Rebirth: Love me Again

[EVE]

I fought back my tears, refusing to let them escape. I couldn't cry now. I had already shed so many tears over him in the past, and I wasn't about to start again—not now, not ever.

I'd promised myself long ago to never come back to him, to keep him from slipping into my life again.

My mind filled with memories of all the hurt, every word he'd said and every action he'd taken that left scars on my heart. Each painful moment had driven me to harden my resolve, to close myself off.

Piece by piece, I reconstructed the walls around my heart, reinforcing them against the pull he still had on me.

"You're too late . . ." I whispered, my voice barely audible over the distant rumble of thunder.

"What?" His expression turned wary, his hand still clasped around mine, his eyes searching my face.

"You're too late!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the sudden crack of thunder as the sky darkened, unleashing a torrent of rain.

It was as if my emotions had stirred the heavens themselves, the storm mirroring the turmoil inside me.

I turned, intent on leaving, but he grabbed my hand, desperation thick in his voice. "What should I do?" he pleaded. "Tell me, please, what can I do to make it up to you?"

For a moment, I met his gaze, staring into the depths of his eyes where regret and sorrow swirled. His vulnerability struck me, yet it wasn't enough to erase the scars he had left behind.

I took a breath, steadying myself.

"You're too late. You don't deserve me," I said, each word, cutting, and final.

His grip loosened, his hand falling away as I turned and walked into the rain, letting it wash over me, each step sealing the choice I'd made to leave him behind.

=== 🤍 ===

[VICTOR]

Victor looked up at the sky, frowning as he watched the stars vanish behind thick, rolling clouds.

One moment, the sky had been clear, the night lit with delicate twinkles; now, it was shadowed and somber, pouring rain as if all the light had disappeared.

The temperature dropped sharply, and Victor rubbed his hands together, shivering a little in the chill. Despite the sudden turn in the weather, he stood by the doorway, waiting, hoping Eve would still make it.

Inside, he had everything set up for her birthday—though it wasn't an extravagant party, he'd done his best to make it special.

For days, he'd planned every detail, knowing that Eve and Sinclair preferred smaller, more intimate gatherings over anything loud or showy.

They might not have a huge crowd, but he hoped she'd feel the warmth he'd poured into each piece of the celebration.

The room was softly lit with fairy lights that cast a gentle glow, lending a magical touch to the space. The lights twisted around a few carefully placed flower arrangements—Eve's favorites, roses and baby's breath—in little vases on the table.

The food was set out on the dining table, but his pride and joy was the centerpiece: a sushi spread artfully arranged in the shape of a small ship.

Each type of sushi was chosen with Eve in mind; she had a particular fondness for certain pieces, and he'd made sure they were all there. Tuna, salmon, eel, and a few delicate rolls garnished with edible flowers, all crafted to perfection.

Little bowls of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi surrounded the sushi ship, and he could imagine her smile when she'd see it. He'd even included some sashimi on the side and arranged tiny cups of sake, which she always enjoyed as a treat.

Off to one side of the room was a small nook where he had prepared something more personal—a spot he hoped would be the backdrop for a moment he'd been waiting to share with her.

The area was decorated with deep red roses scattered across a soft, plush rug, with a few candles that cast a warm light over the space.

Red and white balloons floated above, tied to little weights and curling ribbons, adding a playful touch. He'd chosen this little corner to be private but special, a place where he hoped to finally tell Eve what he'd felt for her and his intentions to court her officially.

Victor's heart raced a little as he glanced over at the scene, imagining how it might go. He had planned to stand with her there, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight and the beauty of roses.

He'd tell her how much she meant to him, how her kindness, her laughter, and her strength had brightened his days in a way no one else ever had.

He hoped, with all his heart, that she'd feel the same. He'd even rehearsed what he wanted to say, though the words never seemed quite right in his mind.

Victor took a deep breath, steadying himself as he looked back at the doorway, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement.

The rain might have put a damper on the evening's ambiance, but he could only hope that it wouldn't affect Eve's mood.

He wanted her to see the effort he'd put in, to understand just how much he cared. Even if she hadn't realized it before, he hoped tonight would show her that she was cherished, deeply and truly, in a way that went beyond simple friendship.

Just as he was lost in thought, imagining the perfect moment and hoping she'd feel the same, he heard footsteps approaching.

Victor's heart leaped, and he straightened, taking one last look around to ensure everything was in place. This was it—the moment he'd been waiting for.

When he turned, it wasn't Eve standing there, but Sinclair.

"You're still waiting for her?" the older man asked, voice gentle but laced with an edge of concern.

Victor forced a smile. "She's probably just caught up with something. Maybe she hasn't seen my messages yet."

Though that seemed unlikely. Eve was always quick to reply, but this time, it felt different.

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|| A/N ||

By the way, it's actually Sebastian, Sinclair and Eve's birthday. Sorry for the confusion.