Selene’s POV The tension was thick enough to slice through, but before anyone else could speak, Aunty Evelyn’s shrill voice pierced the air. “What is going on here?” she demanded, her brows furrowing as she looked between Mata and Sarah. “What is Mata saying?” Mata whipped her head toward her, eyes flashing. “Aunty Evelyn,” she barked, her tone sharp, “you shouldn’t be asking me that. You should be asking Sarah what exactly she was saying.” Sarah stiffened in her chair, glaring back at Mata with a wounded expression that looked anything but genuine. Evelyn’s face twisted in confusion as she tapped her fingers against the table as if trying to piece things together. “Wait,” she muttered slowly, then raised her voice, “isn’t Sarah supposedly the heir to Mr. Aeka’s fortune?” I bit down a laugh at the sheer ignorance. Mata let out a short, cruel laugh, her shoulders shaking. “Oh, I see,” she drawled, tilting her head mockingly, “she fooled you too. Well, let’s make one thing cl
Selene’s POVSarah tossed her hair back and scoffed, her lips curling into that same arrogant smirk that always made me want to claw it off her face. “Whatever,” she sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. “You can talk all you wants, but I know I’m self-justified.”I blinked at her, Self-justified? Did she even hear herself?Mata’s chair scraped loudly against the floor as she pushed it back and rose to her feet. Her eyes burned like fire as she slammed her palm against the table. The plates rattled, a glass nearly tipped over. “Self-justified?” she barked, her voice sharp enough to slice the air in two.Sarah flinched but quickly covered it with another scoff.“You’re self-justified that you took a loan from a loan-shark and shoved the punishment on me too?!” Mata’s chest heaved as she pointed a trembling finger at her. “Made me take the fall for your reckless, idiotic choices? Tell me, Sarah, is that your grand definition of being justified?”I froze in my seat because I certai
Selene’s POVMata’s smile.That was what caught my attention the most. Of all the faces around the long dining table, it was hers that unsettled me—because it wasn’t the usual cold sneer I had grown used to, but something softer, almost… warm. My brows furrowed slightly as I studied her, my mind questioning what game she was trying to play this time.Before I could dwell on it longer, the grand doors opened behind us. The faint creak of the hinges echoed through the hall, and I turned my head.A line of waitresses entered in perfect sequence, carrying gleaming trays that shimmered beneath the chandelier lights. Their steps were precise, their postures rigid, as though they were trained soldiers in some silent march. The rich aromas of roasted meats, spiced stews, and freshly baked bread floated into the room, mingling with the subtle scent of expensive wine already poured into crystal glasses.When the waitress nearest to me stopped and lowered a dish onto the table, my eyes widen
Selene's Pov Yes… I was finally here. I had finally decided to attend the last family dinner, just as Matthew had insisted. It was strange, almost laughable, how those words “family dinner” sounded in my head. Did I even belong to this family anymore?. The moment I stepped into the event hall—the same one I had walked into the very first time after my rebirth as a calming sensation washed over me. It was odd, like stepping into a memory, except this time I carried with me something new: freedom. A taste of independence that no one here could strip away from me. My eyes swept over the table. Everyone was seated just as they always had been. Evelyn, Sarah, Martha… and Matthew. What caught me off guard was Mata. She was smiling at me. Her smile wasn’t wide, but it was there, sitting strangely on her faceWhich was unusual was and Sarah… Sarah was still Sarah. Her sharp, frowned expression stabbed at me the way it always had, her eyes filled with that familiar resentment. I ig
Collins’ POV Aiden shifted uncomfortably in his seat, scratching the back of his head as though the words he wanted to say were caught somewhere in his throat. “Um, boss…” he began slowly, voice uncertain, i have, but… I think you probably even have more experience than me.” I studied him for a moment, the corner of my mouth twitching at his awkwardness. Maybe he was right, maybe he wasn’t. With a quiet sigh, I pushed myself up from my chair, letting my hands slide into my pockets. My steps carried me from one end of the room to the other, the sound of my shoes echoing softly against the wooden floor. “Well… maybe and maybe not,” I muttered, my gaze lingering on the framed picture hanging on the far wall. “You know something, Aiden?” My voice dropped, thick with a weight I hadn’t let anyone hear in years. “It’s been so long. So many years have passed, and sometimes I feel like I’m not really capable of doing… that stuff again. Like the version of me that once thrived
Collins Pov The car had barely stopped before I shoved the door open and jumped out. My chest was tight, anger burning through my veins like fire. I didn’t even bother shutting the car door properly—I stormed across the driveway and into the house. “Dad!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the grand hallway. My steps were heavy, almost stomping, as I moved deeper inside. “Dad!” “I’m right behind the—bar, son,” came his calm, unhurried voice from the hallway at the back. I didn’t wait as I marched straight toward him, fists clenched at my sides. . When I finally saw him, he was standing there with a glass of wine in his hand, looking as though nothing in the world could ruffle him. That calm expression only made my frustration boil hotter. “Dad, what was the meaning of that today?” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. “Why did you have to do something so—so embarrassing to me?” My father arched a brow, unfazed. “Collins,” he said slowly, with that maddening pa