Rebirth: Love me Again

|| A/N ||

It seems I'm really enjoying writing from the other female leads' perspectives right now—this has already turned into more than two chapters! It's been a refreshing break from focusing solely on Eve's story.

That said, just a few more chapters, and we'll be diving back into Eve's journey.

For those of you who prefer sticking with Eve's POV, feel free to skip these sections. I've added the character's name at the start of each chapter, so you'll know whose story it is.

Thank you all for your understanding and continued support! ❤

૮꒰ྀི∩´ ᵕ `∩꒱ྀིა

=== 🤍 ===

[IRAYA]

I crossed my arms, tilting my head slightly as I studied him. "I don't think you're in a position to negotiate, Jason. Either your father drives something else, or you'll be walking to school from now on. The choice is yours."

His anger was staring me straight on the face. His lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes bore into mine, searching for the submissive girl he once controlled. "What's wrong with you today? Are you okay? Did I do something? Look—" His tone softened suddenly, and he reached for that charming smile of his. "I'm sorry, alright?"

That dimple smile, the one I once found so irresistible before, now filled me with nothing but disgust. It was a mask, a weapon he used to manipulate me, and I wouldn't fall for it again.

"Just give me your answer," I said firmly, cutting through his attempt at charming me.

When he realized his handsome face wasn't working, his face darkened, his features twisting into something almost cruel. "Really? What's wrong with you?" he snapped, his patience unraveling.

I leaned in slightly, my voice low but steady. "Just. Give. Me. Your. Answer." Stay connected via empire

"Fine," he spat, his tone bitter. "But the car better be good. It has to align with my image."

I smiled sweetly, though my eyes remained cold. "Oh, don't worry, babe," I said, my voice dripping with mock affection. "The car will definitely meet your image."

=== 🤍 ===

When lunchtime rolled around, some of our classmates began to file out, heading to their usual spots.

I had barely unpacked my things when, as expected, Jason was standing over me, flashing his grin. It was the same smug expression he wore whenever he was about to ask for something.

Kylie, his ever-present shadow, was at his side, her smile as radiant as ever.

Jason had always been a mediocre student at best, skating by on a mix of luck and my relentless efforts. Assignments, projects, even bribing teachers when needed—I had done it all to keep his grades afloat.

I used to think I was helping the person I loved, but now I saw it for what it was: enabling his selfishness.

"Iraya," Jason began, his tone casual but expectant, "I want the Japanese bento from that fancy restaurant we went to last weekend. Kylie says she wants to try it out too. I told her about that wagyu beef we had. So tender, so perfect." His grin widened, as if he was rewarding me with a compliment disguised as a demand.

Kylie turned her gaze to me, her smile sugary sweet. "Jason said it's amazing. I've been craving it since he mentioned it. Can you grab us some? Pretty please Iraya?"

I glanced between them. Kylie's wide, hopeful eyes were in stark contrast to Jason's entitled smirk. For a moment, I said nothing, letting the silence hang between us. My fingers itched to clench, but I kept my composure.

Of course, I had expected this. For the past year, I had been their personal errand girl. Whether it was fetching food from the cafeteria or running out to expensive restaurants nearby, it always fell on me.

They had a knack for finding excuses too—Jason would claim he was busy, or Kylie would conveniently "lose" her wallet. And, like a fool, I had complied every time. Not just because I loved Jason, but because I wanted to believe in the kindness he had once shown me.

"Don't forget Kylie's portion," Jason added, as if it were an afterthought. His words stung, not for their directness, but for the ease with which he issued them. He didn't see me as a person; I was a tool, a convenience.

I used to be blinded by my affection for him. I would've moved mountains for Jason, no matter how ridiculous his demands became. Hearing him brag about the meals I had bought, laughing with Kylie while I scraped by on scraps—it had all been too much.

But back then, I thought I could endure it. Because I loved him. Because Kylie was my best friend. Because I was desperate for a sliver of his attention and approval.

Looking back, I couldn't deny how foolish I had been. But could you truly blame me? My life up until then had been filled with kindness and love, and I naively expected the same from Jason.

I didn't see through his lies, didn't question his intentions—until the harsh truth came crashing down in the form of those damning pictures and videos of his betrayal. It was a brutal awakening, shattering the illusions I had so desperately clung to.

Jason tilted his head, impatient. "So, are you going? Me and Kylie are really excited about it." His tone was light, but I could hear the underlying edge. He expected obedience. He always did.

I smiled faintly, the bitterness curling at the corners of my lips. "Jason," I said, my voice steady, "you've got two legs and two hands. Why don't you go fetch it yourself?"

His grin faltered. Kylie blinked, her confusion clear. "What?" she asked softly, as though she hadn't heard me right.

Jason's face darkened, the charming mask slipping for just a second. "What's gotten into you today?" he muttered, his voice sharp but low. "Why are you acting like this?"

I leaned back in my seat, meeting his gaze with calm expression. "Acting like what, Jason? Like someone who's finally tired of being used?" My words were even, but the weight behind them was enough to make him flinch. "If you want lunch, get it yourself. And while you're at it, pay for Kylie's too. You're such a big spender, aren't you?"