Chapter 9 9: Change is necessary

NORA

"What are those?" I asked, confusion evident in my voice as I looked at Nadia, one of the long-time house helpers of the Hills family. Esmeralda and I were seated in the living room when a woman suddenly arrived, introducing herself as Amy, Asher's secretary.

"Mrs. Bennett-" Amy said.

I lifted my gaze sharply, fixing her with a cold stare that immediately stopped her mid-sentence. The shift in my expression was enough to make her stiffen where she stood.

She cleared her throat, visibly nervous, before continuing. "Sir Asher instructed me to come here and assist you in choosing from these clothes. The stylist and a representative from the jewelry store will also be arriving later, so you can select the accessories you'll be wearing tonight for Mr. Taylor's birthday party."

"I don't need any of those. You may leave now," I replied coolly, without even sparing the dresses a second glance.

Both Nadia and Amy froze at my words.

"B-But... Mrs. Bennett," Amy said hesitantly, her voice trembling. "Sir Asher specifically told me to take care of everything for you. If I fail to do this, I might lose my job-"

"Why should I care?" I cut her off, one eyebrow arching sharply. "Do I look like someone who concerns herself with the fate of a person I have nothing to do with?" I added bluntly, my tone firm and unyielding.

Amy's face paled instantly. She lowered her head slightly, her hands clenching at her sides as she struggled to keep her composure.

"Don't call me that," I continued coldly. "I am divorcing your employer. Address me properly-as Ms. Hills."

"I-I'm sorry... Ms. H-Hills," she quickly corrected herself, nodding repeatedly.

"Nora, dear," Esmeralda interjected gently, clearly trying to ease the tension. "She's only doing her job."

"I know that, Mom," I replied, finally turning my gaze away from Amy. "But if every employee Asher sends my way thinks they can use guilt or pity to manipulate me, does that mean I should spend the rest of my life being obedient and accommodating at my own expense?"

"That's not what I meant..." Esmeralda said softly.

I took a deep breath before looking back at Amy, meeting her eyes directly. "I have nothing personal against you. But I refuse to be considerate toward others if it comes at the cost of my own peace. Tell your employer this: I will not attend the party with him. And more importantly, unless it concerns our divorce, I do not want to be contacted again."

Amy paused for a moment, then slowly nodded. I could see understanding, perhaps even respect, in her eyes.

"I will relay everything to Mr. Bennett, Ms. Hills," she said quietly.

"Thank you. You may go now."

I motioned for Nadia to hand the clothes back to Amy. Without another word, Amy turned around and left.

Esmeralda and I were left alone in the living room. She stared at me intently, a mix of curiosity, concern, and quiet contemplation written all over her face. I merely shrugged and chose not to explain myself.

In nearly a month of living under the same roof, I had come to realize just how kind Rod and Esmeralda truly were. That was precisely why I didn't want to hurt them. Why I tried to draw the line carefully, even when it involved Asher.

Four hours before the party, Esmeralda came to my room. I had already agreed to attend Mr. Taylor's birthday celebration, not for Asher's sake, but for my own.

Several gowns were neatly arranged on the rack. Esmeralda had personally ordered them, thoughtfully selecting each piece.

I had never been fond of gowns. But now, as Emily Hills, adaptation was inevitable. I reached for a black gown.

"Are you sure about that one, dear?" Esmeralda asked, studying both me and the dress in my hands.

"Yes," I answered without hesitation.

"You don't like the light blue or the soft pink anymore?"

I shook my head lightly. "I want something different this time. Sometimes, change is necessary... sometimes, you have to explore."

And in that quiet moment, I almost smiled to myself.

Because it wasn't just the color of the dress that was changing.

It was me.

"It's a good thing you've finally realized that now," Esmeralda said gently. "I've been telling you this for a long time. I wanted you to try something different, but you always chose to prioritize Asher's happiness over your own."

"Not anymore, Mom," I replied firmly. "From now on, everything I do will be for myself."

Esmeralda studied me closely, her gaze lingering as if she were trying to confirm whether what she was hearing was real. There was disbelief in her eyes, perhaps even surprise. Maybe Emily and I truly were complete opposites after all.

Even at the company, I had started noticing the strange looks the employees gave me. There was a certain hesitation, a quiet confusion, every time I spoke. Even the executives seemed taken aback, as though they were seeing a version of me they had never encountered before.

After that, Esmeralda left me alone in my room, and I began preparing myself. When it came to makeup, I wasn't entirely clueless. I knew how to apply it-just enough.

A light application was more than sufficient. I wasn't attending the party to be the most beautiful woman in the room. I was going there to meet people, to connect with other businessmen and influential figures. I needed and wanted to expand my network.

Once I was finished and satisfied with my appearance, I stepped out of my room. In the living area, I found Esmeralda and Rod together, waiting for me.

"Wow! You're so beautiful, dear!" Esmeralda exclaimed, her eyes practically sparkling as she looked at me. Damn, why does she always have that endearment for me?

"She's right," Rod added. "This is the first time I've ever seen you wear a gown in that color."

"You'd better get used to it," I said calmly, a faint smile playing on my lips. "This is who I am now. The old me is dead, so please welcome the new Emily Hills."

The couple fell silent for a moment, clearly taken aback. But it didn't take long before I saw approval reflected in their expressions.

"If that's the case," Rod said warmly, "your mother and I are looking forward to seeing more of this side of you."

"Be ready, Dad," I replied confidently. "You're about to witness how your dear daughter swallows everyone who ever stepped on me and our family."

I meant every word. Anyone who had once belittled the old Emily would pay dearly.

The only regret was not knowing who those people were.

I wanted to find out. I wanted to investigate everything that had happened. But I didn't want to appear too eager, too desperate for answers. Afraid that someone might notice my unusual interest and grow suspicious.

I couldn't understand why I didn't possess even a single memory of Emily's past.

Was that really how it worked?

Because I was now occupying her body, did that mean I had no access to her memories at all?

If so, would consulting a doctor even help?

"Emily, dear."

I looked up to find Esmeralda staring at me with concern. "What are you thinking about?"

I smiled before answering. "Nothing. I was just wondering what I might encounter at the party."

"You don't have anything to worry about," Rod assured me. "Matt will be there. If there's anything you want to ask, especially about the people you'll meet, he'll be the one who can give you answers."

"In that case, I should get going," I said with a smile. "I don't want to be late. I want to see every single person who arrives at the party."

"All right. Take care," Esmeralda said as she stepped closer, kissing my cheek before pulling me into a warm embrace. I hugged her back-then Rod as well. After all, as Emily Hills, they were my parents now.

I turned away and walked out of the house toward the waiting car. Biboy, my driver, was already there.

Once he closed the door behind me, he circled around to the driver's seat and started the engine.

As the car moved, my thoughts drifted once more.

I wanted to move to a different place, somewhere I could do the things I wanted without restriction, and begin executing my plans.

Somewhere I could finally introduce myself to Dante...

as the new Nora Dumont.