Returning Unwanted Goods

After being reborn, I decide to return my fiancé to his true love. When he holds a singles party for her and doesn't want me to disturb him, I go to Faldora alone.

He says I'm an annoyance, so I quit my job without hesitation. He doesn't feel good being in the same country as me, so I immediately migrate abroad.

In the end, he tells me he wants to make his true love feel secure. I nod and accept someone else's proposal.

Why am I so obedient and compliant? It's because of my past life.

In my past life, his true love ended her life after I married him. He blamed me for separating them and subjected me to inhumane torture.

This time, I just want to live my life.

Later, when I'm taking a stroll with my family, he kneels before me and sobs in earnest. "I promise I'll be with you as long as you leave them, Audrey."

"Owen's hosting a singles party for Vanessa tonight, Audrey. Aren't you going?"

I snapped out of my daze at the mention of my name, my gaze locking with my friend's as she waited for a response.

Her expression softened with concern. "Have you and Owen been fighting? You've been looking distracted lately."

I shook my head.

Just then, my phone rang. It was an incoming call from Owen Shepherd. A painful twist hit me when I saw the familiar number on the screen.

It took me a few long seconds before I finally answered.

Owen's voice came through the line, distant and flat. "Vanessa just broke up with her boyfriend, so we're not inviting anyone's partner tonight. I don't want you to show up and make her feel worse."

I bit my lip so hard I could taste the blood, that sharp, metallic tang grounding me at the moment. Whatever Owen said next was drowned out.

I fought to ignore the pain and maintained a calm tone as I interrupted him, "Got it. I won't be there. Actually, I've got a work trip to Faldora, so I won't be around anyway."

Owen fell silent for a moment, perhaps caught off guard by my not arguing about not being able to show up before Vanessa Cottle.

His tone softened after a few beats. "You've really learned to be sensible."

A sharp bitterness bloomed within me, and I fought to keep the tears from breaking free.

My friend stared at me in disbelief. I could feel her surprise—everyone knew how much I loved Owen and how I'd lost myself in him.

But this time, I didn't cling to him with desperation, didn't start a fight over Vanessa, and didn't let my insecurities slip through.

My friend immediately noticed how off I looked. She sighed and silently poured me a glass of water.

I drank it in one go, feeling the warmth spread through my body, easing the chill that had settled in. I smiled at her, packed up my things from