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.

Adrian was the only one among them who defended me and showed me kindness.

"Wow, look at our knight in shining armor! Always defending Rain? What, are you lusting after her? Trying to get on her good side?" Kuya Richard sneered, but Adrian's fist suddenly connected with his face.

"You've gone too far, Kuya," Adrian said angrily, landing another blow.

The two brothers began to fight. I covered my mouth, a knot of fear tightening in my stomach.

"This is all your fault! Look what's happening to my brothers! We were fine before you came along, but everything's been chaos since you arrived!" Sophy spat at me, grabbing my hair and yanking it.

"Ouch! Sophy, please! Stop it!" I pleaded, trying to push her away, but her grip was strong, and she shoved me against the wall. I hit the wall with a thud and collapsed onto the floor.

"Sophy! What did you do? Damn it!" Adrian roared, rushing to my side to help me up.

"Why are you so worried and protective of that Rain?! She's the reason we're like this! Because of that girl! I will never forgive her!" Sophy seethed.

"That's enough, Sophy. Rain did nothing wrong. She hasn't done anything to us, so can you please just leave her alone?" Adrian said fiercely, helping me to my feet and guiding me towards my room.

Once we reached my room, Adrian gently laid me on my bed and pressed a cool cloth to my forehead. His eyes were filled with concern as he looked at me.

"I'm so sorry about my siblings, Rain. Sorry for their behavior. You did nothing wrong, but they're angry at you. They're infuriating," Adrian apologized.

"You're so kind," I said softly. "You're the one apologizing for your siblings. Honestly, I don't know what I did wrong for them to hate me so much. Whatever the reason, I hope things can be resolved."

"I won't let them hurt you again. I'll protect you from them. Just call me if those two do anything," he promised.

"Thank you, Adrian," I said with a small smile.

"It's nothing. Just rest for now, okay? I still need to tidy up my things since school starts tomorrow. I saw that Mama enrolled you in the same section as me," he said with a smile.

"Really? Okay, I'm excited to start. Go ahead and organize your things then," I replied, returning his smile.

He walked towards the door. Thank goodness there was still one kind soul among those siblings.

They were such a headache. They stressed me out so much.

Lost in thought as I lay in bed, I decided to organize my belongings and fold my clothes.

Suddenly, my door swung open. I assumed it was Adrian, but it was Kuya Richard.

He approached me and caressed my thigh. A cold dread washed over me, and I froze. His touch sent shivers down my spine.

It was terrifying.

I was so afraid of what he was doing.

"I locked the door so that Adrian couldn't come in. I wanted to have you all to myself," he said.

I felt a wave of revulsion. I wanted to push him away with all my might, but I felt like ice, rigid and unable to move.

"Stop it, Kuya Richard. Please leave. I don't want this. Stop," I pleaded.

But he continued to stroke my leg and chest, and tears involuntarily escaped my eyes. I wanted to break free, but my body wouldn't respond.

"You don't want it? Haha, you like this, don't you? Don't pretend you don't. You love it when I do this to you," he said, pushing me down and looming over me.

"Stop it, Kuya Richard! Leave me alone! I'll tell Mama!" I cried out.

"Really? You're going to tell on me? You've been saying that for ages, but why haven't you done it yet? Why? Because you like this, you want me to do this to you," he taunted.

"No! Please stop! I don't want this!" I screamed.

But my eyes widened in horror as he grabbed my pillow and pressed it down on my face.

I couldn't breathe.

I desperately tried to pull the pillow away, but his strength was overwhelming.

He remained on top of me, pressing the pillow against my face, suffocating me.

My body fought back, thrashing and pushing against him, but he was too strong. I kicked and struggled, desperately trying to break free until my vision blurred and I lost consciousness.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a familiar place – the garden. Night had fallen here too.

I knew I was dreaming again.

Tears streamed down my face as I slumped against a tree. Suddenly, someone approached me.

It was the mysterious man who always appeared in my dreams. He looked at me, his eyes filled with worry and sorrow.

"Can I just stay here? I don't want to wake up yet. Because when I do, they'll just hurt me. Can I just stay here?" I pleaded with him.

He didn't speak, but simply sat beside me. His expression was filled with concern, and he embraced me.

I don't know why, but his embrace brought a sense of comfort. I hugged him tightly in return, sobbing uncontrollably.

The weight of my emotions was unbearable, and I felt like I never wanted to return to reality.

"The time you can spend here is limited because this is just a dream. As much as I wish to be with you longer, it's not possible," he said seriously.

"Why do you feel so familiar? Why are you always in my dreams? And why do you seem to know me so well? Are you truly my husband from a past life?" I asked him.

He simply offered a gentle smile and stroked my hair.

"You have so many questions in your mind. All of them will be answered in time. Don't worry, we will meet, we will be together, and I promise to love you and always protect you," he said with a tender smile.

"Who are you, really?" I asked him.

But he only smiled and handed me a single yellow rose.

Compared to any other rose, this one was a deeper, more vibrant shade of yellow.

He looked into my eyes, and in his gaze, I saw once again the familiar blend of sadness, joy, and love.

Once more, he held me in a tight embrace.

"I love you so much... so very much..." he whispered before the entire surroundings, including him, began to fade.

I gasped awake, finding myself lying in bed, tears streaming down my face.

My pillow was wet once again.

I saw Adrian sitting on a chair near my bed. He stood up with a worried expression and spoke to me.

"Rain! Thank goodness you're awake! That bastard, Kuya, is insane! Luckily, I had a spare key and managed to open your door before he could kill you," Adrian said, his voice filled with anxiety.

"Thank you, Adrian... thank you so much," I said with a weak smile.

"There's food on your table, Rain. Please eat something," Adrian said before leaving my room.

I walked over to the table and saw a meal of rice, bread, soup, and juice. I didn't feel like eating yet.

I wandered around my room for a bit when something by my window caught my eye.

There was a small table near the window, and what I saw there startled me.

It was a yellow rose.

The very same yellow rose the man in my dream had given me was right there in my room.

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