Revenge is Best Served… After Reborn

"Loving someone doesn't need a reason."

Sophie looked at Colby, her eyes earnest. "My brother, he's the best person to me in this whole world, the most important."

As Colby took in the soft features of her face, an unexpected flutter stirred in his chest. They strolled through the amusement park together, the world around them slowly winding down. Just when the park was about to close, Colby's phone buzzed with a call from Gordon.

"I need to take this," he said.

Sophie nodded, understanding.

Stepping away, Colby answered. Gordon's voice came through, steady and firm.

"This time, I'm not letting you off easy."

It was a simple statement, yet it triggered a flood of memories for Colby. Memories of another time, another world where he and Sophie had first crossed paths and eventually found their way to each other.

It all started on his first night back in Devonport. Gordon's team had been waiting at the airport, and Rick himself had come to greet him. Later, in the quiet study of Aldridge Manor, it was just him and Gordon.

"There's an auction tonight that I can't attend. I need you to go for me," Gordon had said, a rare request from him.

Back then, Colby hadn't been interested in auctions. "How's the investigation going?" he'd asked.

Gordon had given a knowing smile. "The answers you're looking for are at this auction. Trust me, you won't regret going."

Gordon's eyes had been filled with certainty.

Returning to Devonport wasn't just about untangling his overseas assets. It was about uncovering the truth behind the fall of the four great families. Everything else was secondary.

"Got it," Colby had replied, leaving Aldridge Manor with Adler to attend the auction.noveldrama

He never expected to meet Sophie there. And he certainly didn't expect it to be orchestrated by Gordon.

Life has its quirks-plans might be laid, but love finds its own way.

When Colby returned to the

amusement park, he found Sophie leaning joyfully on Gordon's shoulder as they circled on the. carousel. Everything seemed

vel

peaceful and right; her smile was

genuine, straight from the heart.

Watching them, Colby realized it was time for him to step back. In this dream,

Sophie was still Sophie, but she wasn't the Sophie meant for him.

Quietly, Colby lit a cigarette and walked away from the park. Finally, he

understood where his emotional turmoil stemmed from.

It was a knot tied in his childhood and unraveled only with Sophie. What's done is done, and dreams are just dreams. If given another chance, he might not fall for Sophie again. So he'd rather not have the chance to start over.

When Colby awoke, William's face was hovering over him, comically close.

Instinctively, Colby pushed him away.

"Whoa!" William yelped, startled.

"You nearly scared me to death!" he

exclaimed, patting his chest. "I

thought you were a goner in that

dream. If you really were, Sophie would've had my hide!"

"I can vouch for that; he was practically writing his will," Harold chimed in from the

side.

"What did you dream about?” Harold asked.

"Loads," Colby replied, "but I finally found my answer."

"So, all better now?" Harold inquired.

"I've been fine for a while," Colby assured, a small, knowing smile playing on his

lips.