Reborn I Exposed My Stepsister’s Lies

Laylani felt like she'd just heard the most ridiculous joke. Her eyes were ice cold as she stared at Zechariah Boyd. "Zechariah, you're saying I'm overreacting because I want to clear my name after being falsely accused? And what do you call it when you automatically side with someone else?"

Zechariah was momentarily at a loss for words, his expression hardening. "I'm looking out for you. Don't blow this out of proportion. It's not in your best interest."

"My reputation is mine to protect, not yours to manage," Laylani shot back.

"Laylani!" Zechariah's face went rigid. He thought she was intentionally trying to embarrass him. "This is the admin office, not the place to cause a scene. Come with me."

He reached out, grabbing her wrist to pull her out. The hallway was empty.

Right outside the door, Laylani twisted her wrist sharply, breaking free with ease.

"Ouch—" Zechariah grunted, instinctively letting go. He looked at her, shocked. "You—"

Laylani shook her wrist, her expression indifferent. In her past, during her darkest days, Elio had secretly taught her self-defense to protect herself. Though she wasn't as physically strong now, the techniques of leverage and countering were ingrained in her bones.

"Zechariah, who do you think you are?"

"I'm your fiancé!" Zechariah's voice was stern. "Laylani, what's gotten into you lately? You weren't like this before. Is this just because I forgot your birthday? Are you done throwing a tantrum?"

He actually believed she was just upset over a forgotten birthday.

Laylani found it painfully ironic. "Fiancé?" She repeated, then let out a soft, humorless laugh. "If you hadn't mentioned it, I almost forgot."

Zechariah frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," Laylani lifted her chin, her gaze steady. "Zechariah, let's call off the engagement."

The words dropped like a bomb.

Zechariah was stunned, disbelief etched all over his face. "What did you say?"

"I said, let's end this engagement," Laylani repeated, her voice firm. "From today on, there's nothing between us."

Zechariah's face darkened instantly. He was convinced Laylani was trying to pressure him. He replied coldly, "Laylani, don't joke about something like this. The Boyd family doesn't need a petty, self-centered fiancée."

"Perfect," Laylani's lips curled into an icy smile. "I don't need a fiancé who can't see reason or the truth, either."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, ignoring the thunderous look on Zechariah's face.

He stood there, feeling like his heart was caught in a vise.

Before he could sort out his emotions, the admin office door opened. The dean came out, leading a red-eyed Elise Mason.

The moment Elise saw Zechariah, her eyes filled with wounded innocence, remembering how he'd defended her earlier. She sought his sympathy, hoping to use his stance against Laylani once more. She assumed Zechariah would naturally be on her side.

But as she moved closer, she caught his gaze—cold and cutting, with zero sympathy. "Who asked you?"

Elise froze mid-step. "Zechariah, I—"

"Laylani's business is none of yours," Zechariah's voice was low, yet it carried an authority that left no room for argument.

The dean sighed, trying to de-escalate. "Zechariah, maybe you could talk to Laylani. Elise acted on impulse. A public apology at the assembly might be overkill..."

Zechariah's gaze snapped up, icy and sharp. The usual gentleness was gone, replaced by the assertive authority that came with his status. "My fiancée is not to be messed with. If she wants justice, she'll get justice. Anyone trying to smear her name or smooth things over is challenging me."

The dean shut his mouth immediately.

Zechariah felt no guilt. In his mind, Laylani's outburst was the result of being spoiled. Her saying she wanted to end the engagement was just angry talk. Actually ending it? Unthinkable.

Meanwhile, Laylani didn't go back to the classroom. Instead, she caught Elise just around the corridor's bend. Elise was frantically trying to get away.

Laylani leaned against the wall, blocking her path, her eyes freezing. "At the assembly. Apologize. Publicly."

Elise gritted her teeth. "I won't! What are you gonna do about it?"

Laylani let out a soft, chilling laugh. "How did you get that competition spot?"

Elise's face went pale.

"You pushed aside a classmate from a less privileged background—someone with better grades—by buying the spot. If I report this to the admin..."

Laylani paused, watching Elise tremble. Her tone was detached. "Think you might get expelled?"

A chill ran down Elise's spine. Her secret, kept so closely guarded—how did Laylani know?

With a cryptic smile, Laylani went on. "Wondering how I found out? Think hard about who else knows."

Elise's breathing quickened, her eyes turning vicious.

Kayla!

It had to be Kayla! Only Kayla knew!

Kayla, whom Elise had helped frame Laylani, had now turned around and spilled the truth to her...

Laylani crossed her arms. "Expulsion or apology—your choice."

Elise's lips quivered, unable to utter a word. She had no choice.

Not far off, in the shadowy corner of the stairwell, Elio Bradley leaned against the wall, a mint candy tucked in the corner of his mouth. His cap was pulled low, shading his sharp jawline. His knuckles still bore red marks from a recent fight, not yet healed.

He'd just finished a game and was heading back when he stumbled onto the scene.

Around school, Laylani always seemed like she was above it all. But in private, she was calm, sharp, and relentless—good at going for the jugular...

Elio's tongue pressed lightly against the inside of his cheek, amusement flickering in his eyes. A fierce little kitten.

At the assembly, the entire student body filled the auditorium. The flag rose steadily, the anthem blaring loud.

As the ceremony ended and the host was about to dismiss everyone, the dean took the mic. His voice was serious. "Please hold. There's something that needs to be cleared up publicly."

All eyes turned to the stage.

Elise was nudged forward. Her face was ashen, eyes swollen, standing in front of the microphone. Her fingers were clutching her clothes so tight her knuckles had gone white.

"I... I'm Elise Mason from the finance class. I'm here to apologize to Laylani Morgan."

"I believed the rumors spread by Kayla from the drama department. I got jealous, and I falsely accused Laylani of cheating in the programming contest, which seriously hurt her reputation. Here, I sincerely apologize. Laylani, I'm sorry."

Her voice carried through the speakers, filling the entire auditorium.

The crowd burst into whispers.

"Who? Kayla? Isn't she Laylani's sister?"

"Yeah, why the hell would she spread rumors about Laylani?"

"Told you, Laylani wouldn't cheat. She's way too smart for that."

"It can't be Kayla. She's way too sweet. Maybe Elise is just trying to drag someone down with her."

"Elise is trash. Doing something like this just to climb the ranks."

The murmurs weighed heavy on Elise. She wanted to disappear.

Laylani stood among her classmates, her expression calm, not a hint of pride or grievance.

This was everything she deserved.

Nataly Hughes grabbed her hand, stoked. "Laylani! You're incredible!"

Laylani gave a slight nod. Her gaze lifted and met Zechariah's across the crowd.

Zechariah wore a scowl. Clearly annoyed.

Laylani just shrugged.

Like she gave a damn.

On the other side of the auditorium, Kayla stood among her drama classmates. Her fingernails were digging into her palms, her eyes rimmed red.

Her peers tried to comfort her, throwing curses at Elise on stage.

Kayla looked down, her eyes burning with malice. Elise's public apology had dragged her into the spotlight. Even if few believed Elise's accusations, it still exposed her.

And the people she'd arranged to spike Laylani's drink at the club? The cops had grabbed them.

Things were slipping out of her control.

Laylani, that bitch—how had she become so different all of a sudden...

No. She wouldn't let Laylani get back on her feet.

Laylani's family, her looks, her grades, Zechariah... all of it should've been Kayla's.

A sinister glint flashed in Kayla's eyes. A new plan was already forming.

As the assembly broke up, the crowd began to scatter.

Elio sauntered over to Laylani.

He was wearing a loose basketball jersey, and sweat had dampened the hair at his forehead. There was a lazy confidence about him, an arrogant kind of energy.

He leaned in a little, his eyes playful as he looked at her face. "Impressive, Laylani."

His voice was deep and raspy, with a charm that was equal parts enticing and provoking.

"You're fiercer than before."

Laylani looked up, meeting his gaze.

Elio expected her to look away and ignore him. After all, that's what she always did—acting like a scared little mouse every time she saw him.

Instead, Laylani lifted her chin, just a little, a touch of pride in her demeanor. She nodded. "I've always been impressive."

Elio blinked. Huh?

Something was off.

She wasn't afraid of him anymore?

Meeting her clear, earnest gaze, Elio found himself tugging at his collar. His usual smooth façade slipped for a split second. "Do you know who I am?"

Laylani replied, "You're Elio Bradley."

Her voice was sweet and soft.

Elio's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily. His tongue brushed lightly against his cheek, and he didn't speak right away.

He usually carried that casual, 'don't give a damn' vibe—one hand in his pocket, shoulders relaxed. But caught under Laylani's direct gaze, the corners of his usually sharp eyes tinged faintly pink.

Not harsh. Just flustered.

Sunlight gleamed off his sweat-damp hair, casting a golden halo.

He turned his head slightly, but stole a glance back at her anyway.

"... Good to know."

His voice came out softer, as if the wind had teased it apart.

Elio went on, "Hey, about what went down the other night—don't go spreading it around."

Laylani eyed him curiously.

Was Elio always like this?

Did he not realize that everyone at school already knew him for his regular brawls and antics?

Whether she mentioned it or not, what difference did it make?