Rebirth: A Second chance at life

On the other side, Veronica's blood boiled as she read Sasha's message. She was still recovering at home, nursing the swollen face that kept her from attending events with Alexander, and the sight of Aurora enjoying herself out there only intensified her fury. The thought of Aurora's now-slimmer face stirred a mix of jealousy and resentment in Veronica. How could Aurora be so bold now? She was once a mere puppet in Veronica's hands, a girl who danced at her whim. When did she start breaking free from Veronica's control?

The memory of how Aurora had handled her at the mall, and the court notice she'd sent, gnawed at her. Veronica's mind raced, especially with the thought of that delicate, flawless face of hers. What if Alexander saw Aurora's true beauty? Would he regret divorcing her? The idea made Veronica's stomach churn with insecurity.

No, she couldn't let Aurora rise above her. She was her plaything, her possession, and how dare she rebel? An evil plan began to form in Veronica's mind. Her fingers flew over the phone screen as she quickly texted someone with a smirk. "Let's see, Aurora, how long you can keep that pretty face of yours now."

Aurora and Cassandra stepped into their private booth, an open space that provided an uninterrupted view of the lively dance floor and the vibrant crowd. The club's pulsing lights played across their faces, highlighting their stunning features. Aurora, with her mesmerizing phoenix-like eyes, was a vision that turned heads effortlessly.

They ordered their drinks, the rhythmic thrum of music vibrating through the air. Cassandra, wide-eyed and excited, couldn't resist indulging in more than her fair share. It was her first time in a high-end club—a night she owed entirely to Aurora.

Aurora was her only friend, the one person who had seen past her small-town roots. Cassandra, a countryside girl with a humble background, was often overlooked, but Aurora's presence brought her a sense of belonging.

As Cassandra watched Aurora, her heart swelled with gratitude. She smiled to herself, convinced that her dear, albeit occasionally foolish, friend had finally come to her senses.

If Luna could hear her new friend's thoughts, she might have choked on her drink and quipped, "Sorry to burst your bubble, but your stupid friend hasn't come to her senses."

Luna could feel the real Aurora's heart. Despite her fear of Alexander, she couldn't bring herself to entirely despise him. Buried deep within her was a fragile ember of hope—a foolish remnant that refused to die.

Scoffing at the original host's naivety, Luna muttered under her breath, "What a pathetic fool you were."

In a dimly lit corner of the bar, a group of friends gathered around a table, their laughter blending with the pulsing bass of the music. Each man had a female companion draped over him, attentively pouring their drinks. Only Alexander sat alone, a bottle of whiskey at his side and an unusual silence cloaking his presence.

He was drinking more than usual, his mind swirling with fragmented images of Aurora. Her cold, unyielding demeanor. The way her sharp gaze had dismissed him, as if he were nothing but an irritating speck of dust in her path. The memory stung, and he scoffed to himself. "Aurora, you think playing hard to get will make me notice you? Pathetic. You're more revolting than ever. So why the hell am I still thinking about you?"

He tipped back another glass, the amber liquid burning down his throat.

"Alex," Murray teased, leaning over the table. "Missing Ms. Smith, are we? You've been drinking like you just got dumped. Did you two have a fight?"

Henry chimed in with a laugh, holding up his phone. "Let me snap a picture of this moody face and send it to her. That should fix things!"

Alexander's icy gaze cut through the air, silencing them. "Shut up," he muttered coldly before pouring himself another drink. His friends exchanged amused glances but thought better of pushing him further.

Suddenly, an excited voice broke through the hum of the club. "Bro, look at the girls down there! Absolute knockouts!"

The others turned to the dance floor, their interest piqued. "Oh, man," one of them exclaimed. "The plump one's got moves! She's killing it out there!"

"Are you kidding me?" another retorted. "The other one is way hotter. A plump girl? No matter how she moves, a pig is still a pig."

The first friend smirked. "Maybe, but that's one gorgeous pig. Look at her skin glowing under the lights, her refined jawline, and those phoenix-like eyes."

The description hit Alexander like a lightning bolt. His gaze snapped to the dance floor, locking onto the two women swaying to the rhythm. Aurora's striking figure and commanding presence were unmistakable, her sharp eyes glinting like embers in the flickering light.

His expression darkened, and an unsettling chill seemed to permeate the room. The laughter at the table faltered, his friends growing quiet as they sensed his shift in mood.

Aurora and Cassandra moved to the rhythm of the music, their hips swaying with effortless grace. Every movement was a blend of elegance and allure, drawing the attention of everyone around them. A few men attempted to inch closer, their intentions clear, but one sharp glance from Aurora was all it took to send them retreating in silence.

From across the room, Alexander's gaze locked onto her. His expression grew darker with every passing moment, an ominous storm brewing in his eyes. The easy camaraderie at his table faltered as a chill seemed to sweep through the air.

His friends exchanged uneasy glances but wisely chose to remain silent, their laughter fading as Alexander's mood cast a shadow over their evening.

Alexander shot to his feet, his body moving before his mind could fully register the impulse. His strides were purposeful, cutting through the crowded dance floor like a blade. Aurora, completely unaware of the turmoil raging within him, continued to dance with Cassandra, her laughter and carefree movements lighting up the space around her.

Without warning, strong hands gripped her waist, pulling her back against a firm chest. The sudden force startled her, and her back collided with an unyielding surface.

Her eyelids fluttered open, meeting Alexander's furious gaze. His eyes burned with an intensity that spoke of anger, frustration, and something else she couldn't place.

Aurora's mind snapped back to the present. Her instincts kicked in, and with a swift motion, she yanked her arm free and delivered a sharp elbow to his stomach. Alexander grunted in surprise, loosening his grip.

Straightening herself, Aurora glared at him, her eyes blazing with indignation. "Are you out of your mind?" she demanded. "We're divorced, Mr. Brown. Do you need a reminder?"

Alexander scoffed, his lips curling into a mocking sneer. "If you're so aware that we're divorced, Aurora, then why are you so desperate to gain my attention? Following me around, parading yourself like this..." His voice dropped, laced with venom. "Whoring around in a place like this."

He cast a disdainful glance at her and the people surrounding them, his contempt palpable. "Stop following me, Aurora. How many times do I have to say it?" His eyes narrowed, cold and cutting. "You disgust me.

Aurora let out a sharp, derisive laugh, the sound cutting through the tension like a blade. "Mr. Brown, it seems you're having trouble with your eyes—or perhaps it's your brain that needs checking. I've told you countless times already." Her tone was light, but the fire in her gaze betrayed her irritation.

Alexander's intrusion had soured her mood entirely. The excitement of the night evaporated, leaving only a simmering annoyance. Turning her back on him, she reached for Cassandra, who was obliviously swaying to the music, lost in her drunken revelry.

"Come on," Aurora said, steadying her tipsy friend. Cassandra mumbled something incoherent but allowed herself to be led away. They made their way through the crowd, Aurora's sharp glare ensuring no one dared approach them.

Once outside, Aurora raised her hand to hail a taxi, her mind replaying the heated encounter with Alexander. Her jaw clenched as she stepped into the cab, the cool night air doing little to temper the fire of her frustration.

I need to train more, she thought bitterly. My senses are dull, my instincts slower. If I were in better shape, I wouldn't have let that pest even get close to me, let alone touch me.

The real Aurora—the woman whose body Luna now inhabited—must have harbored feelings for Alexander. That much was obvious from the tangled emotions lingering in her heart. But for Luna, those feelings were nothing but a burden.

"No way in all seven hells," Luna muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing at the thought. "I, Luna, will never let him so much as touch my shadow."

As the vehicle sped away, leaving the pulsing lights of the club behind, another scene was unfolding elsewhere.