The New Emily Hills

NORA

"What did you put in my drink?"

My voice trembled-not with fear, but with fury as my eyes burned with rage while staring at Andres, the man seated casually in front of me. This was the same man I once regarded as family, the man my father trusted with his life, his best friend.

And yet, there he was-smirking shamelessly, lazily inhaling tobacco smoke as if he were merely enjoying a pleasant afternoon. He sat comfortably, legs crossed, as though I were nothing more than a source of mild entertainment.

"You think too highly of yourself, Nora," he said mockingly, completely ignoring my question. "I never imagined it would be this easy to fool you."

"What did you put in my drink?" I repeated, my voice now firm and demanding, refusing to break even as I felt something horribly wrong spreading through my body.

I forced myself to stay upright, to appear strong, even as numbness slowly crept into my limbs. My fingers refused to move. Panic threatened to surface, but I swallowed it down as the realization struck me. I was losing control of my body.

I had a feeling that it wouldn't be long before I was completely paralyzed.

He burst into loud laughter, clearly amused as he watched my slow collapse.

"I must admit, I'm impressed by your self-control," he continued, clearly enjoying himself. "If you're someone else, you would have already collapsed on the floor by now. Since you managed to entertain me, let me share something... interesting."

I stayed silent, allowing him to continue even though every instinct screamed that I wouldn't like whatever was about to come out of his mouth.

"I killed your father."

My eyes widened in shock. I wanted to clench my fists, to lash out at him, but my hands were completely numb. Whatever Andres had slipped into my drink was poisoning my entire system, creeping mercilessly through my veins.

"Just like you, he was foolish enough to trust me," he continued coldly. "You're probably wondering why I killed him. It's simple-he stole Esmeralda from me. Your mother."

My mind reeled. I couldn't process his words.

"I met Esmeralda first," he went on. "But your father seduced her, and it eventually led to their marriage."

Despite the weakness overtaking me, a crooked smile formed on my lips. He noticed, and it infuriated him.

"Let's see how long you can keep smiling," he sneered before continuing.

"Of course, I couldn't accept losing Esmeralda, so I kidnapped her. Your idiot father even had the audacity to ask me for help to find her. I claimed your mother repeatedly. I showed her what real love felt like. But I didn't realize that your father had already poisoned her mind, and she started longing for him again."

His eyes darkened as his obsession spilled freely from his lips.

"I indulged myself in her, fuck her like my life depended on it. I planned to hide her away for good-but my wife caught me. I had no choice but to let Esmeralda go. What mattered was this. She will never be happy with your father again. I even staged her discovery, pretending I found her in an abandoned warehouse, lifeless."

My jaw clenched painfully as rage and frustration surged through me. Every fiber of my being wanted to tear Andres apart, to make him suffer for everything he had done to my parents.

But I was weak-powerless.

And worse... I never even knew Andres had a wife.

"After you're gone," he said smugly, "I'll take over your organization. So tell me-how does it feel knowing you'll lose everything?"

I forced another smile onto my lips, even as my vision blurred.

"I–I may die," I stammered weakly, "b–but you will never... ever... get my organization. You can never lay a hand on what's mine."

Summoning what little strength I had left, I attempted to spit at him, but my saliva barely left my mouth before falling uselessly to the floor.

I was consumed by rage and hatred, yet utterly unable to move.

I wanted to kill him.

"Hahaha!" he laughed loudly as my eyelids slowly began to close. "Oh, and since you were so curious-what did I put in your drink? It's a new drug developed by my organization. You're a test subject. I never expected it to be this effective."

He stood up after saying that.

What happened next, I never knew.

Darkness swallowed me whole.

But before that, blurry figures of people started coming into the room.

***

"Two hundred joules. Clear!"

Pain shot through my body.

What was that?

Beep... beep... beep...

"Doc, her vitals are stabilized now."

Whose voices were those? Where did that electric sensation come from?

"Good. Keep monitoring the patient. We can't afford to be complacent."

"Okay, doc."

I heard footsteps moving away, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing.

"Poor girl," another woman's voice whispered. "Her husband didn't even come to visit her."

"Shh! Keep your voice down. The patient might hear you."

"I guess this is really how the world of the wealthy people works," the voice muttered before they exited the room.

I remained trapped in darkness.

I could hear them-but why couldn't I see anything? Why couldn't I open my eyes?

Am I dead?

Is this the afterlife?

Why does everything feel so chaotic?

I tried to open my eyes, but I failed. I had no strength left.

Right... I'm dead.

But then-

"Emily... Emily, dear, please wake up."

Who was that? Why were they making noise beside me?

"Emily, it's Mommy. Please, open your eyes."

I could only hear her voice, but I felt the pain, worry, and overwhelming love behind it.

Soon, sobbing filled the room-and it irritated me. I didn't want to hear any noise.

"Esmeralda, let her rest," a man's voice said gently. "The doctor said she needs to sleep."

Esmeralda?

That's my mother's name.

No.

My mother is dead.

"But Rod, look at our daughter," the woman cried again.

I was getting annoyed. I needed to wake up and make her stop.

I tried-once, twice, countless times-until a blinding light pierced my vision.

"Emily!" two voices exclaimed at once.

I closed my eyes again, then heard the man speak.

"I'll call the doctor."

Footsteps faded away, followed by the door opening and closing. When I opened my eyes again, an older woman with swollen, reddened eyes appeared before me. There was a gentle smile on her lips, one filled with sincerity.

Who the hell is this woman?

"Emily, my daughter..."

Why was she calling me Emily? Why was she calling me her child?

She was about to speak again when the man returned with someone else.

"Let me check on her," said a man in a white coat-a doctor.

He reached for my hand, but I pulled away instinctively and glared at him.

"I need to examine you," he said calmly. "I won't hurt you."

Behind him were two nurses watching me closely.

"Emily, dear," the older woman pleaded. "Let the doctor check you so we know you're okay."

I looked at her again.

Something about her expression-her desperation-made me feel an unfamiliar ache in my chest. Against my will, I felt pity.

I said nothing. I simply looked at the doctor and nodded.

He examined me thoroughly before finally asking, "Do you feel any pain? Especially in your head?"

Why did he need to know that?

I instinctively touched my head and felt bandages wrapped around it.

"W–What... h–happened?" I croaked.

My voice was hoarse, my throat burning as I rubbed it gently.

"Water?" the woman asked, rushing to get some.

"Just dampen her lips for now," the doctor instructed. "We still need to run more tests."

"Okay, doc."

I watched her carefully as she soaked cotton in water and gently brushed it against my lips.

I didn't know why, but something about her made my chest feel tight-uneasy.

I felt unbearably thirsty, as if I hadn't had water in a year. I wanted more-but I couldn't.

"W–Who are you?" I finally asked.

Silence fell.

The woman looked as if she were about to collapse, but the older man quickly supported her.

They turned to the doctor, silently asking questions.

"She likely has amnesia," he explained. "Whether it's temporary or permanent, we don't know yet. She needs further tests. This is normal, considering she suffered head trauma."

Head trauma?

What did Andres do to me after I lost consciousness?

"Emily... I'm your Mom."

Emily?

Mom?

What the hell is she talking about?

NORA

Damn it.

I still couldn't believe what I was seeing as I stared at my own reflection in the mirror.

Two days ago, I woke up in this hospital-and even now, the truth refused to fully sink in.

I was inside someone else's body.

Emily Hills' body.

And the two people who had been crying endlessly for me weren't my parents. They were hers-Esmeralda and Rod Hills.

I should have left.

The moment I realized what had happened, I should have walked away and disappeared before things became even more complicated. But I couldn't.

I couldn't, because aside from sharing the same name as my mother, Esmeralda looked eerily familiar.

The only memory I had of my mother was a single photograph-the only one that existed. It was the three of us together: Papa, Mama, and me, still a baby in her arms.

In that picture, my mother was young.

But I was certain-absolutely certain-that if she were still alive today, her face would be identical to Esmeralda Hills', Emily's mother.

I stepped out of the bathroom, still lost in thought, when I suddenly froze.

A man and a woman were standing beside my bed.

Both of them turned toward me at the same time.

"Emily, what kind of stunt are you pulling now?" the man snapped angrily, his irritation obvious not just in his voice but in his expression as well. "Why did you have someone text Corrine and ask her to come here?"

I placed my hands on my hips and glared at him.

"Who the fuck is Corrine, and who the hell are you?" I shot back.

The man stiffened, clearly shocked, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.

"What did you just say?" he demanded.

"Asher, maybe she's just confused," the woman beside him said.

I raised an eyebrow at her.

More or less, I already knew-this woman had to be Corrine.

"Get the fuck out of here," I said coldly as I walked toward the bed.

"Emily!" the man shouted.

Asher. That was his name.

"One more shout," I said quietly, locking eyes with him, "and I swear I'll rip that mouth of yours apart."

His eyes widened-completely round.

What the hell? Was this the first time he'd ever been threatened?

Granted, it was only a threat. In my current condition, I didn't have the strength to actually carry it out.

"Emily, where did you learn to talk like that?" the woman scoffed. "Have you been pretending to be all nice and pitiful all this time?"

"So," I asked slowly, raising an eyebrow as I sat down on the bed, "I've been nice and pitiful all this time?"

I met her gaze without backing down.

"Whatever you're planning," Asher said sharply, "don't drag Corrine into this. She had nothing to do with you falling down the stairs."

"I see," I replied calmly. "But that's not for you to decide. I don't remember anything-and my parents have been doing their best to cooperate with the police."

"Don't drag Corrine into our mess," he snapped. "She has nothing to do with our divorce."

I paused.

So this man was Emily's husband-ex-husband, while this Corrine woman clung to him shamelessly?

"We're divorced?" I asked flatly. "Then what are you doing here?"

Then his earlier words came back to me.

"Oh," I added slowly, "you said I asked someone to text Corrine. But how could I do that when I don't remember anything?"

"Maybe you're just acting," Asher muttered.

"Alright," I said. "Then explain this-how did you even know I was awake? As far as I know, my parents asked the hospital not to release any information because of my memory loss and the ongoing police investigation."

"You didn't tell anyone about-" he began.

I cut him off.

"Exactly. Only my nurses, doctors, and parents knew," I said coldly. "Don't tell me the hospital called you. Because while I was unconscious, I vividly heard nurses talking about how my husband never visited me even once."

"Emily, maybe you just misunderstood-"

I shot Corrine a sharp look before bursting into laughter.

"Don't tell me," I said mockingly, "Corrine told you I texted her too?"

Asher turned to look at her, confusion and suspicion flickering across his face.

I didn't bother listening to whatever excuse they were about to give.

"You said we're divorced," I said firmly, my voice flat and emotionless as my eyes met Asher's. "So stop showing your face in front of me."

"It's still in process," Asher replied.

"Get out."

I lay back down on the bed, dismissing them completely.

But before they turned away, I noticed Corrine smiling.

So I smiled back-then casually pointed at the camera mounted beside my bed.

Her eyes widened in shock.

Mr. and Mrs. Hills had it installed because they were worried about me.

And honestly? I didn't mind letting this bitch know it was there.

More or less, I already understood Corrine's role in Emily and Asher's marriage. And I'd bet my next life-if I even had one again-that she was the very reason for their divorce.

Whatever.

They were no longer my problem.

I had my own war to fight.

There was no way Andres would escape what he did to my parents and me.

I would make him pay-with his life.

The problem was... I still didn't know how.

With the two parasites gone, my thoughts only grew heavier.

How was I supposed to face Dante?

How was I supposed to tell him that I was Nora Dumont?

I grabbed my head and closed my eyes in frustration.

I should be grateful. I was alive. I was breathing.

But I couldn't even use my own identity anymore.

I had a different face. A different body.

"Emily, dear... are you in pain?"

I looked up and saw Esmeralda Hills approaching, worry etched deeply on her face.

"Tell us anything, dear," Rod Hills added gently. "Whatever it is, we'll help."

My frustration deepened.

How was I supposed to make these two stop worrying?

Technically, they were my parents now-because I was in Emily's body.

But I wasn't Emily.

I was Nora.

So what was I supposed to do?

"Dear?" Esmeralda called again, studying me closely.

"Damn," I muttered softly after letting out a deep breath. I looked at her and forced an awkward smile. How do you push away someone who genuinely cares for you?

"Your words, Emily," Esmeralda said, concern evident. "Since when did you start talking like that? Are you angry? Did something happen while we were gone?"

"A certain Asher came here," I said honestly. "He said he's my husband-and that we're din the process of divorce. He brought a woman named Corrine with him."

The couple's jaws tightened in anger.

"That bastard and that bitch!" Mr. Hills burst out. "No wonder our daughters have learned to talk like that-it's because of them!" he said to his wife.

"Calm down, Rod," Esmeralda said firmly. "Don't let our daughter hear words like that."

I studied her carefully.

She was angry too-but she still chose restraint.

I shook my head slightly, smiling.

I liked them.

"You're smiling, dear," Esmeralda said softly. "You probably remember how I scold your father whenever he talks like that."

Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I nodded slightly.

"I guess so," I replied. "I felt... strangely happy watching you."

Damn. I didn't even know where that genuine sincerity came from.

I had never spoken like that-not even to my own father.

"Dear daughter, don't mind that Asher anymore," Rod said gently. "If you're already separated, then maybe it's for the best. Our company may not be doing well at the moment, but I can promise you-we won't starve."

I nodded and stayed silent.

They were good people.

That made it harder for me to show my true nature.

I wanted to go back to my organization-but how would Dante accept me?

For now, I had no choice.

I had to remain, Emily, while I figured out my next move.

I needed this couple to survive.

And while I was at it... Why not give justice to whatever Asher and Corrine did to the real owner of this body?

But before I could do anything-

I needed to understand her world first.

And these two... would be a great help.

NORA

"I am now entrusting the company to my daughter."

We were in the middle of a board meeting when Rod spoke those words.

Esmeralda and Rod had already explained everything to me beforehand-every loophole, every possible risk. They knew this decision wouldn't sit well with everyone. They also knew that some people would gladly take advantage of my recent hospitalization just to strip me of the position.

"Rod, Emily just got out of the hospital," an older woman said, her tone carefully controlled. "Shouldn't she be focusing on her recovery first?"

I looked at her.

From the way her lips tightened and her eyes flickered with disdain, it was obvious she didn't want me here. More than that, she didn't want me to become the CEO of Hills Group.

"I'm still here," Rod replied calmly. "You don't have to worry. I will guide her."

"Is that really enough?" the woman pressed. "She will be the one making the decisions, not you."

Her voice was gentle, almost polite, but I wasn't fooled.

"Besides, Rod," another man interjected. My gaze shifted to him. "We all know what happened between her and Mr. Bennett. His company is our number one client. Wouldn't it be better if we let Corrine-"

"I understand your concern, Joshua," Rod cut in sharply. "But Emily is my daughter, and she is the only rightful heir of Hills Pharma. Her marriage with Asher has nothing to do with this company."

His voice carried an unmistakable warning.

I couldn't help but think that whoever originally owned this body was incredibly lucky to have parents like these.

Too bad she was a complete fool when it came to love.

While they argued, I lightly tapped my fingers on the table, as if playing an invisible piano. It was something I did when I needed to think.

The noise around me grew irritating.

So I stopped.

The sudden silence drew everyone's attention to me.

"Do I not have the right," I asked calmly, my face expressionless, my eyes empty and lifeless, "to become the CEO of the company my own father founded?"

That was how I was.

"It's not like that, dear. It's just that-"

"What was your name again?" I interrupted, turning to the woman who had spoken earlier.

She forced an awkward smile.

"I'm Clara Williams. I own five percent of the company shares."

I snorted.

"A measly five percent," I said coolly, raising an eyebrow, "and you dare question my appointment?"

A sharp intake of breath echoed around the room.

I glanced at Rod. Even he looked stunned.

"Emily, what are you saying?" Clara clutched her chest as if I had personally wounded her.

"Anyway," I continued casually, "who the hell is Corrine?"

"She's m–my daughter," Clara replied hesitantly.

I studied her carefully.

"Emily, we know the divorce hurt you," one of the older men said cautiously. "But we're only saying that Clara might help because-"

"She's Asher's mistress. Is that it?" I finished bluntly.

"You've gone too far!" Clara exploded.

"Have I?" I asked with a smile. "Who was glued to Asher's side even when he was still married to me?"

The room went silent.

The board members exchanged glances. Clara froze.

Mr. and Mrs. Hills had already told me, they strongly suspected Corrine was the reason behind Emily and Asher's separation.

What disgusted me even more was what I learned next.

Three years ago, the Hills family had saved the Bennett Group from bankruptcy.

Emily loved Asher so deeply that her family lent him an enormous sum just to help his company recover.

The Hills family had dragged the Bennetts out of the gutter-

And this was how Asher repaid them?

"And now," I continued, my tone sharp, "you want to let a snake manage this company? What if one day we wake up and find Hills Pharma completely drained?"

The board members shifted uneasily.

They knew I had a point.

"That's enough, Emily!" Clara slammed her hand on the table and stood up, livid.

"Is anything I said wrong?" I asked, smiling faintly as I looked at each board member one by one.

None of them could meet my eyes.

Good.

Doubt had already been planted.

"Since you've understood Emily's point," Rod said firmly, "I believe there's nothing left to discuss. My daughter is intelligent, you all know that. Yes, the company was compromised when I decided to help the Bennett Group, but that will never happen again. I'm sure you've all seen how decisive she is."

One by one, the board members nodded.

All except Clara.

Her eyes burned with fury.

I didn't care.

"I would like to announce that there will be changes in the company soon," I said with a smile, one that made it clear I wasn't someone to trifle with. "While I was in the hospital, I thought carefully about how to further expand the company. I hope we can all walk toward success together."

The meeting ended without another word from Clara-or Joshua.

Rod and I were the last to leave the boardroom. We headed straight to his office, where Esmeralda was waiting with Matt, Rod's assistant.

"Are you okay, dear?" Esmeralda asked worriedly. "Did anyone say anything inappropriate to you?"

She had refused to join the meeting earlier, saying she disliked the board's fake smiles.

"You won't believe it, Esme," Rod said, beaming with pride. "Our daughter was fearless. I even couldn't believe it."

Esmeralda stared at me in disbelief, as if I had suddenly grown horns.

"Fearless?" she asked. "They didn't eat her alive?"

She sounded anxious as she reached for my hand.

Rod chuckled and looked at me seriously.

"I don't know what happened," he said, "but I like this version of Emily. She's always been kind, loving, forgiving-too forgiving. And those very qualities were the reason people, even her own husband, stepped all over her."

All eyes turned to me.

They were waiting for an explanation, perhaps.

"I just didn't want them to think I'm a pushover," I said quietly. "I realized something-I'm your daughter. You love me so much that you wouldn't even let a mosquito touch me. So why should I allow others to treat me like I'm worthless?"

Tears welled up in Esmeralda's eyes.

She pulled me into a tight embrace.

I didn't expect the strange warmth that enveloped me.

My own father loved me deeply-he would die for me without hesitation.

But what Esmeralda made me feel now was... different.

I raised my hand and hugged her back.

For now, Rod and Esmeralda were my family.

I still had no explanation prepared for Dante-my right hand, the man who knew me better than anyone.

I couldn't let him see me yet.

How was I supposed to tell him?

How could I explain that I was Nora Dumont, the most feared leader of an underground organization-

Trapped inside the body of Emily Hills...

A woman known only as a doormat?

Tsk!