Chapter 8: The Show Begins, How Could She Be Missing
"Don't worry, I won't forget. Once I set the time with Mr. Williams, I'll let you know," Emily said with a sarcastic smile.
She wasn't exactly lying to them. She would mention it to John, but with Bianca's painting skills, there was no way John would take her as a student. She'd just be setting herself up for humiliation.
"Good, just don't forget. And do it soon. Bianca's time is precious," Eli reminded her.
Emily hung up the phone, scoffing at the thought: She hasn't even become John's student yet and she's already acting all high and mighty.
She got up and started her morning routine. Even if the Johnson family hadn't mentioned it, she would still call John. Might as well do it now. She dialed his number, "John, I'm not going to be your student anymore, but..."
"What? I must've heard wrong. You meant to say you're coming to be my student, right?" John sounded excited, clearly having heard her but unwilling to accept the reality.
Emily sighed and patiently continued, "I won't be your student, but I can introduce you to a very talented one."
She had seen Sophia's work and knew she had some talent, despite losing to the painting Emily had helped Bianca with.
"Emily, are you messing with me? You promised, and now you're going back on your word. I'm heartbroken... I'm going to be sick..." John started whining.
Emily knew John genuinely liked her, respected her character, and admired her talent. She explained everything truthfully.
"Trying to bully me and still wanting to be my student? Dream on. Bring her to me now. I want to see what talent she has to justify this spot!"
"Okay!"
Emily felt a warmth in her heart, her worries dissipating, making her feel alive and vibrant. She hung up and sent messages to Sophia and Bianca, asking them to meet at John's house.
She had to be there too, after all. This was going to be quite the show.
The summer sun was blazing, but it couldn't overshadow the lush trees lining the road. Maybe she was finally shedding the shadows of her past life. She looked at the trees outside the window, feeling a surge of vitality and hope.
Emily's mood lightened, but her phone rang again, interrupting her peace. It was James, his unique ringtone unmistakable. She had been so busy since her rebirth that she hadn't canceled it.
"Speak," Emily's voice was cold and distant.
James felt a pang of pain in his chest but calmed down, remembering the news he had just received from the Johnson family.
"Emily, I just found out you gave your chance to be John's student to Bianca as a peace offering. Why didn't you tell me sooner? I wouldn't have been angry and talked about breaking off the engagement. Let's forget about it this time, but don't do it again."
No apology. When had he started talking to her with such arrogance? She hadn't even noticed it in her past life. She had been quite oblivious.
"I didn't do anything wrong. Did you bring an apology gift?" Emily retorted coldly.
James frowned. What was going on? He had given her an out, and she was still acting this way. Eli was right, he had spoiled her too much.
"I thought you had changed. I didn't expect you to still not see your mistakes! Do you know how much Bianca needs this spot to restore her reputation?" James snapped.
"Oh, really? And what reputation damage are you talking about? Isn't that why you and the Johnson family have been covering it up?" Emily shot back.
"This is your fault. If you hadn't involved Sophia and her circle, Bianca's reputation wouldn't be at risk. Do you think someone like Sophia can be silenced?" James blamed Emily without hesitation, forgetting that she was defending her own name. Her reputation had been damaged too, but James had only cared about Bianca then.
"Anyway, you should give the spot to Bianca. It's crucial for her. Don't worry, I'll get you a gift as a reward," James still thought he could buy her off with a trinket, like she was a little girl who would follow him around.
Emily felt no pain, only a cold detachment. "If you think the spot is so important, why don't you give her your spot?"
"What?" James seemed genuinely confused or too shocked to understand.
"Never mind. I have things to do. Goodbye."
James would soon understand what she meant. If he liked to be generous with others' things, she would let him feel it firsthand. She hung up, canceled his special ringtone, removed his pinned contact, and blocked him.
Strangely, she felt no sadness, only relief. The pain had been left in her past life. She got ready and took a cab to John's house.
It was a beautiful, elegant villa, each frame a stunning piece of art, fitting John's taste perfectly.
Sophia was waiting at the door when Emily arrived, looking nervous. "Can I really meet John? Is this the opportunity you're giving me? From now on, I'll protect you. No one will dare bully you."
"No need!" Emily replied firmly. In this new life, she was going to be the boss. She wouldn't be anyone's follower.
Sophia looked upset but then remembered, "Did you bring the paintings?"
"Of course!" She wouldn't miss the chance for John to critique her work. Emily could tell Sophia genuinely loved painting, making her recommendation worthwhile.
The security guard recognized Emily, treating her like a VIP as John had instructed. Emily led Sophia to John, handing him Sophia's paintings to assess her skills.
Just then, Emily received a call and stepped into the hallway to answer it.
"Emily, I heard you signed up for the medical competition. If you ask me, they should just give you the award. Why bother competing? You should be a judge and give the newcomers a chance."
"Sure, let them have a chance," Emily agreed, smiling.
She had accepted so easily. On the other end was a renowned doctor, delighted by Emily's response, showing no hint of condescension despite the age difference.
"So, you'll withdraw from the competition?"
"I'll withdraw," Emily replied firmly.
"Emily, what do you mean withdraw?" A clear, delicate voice interrupted. It was Bianca, who had just arrived with the Johnson family and James.
James, who kept insisting he had nothing to do with Bianca, was acting very close to her.
They all thought Emily had given up her chance to become John's student to Bianca, but little did they know that Emily had already given the opportunity to Sophia!