Chapter 17 Ella

Chapter 17 Ella
I had a really good night’s rest — the kind that makes you feel brand new when you wake up. My head felt clear for once. I didn’t even need coffee; I was already buzzing with energy.

“Morning, Soph,” I said with a smile.

She looked up from her phone, a teasing grin spreading across her face. “Someone’s in a good mood today. I wonder if a particular somebody has something to do with that.”

I rolled my eyes and ignored her, rummaging through my wardrobe for something to wear. After a few minutes of indecision, I settled on black jeans and a dark blue halter neck top, pairing it with my black chunky loafers. I curled my hair, letting it fall freely, and did a simple, glowing makeup look.

“You look stunning,” Sophia said, clapping dramatically. “And so full of high spirits. I love it!”

“I feel good,” I said, smiling at my reflection. “I want Cynthia to see that her actions can’t keep me down.”

“A beret would complete that look,” she said, already digging through her wardrobe.

I groaned, but when she handed me a sleek black beret, I couldn’t help but smile. “Fine. Just for today.”

Sophia, as always, looked effortlessly stylish. She wore a blue-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt tucked into navy jeans, with the sleeves rolled and the top buttons undone. Her makeup was sharp and precise — pure confidence.

“You look like a bossy bitch,” I teased, laughing.

“That’s exactly the energy I’m going for,” she said with a smirk.

I took a deep breath as we entered Havenbrook. The moment we stepped into the class, it went dead quiet. Everyone was whispering, eyes darting toward us. I straightened my shoulders and walked to my seat like I didn’t notice.

Mrs. Claire entered moments later, and the whispers instantly stopped. “Good to see you back, Ella and Sophia,” she said warmly.

I blinked. I expected her to scold us for missing class yesterday. “We’re sorry for skipping class, ma’am. We have no excuse,” I said quickly.

“You had your reasons,” she replied, smiling faintly. “I’d be devastated too if my hard work was ruined.” She gestured for us to sit.

Sophia leaned closer and whispered, “Well, that went surprisingly well.”

Mrs. Claire clasped her hands together. “As I announced yesterday, the culprit has been found , it was Cynthia. The founder of this academy had to step in personally. Cynthia was expelled as of yesterday.”

Sophia gasped beside me. My jaw went slack. Expelled? I didn’t think they’d go that far.

“The founder, however,” Mrs. Claire continued, her eyes resting on me, “said that if you wish to forgive Cynthia, she can be called back. The decision rests with you, Ella.”

Was this some kind of test? Sophia was already mouthing no, shaking her head dramatically. I hesitated, but deep down, I knew the answer.

“I forgive her,” I said softly. “Please, let her come back. I don’t want to be the reason someone gets expelled.”

Sophia kicked me under the table.

“I knew you’d make the right choice,” Mrs. Claire said, smiling approvingly. She opened the door and Cynthia walked in, eyes glued to the floor.

“I’m very sorry for the distraction I caused,” Cynthia said quietly. “And I’m sorry for ruining your gown.”

“It’s okay,” I said, offering a small smile.

Mrs. Claire nodded. “Go take your seat.”

Once Cynthia sat, Mrs. Claire turned back to us. “Let this serve as a warning. There will be no second chances.”

Then, she looked directly at me. “Ella dear, I expect your new dress tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, exhaling softly.

The rest of the lesson was about body shapes and statement pieces, but I could barely focus. The tension from earlier still lingered in the air. When class ended, I wanted nothing more than to bolt home.

“Your dress,” Sophia reminded me.

“I’m exhausted,” I groaned.

“I am too, but we have to start something. Mrs. Claire’s been understanding enough,” she said, handing me the same lilac fabric as before.

She looked up suddenly, laughing. “Guess what just happened?” She thrust her phone at me, showing a chat with Alex. I read the message, he was asking for my number.

“Oh, I bet Damien put him up to it,” she said, still laughing. “ How on earth did you come up with this idea?”

“Honestly, I just blurted it out. I didn’t even think,” I admitted.

“Lucky for you, Alex doesn’t have your number. If Damien really wants it, he’d probably just threaten him,” she said, giggling.

I finished drawing the pattern and started cutting.

“See? Everything’s easier when you’re happy,” Sophia said, helping me sew.

We worked in comfortable silence until the gown was finally complete. It was even better than the last one — cleaner lines, more confident stitches.

“I have to admit, this one’s gorgeous,” she said, smiling in satisfaction.

“Let’s go home,” I said, my body aching.

“About time,” she replied.

When we finally got back, we collapsed on the couch. My muscles screamed in protest. A notification pinged from Sophia’s phone — then again.

“If I hear one more sound, I’m tossing that thing,” I warned.

She grabbed it and suddenly screamed, nearly making me fall off the couch.

“Alex is ordering takeouts for us!” she said, bouncing like a child.

“That’s nice of him,” I said, grinning. “I want Chinese.”

Not long after, Alex showed up carrying two paper bags that smelled too good to ignore.

“Dinner’s here!” he announced, setting them on the table.

Sophia dove for the bags instantly. The moment she opened one, the scent of soy sauce, garlic, and sweet glaze filled the air. My stomach growled in response.

We unpacked fried rice, noodles, and sweet-and-sour chicken glistening with sauce, plus spring rolls wrapped in foil.

“Alex, you didn’t have to get all this,” I said, already reaching for a fork.

“You two barely eat,” he replied, smiling. “Consider this a rescue mission.”

I laughed, tasting the noodles — soft, flavorful, warm. Comfort in a bite.

The three of us ate straight from the boxes, chatting and laughing. It felt peaceful, almost normal.

Then Alex cleared his throat. “Can I get your number, Ella?”

Sophia burst out laughing.

“Is it for Damien?” I asked, raising a brow.

He nodded sheepishly.

“So this food was a bribe?”

“Pretty much,” he admitted, grinning.

“Tell him it didn’t work,” I said, stealing the last spring roll.

“Oh well, I tried,” he said, laughing as he stood to leave.

After he left, Sophia chuckled. “He’s really determined.”

We laughed together before I finally dragged myself to the shower. The water hit my skin like heaven. When I crawled into bed in my pajamas, Sophia was still in the bathroom.

I stared at the ceiling, thinking about the day — Mrs. Claire, the founder’s mercy, Cynthia’s apology, Damien’s persistence. I actually felt... happy.

Then my phone buzzed.

A message flashed on the screen for just a second:

“I’m watching you, Isabelle Dubois.”

And then it vanished.

My heart stopped. My fingers trembled as I checked my messages ,nothing. The chat was empty. Cold dread crept through me, squeezing my chest until I could barely breathe.

Someone knew my real name.

“...Sophia,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

She peeked out from the bathroom, soap still on her skin. “What’s wrong?”

“Can you finish fast? I—I’m scared,” I managed to say.

Her face immediately softened. “Give me a second,” she said, disappearing again.

I hugged my knees to my chest, every shadow in the room suddenly feeling alive. My heartbeat thudded in my ears.

Sophia came out moments later, hair dripping. “Want me to sleep with you?” she asked softly.

I nodded, shifting to make space. She climbed in beside me, wrapping her arms gently around my shoulders.

“Good night,” she whispered.

Having her there made me feel a little safer , but I couldn’t close my eyes. The tears ca
me quietly, soaking my pillow. Whoever sent that message wasn’t just threatening me.

They were reminding me that Isabelle Dubois could never truly escape her past.