Chapter 28 Ella's pov

Chapter 28 Ella's pov
I had the most amazing dream.
In it, I was getting married. I couldn’t see the groom’s face, but I didn’t need to. I could feel the happiness, pure, overwhelming and real. The kind that settles in your chest and makes breathing easier.

I remember laughing, spinning slowly in a white dress, my heart so full it felt like it might burst.
Then Damien’s face appeared in my mind.
I smiled in my sleep. Yes. I would absolutely love to marry him.

My phone chimed, pulling me out of the dream and back into reality. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the early morning light filtering through the curtains. For a second, I wished I could fall back asleep and return to that dream, hold onto that feeling just a little longer. Maybe I would have gotten to see the groom's face.

I reached for my phone. There was a message from Damien. My lips curved upward instantly.
“ Good morning, Princess.”
My smile widened without permission.

“Good morning, babe.” I typed back, still smiling like a lovestruck teen.
A second later, another message came in.
“Enjoy your day. I’ll call you in the evening. I love you.” A soft laugh escaped me.

Awww. He was such an intentional man, so thoughtful and gentle with his words.
“Okay. Love you too” I responded
I dropped the phone beside me and turned my head to the left. Sophia was still asleep, curled up under her blanket, her breathing slow and steady. I decided to let her sleep and get ready first.

I slipped out of bed and walked into the bathroom. When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I froze. I was smiling, not the polite, practiced kind. This one was genuine, wide and unguarded. My cheeks actually felt numb, like they’d been stretched into that expression for too long.

I stared at myself for a moment, my smile slowly faltering.
Am I allowed to fall in love?
Do I deserve this much happiness?
The questions flooded my mind, uninvited and heavy.

My smile faded completely.
Then, like a whisper carried on memory, Antonio’s voice echoed in my head.
“I want you to always live the best life.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling slowly before exhaling just as carefully. When I opened them again, my reflection looked calmer and stronger.
My smile returned soft but resolute.
From now on, I will live my life in happiness. For me and for Antoine.

I couldn’t help wishing Antoine had met Damien. I was certain they would’ve clicked, two kind souls, steady and sincere. The thought made my chest ache softly, but I pushed it aside and continued with my bath.

By the time I stepped out, wrapped in a towel, Sophia was sitting on the bed, watching me with an amused expression.
“Why are you blushing so hard this early in the morning?” she asked.

“What? I’m not smiling,” I quickly denied.
She raised an eyebrow. “I bet you’re thinking about that hot kiss you had last night.” She winked.

I laughed despite myself. “You need to take a bath now or we’ll be late for class,” I said, pushing her toward the bathroom.
“Slow down, lady,” she protested, smirking. “I bet you just want to get rid of me.”

I laughed again and shut the door behind her. As I dressed, my thoughts drifted back to the night before. It had been undeniably romantic. The butterflies in my stomach refused to settle at this rate, my belly was turning into a full-blown butterfly garden.

On our way to school, Sophia teased me nonstop. Loudly. Dramatically. Without shame. People on the bus kept staring at us, some amused, some annoyed, but Sophia either didn’t notice or simply didn’t care. It was probably the latter.

When we finally got to class, everyone was chatting loudly, catching up. The familiar buzz of voices filled the room.
I took a deep breath. This was school, one of my happiest places to be.
“Aside Damien’s hands,” Sophia muttered with a sly smile.

I shot her an annoyed look, then burst out laughing when I realized I’d said it out loud. Before I could recover, Mrs. Claria walked in, and the class fell silent immediately. Her presence was intimidating in a way that never failed to amaze me. A girl followed closely behind her.

“I think she’s a new student,” Sophia whispered. I nodded in agreement.
The girl looked oddly familiar. Her hair was a bright lemon color, either a wig or freshly dyed. She looked like a fashionista straight out of a magazine. Pale skin, sharp black eyes.

Our eyes met.

She smiled.

Cold shivers slid down my spine.
I immediately looked away, focusing on my shoes. When I dared to glance back, she was no longer looking at me.
Mrs. Claria introduced her. Her name was Wendy. She spoke confidently about her love for fashion and how excited she was to work with everyone.

“You can take the seat next to Ella,” Mrs. Claria said.
I stiffened.
Since when was there an empty seat beside me?
Sophia sat on my right. I could’ve sworn another girl always sat on my left. I’d even seen her this very morning.

Wendy smiled, another strange smile, very creepy before walking over and sitting beside me. She hugged her tote bag tightly against her side.

I felt uncomfortable immediately.
She glanced at me and smiled again before turning forward, suddenly focused on the lesson.

“She gives me the ick,” Sophia whispered.
I let out a quiet laugh. “I thought I was the only one.” I was glad I wasn't the only one who felt off.
The class went on as usual. Mrs. Claria talked about cutting different skirt shapes and constructing bodices. Surprisingly, I found myself deeply engaged, already imagining designs, a short flare skirt or maybe a flowing maxi.

When the class ended, Sophia stretched dramatically.
“Was it me, or was that the longest yet most interesting class we’ve had all week?”

I laughed and smacked my forehead. “This is the first class we’ve had this week, silly. But yes.. it was interesting.”
“That explains it,” she said, laughing.
As we stepped outside, a voice called out to us.

“Wait for me!”
We turned. Wendy jogged toward us, slightly breathless.
“It’s the new girl,” Sophia murmured.
“Hi, guys,” Wendy said.
“Hi,” we replied in unison.

“I’m Wendy,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’m sure you already know that.”
“Yeah,” Sophia replied dryly.
“I look forward to working with you both,” Wendy continued. “You seem like very nice people.” She said with a small smile.

This smile was different, it looked completely normal.
“You seem familiar,” I said before I could stop myself. “Have we met before?”
She froze, just for a second. Then she smiled again.
“No.”

This smile was different. Sharp, like a predator staring at its prey. I felt exposed suddenly.
Sophia stepped in quickly. “We look forward to working with you too.”
“Bye, then,” Sophia added, pulling me away.

“She gives me chills,” I said, rubbing my arms.
“Yeah,” Sophia agreed, “but I think she’s cool.”
“Is it because of her hair?” I asked.
She laughed. I knew it.

Work was hectic that day. The café was packed. I kept glancing around, hoping to see Damien, but instead Camille walked in.
I went to take her order immediately.
“Hi, girl!” She greeted me enthusiastically.

“Hi,” I replied, hugging her.
“I’m so happy to finally call you my brother’s girlfriend,” she said, eyes shining.
I laughed. “I’m happy to have you as my boyfriend’s sister.”

“Now tell me everything, spare no detail.” she said, dragging me to sit beside her.
“I’m at work,” I protested, giggling.
“Maxine! I’m borrowing Ella for a bit!”
“Five minutes!” Maxine called back.

I stared at Camille. “You know Maxine?”
“She adores me,” Camille said proudly. “Now talk.”
I told her everything. She gushed like Sophia did and I laughed the entire time.

“I’m glad he didn’t chicken out,” she said dramatically. “My brother is not a coward.” She said, wiping out fake tears from her eyes. We talked more about Damien but had to part when Maxine reminded me I'm at work.

The walk home later felt peaceful. I showered, ate, and collapsed onto my bed immediately.
My phone rang. It was Damien.
I smiled brightly.

“I don’t even need to ask,” Sophia said. “That’s Damien.”
“Hello, Princess,” his voice said warmly.
My heart melted.
“ Ewww , who says princess nowadays?” She asked with fake disgust.

“ Hello!” I replied
“ I'll give you the room, I can't see you actin
g all lovely dovey.” She said leaving the room. I just laughed.
“Tell me everything about your day,” he said. “Don’t leave anything out.”