“I’m done chasing, Aurelia. I won’t disturb you again. I hope you and Viktor… last forever.”

My chest squeezed so tight I could hardly breathe. My vision blurred until I forced myself to blink.

And then I saw them. Camellias. Thousands of crimson blooms scattered across the ground, burning like embers against the cold floor.

Lucian Drae Sullivan stood in the middle of it, holding a diamond ring. His suit hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist, sharp and powerful.

But his eyes. Those dark, deep eyes that always held fire… they showed me something else. Me. Twenty-five years old. A girl who once had no idea how much this man loved her.

My heart twisted.

I was back! Reborn. Back on the day I had thrown him away with my own hands.

“Goodbye, Aurelia.” He closed the velvet box and turned to leave.

“No. No, Lucian—don’t.” My body moved before my mind could. I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind, pressing my face against his back.

He froze. For a second, I thought he would melt into me. But instead, his hands reached down, prying at mine.

“Aurelia,” his voice was low and sharp, “you made your choice. You wanted Viktor Roberts. So why hold onto me now?”

Viktor Roberts.

The name sliced through me, dragging all the pain of my last life back into my lungs like smoke.

I remembered. My mother dying, my father bringing home the mistress and her perfect daughter. I remembered how suffocating it felt in that house, how small I became under their shadow.

I remembered trying to crawl my way out. Viktor, the golden boy of New York high society. Lucian, the boy from nothing, who built himself into a man too powerful to ignore.

And me, selfish, desperate, foolish.

I had picked Viktor.

I thought I was winning. I thought I was building a future. And for a time, I did. Under my hand, Viktor doubled his empire. At a glittering anniversary gala, he swore the company’s shares would be mine.

But the day he tried to give them to me, his favorite woman appeared on the rooftop above us. Before anyone could move, before his guards could stop her, she stepped into the air and fell straight in front of us all.

Her body struck the ground with a sound that split the world in two.

Her death shattered everything.

Viktor lost his mind. He blamed me. Called it murder. Had me dragged to prison like I was filth.

And before I died in that cold, stinking cell, Viktor told me the truth. That Lucian… Lucian had offered everything he owned to set me free.

I never knew. Not until the very end.

Now, pressed against his back, my fingers gripping his shirt, I knew one thing for certain.

I couldn’t let him go again.

In my last life, no one ever really loved me. My father turned his back on me. My stepmother and her perfect little daughter treated me like I didn’t belong. Viktor used me like I was a pawn on his chessboard and paraded his mistresses in front of me. I held it all in. I never let myself cry.

But then… then I saw Lucian’s note. Just one line written in that sharp, steady hand of his: “I regret not protecting my Aurelia.”

I broke down like a child.

And Viktor never let me go. Not even then.

I died caged like an animal, an “accident” in prison, my eyes wide open, still searching for the man I should have held on to.

The only thought before death burned into me like a vow. If I ever got another chance, I would never let Lucian slip away again.

Now here I was. Back.

I swallowed the ache and blurted out, “Lucian, I was wrong before! I thought fool’s gold was a treasure. I don’t want him. I want you. Only you.”

For a heartbeat, I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes, but it vanished. His gaze went hard.

“Aurelia… Don’t play with me. I don’t get played twice.”

Panic swelled inside me. I opened my mouth to explain, to beg, but then—

“Aurelia! What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

The shout sliced the air.

I whipped my head around just as the sleek door of a black car swung open. Out stepped Viktor. His eyes burned like he was about to set the street on fire.

Yesterday’s golden boy of New York society. The one I once lifted higher and higher with my own hands. The same man who betrayed me and sent me to die.

“You swore to me yesterday you wouldn’t marry anyone else, and now this? Messing around with him?” His lip curled. “So what was I? Just some toy to kill time?”

I stared at him, not a flicker of emotion left in me. The man I once tried so hard to please looked suddenly pathetic.

Before I could think twice, my hand flew across his face.

The slap cracked through the silence. Everyone froze.

Viktor staggered, clutching his cheek, “Aurelia! Are you insane? You dare hit me?”

I looked down at my palm. The sting made me laugh softly. That tiny ache told me it was real. I was alive. I was reborn.

Without a glance at him, I turned back to Lucian. His diamond ring box was still in his hand. I didn’t wait for him to offer it again. I plucked the ring out, slid it onto my finger, and lifted my chin to meet his stunned eyes.

“Lucian, I want to marry you. If you’ll have me, come to my family tomorrow and ask for my hand.”

He froze. Then slowly, that hard exterior cracked. “Aurelia… of course I’ll—”

“Of course you'll do what?” Viktor’s mocking laugh cut him off.

He yanked out his phone and hit play.

The speakers filled with moans, breathless cries, the sound of a bed creaking under weight. My face went cold.

Viktor smirked like the devil. “Sullivan, let me save you some embarrassment. Last night in the presidential suite, she and I went countless rounds. The bed damn near broke. You really want what’s already been used?”

Blood roared in my ears. My hands shook.

On the screen… was me. Twisted in the sheets with Viktor. But that wasn’t me. I knew it wasn’t me. I had never let him touch me like that. Not in this life, not in the last.

Then it hit me.

Viktor wasn’t just cruel. He was reborn too.

“Viktor, you really think you can ruin me with some AI face-swap garbage? That video isn’t real. We weren’t even together last night. If you’re so sure, then show proof.”

His lips curved into that cruel smile I knew too well. “Proof? Don’t play dumb, Aurelia. There’s a flame-shaped birthmark on your thigh, high enough you thought no one would notice. I’ve traced it. I remember the fire clear as day…”

“Enough!” My body trembled with anger. My blood turned to ice.

There was no doubt now. He was reborn too. No one else could know that detail. No one but Viktor from my last life.

But this time was different. This time I was still untouched, still the Velasquez family’s daughter with her name spotless in New York’s high society. If his words spread, everything I had left would collapse.

Viktor’s gaze slid to Lucian. “So, Mr. Sullivan, do you get it now? When Aurelia and I hold our wedding, I expect you to show up and raise a glass.”

I turned to Lucian, ready to fight for the truth. I believed—no, I prayed he wouldn’t buy into Viktor’s poison.

But then I saw his face.

He was pale, his eyes rimmed red, staring at that cursed video like it had carved a hole straight through him.

“I understand. I hope the two of you… stay married for a lifetime.” His throat bobbed as if the words hurt him. “Excuse me. I’ve got somewhere else to be.”

Before I could breathe, he reached for my hand, slid the diamond ring off my finger, and placed it back in the box.

And then he turned.

The sight of his back walking away felt like my chest being split open.

“Lucian!” I tried to run after him, but Viktor’s grip clamped down on me like steel. He dragged me into his car and shoved me inside, slamming the door before I could scream.

“Stop chasing him, Aurelia,” Viktor growled, “In this life, you belong to me. You’ll marry me whether you want to or not.”

“Marry you? And what about the woman you claim to love so much? The one you’d give the world to?”

“Don’t worry. After you’re gone… after the poor little Velasquez princess dies young… I’ll marry her in the grandest ceremony New York has ever seen. She’ll inherit everything. But you, Aurelia…” his whisper curved into a hiss, “…you’re mine in life, and in death. Don’t even think about running to Sullivan or anyone else. I’ll never let you escape.”

The next second, he shoved me out of the car like I was nothing.

The Maybach roared and tore down the street, leaving nothing but exhaust and silence behind.

I lay there on the pavement, breath ragged, the cold biting into my palms.

Then I forced myself up, brushing the dirt off, steadying my lungs.

It’s fine. I’ve already died once. What do I have left to fear?

If Viktor thinks he can cage me again, he’s wrong. I’d rather break myself to pieces than ever wear his ring.

***

That night, Father called me into his study. Fatima, his mistress was already there, looking elegant as always, and Polly sat beside her, eyes sharp like she wanted to claw me.

Fatima put on her gentle, motherly voice. “Aurelia, you’re at the right age to settle down. Viktor seems very serious about you, and his family is strong. Don’t you think it’s time to consider marriage?”

I almost laughed. In my last life, this same woman and her daughter had done everything possible to stop me from marrying into a good family. They were terrified I might rise above them. And now? Now she was suddenly encouraging me to marry Viktor?

Of course. Viktor must have whispered in her ear.

When I glanced up, I caught the jealousy flashing in Fatima’s eyes, and Polly’s glare burned like acid.

So I lowered my lashes and played the obedient daughter. “I’ll listen to whatever Father and Fatima think is best.”

Father nodded in satisfaction, as though I’d proven myself docile, and waved me out.

Later that night, passing by Polly’s room, I heard her shrill, furious cry break through the door.

“She doesn’t even have a mother! How can that unlucky girl marry Viktor? If anyone deserves him, it’s me! Father loves me most!”

Outside, I dug my nails into my palm until it stung. Don’t worry, my good sister. I’ll make sure you get exactly what you want.

Back in my room, my phone buzzed. Surveillance footage came through from last night showing me playing arcade with friends until dawn. Finally, proof! Finally, I could clear my name with Lucian.

I opened our chat and hit send. But instead of delivering, a red exclamation mark flashed on the screen.

My stomach dropped.

‘Did Lucian… block me?’

No. No, I couldn’t believe it.

I didn’t even think. I grabbed my coat and rushed straight out to his high-rise apartment in the center of the city.

The butler met me at the door, blocking my way. “Miss Velasquez, I’m sorry. Mr. Sullivan has ordered he won’t receive you.”

“W-why? Did Viktor threaten him? Did—”

The butler cut me off. “Mr. Sullivan said from today onward, he and you will live separate lives, with no further ties.”

My ears rang. The world tilted.

But I forced myself to wipe my tears. It wasn’t over. Lucian was bound to show up at a mutual friend’s birthday party next week. That would be my chance.

When the night came, I stepped onto the rooftop bar, city lights stretching out beneath me like a glittering ocean. The wind tugged at my hair, and the faint hum of music mixed with laughter floated through the air. I drew a deep breath and scanned the crowd.

There he was.

Lucian leaned against the railing, tall and impossibly calm, a glass of whiskey in his hand. The neon lights hit his profile just right, sharp as stone.

I slid into a seat at the edge of a table with the others, smiling politely, tossing out casual small talk. But my eyes kept drifting back to him but he never glanced my way.

As the night wore on and the drinks flowed, someone shouted for a round of Truth or Dare. The group erupted with laughter. When it was Lucian’s turn, he chose ‘truth’.

A guy across from him leaned in, grinning. “Alright, Sullivan. Tell us what kind of person do you hate the most?”

The chatter died down.

Lucian tapped the rim of his glass with one finger, “I hate people who think they can have it both ways. The ones greedy enough to take profits from one side, then run to collect benefits from the other.”

He paused. Then turned. His eyes found me, slicing through the distance like a knife.

“You know the word for that, Aurelia?”

My blood ran cold.

The room went quiet for a second. Then someone quickly cracked a joke to ease the tension, and the chatter started up again.

Lucian muttered a cold apology and stood to leave.

“Lucian, wait… please!” I hurried after him.

Just as I turned the corner, someone yanked my wrist.

“Lucian doesn’t want to see you. Why are you keep chasing him? Are you really this desperate?”

Viktor. Again. He was everywhere.

His grip was like iron. I tried pulling away, but he wouldn’t let go. “This is none of your business!”

A sly look flickered in his eyes and then he snapped his fingers. Two bodyguards appeared, each grabbing one of my arms.

“Let me go! Viktor, what are you doing?!”

“Relax,” he said softly, almost sweetly. Then one of them forced a small red pill into my mouth, holding my jaw so I couldn’t spit it out.

“Mm—!” I tried to choke it back, but Viktor tipped a glass of liquor against my lips. The burn shot down my throat, making me cough until my eyes watered.

He watched me with an awful kind of satisfaction. My face felt hot, my breaths quick and shallow. He waved the men away, slid an arm around my waist, and pulled me close.

“Easy now. I’ll take care of you,” he tugged me down the hall toward his suite.

The drug made me dizzy. My hands pushed weakly at his chest, but it probably looked like I was clinging instead of resisting.

Then I saw him.

Lucian stood at the far end of the corridor, his eyes locked on Viktor’s arm around me.

“...Aurelia.”

It made my heart twist. He started walking fast toward us. And god, I tried to reach for him, “L-lucian, please hel—”

Viktor cut me off, “Don’t embarrass yourself. You’ve had too much to drink and you came looking for me. Begged me to give you another night, like the one in the presidential suite.” He dragged out the words.

“No… that’s not true!” I whispered, but my voice was broken, barely there.

“Shh, sweetheart. Don’t say nonsense. Mr. Sullivan is watching.” Viktor brushed a tear from my cheek, then looked at Lucian, his smile turning cold.

“Mr. Sullivan, are you planning to interfere? Aurelia is mine. I’ll marry her. Do you think I’d hurt her? You should keep your distance.”

Lucian froze. His hand, half raised, slowly dropped to his side and something inside me went dark. The last spark of hope in me died right there.

I stopped fighting. My body went slack as Viktor dragged me back to the private room.

The door shut hard behind us. He shoved me onto the leather sofa, and the drug made my limbs heavy. I saw his shadow bend over me, his fingers pulling at the buttons of his shirt, one by one.

The last thing I remembered was his grin hovering above me before everything slipped away.

**

I blinked slowly, my lashes heavy, the glow of the chandelier above me coming into focus. My head pounded, my body ached all over, and every inch of my skin felt sore. A bitter taste rose in my throat. I leaned forward, gagging, though nothing came out except a little sour water.

I pulled my dress back over my shoulders, trying to fix it enough to look presentable, and forced myself up. My legs were unsteady, but I somehow made it out of that suffocating room and into the cool air.

The parking lot lights flickered dimly. I almost wanted to just sink to the ground, but then I saw him. Lucian.

He was leaning against his Bentley, a cigarette burning low between his fingers. He looked like he had been waiting there for a while.

When he saw me stumbling toward my car, his whole posture shifted. He dropped the cigarette, eyes narrowing, and walked toward me quickly.

“Aurelia…”

I froze. That hand he held out… I knew it. That same hand had pushed me away earlier. Pushed me straight to Viktor.

I shook my head and stepped back. “Don’t,” I whispered.