2 . Rebirth

"Shit!!!"

Serena cursed in her heart.

Out of nowhere, she felt a sudden headache early in the morning.

"You understand, right, Serena?"

A man's voice spoke.

Slowly, Serena opened her eyes, and the moment she saw the man before her, her gaze turned ice-cold.

"Wha... what?" The man stuttered upon seeing her expression. "Why are you looking at your father like that? Whatever! Just listen—your father wants to get back together with your mother. So, you need to get rid of that bastard Darian from her life. Got it?"

Hearing David's words—her father—Serena frowned.

A memory resurfaced in her mind, and her eyes widened in shock, excitement, and hope.

"What's today's date?" she asked abruptly.

David looked at her, confused. Normally, Serena was polite and affectionate toward him when they met. But strangely, after David ordered food, Serena's attitude had shifted.

"What's today's date!!" she asked again, more insistently.

David was taken aback by her tone.

"October 13th—" he replied hesitantly.

The moment she heard his answer, Serena grabbed her bag and bolted out.

"Serena!!!" David called out, but she didn't hear him.

She quickly got into a taxi, gave the driver an address, and sat back in deep thought.

It felt like she had returned to her second year of college.

"Rebirth?" she muttered in disbelief.

Serena remembered—during her second semester, her relationship with Elena had grown distant.

And with Elena dating Darian, Serena started staying at the campus dormitory more often. Even though Elena tried to reach out, Serena ignored her and shut her out completely.

This time... Serena would do anything for her mother.

Because it seemed like God had given her a second chance.

Not long after, the taxi stopped in front of an apartment building—Elena's home.

After paying the fare, Serena hurried inside, taking the elevator to the fourth floor, where her mother's apartment was.

Standing before the door, she hesitated.

She was afraid—afraid that this was all just a dream, that the person inside wouldn't be her mother.

Just as she was debating whether to knock or wait, the door suddenly swung open.

Both Serena and the person who opened the door froze in shock.

"You're here!" Darian greeted, recovering from his surprise.

Serena opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Darian, sensing something was off, turned and called out, "Elena!"

"Yeah?" came the familiar voice from inside.

Hearing that voice—the one she had missed so much—tears immediately welled up in Serena's eyes.

Darian's eyes widened at the sight of her tears. He sighed softly, then smiled gently.

"Come in, Serena," he invited warmly.

But Serena remained silent, her tears falling freely.

"What wro—"

Elena's words stopped mid-sentence the moment she saw her daughter.

Seeing Serena's tear-streaked face, Elena instantly rushed to her, gripping her arms.

"What happened? Who hurt you? Tell me!" she demanded, her voice full of worry.

Overwhelmed by the concern in her mother's voice, Serena broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably as she threw her arms around Elena.

Both Elena and Darian were shocked.

Serena never wanted to talk to Elena before, let alone hug her.

Her cries only grew louder.

Elena and Darian exchanged looks before Elena finally hugged Serena back, gently rubbing her back in comfort.

&&&&&&

Perhaps it was because she had cried too hard, but eventually, Serena fell asleep from exhaustion.

After tucking her into her old bed, Elena stepped out of the room and sat beside Darian.

"Are you okay?" Darian asked, concern in his voice.

"I'm fine, just..." Elena sighed. "What do you think happened to Serena?"

"I don't know… For now, we can only wait," Darian replied, squeezing her hand.

"You're right. We just need to wait for her to talk."

Suddenly, Darian smiled at her.

"By the way… you can finally give Serena her cake and present in person this time."

Hearing that, Elena's face lit up with happiness.

"You're right!"

For years, since Serena started college, their relationship had grown cold.

Serena refused to celebrate her birthday with Elena.

Even so, every year, Elena still bought her a cake and a present, even if she never got the chance to give them to her.

Just knowing it was Serena's birthday made her happy.

Seeing her smile, Darian couldn't resist his feelings—he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

To Darian, Elena was everything.

If something made Elena happy, he would do whatever it took to make it happen.

"Elena...?" Darian called softly.

"Hmm?"

Darian hesitated.

He wanted to ask—what if Serena asked Elena to leave him?

What choice would she make?

But before the words left his lips, he stopped himself.

Because deep down, he already knew the answer.

If Elena had to choose between Serena and him…

It would always be Serena.

Instead, Darian simply said, "I love you."

Elena smiled tenderly at him.

She gazed into his eyes, then pressed a soft kiss against his lips before pulling him into a warm embrace.

"I love you too."