After Rebirth, I Ruined Them All

GENERAL

The sound of shattering glass echoed across the mansion. The maid rushed to the scene, her eyes widening as she saw the messy floor. She quickly ran back and returned with a dustpan and broom. Just as she was about to start cleaning up, Gerald's mother snapped at her.

"Are you dumb? Did I ask for your help?"

Her body shook vigorously at the sharp, menacing tone. Her mouth parted, but before she could say a word, Gerald's mother lashed out again.

"Leave before I scrub the floor with your shapeless body." She glared at her.

The maid bolted away on weakened legs.

As soon as she left, Gerald's aunt moved closer to his mother and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't need this. You don't need to hurt yourself over this," she reminded her.

"I've never been this humiliated in my life, Barbara. My friends were there. They saw everything. I could see the mockery on their faces as they left," Gerald's mother cried out. "I'm sure that bastard Knox did that intentionally. He snatched her away from my son so he could avenge his parents' death." She bit her fingers as she paced around the room.

"I can't take this. We can't keep swallowing his disrespect and bullying. No," Gerald's mother shouted, shaking her head.

Her forehead was covered in beads of sweat. She shuddered slightly. "Who knows what he would do next? What if that bastard comes for our heads next?" Her voice croaked.

A flicker of fear crossed Barbara's eyes as realization dawned on her. They had been lenient with the situation, even though they knew who Knox truly was. He could come for them at any time to avenge his parents.

"We have to do something about this," Aunt Barbara said. "We can't keep feeding his madness. We have to curb this before it truly comes back to bite us."

Meanwhile, in one of the bedrooms in the mansion, Gerald paced back and forth, still unable to shake off the shock. He kept seeing images of Knox and Sarah smiling and holding hands, and it tormented him deeply.

How did everything happen so fast?

She had never slipped before. Never resisted. Never chosen anyone else. He could control her however he wanted.

So how did she slip away from him?

Different questions flooded his mind, but he had no answers. He never saw the switch coming. Everything had been fine between them. They had no fights or arguments. Even if there had been one, Sarah would have apologized and settled things before it escalated.

Amara stared at him unblinkingly, her vision gradually becoming blurry from his constant movement.

"You're making me dizzy, Gerald." She sighed, anger evident in her tone. Her face was still red from the slap.

Gerald rushed to her side, gripping her shoulders tightly. He searched her eyes. "Sarah didn't leave me for my uncle, right? Whatever happened at the event hall... it could be a prank." He swallowed. "Sorry, I mean... That wasn't real, Amara. Tell me you know that wasn't real." His lips quivered as the words left his mouth.

Amara was surprised by his denial. What did it matter to him whether it was real or not? Wasn't this what they had always wanted?

"What are you saying? You saw how excited she was when your uncle put the ring on her finger," she snapped, shoving his hands off her shoulders. "I just don't think Sarah, who always acts innocent, would be a cheater. I'm certain she planned everything with your uncle and didn't really date you because she wanted to," she added, rolling her eyes and folding her arms.

Gerald shook his head, refusing to accept the truth. There was no way Sarah would choose his uncle over him.

"She promised to stay with me since I was the one who saved her from drowning," he said.

"But you and I both know your uncle saved her, not you. You know the truth already. We just... used it to our advantage." she replied.

Then she paused, processing the situation. "Wait a minute, Gerald... I thought your relationship with her was fake, and the one you have with me is real? Why are you acting like she actually broke your heart?"

A flicker of realization appeared in Gerald's eyes. His body stiffened for a moment as he searched for an excuse. Then he turned and walked toward her.

"That's not it, Amara. I'm not heartbroken. I just find it crazy that she suddenly became smart. She's supposed to be our pawn until we accomplish our goals. What now?" he lied without hesitation.

Amara considered it and nodded.

She let out a breath. "I was scared for a moment. I thought you were actually in love with her," she mumbled.

"Do you know the craziest part? She slapped me. Me. Look at what she did to my face." she continued, showing him her reddened cheek.

Gerald's worry deepened when he saw the mark. He didn't know what was going through Sarah's mind, but could she really dump him?

"Don't worry, baby." He kissed her cheek. "I'll make sure she apologizes to you," he promised.

"And how will you do that?" she asked, her brows furrowing.

"I'll talk to her," he replied. "She'll come back. She always does. I don't know what she's doing with my uncle, but she can't slip away from me so easily." He paused, straightening. "Your sister is madly in love with me. Everyone knows that."

Amara chuckled. "You're still in denial, Gerald. Sadly, our little toy has become smart."

"No, Amara!" he snapped, his veins popping. "Don't say that again."

Amara almost jumped at the sudden outburst. She had never seen Gerald act this way before. He had never raised his voice at her, except when they were pretending in front of her sister. But this time, it wasn't an act. He was genuinely angry, just because she suggested Sarah had truly left him.

At that moment, she realized things weren't as simple as she had thought. Gerald might be lying about not loving her sister.

His actions said otherwise.

He was in love.

For the first time, fear settled deep in her bones.

This was never part of the plan.