Her Rebirth

Amelia couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she walked down the street, heading to the book café. She had finally gotten a job, and as much as it seemed insignificant, it gave her a sense of fulfillment. She had achieved something, an achievement that was entirely her own. Something she did not do because of a man nor to fulfill her responsibilities as an empress but... for herself.

Even while she was the favored daughter of Duke Valemont, she was still subject to certain rules. She couldn’t get a proper education as she was a woman; instead, the only education given to her was how to please her husband and take care of the household. Meaningless things like the prim and proper way to hold a teacup, how to sit, how to smile, how to talk, when to talk, how to walk, the amount of food to be taken... In a sense, all the things she did or seemed to enjoy were not because she truly wanted to do them nor enjoyed them but because she had to.

She had never truly chosen anything for herself. Except for choosing to marry Aldrich, that was a wrong decision.

So this was a change.

A small one, but a change nonetheless.

To celebrate, she decided she would take Kai for a treat. He had been accommodating her, feeding her, more than she had ever expected from someone who had no obligation to care.

She pushed open the café door, the small bell above ringing softly. The scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air, and Amelia’s steps slowed when she saw him.

Kai stood near the shelves, smiling softly at a woman as he recommended books to her. It was the same smile he had given her that day.

For some reason, her gaze lingered a bit too long.

As if sensing it, he turned. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, time seemed to pause.

Then, offering a polite smile to the woman, Kai made his way toward her.