Chapter 5: Rival Gifts and Old Wounds

In the previous life, Ethan was spoiled by wealth.

He’d learned fast. It’s amazing how quickly a poor boy can pick up rich habits when you throw enough money at him. He’d mastered every fork, every wine list, every social cue at places like Nobu or the Met Gala afterparty.

Whether it was his table manners or his presence, he was flawless.

I used to watch him charm my parents, my friends, even my rivals. He fit in so well, you’d almost forget where he came from.

He was every bit the image of a young man from a rich family.

He wore my world like a tailored suit. It looked good on him, but it never really fit.

He kept glancing my way, unable to hide the contempt and annoyance in his eyes.

I caught his gaze more than once, the old resentment simmering just beneath the surface. He wanted me to see how happy he was now, how little he needed me.

He seemed convinced I was just waiting for a chance to talk to him—

I felt a mix of annoyance and amusement. Was he really so sure I’d chase after him? He didn’t realize I’d already moved on.

That no matter what, he couldn’t get rid of me.

He underestimated me. I wasn’t the clingy villainess from his memories. Not anymore.

He probably thought I was eating with another guy just to make him jealous.

Let him think what he wants. The truth was, I liked the attention. I always had.

Ethan sat up straight, casually ordered half the menu, then said affectionately:

He rattled off dishes like he’d memorized the menu. Old habits die hard.

“Lily, the food here is just okay. Let’s make do for now.”

He shot me a look, daring me to say something. I just smiled sweetly.

“When we have time, I’ll take you to try the best imported steaks.”

He was laying it on thick. I almost applauded.

“And take you shopping for the latest designer brands.”

Lily’s eyes sparkled, her smile growing wider with every promise. She clung to his arm like it was a lifeline.

Lily Martinez, beaming with luck, looked like she could faint from happiness.

She practically glowed, soaking up every word. I wondered if she knew what she was getting into.

She shot me a triumphant glance and raised her voice:

She wanted everyone to hear—especially me. I leaned back, crossing my arms, amused.

“Ethan, today’s our first official day together. I’ve had this gift ready for a while.”

Her voice trembled with excitement. She held the box out like it was the crown jewels. The box was wrapped in soft pink paper, the ribbon tied in a careful bow that trembled just a bit in her hands.

Her face was full of smug pride.

She wanted me to know she’d won. I let her have her moment.

The comments said that Lily and Ethan were childhood sweethearts, just waiting to get into the same college and naturally confess their feelings.

It was the kind of story people love—simple, sweet, inevitable. Too bad real life is messier.

When I took out the platinum card, Lily was so angry she nearly ground her teeth to dust.

I remembered the look she gave me—pure murder. I almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

The way she looked at me was as if I were a homewrecker.

She made no secret of her dislike. I guess I’d earned it.

But when Ethan agreed to be my boyfriend in the previous life, he never mentioned Lily, did he?

He kept her a secret, buried in the past. I was the only one in the picture, at least for a while.

Lily mysteriously pulled out a small box.

It was wrapped in pink paper, a little dented at the corners. She handed it over with both hands, blushing.

Ethan’s face lit up with excitement.

He looked like a kid on Christmas morning, eyes wide with anticipation. It was almost cute.

The comments exploded:

[Oh my god, the leads’ first meeting after rebirth is so sweet—the progress is lightning fast!]

[It’s happening so fast I can’t keep up!]

[Guess what’s in the box? I remember last time, Whitney gave the male lead a ten-thousand-dollar watch!]

[The heroine may not be as rich as the villainess, but her gift will be heartfelt.]

The chat was in full meltdown mode, everyone speculating wildly. I scrolled past the noise, waiting to see what Lily had up her sleeve.

The box sat lightly in her palm.

She opened it with a flourish, revealing something homemade and delicate.

Ethan opened it eagerly.

His hands shook just a little. I could tell this meant something to him.

Inside was a small mason jar full of hand-folded origami stars.

The jar caught the light, each tiny paper star a different color. It was the kind of gift you make for someone you really, really care about.

Lily blinked:

Her voice was barely above a whisper, but everyone heard her.

“Ethan, I folded these all summer, waiting to tell you how I feel after we got into the same college.”

She looked up at him, eyes shining with hope.

“Every slip of paper inside each star says ‘I love you.’”

She bit her lip, nervous. I could almost hear her heart pounding from across the table.

“Well? Do you like it?”

She held her breath, waiting for his answer. For a moment, the whole world seemed to pause.