All Chapters of Faded Hearts, Broken Bonds: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

"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

Four paint cans lay spilled, colors pooling across the floor.Valerie sat amid the mess. Her eyes teared up, her voice shaking. "I'm so sorry. I tripped.""The four cans were side by side," I pointed out. "And you knocked over all of them?"My blunt question caught her off guard, and her tears flowed harder. "I…"Nathan stepped in front of her, shielding her like a knight. "Enough! She said it was an accident. Why drag it out? Get it cleaned up and mix new paints."I clenched my fists, sneering. "My canvas is ruined. Do you know the cost of destroying this piece?"Unwilling to argue with me, he led Valerie to leave. "Don't be ridiculous. How much could your painting be worth?"Annoyed by his nonchalance, I took a deep breath and shoved him back. "Get out!"...The exhibition paused. I tore off the ruined canvas, retreating to the studio to mix new paints.Someone shouted outside, "Fire!"Screams pierced the door. Thinking of my hundreds of paintings, I grabbed a wet towel, c

Nathan's laugh was laced with bitter fury as he watched them cling to each other.He seized Valerie's arm, pulling her forward. "If someone hadn't tampered with those paints, how could the fire have spread so quickly? You gave those cans to Gail, didn't you? You never expected she'd discard them."Valerie screamed, struggling against his grip. Tears streamed down her face. "She is my sister. I would never harm her. You'd rather believe your own delusions than face the truth? From the moment you arrived, Gail kept her distance from you. Why waste your devotion on someone who doesn't want it?"Nathan's mind roared with memories. In his past life, he had tormented me, turning me into a laughingstock across the city. He had toyed with my heart, and I had suffered for it.My coldness in this life was only natural.His fists clenched. Before he could react, Dustin punched him. "What's wrong with you? Apologize to Valerie now!"Nathan stepped back, dodging Valerie's outstretched hand. "

Valerie had ensnared herself in her own web.A rush of satisfaction coursed through me as I drained my glass of champagne....The scandal was swiftly overshadowed by the chatter of other socialites.I stepped into the hallway for air, the cold night breeze stinging my eyes."Gail?" Nathan's voice, raw and familiar, sent a tremor through my fingers.Before I could react, he seized my shoulders, spinning me to face him. His hands gripped mine with desperate urgency."It's you, right? I'd recognize you anywhere. Where have you been? I've searched for you endlessly. You're alive!" he said. "I couldn't eat or sleep, haunted by dreams of you shouting my name. Thankfully, God sent you back."I wrenched my hand free and delivered a sharp slap across his face. "Gail Maddox is dead. Look at my face."His head snapped to the side. He stood frozen, then shook his head frantically. "No, you've altered your appearance, but I could never mistake you. Not after what we shared in our past lif