All my life, since my mother died, Emma always stared at me with contempt and loathing. But now, gone was the hatred. It was replaced by motherly emotions that were ready to start a new chapter with me.

Maybe because I was longing for a family’s love or a mother’s affection, but whatever it was, I wanted to feel that affection. Especially from a mother.

I nodded.

Emma breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at me. I forced a smile in return. I was not use to the feeling, but I was pleased.

Even if Sophia and I didn’t get along, at least from now on, Emma would treat me like a daughter. Maybe, just maybe, not before long, my father would also treat me like a daughter.

And we could all become one big happy family.

That’s all I ever wanted.

A family.

“Zoe, I’ve reserved a room for you here so you can enjoy yourself. I know it is late, but consider it as a commemoration gift for your first day at the university.”

Emma handed out a card to me, which I gladly accepted.

“I made sure all expenses are paid. The spa here is to die for,” Emma said, which made me laughed a bit.

“Why don’t you and I go together then?” I asked, trying to bridge the gap from those long years of not knowing each other.

The corner of Emma’s lips curved down. “Believe me, I love to . . . but you know we’ve been very busy with Sophia’s birthday.”

“Oh,” was all I could say, didn’t hide my disappointment.

Emma quickly grabbed my hand. “I promise. After Sophia’s birthday, we will have a mother-daughter date. Just the two of us.”

My face lit up. I couldn’t believe my long wish was coming true. Bonding with a family!

I nodded.

I was so happy.

agh!

A slight jolt in my brain caused me to see burnt spots.

“Zoe? What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

I heard Emma’s frantic voice, which made me feel comforted.

“Y-yeah, it must be . . . all the paints . . . I inhaled . . . a while ago . . . ,” I said despite the painful pounding of my head.

This is no joke!

It was like my brain was gritting and thumping, and I was becoming dizzy and fast!

I stood to my feet.

“I’m sorry . . . I-I think . . . I need to go . . . r-rest up a bit . . .”

“Zoe, don’t worry about me. You go and sleep. Do you want me to accompany you upstairs?”

I still heard Emma’s panic-stricken voice, which was a good sign that my brain hadn’t entirely exploded yet.

I smiled and shook my head.

“N-no need . . . T-thank you . . .” Was all I could say amidst the dizziness.

I quickly walked out of the restaurant, staggering while trying hard to maintain my balance. I was on my way to the elevator when it opened and came out a kid. I was half running, and my focus was on my pounding head rather than in my surroundings, and I bumped into him, and the card Emma gave me flew out of my hand.

“Shit!”

I hissed.

I regained my bearing and searched for the card, not minding the kid on the floor. When I found it, I grabbed it and strode towards the closing elevator.

“Hey, Lady, wait!”

Yelled a crisp voice coming from the kid, I just bumped into, and before I could even see his face, the elevator door closed.