The next day is Monday. In the morning, sunlight poured through the curtains as Emma woke up to a quiet house. It was summer vacation, so she didn't need to go back to school anytime soon. Only the servants were at home; her grandfather and father, William, had left early for the company, and her mother was busy working in her art studio.
Emma took her time eating breakfast, slowly savoring her toast and jam, when her phone buzzed unexpectedly. Picking it up, she saw Isabella's name flashing on the screen.
"Emma!" Isabella's lively and familiar voice burst through the line. "What are you up to today? Want to go shopping with me? It feels like I haven't seen you in forever—I miss you so much!"
Hearing her best friend's enthusiastic voice brought a smile to Emma's face. Ever since her rebirth, she had been overwhelmed with planning and strategizing, trying to protect her family and secure their future. It had been exhausting, both mentally and physically. Maybe, just for today, she could give herself a break.
"Sure," Emma agreed, her tone light and relaxed. "Let's meet at the mall in an hour."
"Great! Don't you dare be late!" Isabella exclaimed gleefully before hanging up.
After finishing breakfast, Emma headed back to her room to freshen up. She picked out a simple yet elegant light blue dress, accessorized with a pair of delicate earrings and comfortable flat shoes. The outfit struck a perfect balance between looking polished and staying casual.
When Emma arrived at the mall, Isabella was already waiting for her at the entrance. The moment Isabella spotted her, she rushed over with open arms and enveloped her in a warm hug.
"Emma! Finally!" Isabella exclaimed, stepping back to look her friend over with a playful grin. "What have you been doing lately? You've been completely off the radar! Don't tell me you've been spending all your time with Noah."
At the mention of Noah, Emma's expression briefly darkened, and her gaze grew cold. His betrayal still lingered like a thorn in her heart, but she didn't want those thoughts to ruin today. Taking a deep breath, she forced a bright smile and replied, "Let's not talk about him. Today, we're going to shop till we drop, enjoy a delicious meal, and just relax."
Isabella raised an eyebrow, clearly curious, but she decided not to press further. Instead, she looped her arm through Emma's and smiled. "Fine, no Noah talk! But you'd better stick with me all day. I've been eyeing this dress, and I need your impeccable taste to help me decide if I should buy it."
"No problem," Emma replied with a laugh as they walked into the mall together, their light-hearted banter filling the air.
The shopping trip was lively and full of laughter. Isabella tried on several daring outfits, including one particularly bold dress that left Emma shaking her head with amusement.
"That dress," Emma teased, suppressing a chuckle, "add a cape, and you could be the villain in a fantasy series."
"Excuse me?" Isabella retorted with mock indignation, laughing as she playfully swatted Emma's arm. "This is cutting-edge fashion! You wouldn't understand."
Their cheerful conversation continued as they strolled through stores, trying on clothes and occasionally stopping to admire accessories or shoes.
By noon, they found themselves seated at a cozy, tastefully decorated restaurant. The table was soon filled with an array of beautifully presented dishes. As they began to eat, Isabella glanced at Emma with curiosity.
"So," Isabella started, her tone slightly more serious, "what's been going on with you? You've been so hard to reach lately. Don't tell me something big is happening."
Emma paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. For a moment, she considered how much to share. She couldn't tell Isabella the full truth about her rebirth or the weight of her current responsibilities. But she also didn't want her friend to worry unnecessarily.
"Just a lot of family stuff," Emma said lightly, setting her fork down. "You know how complicated the Smith family can be. But it's nothing I can't handle."
Isabella frowned slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. "Well, if you ever feel like you can't handle it, you'd better let me know. You know I'm always here for you, right?"
Hearing her friend's heartfelt words, Emma felt a warmth spread through her chest. Even after everything, Isabella was still the dependable friend she had always been. Emma reached out and gently squeezed Isabella's hand.
"I know. Thank you, Isabella."
Isabella waved off the gratitude with an exaggerated shrug, her smile breaking into a laugh. "Come on, don't get all mushy on me! What are friends for? Now, finish your food quickly—we've still got a whole mall to explore!"
Emma laughed, the tension she'd been carrying for days easing slightly.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, shopping bags, and inside jokes. They wandered through nearly every store, trying on clothes and marveling at window displays. Isabella even managed to convince Emma to try on a pair of heels, which led to much giggling as Emma wobbled dramatically for effect.
By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, Emma returned home feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Stepping into the quiet house, she let out a contented sigh.
The challenges she faced hadn't disappeared, and she knew the road ahead would be full of obstacles. But today had reminded her of the importance of taking a step back, breathing deeply, and finding moments of joy amidst the chaos.
With her resolve strengthened and her spirit refreshed, Emma began to mentally plan her next moves. She wasn't just fighting to protect her family; she was also building a future she could truly call her own.