Rebirth: Love me Again

[LINA]

"And think about your mother—how many investors has she lost because of those rumors? With my name beside yours, the affair would be the last thing on their minds. Opportunities would come rushing back to your company, helping her through these difficult times."

His frown slowly softened, replaced by a flicker of worry in his eyes. I could see the gears turning in his mind, his resolve shifting as he weighed my words.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he sighed and nodded. "Alright."

A genuine smile broke across my face. "I'm glad we have an agreement."

Daniel sighed, his voice low. "Is Cole going to be there too?" he asked hesitantly, his gaze flickering to me.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his innocent question, though a touch of fondness seeped into my laughter.

"Of course, he is. We're twins, after all—my birthday is his birthday too. It's kind of a package deal."

Daniel turned his attention to the window, his hand propping up his head as he gazed out at the passing scenery. After a long pause, he murmured, "I guess that means Eve will be there too."

The way he said her name—it was like a melody steeped in longing. There was a tenderness in his voice, a fragile gentleness that carried more emotion than I think he realized.

My chest tightened at the sound. It wasn't jealousy, no. It was the weight of understanding, of seeing someone reach for something they could never truly have. Discover more content at empire

He loved her. That much was clear. It was the kind of love that settled deep in your bones, an ache that refused to fade no matter how much time passed.

In another life, perhaps they would have been perfect together, their happiness unblemished by circumstances beyond their control. But in this one? It was hopeless.

I knew better than most because I'd seen it happen before—felt it myself.

My thoughts strayed, unbidden, to Eve and Cole. The way she looked at him, the way he softened when he was around her—it was unmistakable. They were in love, whether Daniel realized it or not. He'd only be chasing shadows.

And wasn't that the bitter irony of it all? That we could give our hearts so freely to those who couldn't, or wouldn't, return them? I glanced at Daniel again, his profile painted in quiet sorrow. I knew that ache far too well.

My mind shifted to Dylan, the man I had spent years hoping would see me the way I saw him. The man who had become a part of me in ways I couldn't untangle, no matter how much I tried.

I'd given him everything—my trust, my devotion, my heart. And yet, no matter how much I longed for him to love me back, I knew it was a battle I could never win.

It was cruel, really, how life could bring two people so close and yet keep them so far apart. Dylan and I were like parallel lines, destined to run alongside each other but never truly meet.

Just like Daniel and Eve.

The realization settled over me like a quiet storm, the kind that didn't rage but still left devastation in its wake. We were both trying to move on, trying to let go of what could never be.

But letting go was never as simple as it sounded. It was a process—a slow, aching process of unraveling dreams you'd held onto for far too long.

"Daniel," I said softly, drawing his attention back to me. His eyes were clouded, filled with an emotion I didn't dare name. "Sometimes, life doesn't give us what we want, no matter how hard we try. But it doesn't mean we can't find something worth holding onto. It just might look different than we imagined."

For a moment, he said nothing. Then he nodded, a small, almost imperceptible motion.

"Maybe," he murmured. His voice was quiet, but there was a hint of something in it—resignation, perhaps, or maybe just acceptance.

I didn't press him further. Some silences didn't need to be filled.

=== ===

Hyun's popularity had skyrocketed after the breathtaking success of his winter collection. What had started as whispers among industry insiders had erupted into a global phenomenon overnight.

His designs weren't just clothes—they were statements, symbols of elegance and innovation that captivated everyone from the fashion elite to casual admirers.

The name Hyun Wong began to echo in fashion capitals worldwide, drawing the attention of none other than Dean Cole Frizkiel.

Dean wasn't just any model—he was a global icon. An international supermodel and the younger brother of Damien Frizkiel, Dean's presence was magnetic, his reputation untouchable.

Every luxury brand in the world clamored for him to be the face of their campaigns, knowing that anything he touched would sell out in minutes.

Dean didn't just wear clothes; he transformed them into cultural moments. His social media following numbered in the hundreds of millions, a loyal audience that turned every post, every endorsement, into an instant success.

He was the kind of man who didn't chase trends—he set them. And now, he had his sights set on Hyun Wong.

When Dean's team first caught wind of Hyun's collection, it was impossible to ignore. The artistry, the boldness, the sheer originality—it was unlike anything the industry had seen in years.

Hyun's work exuded a raw, magnetic energy that even Dean, a man accustomed to brilliance, couldn't overlook. Intrigued, Dean immediately instructed his assistant to clear his schedule. He wanted to see Hyun's work up close, not just through photographs or videos but in person.

Rumors began to swirl as word of Dean's interest leaked. Was it true that the world's most sought-after supermodel was rearranging his meticulously planned calendar for an up-and-coming designer? The idea sent shockwaves through the industry.

For Dean, it wasn't just curiosity—it was respect. He saw in Hyun the potential for greatness, a kindred spirit who could redefine the boundaries of fashion.

Dean's presence at Hyun's upcoming spring collection wasn't just an endorsement—it was a declaration. When he walked onto that runway, it wouldn't just be about showcasing designs; it would be a moment that cemented Hyun's place among the legends of the fashion world.

The anticipation built to a fever pitch. Fashion critics speculated endlessly about what this collaboration could mean, while fans of both Hyun and Dean buzzed with excitement.

The union of two forces so powerful and innovative promised to be nothing short of extraordinary. And as the days counted down to the spring collection, one thing became certain—when Dean Cole Frizkiel graced that stage, the world would be watching.

Before that, however, the spotlight shifted to the grand celebration of Cole and Lina Fay's birthday.