Reborn, Not Giving My Job to Him

The companys layoff list went public, and my husbands name was on it.

To secure his future, I voluntarily resigned, ensuring the company kept him.

He climbed the corporate ladder, while I became a housewife for forty years.

Until, in our old age, he suddenly asked for a divorce, planning to move in with my former assistant

Even our son supported his choice:

Dad worked so hard to support us all these years, Mom. Just let him go.

Thats when I realized Marcus and Chloe had been having an affair ever since that layoff.

After being abandoned, I died alone in a tiny rental apartment from heart failure.

Then, I opened my eyes again. I had been reborn, back to the moment the company announced the layoff list.

This time, I wouldn't give up my job for my husband again.

Audrey, did you hear me?

Marcus waved a hand in front of my face.

I just got called into a meeting, passed by the CEOs office, and got a sneak peek at the layoff list My names on it too.

He wrinkled his nose, his face etched with despair.

At that moment, he had no idea Id been reborn.

After his initial dejection, a glint flickered in Marcuss eyes.

He grabbed my shoulders.

Honey, Im a man, I cant lose my job. How about you volunteer to resign and give your position to me? You can be a stay-at-home mom, and I promise Ill make you the happiest woman in the world!

I just stared at him.

He'd said the exact same thing in my past life.

Last time, I listened to him and went to the CEO to resign.

I even begged the CEO to keep him on.

The CEO eventually agreed to my request.

After I was laid off, Marcus took over all my responsibilities.

And Chloe, who had been my assistant, naturally followed him.

Then, behind my back, they had an affair for forty years.

I clutched my chest, forcing myself to pull away from the painful memories.

Audrey, since youre not saying anything, Ill take that as a yes.

Marcus grinned, and just like before, he patted my head and kissed me.

Then he pulled a pair of gloves from his pocket.

Happy birthday, honey. Your old gloves were so worn out, so I bought you a new pair.

I didnt answer.

Because I clearly remembered that in my past life, Id found a jewelry store receipt in his jacket pocket.

He claimed it was a souvenir from a business trip, meant for his superior.

But the very next day, I saw a beautiful gold necklace on Chloes neck.

Back then, I was too naive to connect the two events.

He gave me a cheap pair of gloves, but bought Chloe a gold necklace.

There were countless similar incidents in my past life.

So, I looked him straight in the eye and said:

Marcus, I dont agree.

He didn't react immediately.

What?

I wont resign and let you take my position. Women have careers too. Why should I sacrifice mine for you?

Marcus's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.

Audrey, I never thought youd be so selfish!

What kind of wife competes with her husband for a job? What you should be doing right now is taking care of our son and my mom!

I scoffed, shaking my head.

You being laid off just shows your incompetence. I think youre better suited to stay home.

You!

He was so furious he couldn't speak, slamming the office door shut as he left.

We were in a cold war for the next few days.

On the first night, I cooked dinner.

He simply flipped the table over.

Gazing at the mess scattered across the floor, Marcuss mom, Martha, didn't scold her son. Instead, she glared at me.

Audrey, what did you do to upset Marcus again? Go apologize to him, right now!

Leo also piped up:

Mom, why are you always picking on Dad?!

I almost laughed from sheer frustration.

I wasn't going to hold back anymore.

I kicked the overturned dining table.

After that day, I never cooked again.

Hearing that Marcus and I were fighting, Chloe started to secretly butter him up.

Shed make two lunches every day, sneaking one to Marcus at the office.

Once, I saw her feeding him bites of food.

A flash of guilt flickered in Marcuss eyes.

Chloe, however, offered a knowing smile.

Audrey, I brought too much lunch, so I figured Id share some with you. Want to try my cooking?

I shook my head, my voice cold. No thanks.

Audrey, youre not mad, are you?

I just feel bad for Marcus, working so hard every day. If youre upset, I wont do it anymore.

She bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with what looked like tears.

Marcus immediately felt a pang of sympathy for her.

He pulled Chloe behind him, lowering his voice.

Audrey, stop stirring up trouble for no reason. Chloe is a sweet girl, nothing like you!

I nearly scoffed, but I held it in.

Only three days left until the layoff list was officially announced. Then Id make sure Marcus was out for good.

Right now, I couldnt waste my time and energy arguing with him.

Three days later, the company held the layoff meeting.

Everyone sat with their heads bowed, terrified their names would be called.

But Marcus, who had already seen the list, was perfectly composed, even a little smug.

The CEO read the last name, then looked out at the room.

And finally, Audrey.

My heart plummeted. I felt cold sweat instantly prickle my skin.

My hands and feet went numb.

How could this be How could it be me?

Beside me, Marcus struggled to suppress a triumphant smirk.

After the layoff list was read, they moved on to the personnel assignments for the restructured company.

Not only was Marcus not laid off, but he was also promoted.

To manager

I didnt fully recover until the meeting ended.

I stumbled to the stage, picking up the sheet of paper covered with names.

It really was me

Brenda, a colleague standing nearby, also on the list, sighed, her face etched with worry.

Audrey, youre our best technician in the whole department. Did you upset the new Vice President?

I felt a strange disconnect, asking almost automatically, Who is it?

His name is Robert. He and the CEO finalized this layoff list together.

It finally clicked.

Robert, he was Chloes brother-in-law.

My face fell, utterly drained, body and soul.

I had no idea where the road ahead would lead.

Stumbling home in a daze, I found Chloe there already

Marcuss mom, Martha, had prepared a lavish dinner.

Marcus, this time, its all thanks to Chloes help.

Martha said, not forgetting to shoot me a glare.

She clasped Chloes hand tightly.

Youre such a good girl! I truly wish you were Marcuss wife.

Marcus took a sip of wine, silently agreeing with them.

Standing in the doorway, I felt like an outsider in my own home.

Then, Chloe saw me, her eyes gleaming with a challenging glint.

Audrey, youre back!

After that day, Chloe became a regular at our house.

She, dressed to the nines every day, stood in stark contrast to me, newly laid off.

I didn't even have money for new clothes anymore.

A cold dread enveloped me.

Was I doomed to repeat the tragedy of my past life?

No. I wouldnt allow it. Absolutely not.

I took off my apron, found Brenda, and we discussed starting our own business.

We bought a food truck, planning to sell burgers on the street.

But Marcus was quick to mock me.

How much money do you think youll make selling burgers? Dont embarrass me out there.

Ever since I was laid off, Marcuss attitude toward me had grown increasingly hostile.

But I ignored him, focusing on building our business.

The weather was freezing, and my hands were raw with chilblains.

The pain kept me awake at night.

Marcus saw them but just brushed it off.

I told you not to go out. Now youre suffering, serves you right.

I remembered in my past life, his excuse for wanting a divorce was because of Chloes hands.

Her hands had developed arthritis from overwork, and she eventually couldnt do housework.

Marcus felt terribly sorry for her, so he decided to divorce me to take care of her.

Chloes hands got arthritis from helping me at work. I cant just ignore her.

Later, both father and son threw me out, renting a rundown apartment for me.

Now, I absolutely wouldn't repeat those mistakes.

I gritted my teeth, applied chilblain cream, and wrapped my hands in thick bandages.

The next day, I was back at my burger stand.

I worked the stand during the day and spent my evenings in the kitchen, studying.

Besides selling burgers, I hoped to re-enroll in school and become a professional engineer.

It was my only way back into the workforce, my only chance to change my life.

And I couldn't let Marcus know about any of my efforts.

Marcus, thanks to Chloe's connections, was absolutely crushing it at work.

He came home later and later each night.

Their affair was an open secret at the company.

My former colleagues even joked about me in their SnapChat group chat:

Audrey is really generous! I wish my wife was that generous and let me have a mistress.

She doesnt even have a job now, she has to rely on a man to support her. Of course, she wouldnt dare to divorce him!

Such a pussy!

Despite the humiliation, I remained unfazed.

I stared at the date on the calendar.

December 20th was fast approaching.

I felt a surge of excitement.

Because, in my previous life, one of the companys multi-million dollar German machines broke down on that exact day!

And in the entire company, I was the only one who knew how to fix it.