Her Rebirth.

Amelia sat by the window, watching the early morning light pour in, tracing her fingers on the floorboards. The memory played over and over again. To be honest, while she couldn’t find herself ever forgiving Lilac for what she did, as she wasn’t the original Amelia, still, this felt quite complicated. She was unsure of what to do or how to even feel because of that little dream she had. She would have washed it away, claiming it was just a mere dream, but it was so vivid and real that she was sure it wasn’t. And from Lilac’s statement and the way she had acted, it probably wasn’t just a mere dream.

But then, did that mean that Amelia’s singular action had caused Lilac to do all she did to the original Amelia? But for what reason? Was it born of hatred? If so, why was Lilac suddenly asking for forgiveness? What was her intention? What was she currently planning?

She heard soft footsteps approach behind her, but she didn’t turn around.

Kai frowned, clearly annoyed by the fact that Amelia’s attention was elsewhere rather than on him. And he knew the cause of all this lay in Lilac.

He stood beside her, a warm cup of coffee in his hand. He didn’t say anything at first—rather, he just placed the cup gently by her side.

"You’ve been staring out that window for an hour," he said softly. "What’s troubling you?"

Amelia finally looked at him. "I had a dream," she said. "Or maybe... a memory."

Kai raised a brow, silently urging her to go on.

"I saw Lilac... back when we were children. We were friends for a day when we first met." She exhaled slowly. "And then I remembered how I screamed at her that day she came to the mansion... told her to die. I slammed the door in her face."

Kai’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened slightly.

"I keep thinking... did that moment change everything? Did it cause all of this? And if so... does that mean she’s only doing this now out of guilt? Or... manipulation?" She turned to him fully. "What would you do? What would you feel?"

Kai was quiet for a moment, then said, "Whatever happened back then, whatever you said, doesn’t justify the pain she caused you later. No child deserves to be blamed for something they didn’t understand."

Amelia lowered her gaze.

"But," Kai continued, "if you feel like forgiving her... I won’t stop you." His voice was soft but firm. "Just make sure it’s for you, not because you feel guilty. Not because she’s asking."

Amelia gave a faint nod, her fingers brushing over the rim of the teacup. Then she smiled gratefully at Kai.

"Thank you, Kai. I’m really grateful... I really am."

"Don’t you think you should call me something else other than Kai?" Kai teased, trying to lighten up her mood.

Amelia looked at him with a wide grin. "Like what?"

He hugged her by her waist and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Then his lips trailed to her earlobe and nibbled. He whispered, his voice deep and magnetic, "What about hubby, or husband, or sweetheart?"

"Kai, don’t leave hickeys on me I still have to meet Lilac."

Kai frowned, clearly annoyed, then he nuzzled her neck and whined, "Not only did you fail to call me hubby, you’re choosing another person above me."

"K... No, hubby..." Amelia began to say but was immediately interrupted by Kai.

"Repeat it again. Call me hubby."

"Hubby."

"Again."

"Hubby."

"Butterfly," Kai said, his voice filled with lust and desire. "I want to do you right now."

...

Amelia managed to escape Kai before anything could happen and found her way to the guest room where Lilac had stayed for the night. When she opened the guest room door, she saw Lilac all dressed up in her previous clothes, prepared as if she was about to leave.

"Amelia...!" Her face lit up. "Thank you for the clothes last night. I—"

Amelia raised a hand, cutting her off. "Let’s talk."

Lilac blinked, then nodded. "Of course. Do you want to sit down?"

"I’m fine standing."

"Oh... alright." Lilac shifted awkwardly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Also... I’m sorry for grabbing your hand yesterday. I shouldn’t have done that."

Amelia didn’t respond to that. Instead, her voice was quiet. "I remembered."

Lilac looked up, confused. "Remembered?"

"Yes, I remembered who you were."

Lilac’s lips parted, her eyes threatening to pour out tears. "You remember me..." she whispered. "I’m so glad."

"Is that why you hurt me all these years? Because of what happened that day?" Amelia asked, catching her a bit off guard.

Lilac looked down, as if in sorrow. "Yes," she admitted quietly. "It was because of that."

"So you hated me."

"What? No!" Lilac looked up quickly. "I could never hate you."

"Then it doesn’t make sense," Amelia said. "Why would you do all that to someone you didn’t hate?"

Lilac hesitated, as if contemplating whether to answer, then spoke so softly,

"Because... I wanted your attention."

Amelia blinked. "Attention?"

The answer was as ridiculous as it sounded.

"You never looked at me again after that day," she said. "You ignored me, like I didn’t exist. It was obvious you hated me. And I just... I thought if I couldn’t have your love, I’d settle for your hate. At least that way you’d see me."

That was the reason? That’s why Lilac did all she did these years,to the point that Amelia had committed suicide? All because of attention?

Amelia was silent, then a ’pfft’ escaped from her lips. Her face then scrunched up in anger. "So that’s why you took everything from her? Including the fiancé she loved?"

Lilac hesitated. "Why are you referring to yourself like that? Saying ’she’?"

Amelia turned away slightly. "Because I’m not the Amelia you once knew. I’m different now. I’m someone else."

Lilac stood slowly. "I’m sorry. I know I went too far... so far. I wanted to say it last night, but I didn’t think you’d hear me out. I just... I truly am sorry, Amelia.

She was angry. Confused. Her mother had just... and then you just barged into her life with your mother. She didn’t recognize you, and even if she had, I don’t know if it would’ve mattered. Admittedly, she took her pain out on you and that was wrong..."

Lilac gave her a small nod. "I know."

Amelia looked away. "But that doesn’t change everything that’s happened since. You hurt her, Lilac. You manipulated people. You stood by while you caused others to make her suffer. It wasn’t just a misunderstanding or some childish grudge... it was cruel... it was evil and mean."

Silence settled between them. It was heavy and cold.

"I’m not asking you to forgive me," Lilac said finally in a steady voice. "I know I’ve done things that can’t be erased. But I want to try. To start over. I’ve always wanted to be your sister, Amelia."

Amelia looked at her silently, and Lilac met her gaze.

"I understand if you can’t trust me. If you never will," Lilac continued. "But I’ll keep trying to make things right... because I still want to believe we can be sisters. Truly, this time."

"But I don’t think so, Lilac. I don’t believe we can ever be sisters. The damage has been done."

Happy birthday to me ☆(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*

Mass release: 1/4