AMORA'S POV;
I have never felt this accepted before. It was as if I had stepped into a world bathed in sunlight after spending my entire life in the shadows. The warmth of this new environment wrapped around me like a soft blanket, easing the tension that had become a constant in my life. Zora, Zale's sister, was the embodiment of that warmth, bursting with energy and kindness that radiated from her like sunshine. She was everything Zale wasn't—friendly, open, and genuinely interested in engaging with me. As she talked and laughed, I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me; I wasn't used to this kind of attention, this kind of interaction.
I sat across from her at the dining table, still a little stunned by the sheer grandeur of the place. The ornate chandelier hung above us, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden table set with elegant china. Zora's laughter rang through the air, a clear, musical sound that drew my attention like a moth to a flame. She spoke with such ease, sharing stories that painted vivid pictures in my mind. I watched her animated expressions, her hands gesturing wildly as she recounted tales of her childhood adventures with Zale. I found myself drawn into her world, even though I struggled to find my voice among the sounds of her joy.
As the conversation flowed, I nodded and smiled, trying to keep up, but inside, I felt like an intruder in this lively exchange. My past had conditioned me to remain silent, to fade into the background, so I often found myself retreating into my thoughts rather than engaging. I was not accustomed to speaking for long stretches, especially with people who exuded such confidence and charm. Yet, for the first time, I felt a flicker of happiness; a lightness that came from the understanding that I wasn't alone.
Zora was persistent in her kindness, and I could see her determination to draw me out of my shell. She would look at me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, waiting for my responses. Each time she asked me a question, I felt the weight of my silence pressing down on me, but her infectious spirit encouraged me to try. Slowly, I began to share little snippets of my life, things that had once felt too painful or embarrassing to voice. To my surprise, she listened intently, her smile unwavering, her encouragement genuine.
But amidst this warmth, I couldn't help but notice Zale's mother seated at the other end of the table. Her presence loomed over the room, silent and watchful. She didn't engage much; instead, she observed us with a distant gaze, her hands gracefully picking at her food. I wondered if she was the type to dislike newcomers. Maybe she thought I was an outsider, someone unworthy of her son's attention. A shiver of uncertainty ran down my spine as I thought about the implications of that judgment. Why would I care if she didn't like me? After all, it's not like I was marrying her son or anything. Yet, the thought nagged at me, unsettling my newfound comfort.
"Amora, get a hold of yourself," I chided internally. "You're overthinking this."
Dinner came to an end, and the conversations began to wind down. As we finished our meal, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I needed to impress Zale's mother somehow. Did she think I was good enough for her son? Did she see the girl who had spent most of her life invisible, lost in her own struggles? As I returned to my room, I felt a gentle weariness settle in. Zora had said she would come by later, but I couldn't shake the doubt that crept in. Would she really follow through?
Just then, a knock on the door startled me. My heart raced—could it be Zale? He never knocked; he always entered without warning. But as I opened the door, a wave of excitement washed over me when I saw Zora standing there, her face beaming with enthusiasm.
"Amora! Sorry for keeping you waiting," she exclaimed, rushing to my side as if I were the most important person in the world.
I couldn't help but smile at her exuberance. "Oh, it's fine. I was just—"
"Brother told me to get you some clothes! I'll help you find ones that fit you," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
My heart sank momentarily. "You didn't have to bother. I'll be leaving here soon anyway," I replied, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
"Why not?" she insisted, her tone playful yet firm. "He said you've been wearing his clothes all the time, and they're so big on you! Please just accept them, okay? I don't know if you'll like them, but I'll tell brother we should go shopping together soon!"
"Will he allow that?" I asked, genuinely curious. The idea of shopping felt like a dream, something I hadn't experienced in years.
"Don't worry! I'll convince him," she assured me, her confidence shining through.
"Bring them in!" she called to someone outside, and moments later, a group of maids entered, carrying an entire room's worth of clothes. My mouth dropped open in awe at the sheer volume and variety.
"Wow," I breathed, feeling overwhelmed. "You can leave them here and go."
The girl who brought the clothes in bowed and left, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment. Why would they bow to her? What was I thinking? Of course, she was Zale's sister, and her status meant something in this world.
"Amora," Zora said, her voice softening, "can I call you that?"
"Of course!" I replied, my heart warming at the simplicity of her request.
"We're almost the same size, but you're a little skinnier than me. I don't think that will be a problem, though," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Tomorrow, I'll have the maids arrange everything for you! It's quite late, and I know you're tired, so I'll take my leave."
"See you tomorrow, okay?"
"Bye!" I waved back as she shut the door behind her, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion.
Why on earth would she give me all these clothes? I marveled, shaking my head in disbelief. This would take me forever to wear! The thought brought a smile to my face, but deep down, I felt unworthy. Would I even fit into this new life?
Zora even got me nightwear—how thoughtful of her! I picked one up and marveled at the soft fabric, the intricate lace trim. It looked good on me, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope. I decided to slip it on for the night, feeling the soft material embrace my skin as I glanced in the mirror.
As I climbed into bed, I couldn't shake the thought of how different my life had become in such a short time. The last few days felt like a whirlwind, a series of moments I never thought I'd experience. For the first time, I went to bed with a smile on my face, excitement bubbling within me. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring, hopeful for the friendship I was slowly building with Zora and the possibilities that lay ahead.
The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. I stretched lazily, the night's sleep having done wonders for my mind. Memories of laughter, stories, and the warmth of friendship flooded back to me as I recalled the previous evening. I sat up, excitement bubbling in my chest as I remembered the clothes Zora had brought.
I glanced at the pile of clothes stacked on a chair, a rainbow of colors and fabrics that promised to transform my appearance. Each piece represented a step away from my past—a past filled with ill-fitting clothes and shadows that clung to me. Today felt like a new beginning, a chance to redefine myself.
After freshening up, I selected a soft, light blue dress with delicate lace accents that Zora had chosen. The fabric felt luxurious against my skin, a stark contrast to the rough materials I was used to. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. For the first time, I felt beautiful.
With newfound confidence, I stepped out of my room and made my way toward the dining area. The air was filled with the aroma of breakfast—freshly baked pastries, eggs, and bacon sizzling in the kitchen. As I entered, I was greeted by the sight of Zora sitting at the table, her hair pulled back in a messy bun, a flour-dusted apron tied around her waist.
"Amora! You look amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she took in my outfit.
"Thank you! I feel different," I replied, a shy smile spreading across my face.
"Different is good! Come, sit! I saved you a spot," she said, patting the chair beside her.
As I joined her at the table, I felt a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. It was refreshing to be surrounded by such warmth and camaraderie. I engaged in light conversation with Zora as we enjoyed our breakfast, her laughter filling the room with a cheerful ambiance.
Moments later, Zale entered, his presence commanding the room. He looked at me, and I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach. "Morning, Amora," he said, looking a little Supra's r by my appearance.