The irony was cruel: everyone around Keeley was getting married just as she discovered her ex-husband's consciousness and memories still existed. Technically, however, they'd never divorced; she hadn't signed the papers before her death. Their marriage was invalid in this timeline, but Aaron remained her ex-husband in a sense. The thought made her head spin.

She wasn't sure what shocked her most, even after a week to process it: Aaron's admission of lifelong love? His claim of having learned from his mistakes? Or Alistair Hale's alleged plot to kill his own grandchild?

If she ever saw Hale or Lacy Knighton again, she'd punch them and face the consequences. It was the least she could do for her lost child.

The world felt like it had been pulled out from under her feet, revealing how wrong her perceptions had been. Keeley still struggled to make sense of it all. She had no proof beyond Aaron's words, but his tears felt genuine. He had to be telling the truth.

What hurt most was his lack of trust, his failure to be honest about their problems. Had he told her, perhaps they could have worked things out. Their marriage had its issues, but she'd still loved him then. It might have been salvaged.

Or could it have? Knowing his father was responsible for her infertility might have made her hate him.

She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts. Aaron didn't matter now. She was alive, her father was alive, and her future wasn't ruined. She needed to focus on work. The animal trials were progressing slowly but surely, as were her classes. It was surreal to think this was her second-to-last semester. She usually took summer classes, but this year she needed to focus on her research. A break from academia would be welcome.

Fitting her friends' weddings into her schedule would be challenging. Lydia's wedding was in April, requiring her to miss some classes. At least Jennica's wedding was in New York. Unfortunately, she was a bridesmaid for both, requiring her involvement in the planning.

She lacked the time, but how could she refuse? She loved them both.

Keeley sighed. Jennica's engagement party was this weekend, and she still hadn't bought a gift. She and Valentina planned to get her a Crock-Pot, but neither had time to shop.

Why bother with a registry when Cameron was so wealthy? He could afford anything. Keeley supposed it was a matter of principle. She hadn't had a registry; the Hales' social circle showered them with antiques, priceless paintings, and charitable donations. It had been overwhelming. A simple Crock-Pot would have been lovely.

After work, she met Valentina (who had a rare night off) to buy the gift. The selection was staggering.

"How many Crock-Pots does she need?" Valentina asked. "Did she specify a type?"

Valentina checked the registry online. "An eight-quart onehow many people will she feed?"

Keeley shrugged. "They'll likely have kids someday. It's good for entertaining, too."

"What color? They have black, white, and silver."

"Probably silver. Cameron's appliances are silver."

Valentina frowned. "What are we going to do without her?"

"She's not dying. We'll still see her."

"No, we won't. Newlyweds are consumed by each other. We'll be lucky to see her every few months."

She had a point. Keeley's own newlywed life had been busy, but several classmates had vanished from group activities after marrying, despite their promises to stay in touch.

Jennica had only been with them for two years, but she was a vital part of their apartment. They'd miss the show tune rehearsals.

"She's older; it makes sense she's settling down first," Keeley said. "Moving on is a part of life. It's unrealistic to think we'd all be roommates forever."

"I know," Valentina sighed. "I'll just miss her."

Keeley patted her shoulder. "Me too. Let's get this Crock-Pot wrapped and watch that new telenovela."

Valentina's eyes lit up. "My cousin called! They started filming your telenovela last week. Want to see the cast photos?"

Keeley had forgotten, amidst everything else. She was curious to see who played Aaron and if the actor could capture his icy demeanor.

Valentina showed her the photos.

"The station named the characters. The reincarnated girl is Luz Corrales, played by Rosa Lamadrid. The rich guy, Aaron Ibarcena, is played by Hector Garza! Theside chick, Lorena Murillo, is Sofia Romani."

Keeley stared. They'd actually used the name Aaron?

"is Aaron a Peruvian name?"

"Yes, very popular! Why?"

"No reason," Keeley lied. This was too much of a coincidence.

She examined the photos. Rosa Lamadrid was pretty but sweet and naive—perfect for Keeley in her first life. Sofia Romani was a good choice for a seductress. Hector Garza was handsome, but could he be cold enough?

"When will it air?" she asked.

Valentina frowned. "Not sure. They shoot and release quickly—18–20 pages of script a day. My cousin says they'll release two episodes a week for about a year."

It would be interesting to see how much they changed her life story, especially now that she knew the truth differed from what Valentina had believed when submitting the proposal. How much would it align with reality?

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is not part of the story itself.)