Rosalie takes a break the work and shut down the window. She thought of her previous life with a long agonizing journey through a pitch-black tunnel. Back then, burdened by her illness and a future felt like a dead end, she had been wandering aimlessly, clutching a flickering lantern that barely held back the shadows.
Then, Julian had appeared.
He wasn't just a doctor; he was her Polaris-the North Star that stayed steady while her world shattered and out of control. He had flooded her dark world with a gentle, radiant light, guiding her when she was too weak to find her own way.
She remembered how he had spoiled her, how he had anticipated her every need before she could even whisper a word. He understood her silence better than anyone else understood her speech. He had been her shield, her sanctuary, and eventually, the lover she couldn't protected with her careless with enemies.
As the sound of rain hitting the window brought back the most painful memory of her previous life. It was a night just like this-cold, dark and merciless. She remembered the clever trap of Julian's stepbrother, Ethan who asked her to meet for discussing business. She doesn't know what kind of evil plan he had thinking and had walked right into it.
She would never forget finding Julian in that lonely alley, his body broken after the brutal ambush. He had been targeted simply because he was the shield that protected her.
As she cuddled him in her arms, the rain is dropping like thousands of needles. Tears fell with the rain. The rain was soaking both of them, Julian had reached up with trembling fingers to touch her cheek. His blood was warm against her cold skin.
" I'm so sorry, Rosie …. "
He had whispered, his breath hitching.
" I'm sorry, I can't stay …. To protect you anymore. Love you so much honey …. "
Then, his hand had slipped from her face, and the light in his eyes faded forever. In that moment, Rosalie's world goes dark, it collapsed into an abyss of eternal silence. She cried for the help. She hugged his lifeless body in her arm so tight.
The man who had been her North Star was gone, leaving her alone in the shadows. " Never again, " Rosalie sobbed quietly, clutching her chest. " This time, the rain will only bring life, not death. I will destroy all of the enemies plans and traps before they even set. "
Birthday of love ….
The Living hall was filled with music and laughter, but for Rosalie, it was a battlefield. She knows exactly who was coming. When the Throne family arrived, her heart thudded- not just for Julian, but because of the man walking behind him: Ethan, the stepbrother.
In her previous life, Ethan had been a shadow that eventually swallowed her whole. He was connected to the underworld, a man who used violence to get what he wanted. As Rosalie stepped down the stairs in her silk dress, she caught Ethan's gaze. She saw it, the dark spark of obsession, but with a hunter's hunger.
Julian, standing beside him, looked at Rosalie with a gentle, silent pride. He didn't know the danger standing right next to him.
In Rosalie mind, she wants to run straight to Julian, to warn him, to hold him tight. But she forced herself to remain steady. She greeted the Throne family with the perfect poise of a young lady. When Ehtan took her hand to greet her, her skin crawled, but she offered him a polite, hollow smile.
" I must stay naturally this carefully like before, " she thought, keeping her distance from Julian despite how much she longed to be near him. " If I show my feelings for Julian now, Ethan will target him sooner. I will remain the oblivious sixteen-year-old while I build my empire and sharpen my blades in the dark. "
For now, Julian would stay as her ' quiet crush'-a secret she would guard with her life until she was strong enough to destroy Ethan and his gang.
The party was in full swing, but Julian found a way to lead Rosalie to the quiet, moonlit garden.
" I've something for you, Rosie, " he whispered, his voice as soft as the night breeze.
He pulled out a small, velvet box. Inside was a delicate, thinly woven gold chain with a tiny, intricately carved star locket.
" The North Star, "
He murmured.
" So, you'll never lose your way. "
With the gentle hands, he stepped her and fastened the necklace. His fingers brushed her neck, sending a shiver of warmth through her. After he finished, he stepped back and asked softly,
" Would you like to go on a picnic tomorrow? To the sunflower fields by the beach, with you friends or alone with me? If you can't, it's ok. I am just …. "
He was dizzy and couldn't hide his pounding heart. Rosalie smiled; her heart full.
" I'd love to, Julian. Beside I also plan to go to the beach with my friends before going to University. "
But then, she saw a shadow moving, Ethan was searching for her.
Remembering the previous life memories, fear flared in her eyes. Without thinking, she grabbed Julian's hand and pulled him behind the thick foliage of the garden. Because of the sudden move, she lost her balance and fall straight into Julian's chest.
Julian's arms instinctively wrapped around her waist to steady her. Hidden in the dark shadows of the trees, they stayed like that for a long time-chest to chest, breath to breath. Eyes are contacted closely. Neither of them moved as their eyes locked in a deep, silent gaze, the world outside disappearing as their hearts hammered in unison.
Flushed with embarrassment, Rosalie quickly tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and stepped back. He still can make her so shy. Her natural, floral scent lingered in the air, wrapping around Julian and embedding itself deep in his heart. Julian, usually so composed, offered a shy, awkward smile, his heart racing faster than a runaway train.
Just then, the sound of giggles broke the silence. Lily, Elara and Mia appeared around the corner; their eyes wide with mischief.
" Oh! What do we have here? Why are you two hiding in the dark? "
Mia tease, her voice brimming with laughter.
Julian cleared his throat, trying to regain his normal position.
" We … we just stepped out for some fresh air. It was getting a bit crowded inside, wasn't it, Rosie? "
He lied, his gaze shifting to Rosalie with a look so tender and adoring that it gave his true feelings away.
" Is that so? Then why are both of your faces so red? "
Elara joked, nudging Rosalie.
Before they could tease further, Rosalie's mother called out from the porch.
" Kids! Com inside! It's time for the cake! Everyone is waiting. "
" Coming, Mom! "
Rosalie replied, her heart still thumping.
As they walked back toward the lights of the house, Julian stayed a step behind, his eyes fixed on the small star locket shining on her neck, promising himself that he would cherish this moment forever.
Inside, the living room was decorated beautifully. In the center sat a soft light-blue cake with delicate white floral borders, and the words " Happy 17th Birthday, Rosalie " written in elegant frosting.
Rosalie picked up the knife, her heart light and happy. She sliced the first piece and fed her father and mother first, their eyes filling with pride. Then, she turned to her beloved grandparents, sharing the sweetness with them. Her best friends, Mia and Elara, were next, giggle as they took big bites.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Lily, with a mischievous wink, nudged Julian's forward.
" Come on, Rosie! Don't forget this shying guy, your doctor, "
She teased, pushing her brother right in front of Rosalie.
Rosale's hand trembled slightly as she held a small piece of cake. Her gaze met Julian's. With a racing heart, she gently fed him. Julian feeling his own heart thudding against his chest like a drum, took the bite. His eyes never leaving hers. The sweetness of the cake was nothing compared to the look they shared.
' Happy Birthday, Rosie, "
Julian whispered; his voice thick with emotion.
' Thank you, Julian, "
She replied softly.
Suddenly, the whole room erupted into a loud, joyful chorus of ' Happy Birthday to You ' as everyone clapped in union. In that moment, surrounded by the people she loved and the man she loved and the man she had lost for in previous life. Rosalie felt that her second chance was the greatest; gift of all.