REBORN TO BREAK HIS HEART

Claire Bennett opened her eyes to the sound of a priest’s voice echoing through a grand hall. “Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife… to love her, cherish her, honor her, until death do you part?” A wave of déjà vu swept over her like a cold wind. Her heart thudded. The scent of roses, the glint of crystal chandeliers, the whispered awe of guests—it was all exactly as it had been the first time. And in front of her, standing tall in an expensive tuxedo and holding her hand with just the right amount of pressure… was Logan Reed. Her fiancé. Her murderer. Claire’s breath caught. She stared at him, really looked at him. God, he looked so perfect. Too perfect. Logan was everything high society adored—polished, powerful, and charming enough to melt marble. His chiseled jaw, piercing grey eyes, and calm demeanor could fool anyone. They fooled her once. But not again. Claire’s mind spiraled through memories—memories from another life. A life where she married this man… and it ended with betrayal, blood, and the one truth she had been too blind to see. He never loved her. He wanted her mother’s inheritance. And the woman who helped him destroy her? Her own sister. She glanced toward the front row. Sabrina Bennett, radiant in a soft blue gown, gave her a practiced smile—one Claire used to think was warmth. But now it looked like poison disguised in pearls. Claire’s stomach turned. The priest turned toward her. “And do you, Claire Bennett, take this man—” Her eyes flicked to the far end of the room. He was there. Ethan Cole. Dark suit. Cold expression. Hands in his pockets like he didn’t give a damn. But Claire knew better. In her past life, Ethan had stood there, hoping—praying—she wouldn’t go through with marrying Logan. She remembered seeing him walk out just before she said “I do.” She didn’t know it then, but that was the last time he ever looked back. He left the country that night. And she never saw him again… until her death. Claire’s hands began to tremble. She squeezed her bouquet tighter. This wasn’t just a dream. It wasn’t a hallucination. She had been given a second chance. The priest smiled gently, oblivious to the storm raging inside her. “Do you, Claire Bennett, take Logan Reed to be your lawfully wedded husband…” She could feel everyone watching. Her father. Sabrina. The Reeds. The press. But most of all—Ethan. She had wronged him. She had ignored his love, his warnings, his loyalty… all for Logan, the man who would one day orchestrate her death. Not this time. Claire stepped back. The silence crackled. “I can’t do this,” she said, voice clear. The audience gasped. “I’m not marrying him,” she added, louder. “This wedding is over.” Logan’s jaw tightened. He reached for her arm. “Claire—” She yanked it free, her bouquet dropping to the marble floor. “I was blind. But I’m not anymore.” Gasps rippled through the crowd like thunder. The whispers began instantly. Richard Bennett, her father, stood from his chair, his voice hard and booming. “Claire! What do you think you’re doing?!” Claire turned to him. “I’m doing what I should have done long ago.” Mrs. Reed stood too, her voice sharp. “You’ve embarrassed both families. You knew what today meant!” “I knew,” Claire said calmly. “And that’s why I’m walking away.” “You’re throwing your life away!” her father barked. “No,” Claire said. “I’m taking it back.” Sabrina’s voice rang out like a sweet chime. “Maybe she’s just overwhelmed, Dad. Cold feet. Let’s not jump to conclusions.” Claire stared at her sister. A master manipulator. She would eventually confess that she and Logan had been together for months behind Claire’s back—and that stealing Claire’s inheritance was just business. Claire’s chest burned with fury, but her expression stayed composed. “No cold feet,” she said flatly. “I’m just finally thinking clearly.” The room felt like it was caving in. The judgment. The gasps. The betrayal. The heat from the lights above. She turned. And ran. The veil tore from her head as she sprinted down the aisle, high heels clattering, dress sweeping behind her like a storm. She pushed past the stunned guests, through the grand entrance doors, and into the open air. Fresh wind. Cool silence. She kicked off her heels and stumbled barefoot down the steps, her heart racing, blood roaring in her ears. Her legs moved before her brain caught up. She had to find him. Ethan. If she could just get to him before he left… if she could say what she didn’t get to say in her last life— She turned onto the curb and scanned the street. But the car was gone. No trace of him. No sign. No second chance at a second chance. She was too late. Again. Claire collapsed onto a bench, gripping the edge with white knuckles. Her heart cracked wide open with regret. She had done the right thing. But it still hurt. She whispered to no one, “I’m sorry, Ethan.” But the wind carried her words away.