Love Rewind

When my mother asked me who I wanted to marry for our family's arranged union, this time, I didn't pick Charles Simmons.

Instead, I chose his uncle, Benjamin Simmons.

My mother looked at me like I'd lost my mind. After all, everyone in North Boston knew Charles and I had practically grown up together. For years, I'd followed him around, making it clear I'd marry no one but him.

I couldn't help but smile, though it was a bitter one. I remembered my past life all too well. After marrying Charles, he never touched me. I assumed it was some kind of embarrassing medical issue, so I made excuses for him.

That is, until our 50th wedding anniversary. I accidentally stumbled into his secret room, the one place he never allowed anyone to enter.

The walls were covered with photos of my cousin, Stella.

And that's when it all finally hit me. It wasn't that he was asexual. He just didn't love me.

Now, given this second chance, I chose to let them be together.

But as I walked down the aisle toward Benjamin, I caught a glimpse of Charles. His face went pale, his eyes wide with disbelief, and then he snapped, descending into madness right before my eyes.

...

Three days after the engagement was set, I ran into Charles at a party.

The moment his friends spotted me, they couldn't resist teasing him:

"Charles, your little shadow's here to find you again!"

"Little sis-in-law, you're already engaged to the Simmons family, but still sticking so close? Can't even let Charles enjoy a party without you?"

When Charles saw me, his irritation was clear as day.

"Natalie, are you that desperate to get married? You let our families arrange this whole thing without even asking me. Now everyone in North Boston knows you're marrying into my family. You've really outdone yourself this time."

His disgust stung, but I didn't let it show. After a beat, I looked him dead in the eyes and said coolly, "I didn't need your permission. I'm marrying someone else, not you."

The room exploded in laughter.

Charles's friends were in stitches, barely able to stay on their feet. They egged him on:

"Charles, hurry up and comfort your fiancée, or she'll find some other way to get your attention!"

Charles scowled and muttered, "Natalie, so now you're playing hard to get?"

He stepped closer, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Who else could you possibly marry in my family besides me?"