Please Love Me Again

Author's Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and settings are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

All rights reserved. This story, including all parts and elements of the plot, characters, and settings, is the original work of the author. No part of this work may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used in any manner without the author's explicit written permission. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and subject to legal action.

Thank you for respecting the hard work and creativity of the author.

WARNING Disclaimer:

This story contains a blend of lighthearted and intense themes, including moments of wholesomeness, sweetness, emotional depth, as well as instances of kidnapping, betrayal, and violence. Reader discretion is advised. Some content may be triggering or unsuitable for younger audiences. Please proceed with care and take breaks if needed.

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Chapter 1: Cinders of Silence

Content WARNING & Disclaimer

This chapter contains heavy themes including bullying, sexual assault, and other graphic or disturbing scenes that may be triggering or upsetting to some readers. These elements are depicted in detail and may cause emotional distress. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

The moment my eyelids fluttered open, I found myself within the embrace of a mansion.

The house was expansive and beautiful, designed with a strikingly aesthetic and minimalist touch. The furnishings exuded an air of expense, and numerous picture frames adorned the surroundings, each holding a photograph of a couple.

Where am I?

I wandered through the entire mansion, seeking an exit. Stepping outside, I discovered myself in a garden bathed in the ethereal glow of a perfectly round moon. Flowers bloomed in abundance all around, and a fountain graced the garden's center, drawing me towards it. A profound chill permeated the air.

"So, you're here again. I've missed you terribly." A male voice reached my ears, laced with a mysterious familiarity.

He was a constant presence in my dreams, yet utterly unknown to me in my waking hours.

He possessed a fair complexion, stood tall. His smile was genuinely warm and comforting, seeming to illuminate the surroundings, a truly beautiful smile. His black hair was slightly tousled, yet it only added to his captivating charm. He was dressed simply in a white polo shirt and white trousers.

I could only stare at him in silence, my mind a whirlwind of questions.

Who was he?

Why did he haunt my dreams?

Was he a past lover, perhaps a husband from a forgotten life?

"I hope... you won't forget me. Because every day, every moment, I remember you. I long to be with you again, my love..."

His voice was filled with yearning, yet I couldn't miss the sorrow that clouded his eyes.

"Who are you?" I finally asked, my curiosity overriding my hesitation.

"Forgive my bluntness, but I have no memory of us ever meeting. You appear in my dreams so often, it's truly perplexing."

"Ouch, that stings," he jested, clutching his chest dramatically, feigning hurt. "Quite offensive, haha."

"I'm serious," I insisted. "You're so mysterious, always in my dreams. Were you perhaps my husband in a past life?" He chuckled softly and embraced me.

"A secret for now, wouldn't you agree? Keeps things thrilling, doesn't it? But... we will meet again. I will search for you no matter where you are. I love you deeply... so very deeply..." he whispered as he held me close.

His words only deepened my confusion. Yet, within his embrace, a strange mix of longing and sorrow washed over me.

He gently pressed a kiss to my forehead, and with that tender touch, I began to awaken.

My eyes fluttered open, and the familiar sting of realization washed over me – it had all been a dream again. I couldn't understand why my pillow was damp with tears.

Had I truly been crying in my sleep?

Who could he be?

Why did he constantly visit my dreams? My mind was a labyrinth of unanswered questions.

Ah, I haven't even introduced myself. I am Rainzelle Vaness Claudia.

How can I describe my life? Perhaps like Cinderella... with a twist.

Both my parents have passed away. My father remarried before his own passing, and now I live with my stepmother and her children.

My stepmother, Elise, whom I call Mama, is kind. Ever since Papa died, she has taken on all the responsibilities for me. However, my problem lies with her children, my step-siblings, who seem to harbor a deep-seated resentment towards me for reasons unknown.

I immediately rose from bed and tidied my sleeping space. After freshening up, I donned an apron and began preparing breakfast. Household chores were my domain, as my stepmother was busy with work.

I saw her approach me as I cooked, a cheerful light in her eyes as she greeted me.

"Good morning, dear. I have good news for you," she said, her voice brimming with excitement. My curiosity piqued.

"Good morning, Mama. What is it?"

"You'll be able to start college tomorrow. I apologize for the delay; it took me a while to save enough for your tuition. But, you know, it gets so boring here at home with you just doing chores. So you can finally pursue your dreams, you'll be able to study!" she exclaimed joyfully.

A wave of joy surged through my heart upon hearing those words. I would finally go to college? My dream would come true. My aspiration to become a psychologist someday felt within reach.

"Don't worry, dear. I've already taken care of your enrollment and all the requirements. Classes start tomorrow. Oh my, I'm so sorry for telling you so late!" she added.

"Thank you so much, Mama. Thank you so much. It's always been my dream to study. I promise, I won't waste this opportunity," I said, my voice filled with happiness, and Mama embraced me.

"You deserve to study, dear. You're hardworking and intelligent. I believe in you. Just... no boyfriends for now, okay?" she teased, a smile playing on her lips.

"Of course, Mama. I'll focus on my studies," I replied, beaming.

"Your bag and school supplies are upstairs, by the table in your room.

Well then, I need to head to work. You and your siblings take care," she said with a warm smile.

"Take care too, Mama. Thank you so much, thank you truly."

"You're welcome, 'nak. Love you."

"I love you too."

I kissed her cheek as she bid us farewell. We weren't related by blood. She was just my stepmother, yet she was incredibly kind to me. I was lucky; my stepmother wasn't the stereotypical cruel one from Cinderella. She was like a true mother to me.

I finished cooking, and soon my step-siblings joined me for breakfast.

Their sullen expressions cast a heavy cloud over my mood.

"What is this? It tastes awful! Why are you even in charge of cooking? It's disgusting, I can't eat this," complained my stepsister, Sophy, whose animosity towards me was palpable.

I tasted the eggs and bacon I had prepared.

The taste seemed normal, nothing was amiss.

"Maybe you poisoned it. What did you put in here?" asked their eldest, Kuya Richard.

"Enough, both of you. It tastes fine! What's with all the drama?" interjected their other sibling, Adrian.