Chapter 1

The train engine was destroyed by the extreme heat. I could have called for a helicopter rescue, but I remained indifferent.

All because in my previous life, just as I was about to board the helicopter, my wife Olivia mercilessly kicked me off the platform and embraced her adopted brother Caleb instead.

"There's limited space on the helicopter. Someone has to stay behind. Caleb's health is fragile, he can't endure hardship. I'll send people back to rescue you once I return. You're tough, you won't die from waiting a bit longer."

I fell and broke bones all over my body, unable to move. I became a charred corpse under the scorching sun before any rescue arrived.

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the moment the train engine failed and we were forced to stop.

I took out a box for drawing lots. Only those whose names I drew would be allowed to board. Olivia looked calm, unaware that her name wasn't even in the box.

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"Everyone stay calm. Even though the train is out of commission, I'm sure Mrs. Greene will find a way to rescue us!" Caleb stood up, his eyes red-rimmed, as he tried to comfort the subordinates who had accompanied Olivia on this business trip.

Olivia gazed at Caleb with eyes full of pity, as if he had suffered some great injustice.

My phone rang. As I felt the vibration, I truly realized - I had been reborn.

Just yesterday, Olivia had moved her newly returned adopted brother Caleb into our master bedroom, tossing me only one sentence:

"Pack our luggage. To welcome Caleb home, I'm taking all the company's top talent to the branch office tomorrow to publicly announce Caleb taking over."

Despite my repeated warnings about the "extreme heat advisory" in the weather report, she didn't hesitate at all.

She only looked at me with increased impatience in her eyes.

"Are you done? I can see you're just jealous that Caleb comes from a good family. You're eyeing our family assets, not wanting me to give the branch to Caleb."

I was brought onto the train like a piece of luggage. Olivia only gave me one task - to take care of Caleb.

When the train broke down, I received a rescue call from my childhood friend Mia.

Thoughtfully arranging for them to board the helicopter.

But what I got in return was Caleb's contemptuous smile at the train entrance.

"Want to bet? With just one word from me, Olivia would abandon you without a second thought."

Although Olivia and I had an arranged marriage, we had been husband and wife for seven years.

I didn't believe it.

But what I got was Olivia kicking me off the platform, leaving me to become a charred corpse under the sun.

In my final moments, Caleb's light chuckle as he nestled in Olivia's arms.

Like a heavy hammer nailing me to the ground.

Just thinking about it, the hatred in my heart could no longer be suppressed.

My hand holding the phone started to shake. A woman's voice broke through my emotions.

"Jack, what are you spacing out for? The phone's been ringing for so long and you don't know to answer it?"

"Caleb's ears were injured by firecrackers when he was little, he can't handle loud noises. I can see you're deliberately torturing him!"

I turned my back and walked to the next carriage. After taking a few deep breaths, I answered the call.

Mia's urgent voice came through from the other end.

"Jack, I heard you're trapped on the train. Are you okay?"

My eyes instantly burned. I held back my emotions and gave a hoarse "Mm-hmm."

"Don't be afraid. The rescue helicopter I sent will arrive soon. You'll be fine."

"But the helicopter can only seat ten people. One person from your group will have to stay behind."

Only one person has to stay behind, huh?

I let out a cold laugh and gripped the phone tightly.

"It's okay. Can you come on the helicopter to keep me company? I'm scared."

There was no hesitation on the other end of the line. "Of course."

I hung up and returned to the original carriage.

Seeing Olivia using her fingertips to carefully wipe away Caleb's tears, I couldn't help but clench my jaw.

Since you two care for each other so much, why don't you just stay here together?

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