CHAPTER SEVEN🥀

It was a Monday morning with the time showing 7:25am on Emily’s phone. They had spent most of yesterday sleeping in and watching a horror movie at night. During the whole experience, Elena had been overly excited.

She enjoyed the show but not as much as the time she spent with her new found friends. Except Sophia who made it obvious that she didn’t like Emily of course.

By the morning, a maid informed Elena that it was time for breakfast and they all freshened up and left for the dining room. Emily stayed back, having to wash and blow dry her soft dark brown locks, she stayed back while they left, not without Elena telling her to be down as soon as she’s done.

Emily was still in Elena's bathroom, adjusting her hair and applying a touch of lip balm due to her slightly chapped lips when her phone buzzed on the marble countertop. The screen lit up with a familiar name: Mom. A small smile tugged at Emily's lips as she picked up the call.

"Hi, Mom," she answered, her voice soft with affection.

"Hi, sweetheart. How are you doing? Are you enjoying yourself?" her mother's warm voice asked, a note of concern woven into the usual maternal tone.

Emily leaned against the sink, feeling a rush of warmth at hearing her mother's voice. "I’m having a great time, Mom. Elena and her friends are really nice. The house is... amazing. It's like nothing I've ever seen before." She looked around at the pristine bathroom, with its sparkling fixtures and elegant decor, still in awe of the opulence surrounding her.

"I'm so glad to hear that, honey. You deserve a little fun," her mother said with a hint of relief. "But don’t forget to be yourself and enjoy every moment."

"I won’t, Mom. Thanks," Emily replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. After a few more exchanges, they said their goodbyes, and Emily ended the call, feeling reassured.

With a deep breath, Emily glanced at her reflection one last time…the dark circles under her eyes had reduced significantly-she was grateful for the well rested sleep and a more relaxed mind she’s been getting.

She adjusted the collar of her simple black long-sleeve shirt and smoothed out her jeans. The outfit was casual compared to the grandeur of Elena’s mansion, but it was comfortable, and that was all she needed.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Emily started down the hallway, taking in the intricate details of the Ortega household as she made her way toward the stairs.

The air was filled with the faint scent of jasmine from the fresh flowers placed strategically around the house.

As she reached the top of the grand staircase, she suddenly collided with someone, nearly losing her balance.

"Oh, I’m so sorry!" Emily exclaimed, her hands instinctively reaching out to steady herself.

The person she bumped into was a boy, around thirteen years old, with pale green eyes that were strikingly similar to Elena's. His brown hair was slightly tousled, giving him a youthful yet sophisticated look. He was half a head shorter than Emily, dressed casually in a white shirt, black sweatpants, and sneakers that looked brand new.

The boy blinked up at her in surprise, his expression quickly shifting to one of curiosity. "Who are you?" he asked, his tone both direct and cautious.

Emily smiled apologetically, recognizing the resemblance and making an educated guess. "I’m Emily, Elena’s friend." she said kindly, her voice gentle. "And you must be her younger brother, right? She’s told me a lot about you."

The boy narrowed his eyes slightly, as if assessing her sincerity. After a moment, he relaxed just a bit and nodded. "Yeah…well, I’m Lucas" he replied, still eyeing her with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Hi."

"Hi," Emily responded, offering a warm smile. "It’s nice to finally meet you."

Lucas gave a small nod of acknowledgment, still observing her closely. There was a brief silence, broken only when Emily mentioned that Elena had spoken highly of him. She froze mid-sentence, realizing how awkward that might have sounded.

Lucas seemed to appreciate the compliment, though. "Thanks," he said, his tone softening. Then, as if deciding she was harmless, he added, "Breakfast is downstairs."

"Okay” Emily replied, relieved that the encounter hadn’t been too awkward. She followed Lucas down the sweeping staircase, her thoughts drifting to why she hadn’t seen him the day before.

It suddenly occurred to her that he might have returned with his older brother since Elena had mentioned the house was empty when they arrived.

As they descended the staircase, the rich aroma of breakfast filled the air. The scent of freshly brewed coffee, warm pastries, and sizzling bacon made Emily's stomach rumble in anticipation. When they reached the dining room, she was greeted by an exquisite sight.

The dining room was nothing short of breathtaking. A long, polished mahogany table stretched across the room, set with fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware that gleamed under the soft light of the chandelier above.

The walls were lined with intricate wood paneling, and large windows let in the morning sun, bathing the room in a warm glow. A vase of fresh flowers served as the centerpiece, adding a touch of elegance to the already luxurious space.

Emily took a seat near the middle of the table as a maid approached to dish her breakfast. The spread was lavish, featuring everything from fluffy scrambled eggs to perfectly crisp bacon, buttery croissants, fresh fruit, and an assortment of pastries. The maid carefully placed a plate before Emily, filling it with a little of everything, and poured her a glass of fresh orange juice.

Just as Emily began to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, the door to the dining room swung open, and a cheerful voice filled the room. "Good morning, ladies. I hope I’m not too late for breakfast.!"

The girls looked up to see a man strolling in with an air of confidence. He had a playful grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Dressed in a sharp suit, it was clear he was ready for work, but his demeanor was anything but serious.

Elena rolled her eyes dramatically, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Javier, why do you always show up during breakfast?"

Javier, unbothered by Elena’s tone, laughed and took a seat at the table, directly across from Emily. "Because I have a sixth sense when it comes to food. It’s like I can smell it from miles away from my house." His playful wink made the other girls chuckle, and even Emily couldn’t help but smile at his lightheartedness.

The girls greeted Javier with familiarity, their exchanges filled with the ease of old friends. Gabrielle, who was sitting closest to him, blushed as she said hi, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink when Javier teased her with a charming remark about her blush.

"Careful, Gabrielle," Javier said with a teasing smile, "you might just make me blush too."

Gabrielle turned an even brighter shade of red, causing the others to giggle at her expense. Javier, clearly enjoying the attention, turned his focus back to the table and began helping himself to the food. As he did, he glanced around the table, noting the absence of one person.

"Where’s Alejandro?" he asked, his tone still light but with a hint of genuine curiosity.

Elena shrugged nonchalantly. "He’s yet to have breakfast" she replied, as if it were a common occurrence.

Javier pouted exaggeratedly, like a child who didn’t get his way, before digging into his plate. “Typical Ale. I was hoping we could talk a bit before we head out. Once we’re in that building, he’s extremely worst than normal" he mumbled between bites.

As the conversation around the table continued, it shifted to business matters. Javier began discussing some work process with Elena, who, much to Emily’s surprise, was quite knowledgeable about the subject. His playful remarks were amusing, but it became clear that Javier was genuinely stuck on a particular problem.

"You know," Javier said, his voice laced with mock frustration, "I can’t seem to get this one thing right, no matter how many times I go over it."

Emily, who was sitting closest to them, had been quietly listening. She recognized the issue he was describing and knew the solution. Summoning her courage, she spoke up.

"Actually," Emily said hesitantly, "if you approach it from a different angle, you might find the answer lies in re-evaluating the initial data set. That could simplify the problem."

Javier pauses mid-bite and looks up, surprised by the interruption. For the first time, he notices Emily. His eyes widened slightly, and a grin spread across his face. "Well, who’s this cutie with the big brain?" he asked, clearly impressed.

Elena, picking up on his interest, smiled and introduced them. "Javier, this is Emily Moore, my new friend. She’s spending the weekend with me here. Emily, this is one of my brother’s closest friend, Javier Rivera."

Emily blushed under his gaze but managed a polite smile. "It’s nice to meet you, Javier."

"The pleasure’s all mine, Emily Moore" Javier replied, his tone more informal than before. "Big brain and good looks. You’re quite the package."

Emily’s blush deepened as she mumbled a shy "thank you." She wasn’t used to receiving compliments like this. "I just… know a little about topics like that," she added modestly.

Elena looked at her approvingly, clearly pleased with how the conversation was going.

"So, she speaks," the voice drawled, its tone laced with amusement.

Before Emily could relax, a deep, alluring voice with a rich accent cut through the chatter, sending a shiver down her spine.

The room fell silent as everyone turned toward the source of the voice.

Standing in the doorway, with the door slightly ajar behind him, was the man Emily had seen yesterday in his wing. Alejandro Ortega. His presence was commanding, his aura undeniable. He looked as dazzling and godly as ever, a man who could captivate any room he entered without effort.

Alejandro’s thick, black hair was slightly curled and pushed back, with two rogue strands framing the sides of his eyes. His striking gray eyes, sharp and piercing, were focused on his hands as he casually adjusted his cuff-links.

He wore a crisp white button-up shirt, the top two buttons left undone, revealing a glimpse of his bulging, toned chest. The way he carried himself exuded confidence and control, as if every movement was carefully calculated.

But it was his eyes that drew Emily in—the same piercing gray eyes that had haunted her thoughts since their last encounter. They gleamed with a mixture of amusement while on his cuffs before he straightened and began walking deeper into the dining room.

He walked slowly and deliberately to the head of the table, each step echoing in the silence that followed his words. The air felt charged, and every glance, every small movement, seemed amplified.

Alejandro took his seat at the head of the table with an effortless grace, his eyes suddenly looked at Emily, studying her with that same unsettling intensity. “Considering how tongue-tied you were last time…” His voice was smooth, laced with amusement, and carried a subtle edge that sent a shiver down Emily’s spine.

She could feel her neck grow hot, the warmth creeping up to her cheeks. She tried to keep her composure, but her hands trembled slightly as she fumbled with her fork.

Her heart raced, and she abruptly looked away, staring at her plate as if it held all the answers she needed to navigate this moment. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her response, but she couldn’t muster a single word.

Sensing Emily’s discomfort, Elena jumped in, her voice steady and calm. “She was just lost, that’s all,” Elena said slightly nervous but smoothly, offering her friend an escape. “She couldn’t find her way back to my wing.”

Alejandro’s eyes shifted lazily from Emily to Elena, but there was a subtle intensity behind his gaze, as if he were weighing her words. His expression remained unreadable, the hint of a smirk still playing at his lips. “Is that so?” he murmured, his tone making it clear he wasn’t entirely convinced but didn’t care enough to press further. He lowered his eyes to his plate, cutting into his food with deliberate precision.

Elena nodded, confirming the story, while Emily continued to focus on her meal, her appetite suddenly gone.

“Who is she?”. Alejandro asks lazily focused on his food, enjoying the delicacy. Elena was about to open her mouth and answer for her when Emily interrupted softly “my name is Emily Moore. I’m Elena’s friend and classmate at school.”

Alejandro while eating, hummed but said nothing else. The tension in the room had shifted, and it was clear that Alejandro’s interest had been piqued, if only slightly.

Sophia, who had grown tired of the attention being on Emily, seized the opportunity to redirect the conversation. She subtly adjusted her posture, her eyes bright with determination as she sought to gain Alejandro’s attention.

Sophia waited for the right moment to speak, her heart racing with anticipation. As the room settled into a comfortable silence, she seized the opportunity to address Alejandro directly.

"Alejandro," she began, her voice soft yet confident, "I’ve heard that a new luxury resort is opening soon on the coast. The architecture is supposed to be stunning, inspired by classical Greek designs. I thought it might interest you, given your appreciation for unique structures."

Alejandro’s gaze slowly shifted to her, his expression calm but sharp, as if he was both listening and analyzing. “Is that so?” he replied, his voice smooth and measured. “I hadn’t heard about it.”

Encouraged by his response, Sophia smiled slightly and continued, "Yes, it’s been the talk among the elite lately. They’re hosting a private opening event, very exclusive. I could get us an invitation. It would be a great opportunity to unwind—especially for someone as busy as you."

Alejandro’s eyes remained on her, a flicker of amusement playing at the edges of his features. "You seem well-connected, Sophia," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm, though not unkind. “Always knowing the latest happenings.”

Sophia’s smile brightened, thinking she had finally caught his interest. "I do try to stay informed," she said, her voice carrying a hint of pride. “And I thought, given your discerning taste, it would be something you’d appreciate.”

Sophia continued to speak, carefully selecting her words, showcasing her ladylike sophistication. She was careful not to bore him, keeping the conversation light and engaging, but also ensuring that it reflected her own refined tastes.

Isabella, however, wasn’t as impressed. She subtly rolled her eyes at Sophia’s obvious attempts to win Alejandro interest, her attention more focused on her glass of fresh juice than the conversation.

Elena, on the other hand, seemed unbothered, scrolling through her socials and eating her breakfast as if she hadn’t noticed the subtle competition taking place. Lucas ate his food silently while Emily lowered her gazed, immersed in her sausage.

Alejandro leaned back slightly, his gaze never leaving her. "It’s intriguing," he admitted, his tone neutral but with an edge that made it hard to tell if he was genuinely interested or just toying with her. “But I’m not one for crowded events, as you know. I prefer my leisure time… uncomplicated.”

Sophia nodded, trying to hide her slight disappointment. "Of course, I understand. But if you ever change your mind, I’d be happy to make arrangements."

Alejandro’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, a slight smile forming,“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said, his voice dismissive yet laced with a subtle finality.

Sophia’s pulse slightly quickened, sensing the conversation slipping away, but before she could think of a way to keep his attention, Javier squeezed himself into the conversation, his playful demeanor instantly shifting the dynamic.

“Speaking of high society, I heard about that deal you closed last week,” Javier said with a grin, his voice cutting through Sophia’s attempts to maintain control.

Alejandro’s attention shifted seamlessly to Javier, a small but genuine smile crossing his face. “Ah, yes,” Alejandro replied, leaning back slightly in his chair. The two men quickly delved into business matters, their conversation flowing naturally, as if no one else existed in the room.

Sophia’s attempts to continue her elegant chatter became irrelevant. No matter how poised and sophisticated she tried to be, Alejandro’s interest had already shifted, as it always did when Javier was involved. She was left to quietly seethe, masking her frustration behind a practiced smile while picking at her food.

As the conversation between Alejandro and Javier deepened, discussing strategies, potential investments, and future plans, the rest of the table fell into a comfortable silence.

The dynamic between the two men was clear—there was a deep respect and camaraderie that went beyond mere friendship. Their words were sharp, intelligent, and tinged with the kind of sarcasm that only those who knew each other well could pull off.

Emily, still seated close to Elena could hear their conversation and couldn’t help but listen in. Despite her nerves, she was drawn to the way Alejandro spoke, his voice commanding and his thoughts sharp. She could see why the others were so captivated by him, and it made her both curious and cautious.

After a while, Alejandro finished his breakfast halfway, seemingly uninterested in completing the meal. He glanced at Javier, who nodded in understanding. The two men stood in unison, their movements synchronized as if they had done this countless times before.

Javier, ever the charmer, grinned at the table. “Well, it’s been a pleasure as always. But duty calls.”

Elena looked up from her phone, a small smile on her lips. “Take care.”

Javier smiled then looked at Emily calmly. “See you around.”

Alejandro, however, remained silent, then he turned and left the room with Javier at his side.

As they exited, the dining room slowly returned to normal, the tension dissipating like a receding wave.

Sophia, who had been eagerly trying to engage him in conversation, felt her frustration building up inside. Her face, which had been adorned with a hopeful smile, hardened into a mask of irritation.

The sound of his footsteps echoing down the hall felt like a final insult. Her hand clenched around her fork, and without a word, she let it drop onto her plate with a loud clatter that reverberated in the quiet room.

The noise startled everyone. Elena glanced up, an eyebrow raised, while Isabella exchanged an amused look with Gabrielle.

The silence stretched, and finally, Sophia pushed back her chair abruptly, the legs scraping against the floor with a harsh screech.

“I have somewhere to be” Sophia announced tersely, her voice laced with barely contained anger. She stood up, her movements stiff with irritation, and without sparing a glance at anyone, she strode out of the room, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor as she left.

Isabella, watching her retreating figure, couldn’t help but snicker softly, her lips curling into a sly smile. “I see someone’s extremely upset” she whispered to Gabrielle, who stifled a giggle behind her hand. Elena shot them both a disapproving look but chose to remain silent, her focus shifting back to her breakfast.

Emily, sitting quietly, felt a mix of relief and unease. The tension that had been building with Sophia’s obvious attempts to captivate Alejandro’s interest was now dissipating, but it left an awkward silence in its wake. She continued eating, her thoughts racing as she processed the morning events.

After a few more minutes, Isabella and Gabrielle decided it was time to leave. Isabella stretched languidly, letting out a sigh of contentment as she pushed her chair back and stood. “It’s been fun, but we should get going, we have so much work to attend to” she said, casting a glance at Elena. “We’ll visit tomorrow, okay?”

Gabrielle nodded in agreement, and both girls walked around the table to hug Elena. “Thanks for the breakfast, Elena. We had a great time,” Isabella said with a smile, squeezing Elena warmly. “And Emily, it was nice meeting you” she added, giving Emily a quick hug as well.

Gabrielle followed suit, hugging both girls before stepping back. “See you soon” she said cheerfully, waving as she and Isabella headed towards the door. Emily watched them leave, feeling a warm sense of happiness. Despite the tension earlier, she was glad to have been included in their circle, if only for a little while.

Once Isabella and Gabrielle were gone, Elena turned her attention to her younger brother, Lucas, who had been quietly observing everything but mostly focused on his food. “Good morning, Lucas” Elena stood up walking to her brother’s sit, hugging him and ruffling his curly brown hair. The boy playfully grimaced and tried to swat her hand from his hair “Elena, stop I just prepared for school”. Elena ignoring him, wrapped him in a tight hug, squeezing him affectionately.

“Are you ready for school?” Elena asked

Lucas nodded, grumbling. “Yeah” he said, though his voice was filled with the typical reluctance of a teenager.

Elena chuckled, letting him go and straightening his shirt. “Don’t worry, you’ll survive. The driver’s waiting for you outside.”

Lucas sighed, his green eyes on his food. “Okay, see you later, Elena,” he said, finishing his food then went upstairs, grabbing his backpack and heading towards the door where the driver was patiently waiting to take him to his prestigious school.

As Lucas left, Elena turned to Emily, who was gathering her things. “Ready to head out?” Elena asked, her tone light.

“Yeah, I’m ready,” Emily replied, slinging her bag over her shoulder. They both walked outside to where Elena’s sleek Porsche was parked. They climbed in, with Elena behind the wheel, and after saying their goodbyes to Lucas, who waved from the backseat of the driver’s car, they sped out of the estate.

The drive to school was pleasant, the sun shining brightly as they cruised through the city. Elena navigated the streets with ease, her confidence behind the wheel evident. As they pulled up to the school, Emily felt a surge of confidence herself.

As she walked down the hallway, she came to notice that the bullying she had endured for so long had ceased, and for the first time in ages, she felt free. Completely free.

The school day passed quickly, and before she knew it, Emily was on her way back home. She felt lighter, happier, as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. When she arrived home, she was greeted by the familiar warmth of her house. But today, there was something different.

Elena had come with her.

As they stood outside Emily’s front door, Emily looked slightly nervous, but then opened the door and invited her in. Elena stepped inside, her eyes scanning the cozy interior with appreciation. The house was small compared to her family’s mansion, but it was filled with a warmth and charm that Elena found refreshing.

“Thank you for letting me come in,” Elena said, her voice soft as she took in the surroundings.

Emily smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance. “Of course. I’m glad you’re here.”

At that moment, Maria, Emily’s mother, appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her face lit up when she saw Emily and moved forward. Emily sees her and rushes to hug her, missing her so dearly. As Emily says hi to her mom, she immediately introduces Elena to her mom.

“Emily’s told me so much about you,” Maria says sincerely, her eyes bright with excitement. “You’re just in time for some freshly baked pasties and food. Come, sit down!”

Maria led them to the dining table, where some dishes awaited them. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of a Buttery cake that sat in the center of the table. There were savory dishes, like a steaming casserole of creamy chicken and vegetables, a bowl of freshly tossed salad.

Elena’s eyes gleamed with gratitude and delight. “This looks amazing, Mrs. Moore, but I’m still full from breakfast earlier so I might not much” Elena said, glancing at the spread with appreciation.

“Though, I’d love to try a slice of that buttery cake. It smells incredible.”

Maria nodded, understanding. “Please, call me Maria” she insisted with a warm smile.

“And thank you, I love cooking. It’s like a breath of fresh air to me. I’ll wrap a piece for you to take home, just in case you want more later.”

Elena smiled”I wish I could have crave that breathe of fresh air” they all laughed.

Emily watched the exchange with a contented smile. Her mother’s warmth and hospitality seemed to have put Elena at ease.

As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Maria asked Elena about her family, her interests, and her school life. Elena answered politely, mostly telling the basics, and soon, the two women were chatting like old friends. They discussed everything from books to fashion to recipes, with Maria occasionally offering Elena some motherly advice or sharing a funny story from Emily’s childhood.

Throughout the meal, Maria found herself growing more and more fond of Elena. Unlike the wealthy, aloof people she had encountered in the past, Elena was down-to-earth, kind, and genuinely interested in what she had to say.

Maria could see that Elena wasn’t just another rich girl who didn’t care about people like them. She was different—kind-hearted, considerate, and respectful.

As they finished the meal, Maria couldn’t help but feel grateful that her daughter had made such a good friend. She hoped that this friendship would bring Emily more joy and confidence, and that she would continue to experience this kind of warmth and fun. But deep down, she also hoped for her daughter’s safety, knowing how unpredictable life could be.

By the time the clock struck 7 PM, the evening light had faded into twilight, and the cozy warmth of the house was replaced by the soft glow of the light bulbs. The air had grown cooler, but the atmosphere inside remained warm and inviting.

Elena glanced at the time and sighed softly. “It’s getting late” she said, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance. She stood up, smoothing down her clothes as she looked at Emily. “I should head home.”

Maria smiled warmly, standing as well. “It was wonderful having you here, Elena. You’re welcome anytime.”

Elena returned the smile, her gratitude evident. “Thank you, Maria. I really enjoyed myself.”

Before leaving, Elena turned to Emily and pulled her into a hug. “Have a good night’s sleep, Emily,” she said softly, her voice full of affection. “And don’t forget, tomorrow’s a class-free day. You can finally relax.”

Emily hugged her back, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort in Elena’s embrace. “I won’t forget,” she promised, her voice slightly muffled against Elena’s shoulder. When they pulled away, Elena gave her a reassuring smile.

“See you tomorrow” Elena said, waving as she stepped outside, the evening air cool against her skin.

Emily watched Elena’s car disappear down the street before closing the door, a soft smile still lingering on her lips.

The day had been perfect, and as she headed to bed, she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude.

*

*

A Few Months had passed, and life shifted for Emily in ways she hadn't expected. Exams and Graduation came swiftly, and with it, a rush of emotions.

The joy of finishing school, the pride of earning her degree, and the bittersweet goodbyes to classmates she had grown close to.

Among them, she had even made a few friends, people who, like her, had faced the ups and downs of their academic journey.

Liam visited more often, especially since his uncle lived a little close to the neighborhood and he didn’t have much gig’s running for a little while. His presence brought a new lightness to the household, making Emily beam with happiness.

Yet, beneath it all, Emily was growing restless. She had her certificate, but finding a well-paying job proved more difficult than she had anticipated.

She had sent out countless resumes, attended interviews, but each time, the doors seemed to close before she could walk through them.

One afternoon, she found herself in Elena’s room. Elena’s space, much like the woman herself, was a blend of warmth and sophistication. They were sitting on the plush couch, a soft breeze filtering through the open window, carrying the scent of the nearby gardens.

Emily sighed, running a hand through her

hair. “I just didn’t think it would be this hard,” she admitted. “I thought having a degree would make things easier, but it feels like I’m still stuck at the starting line.”

Elena leaned back, crossing her legs. “It’s tough out there, especially when you’re trying to find something that not only pays well but also respects your worth. But I think I might have a solution.”

Emily looked up, curiosity piqued. “What is it?”

“I’ve been thinking,” Elena said, her voice thoughtful, “there’s an opening at one of the subsidiaries my family owns. It’s an administrative assistant position, nothing too overwhelming, but it’s stable and the pay is decent. Plus, you’d be working directly under me because it was gifted to me by my Dad.”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Really? That sounds perfect.”

Elena smiled warmly. “You’d have to stay with me for a while, though. The office is quite far from your place, and the commute would be exhausting.”

Emily was touched by the offer, but a bit hesitant. “I don’t want to impose, Elena.”

“You’re not imposing,” Elena assured her. “If anything, I’d love the company. And besides, I know you. You’d never accept a handout, even if I offered you a million dollars. You’d rather work for it.”

Emily laughed, shaking her head. “You know me too well.”

Elena’s expression softened. “I do. So, what do you say? Ready to make this your next chapter?”

Emily’s gratitude was clear in her eyes as she nodded. “Absolutely. Thank you, Elena. This means more to me than you know.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Elena replied, a gentle smile on her lips. “And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re taking this step with me. I’ll make sure the work is meaningful for you, and I promise we’ll find a way to make it enjoyable too.”

As the conversation drifted, Emily asked, “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask…why did you attend my school? With your background, you could’ve gone to a more prestigious one.”

Elena’s gaze grew distant, thoughtful. “I wanted something different. After moving from Spain, I didn’t want to get lost in another elite environment. I wanted to see what life was like for people who didn’t have everything handed to them. I wanted to experience the real world, so to speak.”

Emily nodded, understanding. “I get it. It’s funny, I’m glad you made that choice. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have met.”

“Me too,” Elena said, her voice tinged with sincerity.

Emily smiled. Then a thought of Alejandro slightly fogged her mind. She hadn’t seen him in over a month, a fact that relieved her. Elena had mentioned he was away on business, and for that, Emily was grateful. The man had an effect on her that she couldn’t quite place, but it was one she was glad to avoid.

Later at home, when Emily told her mother about the job offer, Maria’s eyes lit up with pride. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, Emily. I’m so proud of you.”

Emily hugged her mother tightly. “I’ll make sure to gather enough money so we can get a better place for you. I want you to be comfortable.”

Maria smiled, her heart full. “All I want is for you to be happy and safe.”

As night fell, Emily found herself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about how much her life had changed. She hoped more pleasant surprises awaited her in the future.

She made a mental note to fill Liam in about the job while they went out for coffee before her eyelids went shut, falling into a peaceful slumber.

The next day, they went to one of their favorite spots, which was the quiet café tucked away in a corner of town where she and Emily had visited months ago.

The café had become their go-to spot since Emily came there with Liam one day and he fell in love with the caffeine. It was also a place where they could talk freely without interruptions.

As they settled into their usual corner booth, Emily sipped her iced latte and glanced at Liam, who was busy stirring his espresso. The atmosphere was relaxed, the hum of conversation around them fading into the background.

Emily absentmindedly played with the bracelet on her wrist, a simple yet elegant piece made of braided leather with a small silver charm. Liam noticed and smiled.

“You still wear that, huh?” he asked, nodding toward the bracelet.

“Every day,” Emily replied with a soft smile. “It’s one of my favorite things. It reminds me of how much I value our friendship.” She lifted her wrist slightly, admiring the charm that reflected the light. “You have good taste, you know.”

Liam chuckled. “I’m glad you like it. I wanted to give you something that wasn’t just pretty but also meaningful. I thought the charm—a compass—would be a nice touch. It represents finding your way, no matter where life takes you.”

Emily’s heart warmed at his words. “That’s exactly what it feels like. It’s like a little reminder to stay on course, even when things get tough.”

They shared a moment of comfortable silence before Emily took a deep breath and continued, “I really needed that reminder lately. I’ve got some news,” Emily said, breaking the comfortable silence.

Liam looked at her brown eyes, curious. “Oh? What’s up?”

Emily took a deep breath, a smile tugging at her lips. “I got a job. I’ll be working as an administrative assistant at one of the subsidiaries Elena’s family owns. I’ll be working under her.”

Liam’s eyes looks surprised and litany up with excitement. “Woah. Really? That’s amazing. Congratulations! When did this happen?”

“Yesterday, she said I’d start the job next week” she replied, her smile widening. “Though I’ll be staying with Elena for a while because the office is pretty far from my place. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m really excited about it.”

Liam’s smile faltered for just a moment when Emily mentioned staying with Elena. His usual brightness dimmed slightly, his finger around his cup tightening, the small gesture betraying his uncertainty.

“That’s great, Emily,” he said, forcing enthusiasm into his voice. “But, you know… with you staying there, I guess we won’t get to hang out as much.”

Emily noticed the hesitation in his voice and reached out to gently touch his arm. “Liam, we’ll still see each other, I promise. It’s just a job, and it’s temporary until I can get on my feet. We’ll still have our weekends, and I’ll make time to hang out like we always do.”

His blue eyes looked at her, searching her face for reassurance. “Are you sure? I just don’t want things to change too much.”

She smiled warmly. “I’m sure. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Liam chuckled then shrugged “Alright Em, if you say so. But don’t forget to call me when you need a break from all that fancy living.”

“Look who’s talking about fancy, with his many gigs and tours” she said playfully, adjusting her glasses. “Of course I won’t” Emily promised, trying to dispel his worries.

He laughs and raises his coffee cup in a mock toast. “To new beginnings and making your mark.”

Emily clinked her glass against his. “To new beginnings.”

…To be Continued

Authoress Cass🤍