Rebirth: Love me Again

[EVE]

Ever since Cole told me to forget the past and start over, I made peace with it.

I still didn't want him in my life—that much was certain—but I wasn't complaining about this setup either.

It was clear I had no control over his decisions; he was going to do what he wanted no matter what. So instead of letting his presence weigh on me, I decided to go with the flow . . . for now.

There were too many things I needed to focus on, goals I had to achieve, and worrying about Cole constantly wouldn't help.

The sooner I accomplished everything I set out to do, the sooner I could get away and live in a far-off place, away from all the drama in my life.

The only thing was . . . I'd definitely miss Sinclair, Sebastian, Hyun, and Victor.

I was being very careful not to cross that invisible line between Cole and me. I kept him at arm's length because I was afraid that if I got too comfortable in his presence, it would make leaving harder.

I didn't want to end up searching for him once I finally escaped.

Just as I was lost in thought, a familiar voice jolted me back.

"Eve?"

I turned to see Sophie approaching, flanked by Lily and their usual entourage of friends.

Oh great. This city really is too small.

I wasn't looking for any drama; all I wanted was a peaceful shopping trip. But somehow, it seemed like drama always managed to find me.

Sophie looked me up and down, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Don't tell me you're out shopping too?" she chuckled.

"Isn't it obvious? That's why I'm here at the mall," I retorted.

Sophie brushed past me, her gaze immediately locking onto Cole. She studied him intently, her eyes narrowing as if trying to pierce through the hat and mask to uncover his identity.

For a brief moment, I feared she might actually recognize him, and the thought sent a wave of unease through me.

"You're out here with your bodyguard?" Lily chimed in with a sweet smile, breaking Sophie's gaze.

"Bodyguard?" One of the girls in the back sneered. "She's always with her bodyguard. Does she think she's someone important or something? She's just adopted," she spat out the last word like it was a curse.

Another one giggled, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear. "Maybe they're actually in a relationship. I mean, why else would he follow her around everywhere?"

The group burst into mocking laughter, but I didn't flinch. Instead, I stepped forward, locking eyes with the girl who had spoken.

"If you're so curious about my life, why don't you ask me directly instead of gossiping like a pack of jealous hyenas?" My voice was cold and sharp, silencing their giggles.

Sophie shot the girl a quick look, and she shut her mouth, looking away. Sophie then turned her attention back to me with a sickly sweet smile. "You know what? Why don't you just come along with us, Eve?" she suggested, grabbing my arm before I could protest.

Lily flashed a smug grin. "We're going to Haus Couture," she said, her voice oozing with superiority. "Sophie and I have VIP memberships, and we're allowed to bring a few guests. I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss out on this opportunity."

Haus Couture—the name alone sent whispers through the crowd as we approached. It was one of the most exclusive luxury boutiques in the city, catering only to elite members with an invitation.

The store was a temple to high fashion, boasting every latest branded handbag, dress, and shoe in all luxury brands you could imagine. The exterior was sleek, with black-tinted glass windows that allowed no peeking in from the outside.

The golden handles on the doors were carved with intricate designs, and a velvet rope blocked the entrance, manned by two security guards in crisp suits.

No one could enter without a membership card. The entire atmosphere was dripping with opulence, the kind that screamed exclusivity and wealth.

"I'm not really interested in shopping there," I said, pulling my arm free from Sophie's grasp, my tone colder than I intended.

"Oh? Can't afford anything there?" Lily cooed, voice dripped with mockery.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The other girls giggled like they'd just made a sharp jab.

I glanced at Cole, only to find him absorbed in his phone, as if none of this mattered to him. The cool indifference in his posture only made the tension in the air thicker.

The temperature seemed to drop by several degrees, and for a moment, I wondered if the chill was coming from him or the venomous atmosphere Sophie and her group had created.

"Come on, Eve," Sophie said with a smirk. "Since you've covered for me before, and we're practically

family

at this point, I'll buy you whatever you want in there."

"Oh?" A thought flickered in my mind, and I flashed them a sweet, almost mocking smile. "Well then, let's go."

Sophie, Lily, and the others exchanged amused glances, like they thought I was some kind of joke. I wasn't fazed. Let them think what they wanted.

One thing was for sure though—I was going to drain Sophie's bank account on this shopping spree. It was the only reason why I came in the first place.

Lily and Sophie flashed their black-and-gold membership cards to the guard at the entrance, but before they could even step inside, the guard raised a hand to stop them.

"Sorry, but you can't enter," the guard said firmly.

Lily, unfazed, pointed at me and the other girls with a smug grin. "They're with us. No need to worry."

The guard shook his head. "No, I mean you can't enter." He swept his gaze over the women, "None of you can enter. Except her." He pointed straight at me.

Sophie and Lily froze, surprised.

I glanced between them, equally confused. "Me?"

The guard gave a single nod. "You can enter." He stepped aside, opening the door wide for me.

Wait . . .

why

? How was I supposed to drain Sophie's money if she wasn't coming with me?