Chapter 2

In my previous life, after Julian and I started dating, I worked day and night, preparing to re-sit the entrance exams.

Julian said he’d register me, but in the end, I wasn’t registered. He insisted it was because retaking the exams wasn’t allowed anymore, that the regulations were strict.

I believed him.

Later, I wanted to take an adult education exam. He said it was useless even if I passed, but I was determined to take it.

However, my alarm didn’t ring that day, and I was late. I confronted Julian, asking if he’d turned it off.

He looked innocent, claiming he was worried about disturbing my sleep.

I was trembling with anger, but Julian held me, saying, “Lulu, let’s get married. No matter if you pass or not, I’ll always love you.”

I cried in his arms for a long time. My dreams were filled with exam questions; how could I give up?

Later, Julian claimed he was in massive debt from a work project and couldn’t pay it back.

Blinded by love, I worked tirelessly from dawn to dusk, juggling three or four jobs a day.

Looking back now, Julian was only with me to control me.

He was worried I'd impact Ava’s future.

So he constantly stopped me from moving forward.

Back in the classroom, I packed my things and left school.

When I got home, Chloe sent me a message saying Julian had been looking for me.

I replied casually.

Looks like he still hadn't given up.

My parents were often working out of town. After hearing my scores, they just wired me some money and ordered a cake, saying they’d be back next month.

I understood them. They worked on construction sites; one less day of work meant one less day of pay.

I wasn’t in a hurry to fill out my university application; I still had two days.

But someone else was in a hurry.

That evening, I went for a walk and ran into Julian.

Julian smiled at me. “Lulu, what a coincidence.”

“I thought you lived on the west side of town.”

Julian looked natural. “I had some errands here. Where are you going? I’ll walk with you.”

I said coldly, “No need. Stay away from me.”

Julian paused, then looked hurt. “You… you hate me that much?”

I stared him down. “Yes, I hate you. Just stay away from me.”

Julian’s breath hitched. Maybe he couldn’t understand why I hated him so much when he was so popular, the school heartthrob.

If it weren’t illegal, I would literally stab him. I wanted him dead and gone.

“Lulu, if you hate me, you at least owe me a reason.” Julian’s voice was low, his eyes fixed on me.

Julian certainly had good looks; otherwise, how could I have been so infatuated in my past life?

Suddenly, a voice from nearby called out, “Julian, what are you doing here?”

Ava jogged over and hugged Julian’s arm.

I distinctly felt him stiffen.

This was the first time I’d seen Ava up close—the person who stole my future in my previous life.

“Who are you?” Ava eyed me suspiciously.

I smiled. “Lulu. Julian’s classmate.”

Ava’s face subtly changed. “Didn’t you say you were going to buy me snacks?”

So it really was a coincidence.

Julian replied naturally, “I forgot. You go home first; I have something to deal with here.”

Ava’s voice rose slightly. “Julian, what do you mean?”

Julian pushed Ava away. I don’t know what he said to her, but he came back alone.

“Lulu, she’s my mom’s friend’s daughter.”

I countered, “Why are you telling me this?”

Julian’s tone was serious. “I like you, and I don’t want you to misunderstand.”

Hearing that, a wave of nausea washed over me.

Here we go again.

“I don’t like you. You make me sick just looking at you,” I said coldly.

Julian’s face visibly paled.

He clenched his fist. “What did I do wrong?”

I stared at him. “You’re too ugly.”

And too despicable.

Julian’s lips parted slightly. I couldn’t be bothered to argue with him and kept walking.

“Lulu! I won’t give up!” Julian shouted after me.

I sneered inwardly. There are only two days left. What can you possibly do to me?

I’ll submit my application at the very last second. They won’t have any chance to swap it.