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Chapter 16
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Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 17
Aria’s POV>>>>>>I burst through the front door of the company, anger boiling in my chest. The argument with my parents replayed in my mind, their words sharp and controlling. “You need to focus on your future, Aria,” my mother had said, her tone laced with disappointment. “You can’t go around chasing dreams that aren’t practical.”“I’m not a child anymore!” I had shouted back. “I’m going to be an actress, and you can’t stop me!” But they hadn’t heard me. They were too wrapped up in their fears and expectations.Feeling the heat of frustration welling up inside me, I grabbed my car keys and stormed out. The driveway felt too confining, the air thick with expectations I had no intention of meeting today. I climbed into my car, cranked up the radio, and drove off, leaving the memories of parental lectures behind. My destination was Lion and Co Industries, the entertainment agency that had taken me on as a client but today I had to go through the process on my own as it was Maira’s day
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 18
Aria’s POVAfter Jenna left, I was left alone to face the impending audition. I stared at the empty chairs and the dim lighting, trying to calm my racing thoughts.“I can't stand anymore. I'm too tired.” I took my seat and not long after, I doze off.****The air was thick with tension as I found myself in a dimly lit room that felt all too familiar. Shadows stretched across the walls, and the soft hum of muted voices filled my ears. Suddenly, Mother’s voice pierced through the haze, sharp and demanding."What do you mean, you knew?" she exclaimed, disbelief lacing every word. "How could you possibly have known that Caleb and Susan were having an affair, and not tell us?"Her question hung in the air like a heavy fog, and I bit my lip, feeling torn. I wanted to explain—the truth swirled within me like a storm—but it was too complex for words. The affair she mentioned felt foreign to me, a remnant of my past life, tangled in memories that were both vivid and hazy. Nothing made sense in
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 19
Aria’s POV“Wake up!” I screamed, clenching my fists. “I need to wake up!”Suddenly, a blinding light engulfed me, illuminating the darkness. I shielded my eyes, heart racing, desperate to escape the nightmare.And then, with a gasp, I jolted awake, breathing heavily in the waiting room. The room was quiet, the morning sun streaming through the curtains. Reality flooded back, but the weight of the dream lingered like a shadow, refusing to let go.“Aria?” Maira’s voice sounded from the door of the changing room.I jolted awake, realizing I was finally awake. Thank heavens. I looked around, panic flooding my chest. Had I been asleep long? Just then, the door swung open, and a group of people walked in, their faces focused and serious.“Miss Aria?” one of them called gently.“Are you ready?”“Yes, yes I am.” I replied with a smile>>>>Aria stood backstage, her heart racing. Today was her chance to play Elara, a role she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. The theater was packed,
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 20
Author’s POVAria took a deep breath. “I wanted this so much, Maira. It feels like everything is falling apart.”“Don’t let them get to you. You are talented,” Maira said. “Trust me.”Aria squeezed her Maira’s hand, grateful for her support. “Thank you, Maira. I really needed this.”“It's fine. You just pay me more, it's my day off!”“Fineeee. Let's get our orders.”As Aria and Maira settled into their booth at the cozy restaurant, Maira looked at Aria, who was staring out the window, deep in thought. Gently, she reached across the table and placed her hand on Aria's.“Hey, you okay?” Maira asked, concern etched on her face.Aria sighed. “I’m just thinking about everything. I mean, I’ve dedicated so much time to modeling. Don't you think… What it’s time for a change?”“Change?” Maira raised an eyebrow. “What kind of change are you talking about?”“I don’t know. Maybe I should consider something else,” Aria murmured, stirring her water with the straw. “Like directing or stage manageme
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 21
Aria’s POV“What do you mean break your bank?” Maira looks at me in confusion, her eyebrows raised in genuine surprise.“Break my bank in the sense that I would be financially incapacitated if I dared to take a vacation at this stage or point in time. That would be absolute madness! There is no way I would dare to undertake such a risk. Simply put, I do not have the money.”Maira stares at me for a moment, her confusion giving way to laughter that echoes throughout the restaurant.“Pfft, what the heck do you mean, Aria? You have enough money to fund enough vacations now and in your next life.”Huh? What in the world is she talking about?“Sometimes, I wonder why you even work so much. You aren't even broke, but yet! You insist on all of this. How about you take that break you keep talking about instead? Breaking down is not your forte, and I do not advise it for you or anyone else.”“Maira, if you want a vacation, just say so.” I glance at her incredulously. What is she even going on
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 22
Aria’s POVEvery single person in the room stares at me in shock, as if I have just drawn a knife to threaten Susan.“A–Aria. Why do you feel this way?” Susan stammers, her voice trembling as she bursts into faux crocodile tears. Please, that must be one of the only acts she is truly skilled at. She raises a storm with those tears that aren’t even real.“Aria! How could you hurt your sister this way? Apologize right now, young lady, or else!”“N–no, Mother. I know Aria must hate me right now, and I understand,” Susan says, standing from the sofa with tear streaks snaking down her face as she approaches me.This just fuels the fire within me. I want to scream, to expose her deceit for everyone, but I take another deep breath to steady myself.“Understand?” I ask incredulously, narrowing my eyes. “You have no idea what I feel. You have no idea about all the sacrifices I’ve made or the opportunities I’ve passed up to support us, and yet here you are, wallowing in self-pity, acting as tho
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 23
Aria’s POV“Oh yeah? Good for you, because it looks like you’ve found my replacement in dear oh Susie. Have fun while it lasts.” I flip him off for good measure as I push past him, descending the stairs and stepping into the arms of my so-called “family,” who are probably convinced by now that I have completely lost it.“Aria, come sit down right now. You aren’t leaving this house until you apologize for your actions,” my mother demands, her tone dripping with scorn.I scoff at her audacity. Really? What is she going to do? Tie me down?“Mother, with all due respect, I am leaving, and I most definitely will not apologize to your little brat of a daughter. I will not allow the both of you to delude her. And Father, please stop looking at me as if I’m some alien. This isn’t a soap opera for your observations. Hold your wife and do not let her shade of crazy get to me. It’s for her own sake and mine.”Their reactions are what I expect—shock, confusion, and a hint of anger flickering in t
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 24
Aria’s POVI grin at her, feeling a rush of warmth surge through me as I take a sip. Just when I think it couldn’t get any better, Emily digs into her bag and pulls out a pack of donuts, waving them triumphantly in the air. “Look what I brought!” she exclaims, like a child revealing a treasure. Damn me if I am wrong, but those donuts fit perfectly with the hot chocolate.“Jesus, the way you guys are so concerned about me. I love you so much!” I can’t help but gush, the weight of my earlier emotional turmoil dissipating as I realize how lucky I am to have friends like them.Emily and Maira both chuckle, their eyes lighting up in response to my words. They share a glance with each other, a secretive little moment that doesn’t go unnoticed, but they don’t say anything. I feel a slight flutter of curiosity about what they are up to, but I decide to brush it aside for the moment.I choose to shift my entire focus away from the drama back at the house. I can’t even call it home anymore; it
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Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 122
Sebastien’s POVI rush into Aria’s room with Chloe, Maira, and Emily following closely behind me. The moment we enter, I see her sitting up in the hospital bed, her eyes wide and frantic. The sight sends a jolt of fear through me.“Aria!” I call out, moving quickly to her side. As soon as she sees me, her expression softens, and she visibly calms Down. What was she so frantic about?“Sebastien…” she breathes, her voice shaky. “Are you okay?”I kneel beside her bed, looking into her eyes. “I’m completely fine. Just worried about you.”Relief crosses her face, but then it crumples as tears start to spill from her eyes. “I thought… I thought Caleb was going to kill you next!” she sobs, her hands gripping the sheets.Anger rises in my chest as I hear her words. I reach out, carefully wrapping my arms around her. “Shh, it’s okay, Aria. You’re safe now. I’m here. You’ll be okay.”Her crying intensifies as she nestles into me, and I hold her tightly, wanting to comfort her as best as I can.
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 121
Vera’s POVI drive with purpose, focusing on the road ahead. The sun sets in the distance, casting long shadows across the highway. In the back seat, Susan, Michael, and Elizabeth sit, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear. I can feel their eyes on me, wondering what’s going to happen next. Just what had those three idiots done to piss off the boss?“Where are we going?” Michael finally asks, breaking the tension in the car.“It’s just a little place outside the city,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “Sebastien wanted me to take you somewhere safe.”Elizabeth glances at me. “Safe from who? And this car is so small and dimly lit. Also, could you turn down your music? It's very annoying.” Tch. Whiny bitch.I chuckle softly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”As we drive further out of the city, I spot an abandoned area up ahead. “Perfect,” I think to myself. I turn onto a side road, and soon, I stop the car in a deserted lot surrounded by overgrown grass and dilapidated buildings.“
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 120
Sebastien's POVI sit in my car, gripping the steering wheel tight, the engine humming as I watch Caleb's house from across the street. I had him tracked down when I left the hospital. I know he's back home, and now it's time to confront him. The police might not want to act, but I won't wait for them. The bastard had to pay for what he did.After a few minutes, I take a deep breath and step out of the car. I walk up the driveway, my heart pounding with each step. The door stands slightly ajar, and I push it open. The house is dimly lit, and I can smell something foul in the air."Caleb!" I call out, my voice echoing through the empty rooms.I hear movement in the back, and I quickly make my way toward the sound. As I round a corner, I see him -Caleb leaning against the wall, a lazy grin spreading across his face."Well, look who finally decided to drop by!" he says mockingly."Cut the crap, Caleb. I know you ordered the hit on Aria," I say, my voice deadly calm.His expression shifts
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 119
Aria’s POVAfter lunch with the girls, I quickly board a cab back home.“Well, more like Sebastien's place,” I murmur to myself.Soon enough, I get there and I get out of the car.As I walk towards the door, I remind myself to stay aware of my surroundings. The mansion’s surroundings are so quiet. Sebastien said something about having ghost staff. In other words, they were barely seen. There wasn't a soul in sight.But just as I reach the door, I notice something strange. A red light shone across my stomach. I freeze, my heart racing. What is that?I open my mouth to call out, “Sebastien?” But before I can say anything, there’s a loud crack. A sharp pain jolts close to my heart, and everything goes black.---Sebastien’s POVThe alarms blare, cutting through the calm of the afternoon. I jump up from my desk, my heart racing. “What the hell?” I mutter as I sprint toward the door.I fling it open and rush outside. “Aria!” I shout, panic gripping my chest. She was lying down crumpled on
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 118
Aria’s POVAfter our conversation, I grab my phone and dial Sebastien's number. My hands tremble a bit as I wait for him to pick up."Hey, it's me," I say when he answers."Aria! Where are you? Are you okay?" he asks, his voice tight with concern."I'm fine, but I need to let you know I won't be available for the rest of the day. I have some things to handle.""Things? What kind of things?" His tone sharpens, and I can hear the protective edge in it."I'm with Emily and Maira. We're just... sorting stuff out," I reply, trying to keep it casual."Sorting stuff out?" he presses. "What kind of sorting?""Mmmm, I can't talk about it right now," I say, feeling a rush of guilt."Where exactly are you?" he asks, his voice lowering as if he knows I'm not being entirely honest."Just at my friends' place," I say, hesitantly.Before I can respond, Emily reaches over and snatches the phone from me. "Sebastien!" she says into the receiver, her tone firm. "Listen, buzz off for now. Aria needs a br
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 117
Aria’s POVI slowly wake up, my head pounding and my mouth dry. The sunlight filters through the curtains, and I squint, trying to remember where I am. As my surroundings come into focus, I notice I'm in my room.Thank goodness I made it to bed last night. I sit up and suddenly recall everything I said while I was drunk. My heart races in panic. Did I mention Caleb? I felt so vulnerable, and now the memory stings.I throw off the blanket and rush to the living room. I need to talk to Emily and Maira. As I enter the room, my heart sinks. They are still asleep, curled up together on the couch. Emily's head rests on Maira's shoulder, and they look peaceful.Guilt washes over me. They shouldn't have had to drink with me. I feel like such a burden. Maybe I should sneak out before I wake them.I step quietly toward the door, but then Maira's voice breaks the silence. "Where are you going?"I freeze in my tracks. "Uh, just... out for some air?" I say awkwardly, trying to sound casual."Stop
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 116
Emily's POVThe atmosphere in the apartment is lively as we gather around the coffee table to play "Exploding Kittens." The brownies and cookies are laid out, and Maira fills some glasses with wine."Alright, let's get this party started!" Maira says, pouring generous amounts for all of us."I'm ready to crush you both!" I declare, feeling the excitement in the air. Maira glares at me but Aria laughs, picking up her hand of cards. "You think you can beat me? I've been practicing! Ever since the last game! No friggin 'way I'm losing."Maira shakes her head. "Practice doesn't make perfect in this game; luck does!"“Tch. Amateur. That's what you'll say but you'll see baby girl. I'm set out to win!”The game begins. We all giggle and shout as we take turns. I can't help but tease Maira each time she draws an exploding kitten card."Ha! You're out!" I tease, laughing."Shush! This is just beginner's luck," Maira retorts, rolling her eyes dramatically.Aria leans back, sipping her wine. "
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 115
Emily's POVI sit at my desk, surrounded by piles of files that seem to multiply every hour. Maira buzzes around me, checking in every few minutes. She keeps the coffee coming, which helps me stay focused on my work.“I really shouldn't have gotten so worked up about Aria and abandoned my job! I could have friggin done both!”“You couldn't and Emily, have you made any progress on those reports?” Maira asks, peering over my shoulder.“Getting there! I’m just figuring out how to present this data.” I scroll through the screen, feeling the pressure of the deadline looming.Suddenly, there’s a loud knock on the door. I look up, surprised.“Who could that be?” I say, glancing at Maira.“Let me see!” Maira rushes to the door, her excitement bubbling over. I hear her gasp.“Emily! Come quick! You won’t believe who’s here!”My heart skips a beat. Who could it be? I rush down the hall and stop short when I see her.“Aria!” I exclaim, throwing my arms around her.“Emily!” she cries, hugging me
Once More, My Love: I Am Reborn Pretty. Chapter 114
Caleb’s POVI'm sitting here in this stupid prison, and the anger is boiling inside me. Aria divorced me—and just tossed me aside like I’m nothing. I can’t believe I thought she loved me. I always knew she was trouble. The moment she started associating with that crazy fixer, it was clear she was a trashy woman. I feel like such a fool. How dare she leave me?!I pace in my cell, fists clenched, imagining what I would say if I ever got out. “How could she do this to me?” I mumble to myself. It infuriates me! I thought we had something special. We had plans for the future—until she decided I was worthless.I pound my fist against the wall, feeling the sting but not caring. “I’ll make her pay,” I vow, my voice low and full of anger. “She thinks she’s so smart, but she doesn’t know who she is messing with. I’ll make sure she pays for this.”Suddenly, an officer walks by, eyeing me warily. “Quiet down, Caleb. You’re not allowed to cause trouble in here.”“I’m not causing trouble!” I snap.
