REBIRTH OF A RUTHLESS ANGEL

the portrait of Michelle's arrogance and rude demeanor became sharper, her contradictions glaring against the affection her friends and

lunch, her gentle knock on the door pulling me out of my reverie. I didn't have the heart to tell her I wasn't hungry, so I took the tray and set it on th

to face the depths of despair alone. I could almost hear their thoughts-the satisfaction they must have felt, believing my downfall to be

a soft lullaby, e

Weeks

care and attention I received were comforting, a far cry from the emptiness of before. Everyt

motions I thought were buried-memories of Damien surfaced with startling clarity. What if Magnus was like him? Cold, manipulative, his affection nothing more than a mask to hide his cruelty? Or, what if he was indiff

trembling as I reached for one of the dresses I had recently bought. It was one Danielle had insisted I tr

ust the right places, its color a rich burgundy, deep and luxurious, as if it had been plucked from the heart of a sunset. The cowl neckline draped sensuously along

my legs as I moved to give the outfit a daring edge, but without crossing into boldness. The satin caught the light in a way that made it shimmer, reflecting every flicker of movement

eeking through the window, I saw a man step out, his dark suit crisp under the fading daylight. M

he* ap

gn

skin was pale, flawless, almost ethereal, as if he had stepped out of another world. His sky-blue eyes were sharp, almond-shaped, and mesmerizing, as though they could see

them warmly, while Matthew rushed in, apologetic, assuring them that I was nearly ready. I, of course, h

Kathleen said softly, pok

hispered, trying to stil

I could feel it. Admiring, appraising, as I stepped into the room, my satin dress catching the glow of the chan

thudding in my chest. "Hello," I

, and after a moment's hesitation, I took it. His touch was surprisingly warm

indow, but I could feel his gaze shifting back to me, catching me off guard

yet inquisitive. "Fine," I murmured, grat

e escaped him.

mean?" I as

en I gave you a considerable sum of money. Y

, more firmly this time, meet

ut there was a spark of curiosity in his eyes no