Rebirth: Love me Again

ANNOUNCEMENT

: Just a quick note! This story is a slow-burn romance, so there won't be any mature content until Eve makes her choice for a partner.

We're all about

consent (Kinda)

and healthy relationships here, so no worries—things will heat up, but only when it's the right time.

Thanks for your patience, everyone! The R-18 content will come, but let's let it build!

Hope you still continue to support the story until that chapter comes.

All the loves to you, (づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ♡

=== 🤍 ===

[EVE]

"What's wrong, Eve? Something not to your liking?" Leanna asked, watching as I examined the endless rows of dresses on display.

"No, no, not at all," I quickly reassured her. "There's just so much to choose from, I don't even know where to start!"

It was true—everywhere I looked, there were beautiful dresses, jackets, skirts, and blouses, all calling my name. I felt like a kid in a candy store, only this candy was worth more than my entire monthly rent.

Leanna's eyes twinkled with a knowing smile. "Oh, I can relate." She chuckled softly, and I couldn't help but laugh with her.

Just as I was starting to feel more at ease, she waved her hand, and a small army of store staff appeared at her command.

"We'll get all of them," she declared with a grin, and the staff chimed in unison, "Yes, ma'am!"

I froze for a moment. "Wait, what?" I stammered, not sure if I'd heard her right.

Leanna smiled, her eyes narrowing playfully. "I'm sure everything will look wonderful on you. Don't worry, it's my treat today."

My eyes widened in panic. "Oh no, you really don't have to—"

She just waved her hand dismissively, cutting me off with a warm, motherly smile that made me feel both comforted and utterly helpless. "Don't be so modest, Eve. Women your age should have a wardrobe that's ready for any occasion. It's essential."

I tried again. "But you really don't—"

"Nonsense! I heard it was your birthday last week, and I didn't have a gift for you," she said with a wink. "Consider this your birthday present!"

I opened my mouth to protest, but I quickly realized it was pointless. Leanna had that way about her—she made you feel like you

hadn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

to agree with her. Rejecting her kindness felt almost like you were doing something wrong, and I couldn't bring myself to do that.

"Still, this is . . . too much," I muttered, feeling a little . . .

overwhelmed

.

"It's nothing," she said breezily. "Now, go pick out some shoes to match. You need them."

It was hard to resist her enthusiasm. I didn't want to come off as ungrateful, but I couldn't help feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

Who would have thought Cole's mother would be this over-the-top? No wonder Cole turned out the way he did.

Leanna led me to the shoe section, and I had to admit, the collection was stunning. From sky-high stilettos to comfortable yet stylish sneakers, there was something for every occasion. It was like walking through the gates of shoe heaven.

"We've got all the latest collections from every luxury brand," she said with a wink. "Go ahead, pick your favorites."

Before she could suggest anything else, I impulsively grabbed the first pair that caught my eye. "This one," I said, holding up a chic pair of black heels.

Leanna beamed. "Excellent choice!" Then, turning to the staff, she added, "We'll take these—and all the other pairs here too."

I nearly choked on my own breath. "Wait, no! Just this pair is fine!" I quickly protested, looking at the ever-growing pile of shoes.

Leanna merely raised a hand, shushing me gently. "It's alright, darling. You need shoes for all those dresses. The more the merrier."

I stood there, awkwardly looking between the staff and Leanna, unsure of what to do. I felt like I was being swept along in a wave I couldn't stop.

"Eve, do you have enough bags?" Leanna asked, her voice sweet and innocent.

My heart dropped. I could already feel the shopping avalanche continuing.

"Yes!" I blurted out, perhaps a little too quickly. "I have plenty of bags. A whole collection, actually! A whole closet!"

Leanna gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "A bag collector! I love it! I've been getting into bags myself lately. Let's do some more shopping, then!"

My stomach did a flip. But I managed to smile through my panic as Leanna began directing the staff again. "Bring out the latest bag collections. All of them."

The staff responded immediately, moving quickly to display rows of luxurious bags that looked like they belonged in a fashion show rather than a store.

As I followed Leanna deeper into the store, I couldn't help but laugh nervously. This was insane—who needed

this

many bags, shoes, and dresses?

Leanna turned to me, grinning. "I think we'll get along just fine, Eve."

I tried to laugh, but inside, I was practically screaming for help.

"By the way . . . ," she said with a kind smile. "How about jewelry?"

I froze.

". . ."

Please . . .

someone help me!

=== 🤍 ===

After what felt like hours of shopping, we were finally done. Leanna looked as fresh as a daisy, as though she'd just stepped out of a spring morning, while I, on the other hand, felt like a wilting flower under the scorching sun.

I was soo tired all of a sudden.

There were staff everywhere, carrying bags upon bags, as we approached Cole, who was lounging on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone.

When he finally glanced up at us, I swear I saw him smirking behind that mask of indifference. "I see you've emptied the store, Mother."

"Oh, don't be silly," she replied with a soft laugh. "We only bought half the store . . . and it's all for Eve, so it's fine. I can just ask your father to replenish everything."

She waved a hand, dismissing the entire ordeal as if we hadn't just single-handedly cleared out an entire section of the shop. Then, turning to us, she chirped, "Let's go! Let's have lunch. I'm starving!"

Cole and I could only stand there, watching as Leanna breezed ahead, a train of staff trailing behind her like a royal entourage.