I clenched my fists and took a deep, steadying breath.

The last life was over.

This life, everything was moving in the best possible direction.

I didn't need to waste my energy getting angry with them.

The shadows in my eyes slowly dissipated.

My gaze became firm and resolute.

I looked Michael and Melanie straight in the eye and said, word by word:

"Let me say it again. I have no interest in you whatsoever."

"I couldn't care less about what the two of you do."

"So keep your money. I want nothing to do with you ever again."

Then, I gave Michael, who was still blocking my way, a very pointed look.

"Look closely. You're the one harassing me, not the other way around."

"If you have any shame at all, you'll get out of my way."

With that, I started to walk away.

But Michael's face twisted with rage.

"Chloe, don't push your luck!"

"For the sake of our past, I've been patient enough with you!"

I treated it like a dog barking and didn't slow my pace.

But Michael lost control and lunged at me.

"Chloe, did you fucking hear what I said!"

I wasn't paying attention to him anymore.

Through the glass storefront, I saw a little girl skipping happily towards the entrance.

A gentle smile spread across my face, and I was about to go meet her.

But my wrist was suddenly grabbed in a vice-like grip by Michael.

"Chloe, can you stop embarrassing yourself?"

"Do you have to stick your nose into every event?"

Rage was simmering on Michael's face.

Melanie gently patted his shoulder to soothe him.

"Michael, just get rid of this shameless woman."

"It's almost time. Our plans are more important. Don't let her ruin everything."

Michael nodded, then shot me a venomous glare.

He started dragging me forcefully, trying to pull me out of the building without making a scene.

I struggled, wrenching my arm, but his hand was like a steel clamp, refusing to let go.

The bookstore was noisy, with everyone excitedly discussing their books.

No one noticed our struggle.

I looked at Michael, my patience completely gone.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!"

"Let go of me, now!"

Michael's face was a mask of fury.

"Chloe, I gave you a way out."

"I don't want to argue about the past anymore."

"Your life sucks, but that's not my fault."

"I’ve worked my ass off my whole life to finally get what I want."

"If you dare show up and interfere with my life again, I swear I'll make you regret it."

With that, Michael began to drag me away from the crowd.

As I was being pulled further and further away, I couldn't take it anymore.

I swung my free hand and slapped him hard across the face.

"Are you insane!"

"Do you not understand English? I said I want nothing to do with you!"

"I don't care about you and Melanie."

"Frankly, I hope you two live happily ever after and stay out of my life forever!"

Michael touched his stinging cheek in disbelief.

In our last life, I was meek and obedient, doing whatever he said.

He never imagined I would actually hit him.

He just stood there, stunned, a cold look on his face as he processed what had happened.

I didn't give him another thought and turned to walk towards the entrance.

I didn't get two steps.

The dazed Michael behind me snapped and went berserk.

"Chloe, you dare to hit me?"

"I'm going to make you pay for that!"

He charged at me like a bull.

I quickly sidestepped, but I couldn't avoid him completely.

Michael was strong.

Even a glancing blow was too much for me.

My foot slipped, I lost my balance, and I went crashing into a metal trash can.

The loud, clanging sound of metal hitting the floor immediately drew everyone's attention.

And I fell in a heap on the floor next to it.

A crowd quickly started to gather.

Just then, a small figure squeezed through the gap in the circle of people.

Tilly’s eyes landed on me, lying disheveled and pathetic on the ground.

Her mouth fell open, and she ran towards me on her little legs.

"Mommy! Mommy, what happened? Are you okay?"