Reborn, Redeemed, and Unbothered

My eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the dim light of a hotel room I didn't r

memories flooded back. Not just from las

ny..." He had grabbed my arm, pulling me into this room, mistaking me for her. For Bethan

voice thick with

dn't

in them vanished, replaced by a cold, familiar indif

his voice flat. "What

k, I know what this looks like. We can get married if you want. It's what Grand

a conversation we' d had

r five years. Five years of me loving him and him tolerating me. He used me, my love, my family's resources. Wh

abandoned me on a stormy night to rush to Bethany's side when she called with a fake emergency. I drove after

in this hotel room, at the

would be

he sheet away. "Lia

m, so calm it su

wned.

m straight in the eye. "You were drunk. You thoug

s. He wasn't used to this composure from me. He was used to

l I had wrapped around myself. It fell to the floor, revealing the dark bru

or a second, then

nderstand you mistook me for someone else," I repea

u? You drugged me." He lunged forward, grabbing my arm an

drink?" he demanded, h

nd. The screen lit up with a name that felt

im. "Get out," he hissed, pushing me off the be

stantly soft and loving. "Bethany,

ng, my heart shattering into a million pieces. Now, I just felt a cold, clean emptines

I didn't need to hear the words. I knew th

in the hallway and calmly asked her for a robe. She looked at me,

mpled in his hand. He tossed it at me with a lo

to get my things. I had just packed my small bag when

erate you can't leave?" he t

his phone buzzed again. It was a te

y. I miss your ch

he screen, his expression s

t now. I'll have it sent over o

would send soup on a private jet. For me

of my old heart

in my hand. A mess

for dinner tonight? Your dad

t for Liam, but for them. For the

thout a word, my bare feet

ern in his voice. He caught up to me at the elevator, trying to throw his sui

on me. Then, as the elevator doors opened in the lobby,

city streets, barefoot