Across Silent Rivers We Carry Echoes Of Forgotten Tomorrows by Landon Creed Hale

A Second Chance at Life

Natasha Burnett wakes up one morning to a startling, miraculous reality—she has somehow returned to the age of twenty-seven. Her memories of her previous life remain intact, including every wound, humiliation, and heartbreak she suffered as the neglected wife of Evander Palmer, the richest man alive, and mother of two children who adored someone else more than her.

In this new timeline, she finds herself once again married to Evander, trapped in the luxurious but cold marriage that once broke her spirit. The world sees her as immensely fortunate—married to the global business icon named “The Most Desirable Bachelor” by Time magazine, a man courted by European royalty and American elites alike. Yet beneath the glitter, Natasha already knows the truth: Evander Palmer has never loved her.

The first decisive action she takes upon returning is to prevent history from repeating itself. She seeks out Penelope Holyfield—the woman Evander has always loved—and hands her divorce papers, determined to end the cycle of her past misery before it can begin again.

2. Natasha Confronts Penelope

Natasha meets Penelope in a café with an unwavering expression. She does not plead, cry, or seek sympathy. Instead, she calmly pushes the divorce papers toward Penelope and says the line that shocks her:
“I want a divorce. You can have Evander and the kids.”

Penelope is stunned. For six years she has watched Natasha cling to the marriage, desperately trying to win Evander’s attention. But now Natasha appears detached, even indifferent. When Penelope presses her, demanding to know if this is a trick or emotional manipulation, Natasha gives the same cold response:
“I’m done. They all prefer you. I’m simply giving them what they want.”

This unexpected willingness to step aside tempts Penelope—something she would have never admitted openly before. In this timeline, she senses an opportunity to obtain the man she loves, the children she adores, and the life she secretly desires. With newfound ambition, she takes the papers and promises Natasha she will pursue what she wants without ever giving it back.

Natasha simply nods. She is not planning to look back.

3. Evander Arrives—A Painful Reminder

Penelope calls Evander with one short request. Natasha watches bitterly as Evander—a man who rarely answered Natasha’s calls directly—arrives within minutes. He brings Penelope her favorite cake, remembers the exact sweetness she prefers, and speaks to her gently.

Natasha feels invisible.

Her two children, Mervin and Ashley, rush toward Penelope with sparkling enthusiasm, hugging her tightly. Their affection for Penelope is unmistakable, and Natasha feels a pang of sorrow. In her previous life, they grew to resent her, constantly comparing her unfavorably to Penelope, who was kind, patient, and affectionate—everything Evander admired.

Penelope uses the moment to show Evander the divorce papers. She casually mentions needing money for a townhouse. Evander signs the divorce documents immediately, without hesitation, without reading them, and without asking Natasha why she wants out.

This single gesture tells Natasha everything she already knew in her previous life—Evander’s heart was never hers.

4. Natasha’s Past Life: A History of Loneliness

As she watches the scene unfold, Natasha’s mind replays the darkest memories from her previous life.

She recalls:

• Their arranged marriage, a union between two powerful families.

• Evander’s coldness, his inability to move on from Penelope even after she left abroad.

• Her unrequited love, pouring every ounce of devotion into the relationship, only to feel unnoticed and unloved.

• Penelope’s return, which reignited Evander’s emotions and shifted his attention entirely away from Natasha.

• Her children’s growing attachment to Penelope, leaving Natasha isolated in her own home.

• Her declining health, eventually developing Alzheimer’s and gradually becoming forgotten by the people she cherished.

• The fire that ended her life, caused by her confusion as she attempted to cook alone on her birthday.

• And worst of all, the knowledge that Evander and the children were vacationing with Penelope on the day she died.

The memory of dying alone with no one waiting for her still haunts Natasha. Her last thought had been a prayer—if she ever had a second chance, she would never waste her life yearning for Evander’s affection again.

This rebirth is her miracle, and she intends to use it wisely.

5. Natasha Returns Home With New Resolve

After the devastating encounter at the café, Natasha returns to the family villa. Instead of resting or dissolving into heartbreak, she begins packing her belongings. She organizes boxes of clothing, children’s toys, photographs, and Evander’s items. Every action is purposeful—a symbolic clearing of emotional debris, severing herself from the life she once blindly protected.

When Evander enters with the children, he is shocked to see the upheaval.

The Children React

Ashley rushes toward Natasha with anger and fear, seeing her favorite teddy bear in a storage box.
“You’re a bad mommy! Penny is better!” she screams.

Mervin joins in, accusing Natasha of being jealous and vowing to move in with Penelope permanently when he grows up.

Natasha absorbs their words silently. She has heard them before in her previous life, and this time they cut less deeply—not because she doesn’t care, but because she understands their feelings stem from the emotional neglect they witnessed from Evander.

Evander Remains Cold

Evander chastises Natasha, not for the children’s hurtful behavior, but for “overreacting.”
He shows no concern for her emotions and dismisses her pain as unnecessary drama.

“I have a board meeting. Throw away what you want, just keep it quiet,” he tells her before disappearing into his study.

The door closes.
Natasha’s composure cracks.
She cries—but only briefly.

Then she wipes away her tears and reminds herself of her new purpose:
She will not chase these people. She will not beg for love. She will not cry again for a man who never wanted her.

6. Natasha’s Internal Transformation

This moment marks a turning point. The Natasha reborn at twenty-seven is not the same woman who endured decades of silent heartbreak.

She realizes:

• Her life has value beyond her marriage.

• Her self-worth cannot be defined by Evander’s affection.

• Her children’s love will not be won through sacrifice alone—it must grow naturally.

• Penelope and Evander may deserve each other, but she deserves freedom.

This clarity brings her calm.

She laughs—soft, shaky, but genuine. For the first time since returning to this timeline, she feels light. She will no longer suffer quietly.

7. Themes Reflected in the Story

This story explores several deep themes, making Natasha’s journey complex and emotionally gripping:

a. Rebirth & Redemption

Natasha’s second chance gives her an opportunity to heal past wounds and choose herself over a loveless marriage.

b. Toxic Love & Emotional Neglect

Evander’s indifference shows that love cannot be forced. His obsession with Penelope blinds him to Natasha’s devotion.

c. Motherhood & Identity

Natasha’s role as a mother is complicated—her children prefer Penelope, making Natasha question her worth. Her rebirth gives her a chance to rebuild this bond without losing herself.

d. Female Strength & Empowerment

Natasha’s decision to divorce Evander first shows courage, independence, and emotional maturity.

8. Natasha’s Future Path (Foreshadowing)

Though not yet revealed in your provided text, the narrative strongly hints at Natasha’s future trajectory:

• She will rebuild her life independently.

• Her personal growth will challenge Evander’s perception of her.

• The children may gradually realize the depth of their mother’s love.

• Evander, known for arrogance, power, and emotional detachment, may eventually face regret.

• Penelope’s motives may evolve into competition rather than compassion.

• Natasha may pursue new relationships, stability, and inner peace.

Her journey transforms from suffering to empowerment.

9. Conclusion: A Woman Who Refuses to Break Again

This 2000-word summary encompasses the emotional arc of Natasha Burnett—a woman who lived a lifetime of heartbreak, died alone, and was reborn with clarity and purpose.

Natasha is no longer the submissive wife longing for affection. She refuses to repeat the mistakes of her past life. Her decision to leave Evander is not fueled by jealousy or anger—it is fueled by wisdom.

Her final promise to herself echoes through the story:
She will not disturb Evander ever again. She is done suffering in silence. She is ready to reclaim her life.