Chapter Nineteen: You have your life back

The next day,

Emma was brushing her teeth while standing in front of the bathroom mirror. Her blonde hair was a tangle after just waking up, yet she couldn't help but feel positive about the day ahead. A new beginning was about to come for her.

She was not going to be bothered by anything. She would just perceive this as Jason not deserving her.

She was eager to find out what was ahead. She gave herself a little grin as she looked in the mirror after cleaning her teeth.

She heard her phone buzz as she entered her room. Her closest friend Mira had sent her an SMS. Oh no. She had an appointment with Mira for today.

She took up the phone and texted Mira back, asking her to meet her at their preferred café so they could catch up over coffee.

After having her bath in the bathroom, she changed into a pair of casual jeans and a black spaghetti top. She put her hair up in a tidy ponytail, put on some fragrance, and left.

She left covertly since she didn't want to face Jason or deal with his turmoil that morning. She didn't want anything to ruin the newly discovered beauty of the day.

She arrived at the complex and saw that Jason had departed for work since she hadn't seen his limousine. She exhaled a breath of calm.

She made her way to the gate. The gatekeeper attempted to stop her, surprised as to why his boss's wife would be leaving without a car.

"I'll be OK, don't worry about me. She replied, "I'm just meeting with a couple of friends down the estate."

At last, the gateman let her exit the complex by opening the gate. She had the impression of being freed from hell. She shut her eyes and breathed in the fresh air outside the billionaire's home. It had a liberating, joyful scent!

The Mormon air was especially clean and crisp. The birds were singing their morning tunes, and the trees were starting to blossom.

She was imagining what Mira might look like today as she headed to the café. At last, she had someone to lean on, if nothing else. In order to meet her companion, she accelerated her speed.

Mira was waiting for her in the Cafè when she arrived.

Mira was a little woman with large brown eyes and long, black hair. Her face was kind and compassionate.

"Mira!" Emma shouted, her laughing sounding like music as a wide grin spread over her face.

Mira looked up from her phone, which she had been using extensively. Okay, she jolted out of her seat at seeing Emma. She couldn't suppress her enthusiasm and jumped on the balls of her feet. "Emma!" As the two give one other a strong embrace, she almost lets out a cry.

They haven't seen each other in over four years. Since middle school, Mira and Emma have been great friends, and they really know everything about one another. Nothing is kept secret from the other.

Before Mira went to study in Italy, they were almost always together. They continued to speak often even after they were apart.

Mira had not returned to New York since she departed four years before.

With an even closer embrace, Emma said, "I missed you so much," into Mira's ears.

"I missed you more, Em," Mira patted Em's back in response.

Mira had insisted on having food with her coffee when they placed their order. When they had finished their lunch, Mira broke the stillness by taking a drink from her coffee glass.

"So, Emma, how are you doing? I thought you sounded bad when we last spoke. Mira cast an observant yet curious glance at Emma.

Emma couldn't help but remember the day Mira had phoned, and her attempts to block out the memories were triggered by what Mira had said. She looked to the opposite side, rolling her eyes.

Could we not discuss it yet, Mira? Right now, I don't want to discuss it. Emma begged.

Mira replied, "You're making me nervous," and she laughed apprehensively. "Just say it, whatever it is."

Emma nibbled on her lip as she peered at her coffee cup. "All right, but just swear you'll try to maintain composure."

Emma continued her account of what had transpired after receiving a nod from Mira. From her consenting to Jace's planned marriage to how Jace had been behaving like garbage around her. The section when Jace deflowered her was not omitted by her.

"What?" I ask you. Mira felt ill to her stomach as her stomach rolled around. "You were deflowered by him, and he treats you like that?"

"Well, that's just the way things are," sighed Emma. She had accepted that this was the way things would be and had given up on attempting to make things different.

She was still not thrilled about it, but she was at a loss for how much energy to resist it. She was obviously feeling hopeless because of the way she was behaving and the tone she was speaking.

"So you're just going to stick with this?" With worry for her buddy evident, Mira inquired.

"Mira, at this moment, I have no option. The only thing holding us up is the Arstor's investment, since Dad is still having trouble with the business. Emma hesitated and looked away from Mira. I'd simply have to follow his guidelines—at least for the time being. I don't want our relationship to end badly." She continued.

"It's fortunate that you both decided to give each other more room and spacs. In a sense, at least, you have your life back." In an attempt to console her buddy, Mira remarked.