My Childhood Sweetheart Chose Her, But I Found My Forever

When I fell into the ocean, my childhood sweetheart, Ethan, swam towards my cousin, leaving me to be swept away by the waves.

My family thought I was dead.

Ethan married my cousin, Tiffany.

Three years later, I returned home, and my parents first reaction wasnt joy.

Instead, they were worried about upsetting Tiffany and causing her to have a miscarriage.

My mom's eyes darted away, and my dads face held a warning.

After Tiffany moved in, my family forbade me from arguing with her, including over Ethan, whom I loved.

But they didn't know I'd lost my memory after falling into the sea.

I now had a fianc who loved me and a new family.

It was the third year since I fell into the ocean.

My mom, eyes swollen, took my hand.

Elara, dont blame them. No one expected you to come back.

I pulled my hand back, feeling a little awkward.

My dad slammed his hand on the table.

The search teams went out multiple times and found nothing. Its your own bad luck; who else is there to blame?

Tiffany married Ethan and she's pregnant. When they get here, dont say anything to upset her.

I looked at the fork that had fallen to the floor.

A little lost.

Ethan?

It sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldnt recall much.

After drifting at sea for three days and three nights, Liam Hayes saved me.

He said I hit a reef and lost my memory. It wasn't until recently that I recalled I might have a family.

I hadnt planned on coming back.

But Liams family was so loving.

They didnt believe their own parents would abandon a child, unless by accident.

Watching my mom guiltily turn her head away and my dads unwelcoming expression,

I instinctively felt that my subconscious had been right.

But, it didn't matter.

I'd already died once.

Ill love those who love me, and ignore those who don't.

I said calmly,

Okay, I wont say anything out of line.

My dad choked on his words.

My mom put some food on my plate, sighing.

Elara, these past three years havent been easy for anyone.

Tiffany was with us all this time, and Ethan felt so guilty about not saving you.

You dont know how much they suffered. Ethan lost over twenty pounds, and Tiffany forced a smile to reassure us.

I picked out the cilantro I didn't like.

Suddenly, I missed the meals Liams mom used to make.

Half an hour later, the guests finally arrived.

Tiffany Thompson touched her slightly bulging stomach, her face filled with guilt.

Mom, Dad, its all my fault.

My stomach hurt a bit before we left, and Ethan was too worried. He insisted we go to the hospital to get it checked.

Seeing her pale face, my mom quickly asked Ethan,

What did the doctor say? Is everything okay?

I glanced over inadvertently.

Ethans eyes were a little red, and he quickly avoided my gaze.

How strange.

I said I didnt remember Ethan.

My mom thought I was just being stubborn.

She said we used to be inseparable, like two peas in a pod, even sharing a bed when we were kids.

Elara, lets talk things out nicely and part amicably. Its better for everyone.

She said "good" so many times.

But she never once asked:

You were missing for three years; how have you been out there?

When I was rescued, my phone and wallet werent with me. Did I have money?

What did I eat, what did I wear, how did I live?

I wasn't complaining.

There was no disappointment.

The Hayes family had been so good to me.

So good that I had come to believe I had always belonged to their family.

I was just curious.

How could parents be so cold to their own child?

From the moment she entered, Tiffany kept looking my way, noticing my glance at Ethan.

Her expression grew agitated, mixed with a hint of sorrow.

Elara, Im so sorry.

It was an accident when I pulled you into the water. I thought Ethan would save you first.

Ethans eyes completely panicked, afraid to look at me.

My dad interrupted.

Tiffany, you dont need to apologize to her!

Elara must have pushed you first, and you lost your balance, pulling her down with you.

It was only right for Ethan to save you first.

My mom gently stroked Tiffany's head.

Silly girl, Elara and you are good sisters; she wont hold it against you.

Rest easy and take care of your pregnancy. Your uncle Richard and I will handle everything.

Oh, my God.

I knew I was terrified of water. Why would I even go to the beach?

Turns out, someone pulled me into the water!

Seeing that I didnt speak,

Tiffanys face turned stark white, as if she had genuinely done something terribly wrong to me.

But, if she truly wanted to apologize.

How was it that every time she spoke, my family blamed me for being difficult?

I didnt remember what she did.

But the feeling was incredibly uncomfortable.

My dads voice grew even angrier.

Youre back now, so lets turn the page on this. No one is allowed to bring it up again.

Okay!

My dad was terrifying.

He had none of Robert Hayes gentle demeanor.

My mom was biased too.

I, the victim, hadn't even spoken, and shed already easily forgiven them on my behalf.

Whatever!

Anyway, I didnt remember anything.

Perhaps, thanks to her pulling me, I completely forgot about my parents.

I got up and went into the kitchen.

Ethan followed me in.

Our eyes met, and I felt incredibly awkward.

Elara, how have you been these past three years?

Pretty good.

You werent dead. Why didnt you ever come back? Was it because I didnt save you?

I forced myself to answer.

Something like that!

Mainly, I had amnesia and completely forgot I even had relatives.

Ethans face instantly froze.

He wanted to speak again.

Tiffany burst in.

Seeing us talking, she called out intimately,

Honey, I want shrimp. Can you peel them for me?

Ethan followed her out.

I glanced at the stove.

I remembered Liams mom saying that steamed egg custard shouldnt be left on the stove too long, or itll get rubbery.

So, I took it out.

My mom saw what I was holding and looked anxious.

Tiffany is pregnant; this bowl of sea cucumber and egg custard is specially for her.

Tiffanys eyes lowered, showing a hint of forbearance.

Elara suffered a lot out there. I dont need it.

My dad reacted as if he had some kind of post-traumatic stress.

She chose not to come back herself; what does that have to do with you? Dont give it to her.

He was so fierce.

I felt a little angry.

But Liams mom said that when youre doing well, its easy to be generous and not dwell on trivial matters.

These past three years, they had given me so much care and love, making me gentle-tempered.

I smiled slightly.

I wasnt going to eat it. I just saw it was done steaming and helped take it out.

Ethan looked at me and mumbled instinctively,

Elara, youve changed so much.

I blurted out,

Have I?

My dad took a small sip of wine, saying contentedly,

Before, you always competed with your cousin for everything. Looks like suffering out there taught you some manners.

I was speechless.

This neighborhood isnt cheap! How can they act like a bowl of sea cucumber is such a big deal, making such a fuss about who gets to eat it?

I yearned for Liams moms cooking again.

Silverwood was near the ocean, and she often made big seafood feasts.

Steamed grouper, vermicelli scallops with garlic, salt-baked mantis shrimp, spicy blue crabs.

Seeing how much I loved them, the whole family would compete to put food on my plate.

Tiffany had a prenatal class appointment, so she grabbed Ethan and left in a hurry.

My mom praised him for being thoughtful, like a good father-to-be.

Ethan gave me a complicated look.

I pretended not to see it.

Looking at my dark, cramped room, I figured I wouldn't be back often, so I turned on the light and started clearing out things I didnt want.

My mom looked surprised.

Elara, isnt this your favorite dress? Why is it on the floor?

She seemed to be reminiscing.

At first, I only bought one for Tiffany, and you were so mad you didnt eat dinner for two days.

Was I really that childish?

Liams younger brother, Caleb, would definitely tease me if he knew.

I casually picked it up and said indifferently,

I dont remember! That style is so outdated. If you dont want to waste it, just use it as a rag!

My mom looked hurt.

In her eyes, even if I never won against my cousin, I still showed an expectation for my parents, hoping they could be fair, at least buying each of us one.

Yet now, she saw no ripple of emotion in my eyes.

I packed a large bag of old things, ready to call someone to pick them up.

Passing Tiffanys room, it was beautifully decorated.

Even though she had moved out, everything was neat and tidy, the duvet smelling of sunshine.

Unlike my room, which was small, cramped, and dusty enough to make you choke.

My moms expression was awkward, and she eagerly explained,

Tiffany loves cleanliness, so I tidied her room whenever I had time.

Tomorrow Ill find a cleaner. Ill buy you the bedding you used to like, sweetie.

No need.

I came back to Fairview to finalize my official records and change my registered address.

Liams family had initially hoped I would get married with my parents present, so I wouldnt have any regrets.

But it seemed utterly unnecessary now.

My phone chimed.

The contact was labeled "My clingy puppy fianc."

He sent several messages in a row:

Babe, are you happy seeing your parents?

Why havent you given me my goodnight kiss yet? Has anyone bothered you?

I bought your mom a jade necklace, and I heard your dad likes off-road vehicles, so I ordered one around two hundred thousand.

Do you think the gifts are generous enough? My parents also want to send a carload of stuff.

I thought for a moment, then rapidly typed.

I only replied with seven words.

Liam was so startled he immediately called.

Babe, what do you mean, I dont think they deserve it?

Has someone been bothering you?

Liam was terrified Id suffer even the slightest grievance.

I told him the truth.

The staffs words echoed in my ears:

Your parents had your registration officially cancelled.

Generally, if someone is missing for four years, you can apply. But since you fell into the sea, considered an accident, your family could apply to the court in as little as two years.

I couldnt help but laugh bitterly.

A trace of doubt surfaced in my mind.

Why was my dad so eager to declare me dead after only two years of my disappearance?

On the other end of the phone,

Liam gritted his teeth.

Thats outrageous! How could they do that to you?

He sounded a hundred times angrier than me.

Im sorry, I couldnt be there for you.

Liams branch office was in the next city. He wanted to come home with me but had an important client meeting.

I told him to focus on his work.

Babe, are you sad?

Not really.

It just felt strange to be inexplicably declared dead.

I didnt know how to explain it.

I wasn't particularly bothered.

But there was a dull ache.

I went to the courthouse to revoke the death decree.

On the way, I ran into Ethan.

He stared at me intently, his eyes swirling with an unreadable emotion.

Elara, after your uncle Richard cancelled your registration, I went to the beach to lay flowers whenever I had time.

I nodded, feeling incredibly awkward.

I wasnt dead. Did I make you waste money?

He quickly shook his head, then added, as if explaining,

Tiffany and I only got together after your registration was canceled.

By then, we were both barely holding on, and thankfully we became each others support.

Thats good. You two look like a great match.

Ethans eyes turned red.

Elara, I know you loved me most. But Tiffany and I are married; I cant betray her.

Please dont take it out on Tiffany; shes fragile and pregnant with my child. She cant handle any stress.

I looked at him, bewildered.

Im not doing anything!

Ethans expression stiffened slightly.

Thats good! When the baby is born, Tiffany hopes you and Mom can help take care of it.

He seemed to be testing my reaction.

I shook my head.

No, Ill be leaving Fairview soon.

Ethans face instantly paled, and he grabbed my hand.

Say that again?

I finally waited for you to come back; why are you leaving again?

I pulled my hand away with force.

My fianc is in Silverwood. Isnt it normal for me to leave with him?

Ethans voice was strained, trembling slightly.

Impossible. You said youd marry me when we grew up How could you choose someone else?

I looked at him, at a loss for words.

Uh, your name is Ethan, right?

To me, youre no different from a stranger now.

You married my cousin, so dont say such strange things.

My fianc is a jealous type. If he beats you up, its not his responsibility.

Ethans body trembled as he looked at me, his eyes reddening inch by inch.

Is something wrong with this guy? Is he going crazy?

I quickly walked away.

I don't know if Ethan was bad luck.

Soon after, I bumped into someone else.

When she finally saw my face,

She looked like shed seen a ghost, screaming loudly.

Elara, Im sorry. Even though were rivals, its only professionally. Please dont come looking for me in broad daylight!

Im terrified of ghosts. Ill go to the temple tomorrow to burn incense for you.

Me: ...

After all that fuss, it was just a misunderstanding.

Seeing that I had a shadow while standing in the sun,

Chloe Foster finally calmed down, patting her chest.

Its not just me overreacting; everyone at the TV station thought you were dead.

Your dad showed up at the directors office with your death certificate and black-and-white photo, causing a huge scene.

He claimed you fell into the sea by accident while interviewing fishermen and insisted that Tiffany take over your job, threatening to cause trouble every day if not.

To prove I wasn't a ghost, Chloe dragged me to the station.

I hadnt worked there long.

But I had a good education and strong work ethic, so my colleagues liked me.

Everyone was complaining about Tiffany.

She cant even edit a script in a day. When she messes up, all she does is cry, adding so much to our workload.

If it werent for your sake, and the fact that her fianc brought in advertising, she would have been fired long ago.

I couldnt help but laugh wryly, buying my colleagues bubble tea.

My mood on the way home suddenly felt like I was going to a funeral.

As soon as I entered the house, a cup was suddenly thrown towards the doorway.

I narrowly dodged it.

Then I saw my dad, without even asking what happened, yelling at me.

Elara, look at what youve done. You just had to go to the TV station and embarrass your cousin.

My mom looked at me with displeasure, her tone full of disapproval and blame.

Tiffany is pregnant and often takes time off, so her colleagues are already jealous. Now that they know youre not dead, but shes taken your position, the boss will definitely make things difficult for her.

Tiffanys eyes were red, looking so wronged she was about to cry.

Elara, I didnt mean to take over your job.

Uncle Richard said its best to keep opportunities within the family, and that a radio job is hard to get and brings Ethan prestige, so I agreed.

My dad rushed to cancel my registration to clear the way for Tiffany.

I thought for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh.

Tiffany, your grades were so bad, how could you possibly handle it? Be careful not to take on a role you're not qualified for. You might just bring trouble upon yourself.

She looked anxious.

How do you know my grades were bad? Did you remember something?

No! I saw your old test papers while packing. Your essays were always miles off-topic, and you couldnt even get the basic literature questions right.

My dad noticed her discomfort and was about to scold me again.

Tiffany, afraid I'd reveal more, quickly tried to appease him.

Uncle Richard, Elara misunderstood; thats all in the past.

Mr. Hayes from Zenith Corp rarely makes appearances; hes a finance mogul the station has long wanted to interview.

Thanks to Ethan collaborating with him, we got in touch. I actually contacted him directly a few days ago.

Her voice suddenly rose, and she glanced at me.

I will prove to all of you that I wont do any worse than anyone else.

My dad looked relieved, and my mom was proud of her.

I listened, utterly bewildered.

Zenith Corp?

It sounded like a branch company under the Hayes Group.

Was the Mr. Hayes she spoke of Liam, or his distant cousin, Daniel, who was dealing with embezzlement issues?