Two years later, the echoes of Peter's recovery had woven themselves into the fabric of their lives. Yet, for Emily, the challenges of high school and the weight of her family's circumstances were still heavy burdens.
"Ahhh, school is so stressful. Anyway, Emily, want to go to the nearby restaurant?" asked Jane, her best friend, as they left their last class of the day.
"I don't think I can. I need to drop my little brother home and assist my mom and dad," Emily replied, her voice tinged with the weariness of responsibility.
"Okay," Jane said, understanding but disappointed.
As Emily made her way to Rez's classroom, a group of girls appeared ahead. Emily's face changed, a frown forming as she recognized them. She tried to steer herself and Jane around them, but one of the girls grabbed her shoulder and slapped her face.
"Pamkkk!!! You damn poverty bitch, trying to ignore Lady Diana?" one of the girls sneered.
"Hey, how dare you slap my best friend?" Jane shouted, lunging at the girl who hit Emily. But Jane was quickly overpowered and pushed aside, though not hurt.
"If not for our families' relationship, you would have been beaten badly," said Lady Diana, her voice dripping with disdain. "Anyway, I don't have your time, but don't try to disturb me when I am doing my business," she continued. "Now, Emily, trying to avoid me? You stinky poverty bitch," she added, dragging Emily's hair and slamming her head against the ground.
"Next time you see me and try to avoid me, you will suffer more than this. Now lick my shoe," Lady Diana commanded.
Five minutes later, after the torment had ended and Diana's group had left, Jane helped Emily to her feet. "Sorry, I couldn't help you. How is your face?" Jane asked, gently wiping Emily's cheek.
'If only I had money, if only my family had a high status. We wouldn't be disgraced like this. I need to find a way to make MIRRACELL successful or make money somehow,' Emily thought to herself, her resolve hardening.
"Huh?" Emily said aloud, snapped out of her thoughts.
"Sorry, were you saying something? I was wondering about something," Emily responded.
"Don't be thinking too much. I can ask my parents to talk to Diana's parents," Jane offered.
"Ahh! Don't trouble yourself for me. I'm already used to it," Emily said, forcing a smile.
"Okay, but don't worry yourself too much. Ehhem! We're close to Rez's class," Jane said, trying to lift the mood.
After dropping Rez off at home, Emily went to her room. Determined to change her family's fortunes, she began searching online for ways to make money. Amidst the sea of information, an app called "BUSINESS STRATEGIC SYSTEM" caught her eye.
Curious, she downloaded the app. A sleek interface greeted her, promising strategies, tools, and guidance for starting and growing a business. Emily's heart raced as she realized this could be the opportunity she had been praying for.