The Day I Died, He Married Her

Chapter 22

I pulled some strings and obtained Rachel's frozen eggs.

First, I'll marry Lily and have her bear our child. Then we'll divorce, and I'll give her a generous settlement.

After that, I can live out the rest of my days in peace with Rachel and our child.

Rachel will have children of her own someday.

She should never find out that the baby in Lily's womb is actually ours.

Right?

Rachel came on my wedding day.

She wore a pristine white gown with understated makeup. Standing at the altar, when the officiant asked for my vows, I whispered in my heart: Rachel, will you marry me?

I knew she would never say yes.

After all, I had hurt her so deeply.

During the toast, her expression remained calm as she smiled and wished me well—wishing Ethan Winters and Lily Evans a lifetime of happiness.

But she didn't know my heart was bleeding.

Rachel, the one I've always wanted to marry… was only ever you.

After the wedding, some congratulated me, saying I'd finally married the girl I loved.

How laughable.

The only girl I've ever loved, from beginning to end, was Rachel Summers.

Since she wasn't the bride, this wedding meant nothing at all.

After all these years, she actually called me "Ethan" again—the way she used to when we were young.

Strangely, I didn't feel joy in that moment. Only panic.

Then Lily stepped out, shamelessly calling me "honey" in front of her. Rachel was listening. I couldn't slip up.

When Lily asked who was on the phone, my mind raced through possible answers.

First love. Ex-girlfriend. The woman I've loved my whole life. Little sister.

None of them fit.

In the end, I chose the safest option.

"Just a friend."

Because only as just a friend could I stay close to her—openly, without suspicion.

Rachel hung up the phone. When I tried calling back, she didn't answer.

Panic set in. That uneasy feeling grew stronger by the minute.

At the wedding earlier, she had looked off—pale, thinner than usual. I'd assumed she was just dieting for the occasion.

But now, I wasn't so sure.

I was about to leave when Lily stopped me, clutching her stomach in pain. The baby she carried was mine and Rachel's. I couldn't risk anything happening to it.

After calming Lily down, I rushed out and searched all night.

Rachel was nowhere to be found.

She died beneath the locust tree where we first confessed our love.

When I found her, she was sitting quietly under the tree, holding the clay figurine she had once made for me, as if she were merely asleep.

I called her name for a long time, but she never woke.

I regret it all now.

If I had known it would come to this, I should have swallowed that bitter truth years ago—pretended I never learned it, stayed by Rachel's side, and never let go.

I was too selfish.

I killed Rachel. I destroyed her family.

The doctor said it's depression.

Good.

Rachel, at last... I can truly understand your pain.

Don't be afraid, Rachel. I'll be with you soon.