Faded Hearts, Broken Bonds

"It's fine," I said, shaking my head. "I've never cared for instruments. Teaching me would waste Dustin's talent."

Days ago, I'd just convinced Lucas to import a set of premium paints from abroad. I had no time for their games.

In my past life, I had buried my painting talent by chasing men. This time, I wouldn't repeat that mistake.

Valerie's smile widened as she assumed that I'd take Nathan. It would give her a chance to be with Dustin alone.

She didn't expect my refusal.

"Dad said Nathan is shy," I continued. "I'm too brash. I'd startle him. You're so kind and understanding, so why not show them both around?"

Valerie froze, speechless.

We all knew Nathan was an outcast in the Holland family, rumored to have pushed his mother from a third-story window at five and shed no tears.

Valerie wouldn't dare handle such a freak.

...

Nathan finally looked up. "Thank you, Mr. Maddox, but my condition is improving. I'm normal enough. Don't treat me like a patient."

He stepped into the light, revealing a flawless face and a cold, commanding presence. Valerie's eyes widened.

I met his gaze, startled. Those steady, mature eyes didn't belong to a boy his age.

I wondered if he had been reborn, too. I clenched my fist, my throat tightening as if someone were choking me.

Turned out, he could have such a rich range of expressions. He had just never shown them to me.

All those years, he had watched me spin in circles like a dog at his mercy. I had no idea of his feelings when he saw him humiliated in front of everyone.

Valerie's gaze lingered on Nathan's face, but I turned to leave.

As I passed him, he spoke. "I've always loved collecting art. We share that passion. I could be useful to you."

I paused without looking back, my heart pounding in my chest. "Thanks, but I prefer working alone."

In my past life, I had poured my heart into him despite the scorn, never asking if he wanted it. My love had been a shadow, never seeing light.

This time, I'd let go of futile affection.

That night, I went downstairs to get water from the fridge. A hand suddenly grabbed the door, and Nathan loomed in the shadows, studying me.

"What game are you playing this time?" he asked.

I grabbed a bottle, unfazed. "So, you are reborn. But you're wrong. I'm not interested in any of you. I just want my own life."

He scoffed, eyeing the necklace on my neck. "Not interested? Then why wear that?"

His words made me pause.

In my past life, Nathan had woven that necklace to thank me for my care. It was the only gift he had given me.

I hadn't noticed it carried over.