Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James) novel Chapter 1854

The fists pounding on his chest felt as ineffective as trying to punch a pillow—completely powerless. Sophie, seething with frustration, finally ordered him to drench himself at the fountain and shout three times, “Mercy, milady.” Despite the anger simmering inside him, he had no choice but to obey.

Colby couldn't wrap his head around why Gordon was so indulgent with this little firecracker. It seemed like Sophie could do no wrong in his eyes. When Colby got back, he was a soaking mess, drenched from head to toe. If anyone else had treated him like this, he would have made sure they wouldn't see the next sunrise, regardless of who they were. But Sophie, somehow, was the exception.

He headed to the shower, hoping to wash away the day's frustrations. Yet, a familiar voice echoed in his mind once again. “Colby, wake up, you only have half an hour.” Trying to escape the hallucination, Colby submerged himself in the bathtub, hoping the sensation would drown out the voice. But it lingered, refusing to fade.

Later that night, Colby emerged from the bathroom, a white towel draped casually around his neck. His phone rang at the worst possible moment, and he answered with a curt, “Speak.”

Colby's voice was icy, laced with a touch of resentment. On the other end, Gordon chuckled softly, “Are you mad?”

“What do you think?” Colby replied coolly. “Spoiling your fiancée is your business, don't drag me into it.”

“She’s hard to please, I need you to take her to the amusement park for me.”

“Not happening,” Colby snapped, hanging up immediately. But shortly after, a message from Gordon came through with the time and place. Colby rubbed his temples, feeling the irritation rise. Gordon always had that air of confidence, like he knew Colby wouldn’t say no.

On the day of the amusement park visit, Colby was outside the Russell family home bright and early. Sophie seemed excited about the outing, but when she realized it wasn't Gordon, Colby saw the disappointment flash in her eyes. Was she really that bummed it wasn’t Gordon? He felt a sudden, sharp ache in his heart, but it didn’t linger. Clearly, it wasn’t his heart aching, but another soul inside him.

“I don’t need you to like me.”

“You!” Sophie was fuming, but Colby seemed even more annoyed. She couldn’t stop mentioning Gordon, clearly smitten. She insisted Gordon would never lie to her, and he just laughed. Gordon was anything but truthful, yet she still defended him.

At the amusement park, Sophie laughed so freely and brightly. Colby wasn’t interested in the childish rides, but seeing Sophie’s smile warmed him inside. It was like she was meant to smile like that. As long as she was happy, he felt a sense of happiness too.

After they got off the roller coaster, Colby almost blurted out, “Why do you like Gordon?” His body seemed to react faster than his mind. Even he was surprised—it wasn’t a question he’d normally ask.