**Peony's POV**
I fluttered my eyes open, my head spinning as I caught sight of a worried Michelle, her breath fanning across my face. "What happened?" I asked, sinking into a wooden chair in the kitchen.
"You passed out, so I gave you CPR," she replied nonchalantly.
I shot up in shock. "You did what?" I screamed, disgust flooding my voice. But Michelle, noticing the fierce glare I shot her way, quickly added, "I just splashed some water on your face, okay? Before you kill me with that look."
I exhaled softly, trying to shake off the remnants of my earlier task. Michelle was behind me, laughing uncontrollably. "Don't you want to know what's in it, Peony?"
I turned to see her grinning from ear to ear. With a hint of skepticism, I reached out and took the form from her hand. "Who said it, Michelle?"
She shoved a pen into my hand as I bent down to gather my collection of perfumes from the little glasses I had bought with my savings. "It's a lifetime opportunity, Peony! I'm so happy for you! You'll go to the city, see luxurious cars and beautiful buildings, and live like a princess!"
I pushed her hands away, my eyes glued to the form as I read it, stealing glances at my dreamer of a friend. My name was among the five selected perfumers from Orlando, and my heart raced in astonishment.
As if she could read my thoughts, Michelle grabbed my hands and squealed with delight, "Third, Peony! You're third on the list of the best performers in Orlando! My friend is the best!"
I rolled my eyes, slightly pulling my hands from hers. "I'm not going, Michelle, so you can quit dreaming about my life in Bainbridge."
"Why? Peony, why?" she asked, her frown deepening.
I frowned back but ignored her protests, picking up my box of perfumes and placing it on my cute pink wooden box. She turned me to face her. "Why don't you want to go, Peony? What's stopping you? This is a lifetime opportunity that could pave the way for your dreams! This is your dream becoming a reality."
"I told you I don't want to go, Michelle. Stop pushing me, okay? You know I don't fantasize about all this extravagance. Orlando is my home, a place I've known and grown up in, and I'm not going to leave it for a strange land where I don't know what will happen to me," I explained.
She growled softly, her lips trembling. "It's about your parents, right? You're afraid to leave them."
She was partially right. I didn't want to go because of my parents, but beyond that, I felt a deep fear of leaving everything I loved behind to wander into the unknown. She knew the answer but couldn't help but ask with concern, "Why not talk to them, Peony? I'm sure they'll understand. They care about your future and happiness. They want you to succeed, and Dragons Erickson is your ticket to success. I can assure you."
I took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Just hearing that name sent chills down my spine. "I told you, Michelle, I'm not going, and that's final." I glared at the form, fighting the urge to tear it to shreds.
Michelle quickly snatched the forms from my hands. "I'll try again later, Peony. I want you to consider this opportunity, okay?"
Disappointed, she patted my shoulder and ambled toward the door while I stood there, lost in thought.
---
"Daddy, is my idol going to come today?" Asher asked as I gently combed her hair. I had offered to dress her up, and she had eagerly agreed.
"Baby, we have an audition for you tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be among the five selected ladies," I replied, tying her hair into a ponytail. Asher was just like her mother—a beautiful, kind doll.
She frowned, rolling her eyes and looking directly into mine. "But Dada, I want my idol, not just anyone! I want Peony Acosta!"
Her steady, intent gaze made me smile. I reached out to caress her cheek. "Your idol is going to be there, Asher. I promise. She's from Orlando, and she'll be at your audition tomorrow."
She stared at me for a moment before her gaze drifted to the backpack on the bed, her lips pouting. "Will you come pick me up from school, Dada, instead of Mum? Please, please?"
I followed her gaze and squeezed her lips lightly. "Of course, baby. I'm going to come to my princess's school to pick her up."
She sighed in relief, narrowing her eyes at me. "Thank you, Dada! I love you very, very much, just like Mum does, okay? And I promise I will always love you." She made a pinky swear gesture, and I couldn't help but burst into tears as I pulled her into a hug.
We all knew how much Asher's mother hated me and wished me dead. I wished I had realized how much I loved you, Araya, how much I wished you were right here with me and our daughter.
Asher pulled away and gently planted a kiss on my cheek. "Don't cry, Dada. Mama loves us both, okay?"
I gingerly placed the bag behind her back, scooped her into my arms, and turned toward the door. As we walked, Asher wrapped her arms around my neck, gazing intently at the door.
"Here, sir! It's Asher's lunch pack!" Andrea, the housekeeper and Asher's personal nanny, said, extending the pink rainbow lunch pack toward me. I growled hoarsely, "Where is Nora?"
I practically rasped the words, my jaw clenched, eyes narrowed as I shot a glare at her. Her heart seemed to stop.
"She… she… she's gone to see her friend," she stuttered as I prowled toward her like a beast ready to pounce.
"Her friend?" I yelled in utter fury. She gulped, her heart dropping as she glanced at Asher for help.
"Dada," Asher called softly, and I relaxed slightly, still glaring at Andrea. I glanced at my watch and turned sharply. "Tell her to meet me at the office." I grabbed the bag and stormed out the door.
---
**Peony's POV**
I collapsed into my mother's comforting embrace, tears streaming down my face as memories flooded back.
**Flashback.**
"You have to go, Peony. It's for your good and happiness. We think about you and love you too," my mother said gently.
I folded my arms, glaring angrily at the town's mayor, who had come to discuss my auditions with my parents. They had quickly agreed when they heard how much I would benefit from this opportunity. "No, Mum! I'm not leaving you both, okay?"
"Peony," Mum called softly, turning me toward her. "I understand you don't want to leave us, but this is your destiny. It's not like you're leaving us forever. We're not selfish enough to ignore how much you crave to be a successful perfumer. It's your dream, and we can't stop you."
"But Mum?" I croaked, moving toward Dad, who tried to reason with me. "I'm not complaining about our lives, right? I have both of you, plus Michelle and the orphanage. I'm not complaining! I don't want to leave you two. Please don't make me."
"Peony, you have to pave the way for your future," a voice chimed in. We turned to see the mayor alongside Michelle.
"They called for you, Peony, and they want you at his child's birthday party. I know how much you love babies and can't bear to see them cry. Can't you fulfill this little child's wish?" The mayor ran his hands through his hair, and Michelle supported him with a smile.
"We love you, Peony, and want the best for you. As your friends and family, we will miss you, but we can't delay your destiny," Michelle insisted.
"Peony!" Mum turned me toward her, her eyes filled with hope. "I've always been proud of you, darling. Won't you make Mama proud one last time?"
I couldn't bring myself to shatter the glimmer of hope in their eyes. Tears pricked my own as my nose itched. "Fine, Mum, Dad. I will go for everyone's sake." I knitted my brows but soon ran to my room, tears falling like a torrent.
**Present.**
"I love you, baby girl, and always know you belong here in Orlando, no matter what happens," Mum said sweetly, patting my back.
"Dad!" I exclaimed, and he cleared his throat, wrapping his arms around me.
"Make us proud, Peony, and show them who's the boss," he croaked, his eyes brimming with tears.
"Uh, Dad…" I blinked quickly, trying to hold back my own tears.
"Be a nice lady, Peony, and act nicely." I turned my gaze to Michelle, who was hiding behind her father, crying.
"Don't be too sad, Michelle. I can always come home," I reassured her.
Sniffing and sobbing, she ran into my arms. "I will miss you, Peony! Have the best time in the city, okay? And don't forget about us."
"I won't, Michelle. I promise." I wiped her tears as I climbed into the mayor's trunk.
"Goodbye, Peony…"
"Goodbye, my child!"
"Goodbye, friend! I love you! Have fun and be happy!"
From the rearview mirror, I saw them waving excitedly through their tears.
Presently I sat close to the window of the plane, leaning my head against the glass. "You've got six hours and ten minutes, Peony, before you arrive in Bainbridge. Mr. Dragons will pick you up as long as he sees your perfume and brand name. Your parents are expecting a lot from you. They love you and want you to succeed. I hope you'll be happy wherever you are and know we care about you."
I sniffled and snuggled deep into my sorrows, remembering the mayor's words.