Her pitiful state shattered my resolve. I took the blame. I gave up eight years of my life.
And when I was released?
She picked apart my every flaw. When her career tanked and she ended up as an extra for the third time, her resentment boiled over. She blamed me for "ruining" her chance to marry into wealth.
Then she killed us both.
Eight years of sacrifice, rewarded with murder.
I spoke into the silence of the room. My voice came out flat. Dead.
"Fine. Let's break up."
Stunned silence on the other end. Then a sneer cut through.
"You were reborn too? Perfect. Saves me the trouble of inventing an excuse to dump you."
She hung up with a violent *bang*.
This was the pivotal year of her life. She had been chosen by a famous director, poised to explode into stardom with her next film.
I rubbed my thumb across the phone screen. A cold smirk tugged at my lips.
This was the most important year of my life, too.
In the original timeline, the stocks I traded had skyrocketed. I had already negotiated a partnership with angel investors. My own company was within reach.
But I had foolishly used my capital to buy Natalie a supporting role in a drama destined for massive success. That role launched her career.