Rebirth: Love me Again

[EVE]

I hated how he had thrust me into the spotlight. But I'd known this was coming. It was the very reason I hadn't wanted to attend—because deep down, I knew this would happen.

From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Sophie, Sophia, and Sullivan, their glares sharp enough to pierce steel. Sophie looked positively livid, while Sophia's calculating expression remained intact, though her clenched fists betrayed her growing frustration. Sullivan, on the other hand, stood stiff, his lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line.

Not far away, Sinclair leaned casually against the railing, a glass of champagne in hand, his smirk radiating amusement at the unfolding drama. Victor, standing a few paces from him, appeared ready to approach me, but he was promptly intercepted by none other than Cain and Leanna Fay.

Likely business matters, I thought absently, though the intensity in Victor's eyes was hard to ignore.

And then there was Lina. To my utter shock, she was standing beside Daniel. Find your next read at empire

Daniel? What on earth was he doing here? And with Lina, of all people?

My mind whirled as I tried to piece it together. How did those two even know each other? Daniel had never once mentioned being close enough to Lina to attend an event like this, and be her partner.

Then again, his mother was deeply entrenched in real estate, so perhaps they'd crossed paths through some business dealings.

But now wasn't the time to speculate about others. I have my own set of problem as all eyes were on me.

I thanked every higher power that this party was private, with little to no media present. The last thing I needed was my face plastered across headlines tomorrow, dissected and scrutinized by the public.

Cole stayed by my side the entire evening. He guided me through the yacht—his birthday gift from his parents, while Lina, of course, had received a château in France.

Must be nice to have billionaire parents.

He introduced me to potential business partners, ensuring I was well-received by everyone we met. At one point, he even had the chef prepare exclusive dishes just for me. It was as if he'd forgotten it was his birthday and decided to make me the center of attention instead.

The weight of so many eyes on me was suffocating. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to shake the growing unease that came with the spotlight.

"I'm fine, Cole. You don't have to hover over me. Go do your thing," I said, forcing a small smile and gesturing for him to focus on his guests.

"But you are my thing," he replied, his voice low and serious.

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly glanced around, mortified at the thought of anyone overhearing him. Thankfully, if anyone had, they were polite enough to pretend otherwise.

Cole leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If you're uncomfortable, we could always slip away. I know a room where we could be alone."

I shot him a glare. "I would never go anywhere with you alone."

His smirk deepened, his tone teasing. "We're already living under the same roof. Alone, remember?"

My frown deepened, and I hissed, "Will you stop that? Someone might hear you!"

Cole chuckled, the sound rich and unapologetic, but before I could retort, one of the hosts called out his name. His expression changed instantly, the light in his eyes dimming as his jaw tightened.

"Damn that speech," he muttered under his breath.

"Keep your voice down!" I whispered harshly, glancing around. "Are you crazy? Do you want everyone to hear you?"

Wait . . . why was I the one who was worried about his reputation?

For a moment, his features softened, and he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's a tradition. Each year, one of us gives a speech. It was Lina last year, so now it's my turn. I can't avoid it."

I wanted to ask why he even wanted to avoid it. Instead, I nodded reluctantly.

"Stay here and wait for me," he said, his voice gentler now. Then, without warning, he lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a light kiss against my knuckles.

My breath hitched as warmth flooded my cheeks. And then he was gone, walking towards the upper deck to face the crowd.

T-that idiot! I thought, my heart racing as I glanced around. Sure enough, everyone was staring at me now, their knowing gazes and quiet whispers making the air feel even heavier.

I wanted to disappear, but instead, I stood there, rooted to the spot, the imprint of his kiss lingering on my hand as if it carried a promise only I could hear.

Damn that man for making me feel so rattled. My cheeks might as well be an oven right now.

"I need a drink," I muttered under my breath, making my way to the champagne table as Cole began his speech.

The centerpiece of the yacht was an expansive pool, glistening under the soft glow of string lights. Despite the mega-luxurious design and the crowd of a hundred exclusive guests, the space felt airy and lavish. Cole's family certainly didn't hold back when it came to grandeur.

In my haste to escape my frazzled nerves, I didn't notice Sophie until it was too late. She sidled up beside me with a feigned air of innocence, and before I could react, she "slipped" a leg out, giving me just enough of a push to topple over.

Time seemed to freeze as I tumbled backward.

The next thing I knew, I was submerged, the cool water shocking my senses. My mind raced, not with fear of drowning—I knew how to swim—but with panic over my dress. Hyun had spent days perfecting this masterpiece, and now it was soaked, clinging to me like a second skin.

When I surfaced, gasping, my vision blurred from the water. The first thing I saw was Cole.

Without a second thought, he leapt from the second deck with a forceful splash, his expression a mix of urgency and fury.