I Woke Up Engaged to My Ex-Husband Again - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

After a while, he gently took my hand and said, "Seren Watson, if you wait for me, you won't be free to marry anyone else."
When the prayer session ended, I headed home.
"Miss, do you remember Ms. Moran?" Wendy whispered conspiratorially.
I nodded. "I saw her at Grandmother's birthday party."
"She became Mr. Charlie's concubine," Wendy murmured, shaking her head. "Can you believe it? A wealthy family taking a concubine before even securing a proper wife? It's downright scandalous."
When I didn't react, she leaned in, buzzing with excitement.
"I heard Mrs. Charlie was so furious she took to her bed for days. She despises Mrs. Moran—Charlie, but Mr. Charlie insisted. If not for his grandfather stepping in, he'd have made her his legal wife!"
"And after the wedding?" I asked, though I already knew.
"Oh, Mrs. Charlie made her kneel for days!" Wendy's eyes gleamed. "Mrs. Moran cried to Mr. Charlie every night, and he actually argued with his mother over it. She fell ill from rage, and the inspector general reported it so many times that now he doesn't dare defend her anymore."
"Yesterday, the Prime Minister and Mr. Charlie stayed at the palace, supposedly compiling history books. That left only Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Charlie in the mansion. I'd bet my last coin that woman's suffering."
Wendy painted the scene with relish, but my mind drifted elsewhere. In my past life, I'd married Max and endured his mother's cruelty for years. Only my family's status, wealth, and my kindness to Mrs. Charlie and her youngest son, Mark, eventually softened her.
"Well, if that's what Mr. Charlie wants," I said flatly. The image of that man—who'd once coldly discarded his wife for his mistress—flashed in my mind, and I nearly laughed.
Max hadn't hesitated to ruin me for Rose's sake. Yet now, without me as his first wife, he'd bowed to pressure.
So his "undying love" amounted to tormenting another woman.
Pathetic.
"Why so happy?" A familiar voice came from the window.
Wendy giggled. "Miss, the Commander's getting quite skilled at climbing through windows. I'll go prepare lunch—I didn't see a thing."
Andrew landed beside me, his handsome face slightly flushed. Since I'd confessed my feelings, he'd visited Phonics Temple often. After I returned home, he'd sneak in with little trinkets, cakes—anything he thought I'd like.
"Commander, must you always use the window?" I swatted his arm.
Instead of teasing back, his expression turned solemn. "I came to say goodbye."
My stomach dropped. "Is the border flaring up again?"
"Yes. Father's mobilized the troops. We march tomorrow."
"Be careful," I whispered, my throat tightening. Our time together had been brief, but with him, I didn't have to play the perfect Watson heiress. I could just be.
"If I return safely, I'll propose immediately. But if I don't…" He pulled me into a crushing embrace. "Forget me."
It hit me then—why he'd only publicly acknowledged me as his sister's savior, never getting too close. He'd planned this all along.
He wanted me to wait… yet feared leaving me bound to a ghost.
Oh, you foolish, noble man.
Tears soaked his shirt.
"Silly girl," he murmured, tucking a jade hairpin into my curls before slipping away.
I stood there, fingertips brushing the cool stone. Andrew Carter… you absolute idiot.
The next morning, I left at dawn for Pentagon Pavilion outside the city.
The Carter army would depart today. Crowds lined the streets, waving flags and shouting blessings. But as my carriage neared the gate, a child darted into the road.
The driver yanked the reins—I slammed against the wall, my skull connecting with wood.
"Miss! Are you hurt?" Wendy fretted.
"I'm fine." I lifted the curtain.
The parents, ragged and frantic, scooped up their child. "Miss, we're so sorry—"
"Is the boy alright?" I asked. Wendy huffed but checked him over, then nodded.
Seeing their threadbare clothes, I had Wendy give them coins before we moved on.
Nearby, Max stood with his colleagues.
"Ms. Watson's as kind as they say," one remarked.
"Word is she funded supplies for the Carter army," another added.
"A truly noble lady," came the murmurs.
Max stared after my carriage, an odd pang in his chest.
"Mr. Charlie? We should go."
"...Right." He shook himself off.
At Pentagon Pavilion, the army hadn't yet arrived. I directed servants to organize the supplies—bandages, food, all funded by my dowry.
Then came the thunder of hooves.
General Carter led the charge, Andrew beside him in silver armor, radiating quiet intensity. When he spotted me, he froze mid-stride.
"Miss Watson—"
"Andrew," I called, loud enough for all to hear. "I've accepted your courtship gifts. With my dowry, I've come to send you off. And I'll be here, waiting, when you return to marry me."
The crowd hushed.
Andrew's eyes burned. In three strides, he crushed me against him. "You reckless girl. You've left yourself no escape."
"You're my only path," I said into his chest.
General Carter clapped Andrew's shoulder. "Don't worry, Seren. I'll drag this boy home in one piece."
"Thank you, Uncle. I'll care for Aunt and Nia. Just… come back safe." I shoved Andrew away, cheeks flaming.
"I swear it," he vowed, pressing his forehead to mine. I fastened an amulet around his neck before he mounted up.
As dust swallowed the marching troops, I whispered, "Please. Both of you."
The crowd dispersed. I turned to leave—
"Ms. Watson."
Max blocked my path, jaw tight. "Might we speak?"