Chapter 7 Chapter 7 During my senior year, I came home for a visit.[] As soon as I got to the front door, I could hear arguing from next door. My parents told me the Parker family business was in trouble.[] But Rachel was still insisting on a two million dollar wedding - not a penny less.] I was a bit surprised.[] In my past life, the Parker family had hit hard times around this same period too. But back then, Jonas and I had both made names for ourselves in academia and had solid savings, so we easily helped the Parkers get through their crisis. Jonas had been reborn too - he actually had not prepared for this crisis ahead of time? Iwas grateful that after what Jonas did to me back then, our families had completely cut ties.] Now even if the Parkers wanted to borrow money, they'd be too embarrassed to come to us. When I went out to take out the trash, I ran into Jonas smoking on the front steps. He hadn't shaved - I almost didn't recognize him at first.] In my past life, he wouldn't even let himself have a little stubble, but now not only was he unshaven, he reeked of cigarettes too. "Oh, you're back?" When he saw me, his eyes lit up for a moment, then quickly dimmed again.[] I had nothing else to do, so I sat down to chat about old times: "Two million and not a penny less?" "Yeah." He stubbed out his cigarette, I didn't say anything. I figured he had to know that two million would've been nothing to us in our past life - we could've written that check without even thinking about it.] So I changed the subject: "You really have to marry her?" Jonas perked up a bit:[] "Of course, I love her."] He pointed to Rachel's tattoo on his neck I kept my expression neutral: "Isn't it exhausting?" "Exhausting? Life isn't just about studying, you know."[] I smiled but didn't say anything. He was quiet for a moment, then finally cut to the chase: "You were reborn too, weren't you?"] 171 "Obviously." He laughed "I knew it - even after being reborn, you haven't changed at all. You're still not willing to try a different way of living.[] "I think my life after being reborn has been so much freer. I've made up for a lot of regrets." "Well congrats." I stood upd "I have a curfew, can't chat anymore."]] I turned to leave.] But after just a couple steps, he called out: "Ruby, could you... lend me some money?"] I turned back, a bit surprised.] He looked embarrassed: "Don't get the wrong idea....I will pay you back, I swear...") I sighed: "Have you forgotten about those photos?"] His eyes widened, but he said nothing-just lowered his head in shame.] One of the smartest decisions I ever made was filing that police report and making it all public. That way when Jonas and his family hit hard times, I'd always have a reason to shut them down. After years of devotedly caring for her family, she was met with relentless ingratitude from her husband and son—who even brazenly vowed to form a "real family" with a glamorous actress. Heartbroken b...