Rebirth: Love me Again

Chapter 28: Shattered Expectations

Ella was minding her own business, scrolling through random short videos on her phone, giggling softly at the absurdity of some of them.

The restroom was her one refuge, the only space left where she could breathe without being surrounded by classmates, admirers, or social climbers who clung to her every move.

It was peaceful—until the door swung open and a group of girls stormed in, gossiping loudly, shattering her moment of solitude.

She let out an annoyed sigh.

Of all places. Couldn't they find somewhere else to air their dirty laundry?

As their voices filled the room, Ella perked up. Their conversation wasn't just mindless gossip; it was about

Eve Rosette,

her cousin Cole's fiancée.

Ella rolled her eyes.

Of course, they're talking about her.

Eve had always been a subject of controversy, her name frequently entangled with drama.

Ella wasn't particularly fond of her—mostly indifferent, really. Eve was just another pretty face vying for Cole's attention, chasing him with relentless devotion for years. Ella didn't blame her; Cole Fay was a catch, after all, and Eve had been head over heels for as long as Ella could remember. Admirable, perhaps. But irritating all the same.

Still, Ella wasn't invested enough to care. She leaned back against the stall, contemplating how long she should wait before leaving. She didn't want the awkwardness of those girls realizing she'd heard everything.

Just then, a loud

bang

echoed through the room, causing Ella to flinch.

What on earth?

A commanding voice followed. "Got something to say to my face? Go on, don't be shy. Continue your conversation."

Ella's breath hitched. She knew that voice. It was Eve.

So she's here.

A grin tugged at Ella's lips.

This should be good.

Eve's entrance was unexpected, and the tension in the room thickened. Ella could practically feel the girls freezing in place, caught like deer in headlights. From her hidden corner, Ella could hear the sharp retort in Eve's tone, followed by the sudden, unmistakable sound of a slap.

Ella's eyes widened in surprise.

Eve slapped them?

She stifled a laugh, her hand covering her mouth as her shoulders shook.

So she does have a backbone after all.

As Eve stormed out, leaving a lingering warning, Ella couldn't help but admire her. She always thought Eve was all flash and no fire—too haughty and above others to bother with petty squabbles.

But this . . . this was different. Eve was a complete badass.

"That

bitch

!" Guinevere screeched. "I'll make her pay! Mark my words, she'll regret this!"

Ella sighed, contemplating her next move. She didn't want to walk out and face them after all that drama, but her phone buzzed in her hand, interrupting her thoughts. It was a call from her brother, Zachary. He was waiting for her outside, along with Cole.

Great timing.

Reluctantly, Ella pushed the stall door open. The sound made Guinevere freeze, her anger shifting into fear. "Who's there?!" she snapped. "How dare you eavesdrop! Show yourself, or you'll regret it!"

Ella stepped into view, and the girls' faces paled as they realized who it was.

Standing before them was none other than

Ella Fay Johnson

, the youngest heiress to the Johnson fortune—the second-largest corporation in the world, just beneath the Fays.

She was a sight to behold, her shoulder-length blonde curls bouncing with every step, her emerald eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. Her presence alone seemed to light up the dull bathroom, casting a shadow over the gossipers.

Guinevere's voice faltered. "L-Lady Ella . . ."

Ella smiled sweetly as she casually washed her hands, her back to the group. "Did you threaten me just now?" she asked, her tone calm but carrying a dangerous undertone.

The girls instantly bowed, their heads low, not daring to meet her gaze. "N-no! We wouldn't dare! Please, forgive us! We didn't know it was you!"

Ella chuckled softly. "Relax. I won't bother with gossipers. It's beneath me." Her smile lingered as she dried her hands, her eyes flicking to the mirror before she turned to leave, the tension in the room thick enough to cut.

But before she stepped out, she cast them one last look—a look that made them feel small, insignificant. Like insects beneath her heel.

The girls shivered.

Ella stepped out of the restroom, her phone still in hand as she walked toward the field where her brother Zachary and cousin Cole were waiting. As she rounded the corner, a scene caught her eye—one that made her stop in her tracks.

Eve stood tall and poised, her stiletto heel pressed dangerously close to a man's cheek. The tension around her could be felt, the air thick with unease.

Sophie was sobbing pitifully at the side, surrounded by a group of men who were trying to comfort her. Ella didn't need to know the details; the scene spoke for itself. Eve, it seemed, had once again shown her mettle.

Without a word, Eve pulled her heel back, her expression cold. She didn't linger. She simply turned on her heel and walked away, leaving everyone in stunned silence.

Ella's eyes followed Eve's retreating figure, a spark of admiration lighting up within her. There was something so commanding about the way Eve carried herself, the way she left in the wake of chaos without so much as a backward glance.

But what truly surprised Ella—and everyone else—was Eve's next move.

Cole stood nearby, his presence drawing every eyes in his tailored shirt and slacks, the wind tousling his grey hair. Beside him was Zachary, equally handsome but with dark skin and a playful grin that never seemed to leave his face.

Everyone expected Eve to falter, to rush into Cole's arms the moment she saw him—just like she always did. But this time, she didn't.

Eve merely glanced in Cole's direction, her expression indifferent, before flipping her hair and walking past him as though he were nothing more than a stranger.

The crowd gasped. Even Ella found her jaw dropping slightly.

Is this really Eve?

she thought, her mind racing to make sense of what she had just witnessed.

As Ella approached her brother and cousin, she muttered under her breath, still staring after Eve's retreating form. "Is she really Eve?"

She was so different than before.