Reborn Beyond Their Remorse

Steven's accusing finger hung suspended in mid-air.

Coming to his senses, he let out a derisive snort. "Forget the birthday gift. You don't deserve it. I'll pass it to Andrea as an apology on your behalf."

Little did he know that I was aware he'd never gotten me anything. This was just a convenient excuse. To him, I was a fool he could string along.

He bolted out, his face etched with urgency.

Moments later, my phone chimed with a message from Joyce.

[Date set for three days from now.]

...

I arrived fashionably late to Andrea's art exhibition.

From across the room, I spotted her linked arm-in-arm with Steven, posing for the press like Hollywood royalty.

When a reporter asked about their relationship, Andrea blushed coyly. Steven just gazed at her, his expression dripping with fondness.

The reporter nodded knowingly, jotting notes.

Nearby, my parents observed the scene, their faces glowing with pride.

As I drew nearer, Fiona's voice carried over the hum of the crowd. "Don't they just look perfect together?"

Brent nodded with a wistful sigh. "Steven is a catch. It's a shame he's stuck with Claudia."

Fiona's tone turned regretful. "If not for his fertility issues, Claudia wouldn't stand a chance."

Brent scanned the area warily, hushing her. "Shush! That's hardly something to shout about. Good thing we peeked at his medical report. His family is loaded, and his parents expect grandkids. You really want Andrea to go through IVF hell?"

Fiona exhaled heavily. "You're right. She is too fragile for that ordeal."

My fingers trembled uncontrollably, and I staggered backward.

A deafening crash erupted as a framed painting dislodged from the wall, tumbling down and gashing my ankle. Blood welled up, soaking my shoe in warm stickiness.

Fiona whirled around at the noise, her eyes widening in alarm. "Claudia? When did you get here?"

I bit back the throbbing agony in my leg. "Just got now."

Relieved, she forced a smile. "Your dad and I had a chat. We're concerned about you rattling around in that apartment alone. We've got space to spare now. Why don't you move back?"

It was her classic move, offering crumbs to ease her guilt.

I shook my head. "It's fine. I've bought a house. It's all set up and ready."

Brent's expression soured. "Well, look at you, all grown up and independent. Buying property without so much as a heads-up to your folks?"

His words hung unfinished as a stinging slap connected with my cheek, nearly sending me reeling.

Steven's glare was venomous. "Are you here to sabotage Andrea's day? Can't see her in the limelight? Forget the wedding! I'd have nightmares sleeping beside someone so twisted."

I laughed bitterly, pulling out my marriage certificate and waving it before him. "Funny thing. I had no intention of marrying you either."

The whole room froze.