Rebirth: Love me Again

I'd been so consumed with everything else that I almost forgot—I was still a student.

A high school senior in the final stretch of my fourth year, hanging by a thread.

It wasn't until a notice from one of my teachers arrived, summoning me back to school, that I remembered.

How long had I been absent? Days? Weeks? I couldn't recall, and frankly, I didn't care.

I was on the verge of being expelled anyway. It was inevitable, just as much as the fact that I wouldn't be finishing high school. I had bigger plans.

In six months, I'd be gone, my old life left behind.

Still, the thought of my school reaching out to my parents now was a hassle I couldn't afford.

Sullivan and Sophia were too wrapped up in their own affairs to even notice I existed at the moment, but that could change.

Sophie had probably already told them about my extended absence, her way of making sure that I was monitored.

But even with that, they didn't care. They didn't care if I showed up for classes or vanished into thin air.

I was a footnote in their lives.

Yet I couldn't push my luck. Sullivan may not care about me personally, but my reputation was another story.

If that started to crumble, he would intervene, and I couldn't afford that—not when I was so close to my goal.

I was on the brink of securing everything I'd worked for. Hundred Millions were within reach, and I couldn't have Sullivan breathing down my neck, ruining it all.

No, I couldn't let them drag me back into their world, not when I was on the verge of breaking free.

Not when my real life was just beginning.

A knock on my door broke the silence, signaling that Sophie was already outside, waiting for me.

I barely glanced at myself in the mirror. Just a plain white shirt, some jeans, and my Dior tote slung over my shoulder. That would do. No need to impress anyone. Not anymore.

When I opened the door, Sophie stood there, dressed as impeccably as ever in a flowing white sundress that accentuated her perfect, doll-like features.

Even in her so-called disguise as a maid, she made sure to maintain her polished image, carefully curating how the world saw her—while secretly tarnishing mine.

She never missed an opportunity to undermine me. Sophie knew exactly how to manipulate our classmates, subtly turning them against me, whispering little things here and there to make them side with her, mock me. And it worked.

"My lady, I'm glad you're finally going to school today," she said with her usual sickly-sweet smile. "Everyone's been so worried about you, especially the teachers."

I let out a small, bitter laugh, the corners of my mouth twisting up in a smirk. "Yeah, I bet. Worried enough to expel me if I miss one more class."

I brushed past her and headed for the car without another word.

The ride to school was quiet, though I could feel Sophie's gaze flickering toward me, always watching, always plotting. It was no surprise that she and I were classmates—it wasn't uncommon in high society for maids, servants, or assistants to attend prestigious schools under the guise of students, serving the young masters and ladies while keeping an eye on them.

By the time we arrived, it was still early, but I could feel the tension the moment I stepped out of the car.

The second I walked through the school gates, the whispers started. Everyone fell silent for a brief moment as their eyes locked onto me, and then the hushed murmurs began, spreading like wildfire. I felt their stares, burning into me as if I were some spectacle they'd all come to gawk at.

The guys eyed me from head to toe, their gazes lingering a little too long, while the girls shot me sideways glances, rolling their eyes, and whispering among themselves.

"So, she actually showed up?"

"I thought she dropped out."

"Doesn't she feel embarrassed after what happened? She should've just stayed home."

"You mean that stunt with Cole? God, it was humiliating."

The words hung in the air, and I could practically feel them crawling under my skin. Of course. It always came back to

that

. I almost forgot about that.

Just a few months ago before I went back to the past, I had been at one of Sullivan's grand galas—his usual ostentatious display of wealth and power. Everyone who was anyone had been there, including Cole. And I, like a fool as always, had made a scene.

I hadn't meant for things to spiral the way they had. It was just one drink too many. One misstep on my part. But I'd embarrassed myself in front of everyone.

I had walked up to Cole—bold, reckless, and stupid—and asked him to dance in front of the entire party. And he . . . he had rejected me as expected.

Not just quietly, not discreetly, but coldly, publicly, with a sharp voice and dismissive wave of his hand.

The entire room had turned to look at me, their eyes wide with amusement, waiting for the fallout.

I could still hear the snickers, feel the weight of their judgment. My face had burned with shame, and in my desperate attempt to salvage what little dignity I had left, I'd stumbled out of the ballroom, nearly tripping over my own feet in the process.

And now here I was, walking into school like nothing had happened, like I wasn't still the punchline of some cruel joke.

As I made my way down the hall, I could feel the eyes on me, hear the whispers growing louder with every step.

"She asked Cole to dance, and he dismissed her away."

"Can you believe she actually thought he'd say yes? Just because they're engage?"

"It was pathetic. She just stood there, frozen, like a deer in headlights."

"Doesn't she get it? Cole never like her. The marriage thing, I'm sure it just their family."

The words cut deep, each one like a knife twisting in my gut. Not because of the embarrassment but because I feel bad for my past self.

I kept walking, head held high, refusing to let them see how much it hurt. Refusing to let them solicit a reaction from me.

I wasn't the same girl I used to be. I wasn't the naïve, desperate girl who believed in fairy tales and happy endings.

I was someone else now. Someone stronger. Someone colder.

And I'd show them.

All of them.

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|| A/N ||

Hey everyone!

Apologies for the recent erratic update schedule—things have been pretty busy on my end. But don't worry, regular chapters will resume starting October 1st, just in time for the MGS!

Please continue supporting the story with Power Stones, Golden Tickets, reviews, comments, and gifts. Your support keeps the story alive and means the world to me! 🤍

P.S. There won't be any updates this weekend as I'll be traveling. But rest assured, we'll be back to regular updates next month. Thank you all for your patience and understanding!