The Chosen One's Cruel Game

eavy. Ethan was the first to break it, his voic

rcing a laugh. "This is a big decisio

replied, my gaze firm. "

h a wheedling smile. "Come on, Chloe-bug. You don'

s face, replaced by a flicker of unease. He couldn't understand my sudden change. In my past life, his playful nicknam

ered. He was always the follower, the one who went a

ce cut in, sharp and unexpectedly

of anger and something else I couldn't quite place. It was almost... hu

" my father asked,

grateful for everything you've done for me, but I cannot accept

omeone else. A strange thought crossed my mind: was it possible? Could he have been reborn, too? Was this his way of getting to Sophia faster, by cutting me

was overshadowed by a grim sense of validation. I

enly crumpled to the floor. "Chloe, how could you?" she wailed, tears streaming down her perfect face

n. It was a masterful performance. The innocent v

on me. "You're so cruel! You' r

m a nearby table. "You've broken his heart! You've broken all our hearts!

unch echoed th

in his arms, his face a mask of frantic concern. The other th

, his eyes blazing with righteous fury. "Look what you've done, Chloe! Ar

my head hitting the sharp corner of the mantelpiece. A flash of white-hot pain exploded behind my eyes,

a, offering her a handkerchief. Ryan was already on the phone, callin

ling from the gash on my head. They were all so focused on Sophia and her self

ed myself to stand. I would not lie on the floor while they fawne

said, my voice

I didn't need to. I knew exactly what I would see: five men completely de