New Life Selene's POV And of course , the Vales would've heard . So I wasn't surprised when I saw Adrian at the Knight Casino days later . What did surprise me - was how worn down he looked . He didn't carry the glow of his past . Not even close . I passed him without a second glance . But as I walked past- He reached out . His hand closed gently around my wrist . " Selene . " I ripped my arm back instantly . " Don't touch me . " His eyes flinched - like I'd struck him . A flicker of sadness passed through them . Surprise , too . " Long time no see , " he murmured , his voice quieter than I remembered . " How have you been ? " I looked him in the eye , steady and unshaken . How have I been ? Better . Stronger . Finally free . " I'm good , " I said simply , lifting a brow . " You ? " His jaw flexed . " All good . The Vale ... they're fine . Mr. and Mrs. Vale too . " Then - silence . Thick , heavy . Full of everything we didn't say . Adrian broke it first . " I didn't marry Elara in the end , " he said quietly , almost like it hurt to admit . " Thought you might want to know . " I blinked . He didn't marry her ? " I know the truth , Selene . It was you who saved me ... not Elara . Back then , I didn't know . I thought it was her . That's why I wanted to repay her . " I stared at him for a beat . Honestly ? I didn't care for his apology anymore . " Alright , " I said , cool and firm . " Then I hope you have a good day . " I turned to leave . His hand shot out again , catching my arm . I stopped and looked down at his fingers on my skin . He let go instantly , like I burned him . " Can we talk ? " he asked , his voice low . " Just for old times ' sake . " Old times ? The old times where I gave him my heart , my loyalty , my life ? The old times where he threw me away like I was convenient background noise ? " No ," I said flatly " We can't . " I turned again , my heels clicking against the floor . Then- " Selene , " he called out behind me , " I know you were reborn " My steps faltered Slowly , I turned just enough to glance over my shoulder . New Life +25 BONUS What did he just say ? " I was reborn too , " he continued . " That's why I chose Elara so easily this time . I wanted to compensate her ... for what happened before . " So he was reborn . That explains everything . That explains the disdain in his eyes at the selection - how cold he looked at me that day . " Adrian , " I said , calm as ice , " you and I - we're done . Whatever you think you owed me , or whatever I thought I owed you , it's over . We're clear . " I paused . Then added , " If you respect me at all - even just a little - for the fact that I died for you in our last life ... leave me alone . Let me have the ending I deserve . " And with that - I walked . I stepped out of the casino and into my car . A text from Elias lit up my screen : Get home fast , sweetheart . I've got a surprise waiting . My lips curved into a smile . I pressed my foot on the gas . The world blurred past the windshield , clean and full of promise . But then - Adrian . He rushed out , catching sight of me . He ran to the side of the car , banging on the window , mouth forming words I couldn't hear and didn't care to . I didn't slow . Didn't roll down the window or give him the satisfaction of acknowledgment . I hit the accelerator harder . In the rearview mirror , I watched him fade . Smaller ... smaller ... until there was nothing but the road . Goodbye , Adrian . Don't tell me you regret it . I don't care why you regret . I don't care how you want to make it right . We are done And for the rest of my life- I only want you as far away from me as possible . When I got back to the mansion , I found Elias in the kitchen - frosting smeared across his cheek , his dark hair tousled , and a smudge of flour on the bridge of his nose . He looked up the second he saw me , eyes lighting up With a proud grin , he lifted a cake off the counter like it was a trophy . " I think I've cracked the flavor , " he said . " Try it . It's a sample for our wedding cake . I designed it myself . " That was his surprise . Ever since he proposed , Elias had taken over every detail of our wedding , Planning Venues . Cakes Florals . He said all I needed to do was show up , enjoy the celebration- And be the most breathtaking bride this world had ever seen Who would've thought the most feared mafia head in England would be here - wearing a pink apron , baking like it was his life's calling , just to make me smile ? God , I loved him . New Life +25 BONUS We had a fall wedding . Exactly what I'd always dreamed - only better . Nearly a thousand guests came to celebrate with us . Every table glowed under candlelight . Every corner of the estate overflowed with warmth and champagne laughter . My mother walked me down the aisle , her hand firm around mine . Elias looked so strong . Unshakable . But when the vows began , he cried . Tears slid down his cheeks - not from weakness , but from love so deep it had nowhere else to go . I leaned close , wrapping him in my arms . " Come on , " I whispered at his ear , " don't cry , Mr. Knight . " His hands tightened around mine . " Have I let you down ? " he whispered back . " I promised I'd make you the happiest woman in the world ... have I ? " I smiled through my own tears . " Of course not . I am the happiest woman . Because I'm marrying the best man on the planet . " He kissed me hard , fierce and full of promise . And just before we turned to face the cheering crowd , I leaned in close once more . " And congratulations , Mr. Knight , " I whispered , " you're going to be a father . " He stilled . Then his whole face lit up - eyes wide , breath hitched , lips parted in disbelief . Excitement . Shock . Wonder . Love . All of it passed over his expression like sunlight breaking through clouds . " Selene .... " His voice cracked . He reached for me like he was afraid I'd disappear . " Thank you . Thank you , Mrs. Knight . I ... I'm the happiest man alive right now . " He pulled me into his arms as the guests erupted in applause . And as we kissed again , beneath golden leaves and autumn skies , I knew one thing for sure - This was my happy ending . And I had never once - not for a second - regretted leaving the past behind .