Gail Nathan Valerie Novel Faded Hearts, Broken Bonds

I was born into hardship, but my beauty led to my adoption by the Maddox family.

When I was 18, they brought home two boys.

Dustin Holland, a piano prodigy, quickly bonded with my sister, who was the darling of our social circle.

Nathan Holland remained in the shadows. He didn't like to talk, laugh, or even show the normal emotional fluctuations of a person. His stubborn, wooden gaze was like that of an abandoned stray dog.

Diagnosed with emotional detachment disorder, he became my project. I vowed to heal him.

He locked me in a dark room, scarred my face with a branch, and encased my favorite doll in plaster.

I forgave it all, thinking he was just traumatized.

The elite in the circle mocked us, urging me to abandon him, but I kissed him publicly, declaring, "I love Nathan. Anyone who hurts him will pay."

Then a fire tore through our home. Nathan stepped over my broken body to save my sister, his eyes wet with rare tears.

Turned out, his disorder had a cure. It was just not me.

Reborn on the day they arrived, I looked at the taciturn boy and sneered, "Dad, must we take in every stray?"
Chapter 1
...
My words froze the room.
Nathan Holland, supposedly numb to emotion, showed a crack in his blank expression.
My dad, Lucas Maddox, was not happy to hear that. He sulked, "They are Barton's children."
My sister, Valerie Maddox, gasped. "Gail, don't be so rude."
Memories of their taunts and Nathan's cruel pranks flashed across my mind. Their fake concern now made my stomach churn.
Lucas cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. "Gail has been spoiled. Don't mind her."
He gestured for me to apologize, but I stayed silent, frowning.
Dustin stepped in, his tone smooth. "It's fine, Mr. Maddox. Gail is just straightforward. We won't take it personally."
His eyes, though, never left Valerie.
She glanced at me, her voice soft but pointed. "Dad wants us to show them around the estate. Don't be stubborn now."
I smirked inwardly, brushing her hand away, and flashed a bright smile. "Dustin is refined, his piano talent matching your skills, Valerie. You two can learn from each other. You can show him around."
Valerie's cheeks turned rosy, and she murmured, "Didn't you say you wanted to learn piano? I'm busy with competitions, and Dustin could teach you."
In my past life, I had fallen for this trap.
Resentful, Dustin made me copy sheet music a hundred times daily, teaching me only a botched version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
At Valerie's birthday party, I played it, earning mockery from the elite. My family felt humiliated and sidelined me.
Then Dustin and Valerie's duet cemented their "perfect match" status.
No one would have guessed that during the fire, Dustin, to save his precious hands, abandoned an unconscious Valerie without a glance.

Chapter 2
"It's fine," I said, shaking my head. "I've never cared for instruments. Teaching me would waste Dustin's talent."
Days ago, I'd just convinced Lucas to import a set of premium paints from abroad. I had no time for their games.
In my past life, I had buried my painting talent by chasing men. This time, I wouldn't repeat that mistake.
Valerie's smile widened as she assumed that I'd take Nathan. It would give her a chance to be with Dustin alone.
She didn't expect my refusal.
"Dad said Nathan is shy," I continued. "I'm too brash. I'd startle him. You're so kind and understanding, so why not show them both around?"
Valerie froze, speechless.
We all knew Nathan was an outcast in the Holland family, rumored to have pushed his mother from a third-story window at five and shed no tears.
Valerie wouldn't dare handle such a freak.
...
Nathan finally looked up. "Thank you, Mr. Maddox, but my condition is improving. I'm normal enough. Don't treat me like a patient."
He stepped into the light, revealing a flawless face and a cold, commanding presence. Valerie's eyes widened.
I met his gaze, startled. Those steady, mature eyes didn't belong to a boy his age.
I wondered if he had been reborn, too. I clenched my fist, my throat tightening as if someone were choking me.
Turned out, he could have such a rich range of expressions. He had just never shown them to me.
All those years, he had watched me spin in circles like a dog at his mercy. I had no idea of his feelings when he saw him humiliated in front of everyone.
Valerie's gaze lingered on Nathan's face, but I turned to leave.
As I passed him, he spoke. "I've always loved collecting art. We share that passion. I could be useful to you."
I paused without looking back, my heart pounding in my chest. "Thanks, but I prefer working alone."
In my past life, I had poured my heart into him despite the scorn, never asking if he wanted it. My love had been a shadow, never seeing light.
This time, I'd let go of futile affection.
That night, I went downstairs to get water from the fridge. A hand suddenly grabbed the door, and Nathan loomed in the shadows, studying me.
"What game are you playing this time?" he asked.
I grabbed a bottle, unfazed. "So, you are reborn. But you're wrong. I'm not interested in any of you. I just want my own life."
He scoffed, eyeing the necklace on my neck. "Not interested? Then why wear that?"
His words made me pause.
In my past life, Nathan had woven that necklace to thank me for my care. It was the only gift he had given me.
I hadn't noticed it carried over.

Chapter 3
Met with my silence, Nathan raised a brow. "Let's be clear. I'll never like you. Don't get any ideas. And if you scheme against Valerie, I won't hold back."
"Good," I chuckled indifferently.
I yanked the necklace off, tossed it in the trash, and brushed past him.
...
In my past life, the Maddoxes took me in right after the orphanage director spotted my art talent.
They treated me well, but they insisted on molding me into a proper lady. Those endless etiquette and dance lessons made me a name in our circle.
Yet, I was always compared to Valerie until Dustin and Nathan arrived. Then she outshone me completely.
I locked myself away, winning multiple international youth art awards. My paintings were set for a major exhibition.
The night before the event, Valerie approached with some bottles. "I got these imported paints from abroad. They glow in the water. I'm so happy you're doing well."
I smiled, keeping the peace. "Thanks."
She linked arms with me. "No worries. We're family. I'll be at your exhibition with Dustin and Nathan to support you."
After she left, I tossed the paints aside.
The next day, the gallery buzzed with crowds. Valerie swept in, radiant in a red gown.
"Gail," she called out, hugging me. "That dress looks stunning. You never wear black."
Before I could respond, Nathan's mocking laugh cut through. "No matter how she dresses, she can't outshine you, Valerie. That dress is plain black, people might think she's at a funeral."
Valerie's grin widened, feigning a pout. "Oh, stop. I'm only dressed up because I just came from a performance."
She sidled up to Dustin, her expression theatrical. "Our duet today was a hit. And Gail's art is getting raves. Two big wins for the family. We're celebrating tonight."