I've been secretly dating my brother's best friend, Tyler Jenkins, for seven years. Then one night he was drunk, he said: "Emma Richardson, I'll find you someone better. Can you stop clinging to me?"
I stayed calm and said "okay."
In my past life, I didn't take his suggestion – stubbornly married him. After wedding, he completely ignored me.
While I was hemorrhaging after a car accident with eight months pregnant, he even went to concert with his secretary Jessica Moore.
I knew a heartbreaking truth – he might be someone else's savior.
But he was never meant to be mine.
Tyler froze when he heard the answer.
He clearly hadn't expected me to agree so easily.
The dim lights cast shadows across the booth.
His handsome face had an unusual flush, but his eyes were completely clear. He didn't seem drunk at all.
I sat there obediently, flashing him a gentle smile.
Tyler suddenly dropped his relaxed pose and sat up straight, his expression turning serious. "Emma, did you actually hear what I just said?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I heard it."
Back then , whenever he said stuff like this, I would act like a spoiled kid and beg him not to say that.
But now, I felt strangely calm. Like I was just watching someone else‘ drama unfold.
"Emma, you—"
Before he could finish, my brother David Richardson walked back in.
David spotted Tyler and smirked. "Guess who I just saw outside?"
Without an answer, he continued, "I saw your ex-girlfriend. She looks totally wasted and someone's leading her to a private room…"
Before David finished, Tyler shot up from his seat and strode out of the booth.
Seconds later, we heard shouting and the sound of breaking glass from outside.
I just sat there calmly eating the orange I'd peeled earlier.
Tyler loves fruit but hates peeling it himself. I always carefully peel it for him before he'll take a bite.
Whenever David sees this, he always teases me: "You treat him such nice, but never treat me like this. Don't tell me you're into him."
I've almost revealed our relationship several times.
But Tyler always stroke my hair and speak up first: "Maybe, to Emma, I was more like a real brother than you. A girl looking out for her brother—got a problem with that?"
Eventually, I got the message. He didn't want anyone knowing about us.
So I stopped mentioning it too. Which is why, after seven years together, no one knew we were a couple.
Now, David stood by the door, watching and waiting for the right moment to help.
He glanced back and saw I still eating orange. "Emma, Tyler's out there in a fight. Don't you help him?"
I swallowed the last piece of orange and shook my head. "With my skinny arms? I'd just get in the way."
David raised an eyebrow without say anything before heading out to help.
I sat in the booth for a long time, until the noise quieted down, finally getting up to leave.
Just as I stepped outside, the first I saw the woman Tyler was protectively holding
It was his ex-girlfriend, Jessica Moore, who would eventually become his secretary.
Jessica was drunk and leaning against him like she couldn't stand on her own. Tyler didn't push her away—instead, he held her closer.
His eyes showed anger, and also something he probably didn't even notice himself—concern.
David slid over, eyes glinting with curiosity. "Emma, do you think they might be back together?"
His voice wasn't particularly loud, but Tyler heard it.
Tyler's head snapped up, when he saw me standing nearby, guilt crossed his face.
"I never think about getting back with her," he explained quickly. "She's really drunk…"
I smiled lightly and shook my head. "It's fine, Tyler. I get it. Jessica looks pretty wasted. You should take her home first."
Tyler seemed annoyed at my words but he didn't reject my suggestion.
As he left with Jessica, he made a point to tell David, "Don't let Emma wander around. Get her home early."
Watching them walk away, I felt a sharp pain in my heart like a needle piercing through it.
But I also found it incredibly ironic.
In my past life, I got my wish and married Tyler, but never found the happiness I wanted.
All I wished for my birthday was a simple celebration with him.
But he said: "Birthdays are a waste of time. I'm busy now."
Then I saw photos of him camping with Jessica posted on her social media.
When I had a severe ulcer and please him come with me to the hospital, he said: "I'm not a doctor. Being there won't make you better."
But later I saw him accompanying Jessica to hospital for just a minor cold.
Eventually, I was eight months pregnant, and the car accident cause severe bleeding, the doctor called him urgently to come sign for surgery.
He just said: "Is she dead? If not, don't call me."
Meanwhile Jessica's excited voice came through the phone: "Tyler, this concert was totally worth it! They're all on stage now…"
When the call ended, blood soak through half my bed sheet.
Remembering the crushing pain as I died in my past life, I could barely breathe.
I clutched my aching heart and managed a pale smile.
Tyler, if you don't love me, I won't love you anymore either.
That night, David brought me home right at our dad's curfew.
Next morning, I groggily checked the time on my phone.
Jessica's message appeared on my screen.
She sent a photo of Tyler sleeping at her place with the caption: "Tyler stayed over to take care of me last night."
Seeing her message, I felt nothing and just replied with "ok."
I didn’t want to deal with her.
She just wouldn't let it go. Soon after, she sent another photo.
This time was breakfast.
She said: "Tyler made this heart-shaped eggs for me."
We spent seven years together, Tyler had never once stepped foot in the kitchen.
He naturally claimed kitchen were women's territory, no place for men.
To take care of his health, I sign up for a cooking class—though I had never cooked a single meal this life.
Whenever I was around, he always had delicious meals.
But learning about what he did for Jessica made me realize how ridiculous my efforts had been.
I read the message but didn't reply, putting down my phone continue eating breakfast.
Five minutes later, Tyler suddenly messaged me.
He didn't mention last night at all, just said: "That chicken soup last time was awesome. Make me some more today. I'll wait for you at the office."
"Oh, don't put scallions in it."
Seeing this message, my expression darkened.
Tyler never had any issues with scallions before.
In fact, he always said they enhanced the flavor of soup.
Thinking for a moment, I replied "sure."
After sending the message, I immediately opened DoorDash and ordered the soup to his office.
That evening, I went out for dinner with my brother.
Just as we arrived at the restaurant, I saw Tyler and Jessica walk in arm-in-arm, both smiling happily.
When Tyler spotted us, he instinctively pushed her hand away and walked toward us.
Jessica's expression changed slightly, but she quickly smiled and said, "We're late, there aren't empty tables. Would you two mind we join in?"
Tyler didn't wait for our answer and just sat down next to me.
David's eyes widened immediately, he quickly stood up to switch seats with him.
"What are you thinking, man? Is it appropriate for me to sit next to your ex?"
Tyler was pushed to sit across from me. His eyes showed annoyance, like he was waiting for me to say something.
I avoided his gaze and handed the menu to Jessica. "You can order for you two. David and I already done."
She took the menu, pretending to be casual. "Emma, that soup was really delicious. Way better than anything you can buy."
Her comment confirmed my suspicion – the soup Tyler asked me to make was actually for her.
I just smiled without saying anything.
David looked pleased though. "She randomly learns cooking. I was worried she'd blow up the entire kitchen all the time. Thank god she's got talent for it. Some guy's in for a treat."
After hearing that, Tyler's smile faded.
He took a slow sip of tea and asked casually, "So Emma's looking to date someone?"
I looked at him, confused.
Remembering what he'd said in the booth that night, I nodded. "I'm twenty-six now. Time to begin a true relationship, right? If you know any good guys, just hook me up."
"Finally!" David exclaimed. "I've tried setting you up forever. Took you long enough to realize it! I'll find you a perfect guy."
Tyler stared at me intently, trying to figure out if I was serious or just getting back at him.
Jessica noticed his reaction and said. "Emma's so lucky to have such a good brother. I'm almost jealous. I think Tyler is pretty great, maybe you two could—"
"Come on. Emma's like my sister," Tyler said with a slight frown.
I nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I see Tyler as my true brother too. Jessica, stop messing around like that."
"Besides, I think you and Tyler are actually much better match than we."
Tyler's face immediately darkened. He laughed sarcastically, "Is that so? Then let me introduce someone to you. Want to meet him?"
"Sure, thanks brother."I smiled brightly and agreed without hesitation.
For the next few days, me and Taylor didn't contact each other.
But Jessica showed up at our house.
When she arrived, both David and I were home.
"So what brings you here?" David asked.
She glanced at me with fake embarrassment and said, "You know Tyler and I grew up together. We've been on and off for years, but there‘s still something between us."
“It was my fault for mentioning a breakup. I want to get back with him. Can you guys help me?"
If I hadn't experienced my past life, I would have told her loudly that Tyler loved me and would never accept her.
But having lived through that past life, I knew clearly Tyler had feelings for her.
They were the perfect match.
"It's no big deal. We've all seen things between you and Tyler. He obviously hasn't gotten over you. Your confession is guaranteed to succeed!" David assessed objectively.
Jessica's lips curved into a smile, and when she looked at me, her eyes gleamed with certainty.
I shrugged it off, not taking it to heart.
Two days later, David and Tyler's friends had figured out how to set up a perfect confession scene.
They all thought dangerous situations reveal people's true feelings.
So they arranged for us to go whitewater rafting.
I couldn't swim and tried to back out when we arrived. But Jessica grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the raft.
Jessica was terrified of water and immediately latched onto Tyler like a koala.
Seeing this, David quickly lid over next to me to give them space.
As we drifted downstream, Jessica practically climbed into Tyler's lap.
He didn't push her away. Instead, he gently patted her back. "I'm right here."
His voice was incredibly gentle, like he was soothing a baby.
In that moment, I remembered the beginning of my marriage in my past life.
At first, I had such high hopes in our marriage. I handled everything at home, wanting to create a warm, loving space.
But one time he was drunk, I went to pick him up and overheard him was complaining to Jessica.
He slurred: "I feel like married a maid, not a wife. She's so controlling and never shuts up. God, I hate going home."
"You're such better. You don't suffocate me, actually make me happy. I should've married you instead."
Suddenly, another raft crashed into ours from behind.
It snapped me back to reality, but is too late. Our raft rocked violently from the impact.
Just as I reached for David, someone grabbed my arm.Before I could react, I fell into the water.
Water rushed into my throat, and I struggled desperately against the current.
Through the blur, I saw Tyler dive off the raft.
Just one moment, I felt hopeful, waving my hand to get his attention.
But I watched as he swam straight toward Jessica without hesitation.
Emma, what were you expecting? I can't help but laugh at my misplaced expectations.
Thank God, David appeared in time and brought me back.
"You okay?" he asked worriedly, checking me over. Once I nodded, he grinned and said, "The confession setup is ready. Let's go!"
He pulled me to a grass.
Tyler's friends had arranged flowers into a huge heart shape on the lawn.
In the middle were mementos from Jessica and Tyler's time together.
Handwritten letters, photos they'd taken together, and gifts from various holidays and birthdays.
Tyler stood there soaking wet, stunned by everything before him.Jessica came with flowers, pouring out her love for him.
A gentle breeze blew past, and ripples formed in my otherwise calm heart.
I thought, this time I'm truly letting go. They belong together.
As everyone around us started cheering them on, I also began clapping and shouting, "Get together! Say yes!"
Tyler heard my voice and looked at me in disbelief.
"Emma, what’s wrong with you? I’m your boyfriend!"
"Wait, what? Are you serious?" David looked at me in complete shock.
I stayed surprisingly calm and denied it. "No, I'm single."
Tyler stared at me, his face growing darker by the second.
Jessica noticed the tension and dramatically slumped against Tyler's chest. "Ugh, I suddenly feel so dizzy," she mumbled. "I think I'm catching a cold. Can we head back now?"
We were all dripping wet from the water. I shivered when a cool breeze blew past.
Tyler gave her forehead a light tap, both annoyed and amused. "Who goes in the water when they can't swim? Asking for trouble?"
He scooped her up in his arms, then shot me an irritated look as he walked by. "Wait here for me. I'll be back soon."
Without another glance, he carried Jessica away.
David watched them leave, confusion spreading across his face. "Emma, what happened? Why did he suddenly claim to be your boyfriend?"
I shivered and sneezed.
"He's delirious from the cold and talking nonsense." I didn't elaborate further and headed toward my cabin.
Back at my cabin, I quickly showered and changed clothes.
When I fell into the water earlier, I definitely felt someone deliberately pull me in.
Now it seemed clear that was Jessica.But why would she do that?
Before I could figure it out, Tyler knocked on my door.
When I opened it, I blocked the entrance.
Tyler glanced down the hallway to make sure no one was around. "We need talk," he said quietly. "Let me inside."
"No. Whatever you want to say, you can speak right here. People might get the wrong idea if they see we were in same room."
Hearing this, he immediately dropped the idea of coming in.
He looked at me seriously. "Emma, what's going on with you? I get that Jessica's ridiculous, but why are you playing along?"
"Ridiculous? I think it's great. Jessica genuinely likes you."
Tyler's expression darkened. "You've never acted like this before. Why suddenly…"
"How did I act before?"
"You used to get so jealous. You wouldn’t let me have any girls around, always telling me to stay away from them."
"Oh, and you listened?" I asked.
No, not once. He always dismissed my concerns as immature.
Tyler's smile faltered slightly, but he softened his tone. "You’re still mad about what happened just now, right?”
“Think about it. Your own brother was around you. But Jessica only had me. If I didn’t step in, she might drown. I know you don’t want someone to die either. ”
He sounded so righteous.
If I hadn't watched him dive straight for her without even glancing my way, I might have believed.
"I'm not mad at all. You two are really perfect together."
"Come on, stop this…"
He hadn't finished speaking when David appeared around the corner with a cup of hot lemon water. "Hey, what are you talking about?"
I looked away and smiled. "Tyler's just asking if he should say yes to Jessica."
Tyler's face frosted over, anger building in his eyes.
He stepped forward and grabbed my wrist, "Emma, do you even hear yourself now?"
Feeling the pain shooting through my wrist before I sucked in a sharp breath.
"Of course. What's the problem? Don't you like her?"
I looked directly into his eyes and clearly saw the conflict there.
I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
David walked over with the water, completely missing the tension between us. "Come on, this is between Tyler and Jessica. Not our business. Emma, get this water before you catch a cold."
With David there, Tyler reluctantly let go of my hand. But he'd grabbed me so hard that a visible red mark appeared on my wrist.
David noticed immediately and glared at Tyler. "Dude, what the hell? Why are you grabbing her like that? Are you asking for a scolding?"
Tyler was stunned and didn't respond.
I rubbed the mark on my wrist and shook my head. "It's fine, not hurt. Just go inside, David."
Back in my room, my phone immediately vibrated.I checked and saw a message from Tyler.
"Coming over tonight. We need talk."
I didn't reply and put my phone down.
The afternoon chill plus some lemon water and a nap left my head foggy.I decided to skip dinner and rest in my room.
But as I was drifting back to sleep, Jessica knocked on my door with dinner.
She walked in and said, "Your brother asked the kitchen to make you some soup. Better drink it while it's hot."
"Perhaps you didn't come all this way just for dinner delivery."
With no one else around, she dropped the act.
Jessica couldn't hide the smug look in her eyes. "Come on, Emma. You're not stupid. You see what's going on between Tyler and me. I was worried he might actually have feelings for you."
"But after what happened this afternoon, I'm certain he still loves me. He can't get over me."
So I was right—Jessica pushed me into the water. She just wanted to see if Tyler would choose her.
My throat was too dry to call her name. "Tyler told you he likes me?"
"Of course not. Total guess," she put down the food container and plopped onto the nearby couch.
"I mean, besides me, you're the only girl he hangs with. Why would he spend so much time with you if there wasn't something going on?"
"Maybe it's because David? Tyler's basically my second brother. How could there be anything between us?"
There should never have been anything more than friendship between us.Clearing things up was just returning to how things should have been.
Jessica was half-convinced. "Really? You truly don't have feelings for him?"
"No."
Since the moment I died with my unborn child in my past life, I stopped caring for him completely.
"Fine, if that's what you say, I'll believe you."
"Emma, you really have a great personality and you're gorgeous. Honestly, we could be best friends if Tyler wasn't in the picture."
