Chapter 18 Ella

Chapter 18 Ella
I woke up with a sharp gasp, my lungs refusing to obey me. For a terrifying second, I couldn’t move — frozen in my sheets, trapped somewhere between dream and reality. My chest rose and fell rapidly, every breath shallow and painful. I heard my name, faint at first, then clearer.

“Ella—hey, breathe. Deep breaths.”

Sophia’s voice.

Her tone anchored me, pulling me back from whatever dark place I had fallen into. She was already kneeling in front of me, eyes wide with worry. “In and out,” she said softly, demonstrating it herself until my ragged breaths began to slow.

Air finally filled my lungs, and I sagged against her. She wrapped her arms around me, warm and grounding.

“Nightmare?” she asked gently.

I nodded. My throat felt raw.

She pressed her lips together and sighed. “Sorry, love, but we have to get ready for class, or we’ll be late.”

I could only nod again, still too shaken to speak.

We showered and dressed quickly. I didn’t bother with makeup — I didn’t even look in the mirror. I just wanted to get through the day. The bus ride to Havenbrook was quiet. I sat beside Sophia, my hand resting in hers. She didn’t say much, only gave me that small, knowing squeeze that said everything. I was grateful for her more than I could ever say.

At school, the first thing I did was check on my gown. Relief rushed through me when I found it untouched , still perfect, exactly how I had left it. I exhaled shakily and carried it to the front of the class.

When Mrs. Claire entered, her eyes immediately fell on the dress. A small smile curved her lips.

“This is even more beautiful than the first,” she said, examining the lace-up back. “You’ve improved, Ella.”

Her words made my chest flutter. I smiled, and Sophia clapped beside me, her grin contagious. For a brief moment, the heaviness in my chest lifted.

Mrs. Claire began the lesson, her voice rhythmic and steady as she discussed corset designs, measurements, and body shapes. I listened carefully, sketching ideas in my mind . Maybe a rainbow corset? The thought made me laugh quietly to myself.

When the class ended, Sophia turned to me with a grin.
“If we had to make a corset, what color would yours be?”

“Rainbow,” I said without hesitation.

She burst into laughter. “Then you might as well be a peacock!”

“Maybe I will,” I teased, and for the first time that day, it felt easy to smile again.

“What about you, Soph?” I asked.

“Magenta or cyan. Or maybe both,” she mused.

“It’ll be beautiful. You always make colors look effortless,” I said, and she grinned proudly.

We chatted about random things as we headed toward the bus station. My phone buzzed mid-sentence. I glanced down and my heart skipped.

Damien: Hello, stranger.

Heat rose to my cheeks immediately.

“Spill the tea,” Sophia demanded, leaning closer.

“He texted,” I said, holding up my phone.

She blinked. “How did he even get your number?”

“I… honestly have no idea,” I said, half laughing, half blushing.

Damien: Too stunned to reply?
Ella: Just wondering how you got my number.
Damien: I have my ways.

I could practically hear his smug tone.

Damien: Where are you taking me for dinner?

I pressed a hand to my forehead, half laughing in disbelief. Sophia peeked over my shoulder, reading the message, and chuckled.

“Well, he did keep his end of the bargain,” she teased. “Now it’s your turn.”

Ella: Pick me up at seven.

His reply came almost instantly.

Damien: You’ll see me, princess.

My lips parted in a smile I couldn’t hide.

“Looks like you’ve got yourself a date,” Sophia said, squealing.

“Pizza Hut,” I replied.

She blinked. “Seriously? You’re taking him to a pizza place?”

“Of course. I don’t have money for fancy dinners,” I said, shrugging. “Besides, Pizza Hut has the best pizza in London.”

“Whatever you say, chef,” she teased, laughing as we got home.

I showered and stood in front of my closet. “Blue or black?” I asked, holding up two pairs of jeans.

“Blue,” Sophia said immediately. “And wear that red off-shoulder top. You look breathtaking in it.”

I dressed quickly, slipping on black sandals and keeping my makeup soft. When I stepped out, Sophia gasped.

“Red looks amazing on you,” she said with a proud smile.

“Thanks, Soph,” I said, blushing.

A knock echoed from the door — exactly seven.

“He’s early,” Sophia teased.

I rolled my eyes, grinning, and opened the door.

Damien stood there in black jeans and a dark jacket, looking infuriatingly good. His gaze swept over me slowly, his lips curling into that signature half-smile.

“You look ravishing, my dear,” he said, voice low.

“Eyes up here,” I replied, biting back a smile.

He held out his helmet.

“Really? A motorcycle for a date?” I teased.

“Where are we going?” he asked, clearly amused.

“Pizza Hut.”

He blinked once, then grinned. “Lead the way, princess.”

The ride was exhilarating , the wind tangling in my hair, the city lights streaking past like gold ribbons. When we arrived, the glowing Pizza Hut sign reflected off his helmet.

Inside, the smell of cheese and herbs wrapped around us like a warm hug. The waiter led us to a small booth by the window.

“I’ll have a medium pepperoni and chicken combo,” I said, glancing at Damien, who smirked and nodded.

The waiter smiled ,a little too warmly, and Damien’s expression darkened instantly.

“Stop flirting with my date,” he said flatly.

The poor guy froze. “Same as hers,” Damien added, voice like steel.

When the waiter scurried away, I gave Damien a look. “You didn’t have to scare him.”

He raised a brow. “You are my date, aren’t you?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re impossible.”

The pizza arrived, steaming hot. The cheese stretched perfectly, and the smell alone made my stomach rumble.

“You’re about to get a taste of heaven,” I said, already cutting a slice.

We ate, talked, and laughed about random things — favorite songs, annoying teachers, childhood dreams. He was surprisingly easy to talk to. And when he smiled, it felt like the rest of the room faded away.

When the bill came, I reached for my wallet, but Damien was faster.

“My treat,” he said, winking.

The butterflies in my stomach went wild.

Outside, the night air was cool and soft against my skin. A small park sat beside the restaurant, lights flickering like lazy fireflies. We wandered there and found an empty swing set.

“Did you enjoy the pizza?” I asked, nudging him.

He nodded, his eyes glinting with mischief. “It was good… but not the best I’ve had.”

I gasped, mock-offended. “Excuse me? That’s the best pizza in all of London.”

He leaned closer, his voice low. “You say that because you haven’t tasted mine.”

My cheeks flamed instantly. “Is that an invitation?”

“Only if you want it to be,” he said, smiling slow and deliberate.

It was ridiculous how fast my heart was racing.

“It was a fun night,” I said softly. “But I should get going. I’ve got class tomorrow.”

He nodded. “I’ll take you home.”

The ride back was quiet, the kind of silence that felt full — like words we were both afraid to say out loud.

At my door, I turned to him. “Thanks for the ride.”

“I enjoyed myself too,” he said, that same unreadable smile tugging at his lips. I walked inside and looked through the window.

He revved his engine and disappeared into the night.

“Are you a stalker now?” Sophia’s voice made me jump. She was lounging on the couch, smirking.

I laughed. “You scared me.”

“I’ve been waiting all night. Now talk, every detail.”

I told her everything, from the moment he showed up to his stupid, charming grin. She giggled through it all, eyes sparkling.

“I’m so happy for you,” she said, hugging a pillow.

I showered and changed into my pajamas, still smiling. My
phone buzzed just as I crawled into bed.

Damien: Goodnight, stranger.

I smiled at the screen, warmth spreading through me.

Ella: Goodnight.

The horror of last night, completely forgotten.