Chapter 27
All the guilt, anger, self–reproach, and disbelief in Asher’s eyes shattered in that instant.
The boomerang from years ago struck him directly in the heart.
Tears filled his eyes: “Don’t mention her, Riley. Don’t hurt me like this. I truly… know I was wrong.”
Could one “I know I was wrong” erase all the pain Riley had suffered? When he was with Nora back then, why hadn’t he on
onsidered that Riley would also feel heartbroken and devastated?
She laughed coldly, turning to leave.
“I’ve had enough of your games. I need to go.”
“Don’t go!”
Asher desperately clutched the hem of Riley’s shirt. Trembling, he tore open his bandages to reveal his bare arm: “I’m clean now, Riley. There’s no trace of Nora left on me. Please, don’t leave me, okay?”
Riley gave a light laugh, her gaze shifting to his lower body: “No, you’re filthy. From the moment I witnessed you in bed with Nora, you became permanently unclean.”
As the final deception was ripped open, the light in Asher’s eyes gradually dimmed.
Suddenly, a tall figure approached from behind Riley, carrying a bag in one hand while covering her eyes with the other before leaning down to kiss her.
Riley was startled momentarily, then wrapped her arms around Julian’s waist, deepening the kiss.
Only when Riley was breathless did she push Julian away, her face flushed as she curled against him like a proud kitten: “What are you doing? So annoying!”
Julian’s eyes were full of adoration as he kissed the top of her head: “Missed you. Couldn’t help it.”
Witnessing everything, Asher’s expression froze, his limbs numb, his soul seemingly detached.
In this moment, he truly understood how much Riley’s heart must have ached when she saw him with Nora.
His consciousness drifted as he recalled when he and Riley first got together. She had solemnly told him: “Asher, if you ever stop liking me or fall for someone else, I hope you’ll tell me honestly. I’ll let you go.”
Asher had lain in her lap, teasing: “What if I don’t?”
Riley had gazed into the distance, her expression resolute: “Even if I have nothing left, I would still firmly walk away from you and never look back.”
Back then, Asher couldn’t imagine falling for someone else. He had smiled, pinching her cheek: “I promise! Don’t worry, I’ll only ever love you in this lifetime.”
Little did he know his words would become a prophecy–he had betrayed Riley. And Riley had indeed done as she promised: “Never look back.”
In this moment, Asher knew they were truly over.
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Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
Chapter 27
He would never again deserve this wonderful girl or such genuine, passionate love.
“Asher Blackwell,”
Julian’s call brought Asher back to reality.
He hung the plush toy on his bag and put his arm around Riley’s shoulders: “Do you have anything else to say to my fiancée? If not, we’ll be going.”
Asher stared at Riley, unwilling to even blink.
He feared this might be their final meeting in this lifetime.
He also feared that one day he might forget her face.
After a long pause, he finally spoke with a trembling voice: “Riley, don’t forget me, okay?”
Riley remained silent for a moment, then nodded before preparing to leave with Julian.
Just then, Vivian’s voice came from behind: “Riley, wait!”
22:00
