Rebirth: Love me Again

Chapter 22: Shattered Reflections

Cole Fay was the kind of man whose presence dominated the room before he even spoke.

His silver hair, the same striking shade as his father's, shimmered under the soft lighting, casting an almost ethereal glow around him.

It was impossible to look away — the contrast of his sharp, handsome features against the mundane world around him made everything else seem to fade, dimming in comparison to his radiance.

His eyes, those piercing blue eyes, cut through the air with a gaze that could melt hearts and shatter defenses in an instant. They weren't just eyes; they were like cold fire, burning with an intensity that made your pulse race, yet cool enough to freeze you in place.

One look from him felt like being laid bare, every secret exposed under that penetrating stare.

He wasn't wearing anything remarkable — just a simple, casual outfit — but the clothes couldn't hide the raw power that radiated from him.

There was a grace to the way he moved, an effortless confidence that made even the most unremarkable gesture seem deliberate and commanding.

His posture alone was enough to make others feel insignificant, as though the weight of his authority pressed down on the very air around him.

Handsome didn't even begin to describe Cole Fay. He was beyond that — he was magnetic, overwhelming in his perfection, a force of nature wrapped in human form.

You couldn't just look at him — you

felt

him, as if his very presence had the ability to pull you in, drowning you in the sheer weight of his existence.

Cole Fay, the very man who cast shadows over the lives of everyone around him, was seated beside Lina. His presence was commanding, even in the casual setting, his eyes sharp as they met mine.

My heart skipped a beat — not from fear, but from the shock of seeing him again.

The memories rushed back like a tidal wave, crashing against the walls I'd built to contain them. I took a deep breath, forcing it past the tight knot of anger boiling inside me, threatening to spill over.

In that moment, all the striking beauty in the world couldn't dull the rage burning in my chest. His handsome face, the piercing eyes that once made my heart flutter, now only ignited a storm of fury.

Any feelings I once harbored, any admiration or affection, had evaporated the day he betrayed me. The day he turned his back when I needed him the most.

That moment replayed in my mind, sharp and unforgiving. The trust I had in him shattered like glass, the pieces still cutting into me, leaving scars I couldn't hide.

And now, standing before him, all the charm, all the perfection he embodied meant nothing. Not anymore. All I saw was a man who had broken me at my weakest.

Sophie's mouth fell open, the shock written all over her face. I, however, kept my composure, even as my anger boiled over.

"Is the surprise not to your liking?" Lina's voice broke the silence, her expression apologetic.

Had my anger been that obvious?

I dug my nails into my palms, forcing a smile that barely masked the storm within. "Ah, no. Sorry, I just didn't expect . . .

this

."

Lina chuckled softly. "I went through all the trouble to bring my brother here."

"You mean trick me," Cole's deep, smooth voice cut through the air like a blade, making me flinch. It felt like years since I had last heard him speak, and the sound sent a rush of emotions crashing into me.

"Come, sit." Lina gestured to the low table.

Before I could move, Sophie rushed to sit in front of Cole, like she owned the space. She might have been the true lady, but right now, I was supposed to be the one at the head of the table.

Lina blinked, momentarily taken aback, but quickly masked her irritation at Sophie's action. I took my place across from her, opposite Cole.

I hadn't expected to see him so soon. In fact, I'd hoped to avoid him entirely. But here he was — Lina's so-called "

gift

."

Too bad. I wasn't amused. I was irritated.

"I have good news, Eve," Lina began as we started eating. "Cole has some free time this afternoon. The two of you can practice the dance together."

Cole remained silent, focusing on his food, while I felt my appetite vanish. "I'm sorry, but I've got a lot going on this afternoon."

Lina looked shocked, as if I'd slapped her.

Cole paused mid-bite, his gaze briefly flickering toward me.

Sophie's mouth fell open in disbelief.

I knew what they were thinking. The old me would have jumped at the chance to spend any time with Cole, let alone practice something as intimate as a dance.

But now? I didn't want to be near him. I didn't even want to breathe the same air as him.

Sophie, of course, couldn't resist inserting herself into the conversation. "My lady, if you're busy this afternoon, perhaps I could stand in for you. Lady Sophia said that this dance is very important, and I could practice with Master Cole and teach you later. What do you think?"

I shrugged, indifferent. "Go ahead."

Sophie's face lit up, but the clatter of Cole's utensils hitting the table shattered the brief moment of excitement.

Without sparing her a glance, he wiped his mouth casually and muttered, "If you're going to send someone else, then so will I. It's a waste of time."

The color drained from Sophie's face, her lips pressing tight in embarrassment.

Cole directly said that she was a waste of time. Who wouldn't get embarrassed?

I couldn't help but smirk. That was Cole — relentless and blunt, no matter who was on the receiving end.

"Don't be like that, Cole," Lina reprimanded him gently. "Eve's eighteenth birthday is fast approaching. What will you two do if you haven't rehearsed the final dance?"

"It's fine," I interrupted, waving my hand dismissively. "We can just cancel that part."

Lina's eyes widened in shock.

Cole paused again, this time his gaze lingering on me for a second longer, as if searching for something in my expression.

Sophie, on the other hand, shot to her feet, her face flushed.

"You can't!"