Rebirth: Love me Again

[BONUS Chapter for reaching 600 PS! Thank you all!🤍 ]

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[LINA]

When Daniel's secret was laid bare for the world to see and hear, I won't lie—I was worried for him.

Being the son of a mistress wasn't a scandal in this age, at least not for the average person. But for someone in our social standing? It was a different matter entirely.

I knew how people in our circles could be—judgmental, ruthless, and quick to attack any sign of weakness. And knowing how cruel the fallout might be, I couldn't sit idly by.

When I decided to check on him, I had no idea what to expect. His mother told me he'd gone back to school, insisting he had something to finish. I didn't waste a second. My instincts told me something was wrong, and I was right.

When I arrived, the sight that greeted me was worse than I could have imagined. Daniel, crumpled against the lockers, beaten and humiliated, while a group of boys stood over him like vultures. Discover exclusive content at empire

Their laughter, their taunts—it was too much. I had expected ridicule, maybe some gossip behind his back, but not this. Not this brutality.

I won't lie—I pitied him. The boy had been dealt a cruel hand. He was kind, honest, and undeserving of the cards life had played him. First I change his fate, and now this? Standing up for him was the least I could do.

I knew stepping in would complicate things. For him and for me. My name wasn't something to wield lightly, and associating it with his could easily stir the waters.

But I owed him this much. If my name could shield him, could silence the whispers and stop the jeers, then so be it.

"Are you okay, Daniel?" I asked gently once we were safely inside the car, away from the prying eyes of the school.

He sat stiffly in the seat, his head turned to the window. His pride was clearly fighting against the kindness being offered.

I turned to my driver, my voice firm. "Take us to the hospital."

Daniel immediately shook his head, his voice strained. "You don't have to do that. I'm fine. I'm sorry for the trouble, but you can just take me home."

I frowned, leaning forward slightly to catch his gaze. His words might have been polite, but his eyes told a different story. They were clouded with pain, both physical and emotional. It was the kind of hurt that didn't just fade with time—it left scars.

"Stop being stubborn," I said, softening my tone as I leaned back. "You're hurt, Daniel. You can barely breathe without wincing. The hospital isn't an option; it's a necessity."

He hesitated, his shoulders slumping slightly, the fight leaving him. "I just . . . I don't want to cause you any more trouble."

"You're not trouble, Daniel," I said quietly but firmly. "What they did to you back there—no one deserves that."

For a moment, the car was silent except for the hum of the engine. His gaze dropped to his hands, and he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you. But what are you doing at our school?"

"Augh . . . well," I started, struggling to keep my voice steady. "When I heard the rumor, I got worried about you. So I decided to check on you. Good thing I did."

Daniel frowned, his gaze skeptical. "Worried about me? We've only known each other a short time. Isn't it a bit . . . much for you to be worried about me?"

He had a point, but the lie was already in motion, spinning faster than I could control. "W-well . . . you left a deep impression on me when we first met," I stammered, avoiding his piercing eyes. "So I thought maybe . . . I don't know . . . you and I could get to know each other better."

Daniel leaned his head back against the car seat, closing his eyes as he steadied his breathing. When he spoke again, his voice was calm but tinged with exhaustion.

"I feel like there's something you're not telling me. But whatever your reason is . . . you don't have to do this anymore."

His eyes opened, meeting mine, and the emotion in his blue eyes made my heart skip. "Associating with me will only smear your name. I'm not worth that. You should keep your distance."

I pouted, holding his gaze firmly. "I know how to judge a person's worth, Daniel. And trust me when I say this—you're worth far more than you realize."

Daniel said nothing, his silence stretching between us like an invisible wall.

I pressed on, softening my tone. "And another thing . . . our birthday is coming up soon." I pulled out the invitation I'd prepared, extending it to him with a small smile. "I want you to attend—as my partner."

His brow furrowed deeply, his confusion evident. "Huh? Me? Why me?" He looked utterly lost, as if I'd just spoken a foreign language.

"Why not you?" I countered, tilting my head.

He shook his head, his voice heavy with rejection. "I already told you—my reputation is a mess right now. Associating with me will only make people question you. It'll ruin your image."

I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "That's not true at all. With my name beside yours, who on earth would dare?"

He gave me a side glance, and a chuckle escape my throat at how cute he look like.

I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping to something softer yet persuasive. "You'd actually be doing me a favor, Daniel. The people at my party—those arrogant, self-absorbed men—I have no desire to entertain them. But with you there? You'd be helping me keep them at bay. Your presence would mean more to me than you realize."

I let the moment linger before adding the final piece, the one I knew would truly reach him. "Besides, this isn't just about me. This could help you, too. Your name, your reputation . . . they've been dragged through the mud because of the rumors. Associating with me could begin to turn that around.