always put your needs ahead of mine losing myself in the process what you loved was my selfless unconditional devotion I picked up the camera in my hands and showed it to him in this life I'm living for myself not for anyone else Lan loves me for who I truly am the whole authentic me after that Gideon never sought me out again lachan however asked about him a few times clearly uneasy about my ex-boyfriend he's naturally the jealous type so I told him about my encounter with Gideon in the park and spent quite some time reassuring him not long after I heard that Gideon's company had gone bankrupt that's when I found out Fiona had developed a gambling addiction behind his back she had always had Reckless Tendencies but once she gained access to money her habits spiraled out of control Gideon ever indulgent had entrusted her with the company's finances at her insistence that decision proved disastrous Predators had already set their sights on this naive Reckless upstart laying a trap she never saw coming after a fight with Gideon over me she turned to gambling in a drunken Haze convinced she could win back some some control instead she lost everything terrified of Gideon's reaction she embezzled funds from the company hoping to recover her losses but casinos are not places to win money back she didn't just fail she lost even more Gideon only realized the full extent of the damage when the company's funds ran dry by then it was too late and because he and Fiona were married their debts became shared marital debts while attending a banquet with llan I overheard people discussing the Scandal the listeners could only sigh shaking their heads Gideon once so proud had finally lost everything Gideon was such a promising young man but he made a poor choice marrying that woman wasting half his life yeah I heard she used to be a club girl whenever she lost money she'd resort to Shady dealings the last time Gideon went to find her her suar daddy chased him away Lan frowned at the gossip though he didn't think highly of Gideon he still felt a twinch of sympathy as a fellow man I want to find him a lawyer to help him get a divorce what do you think I nodded sighing inwardly having chosen a different path only to end up like this Gideon's regret must be overwhelming the divorce case was handled swiftly a few days later Gideon met with Lachlan his face was bruised evidence of a recent fight but his expression was calmer than before