In my past lives, everyone envied me for having such an understanding and kind wife.

But only I knew, we've been married for five years, Luna never has never allowed me to touch her.

Her heart belonged solely to her first love, Felix Woods.

I am nothing more than her shield in this marriage.

Even when I died saving her, she didn't shed a single tear. Now, reborn, I've decided to let go and free myself from this marriage prison.

——

"I’m going to pack the food for Felix. He needs the nutrition. Make another meal for yourself. Oh, and my parents are having dinner tonight. Go accompany them and tell them I'm too busy with work to make it."

As my hearing and vision cleared, I saw Luna White bending over to pack the food. I realized I had been reborn. This scene was just like in my past lifes; Luna was off to take care of her first love again without so much as a thank you or leaving a single leaf of vegetable for me.

"Let's get a divorce," I said, taking a deep breath.

"What?" Luna was taken aback.

"If Felix Woods needs your care so much and you love him that deeply, why keep using me as a shield? You two can get married for all I care. I'm stepping aside."

I spoke calmly.

"Don't throw a tantrum. Felix is waiting for his meal. I'm leaving now," Luna scoffed, rolling her eyes before rushing out.

I see... In my past lifes, I never stood up for myself. I was a fool who thought I could melt a stone with my affection. Luna and I met through a matchmaker. Despite her cold demeanor and the feeling that she kept everyone at arm's length, she agreed to be with me and even proposed marriage. Back then, I had no idea she couldn't let go of her first love, Felix Woods, nor did she mention it. I thought she was my love at first sight.

On our wedding night, Luna told me, "I have a very important friend in the hospital, suffering greatly. Without me, he can't make it. So, I need to visit him often. I hope you understand." Her eyes were red, tears threatening to fall, making my heart ache. Not only did I not mind, but I also prepared milk and dinner for her to take. She left without a word of apology, both when she went and when she returned the next morning. Even on days when she should have been visiting her parents, she stayed with Felix, and I covered for her with lies. Over time, she grew to take it for granted, thinking it was my duty to help her deceive everyone. Not once did she apologize.

For five years, she only called me "Evan" instead of my full name, Evan Miller, as if that was some sort of reward. She was like a kite on a string that I held onto with all my strength, only to realize I was hurting myself.

Enough! I've decided to let go this lifetime.

Since Luna loved her cancer-stricken first love so much that she couldn't wait to be by his side every night and day, I would let them be together! But I won't wish them happiness, nor do I think they'll find it.

My phone buzzed; it was Luna.

"Hello!"

"I forgot to take the gift I bought for Felix. Bring it to me right away. The doctor said we need to keep Felix happy," Luna urged.

She must be frantic, like a cat on a hot tin roof. I laughed bitterly.

"Get it yourself." Over the years, I never received a single gift from Luna. Once, on my birthday, she bought a watch at the mall. I thought it was for me and was overjoyed. But she wrapped it up and gave it to Felix. That moment left me utterly disappointed and depressed for half a month.

"Felix is in excruciating pain. What's wrong with buying him a gift to cheer him up? You’re losing control of your temper more and more! You can't even do me a simple favor!" Luna snapped. "Will a video of Felix in torment be enough to shake you out of your moral slumber?"

Every time it was the same emotional blackmail. Every time, I had to sacrifice for Felix's happiness. I never wanted to step into Felix's hospital room again. Watching Luna gently tell stories to Felix or feed him made the doctors, nurses, and other patients assume they were married. I stood there, the perpetual outsider. Felix never thanked me, and Luna, always ordering me around, was no different. If I didn't comply, Luna would get upset, making me feel like I was just their hired help. Did I owe them something? Ridiculous!

“For five years, have you ever had a shred of love for me? Am I nothing more than a workhorse to you, just here to be used??” I burst out. “Is Felix my close friend? My father? Why should I take care of him? I'm living worse than a dog!”

Even though I've been reborn, the anger still burns when I talk about this. Luna fell silent. I continued, "I'm letting go, giving you freedom and giving myself freedom. Stop torturing me. Come back when you have time, and we'll sign the divorce papers and finalize everything."

With that, I hung up, not wanting to waste more words on Luna, and drove to my parents' house. In my past lifes, I lost too much revolving around Luna, even my life. This time, I want to make it up to my family and myself. My parents were delighted to see me.

"Oh, Evan, aren't you busy with work? How come you have time to visit us today?"

"I'll make some dishes," my mom said.

Hearing that, my nose stung, and seeing their table with only pickles and steamed buns brought me to tears.

"What's wrong?" Mom asked, her voice filled with panic. She hugged me tightly, just like she did when I was a child, gently patting my back. Dad, seeing my distress, turned and went into the bedroom. He returned with a bank card in hand. "The PIN is your birthday. Use it to cover any expenses. If it's not enough, I'll find a way to get more."

“Mom and Dad, I’m fine. I just haven’t seen you in a long time.” I quickly shook my head, sensing their worry.

After everything I’d been through, I suddenly realized that the only ones who had truly taken care of me since childhood were my parents. They cared for me the most and were the least willing to burden me. They would rather eat pickles, endure the pain of illness, and save every penny just to leave me some emergency money. They never asked for anything in return. I owed them so much.

At noon, both of my parents cooked a meal for me. It was delicious. As I ate, my phone buzzed with a message from Luna asking where I was and why I wasn’t at home. I didn’t respond. Then she sent another message, telling me she had bought me a gift. I still didn't reply.

By evening, the doorbell rang incessantly. When I opened the door, I found Luna standing there with some supplements and milk.

“Oh, Luna!” my parents exclaimed. “Please, come in. Sit down. I’ll wash some fruit for you and get some vegetables.”

They treated Luna like their own daughter, almost doting on her.

“Mom and Dad, there’s no need to fuss. Evan and I have things to discuss,” Luna said, trying to downplay the situation.

Luna smiled sweetly and took my arm, her affection on full display in front of my parents. But in reality, she hardly paid attention to me; she was always more concerned about Felix. Whether I was sad or happy, alive or dead, it seemed to make no difference to her.

“If you have something to do, go ahead. We’ll be just fine like this,” Mom said with a smile, while Dad nodded in agreement. They were so understanding, always ensuring they didn’t get in the way of my matters.

In contrast, Luna failed to show that consideration. Felix was even more hypocritical, posting daily on social media about his strong battle against his illness while putting the burden on others. Luna had to take care of him secretly every day.

But when it came to bossing me around, she expected me to comply without question. People like Felix seemed to completely captivate her, making her infatuated and devoted. Perhaps this was the power of first love.

When we went downstairs, it was quiet between Luna and me. Finally, she pulled out a gift box and handed it to me. “Evan, it seems like there are some issues between us that need to be addressed.”

“Isn’t the problem always there?” I replied, my tone sharp.