"What do I do now?" Emma asked no one in particular. This had nothing to do with Honey, and she knew it.
She still didn't have the courage to lie down on Olivia's bed, nor did she dare to browse through her phone. Everything still felt foreign, as though she were wearing a life that hadn't fully accepted her yet.
Her hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Maybe… maybe I should act like Olivia, she thought suddenly.
The rude, confident Olivia.
She could ask Smith for his phone and call Max directly.
Yes.
That was possible.
All she had to do was stay close to him. Get his attention. Seduce him slowly, carefully until he falls for her.
She needed a plan.
But before that, she needed something to anchor herself. A habit. A way to seal off the anxiety before it swallowed her whole.
It had been a long time since it struck this hard.
It started back when she was working endlessly just to feed her family, when the loan sharks appeared, threatening everything she loved. The fear of missing deadlines, of failing to pay on time, had hollowed her out from the inside.
That fear became anxiety.
And in her weakest moments, she had used her cat as an escape, clinging to the small comfort she could control.
Slowly, Emma stood and walked toward the balcony, desperate for fresh air. She couldn't even remember the last time she had been home at this hour of the day.
She lowered herself into an office chair placed neatly outside, clearly meant for relaxation and quiet moments beneath the sky.
A small glass table stood before her, and a private bar rested at the far end of the balcony.
From Olivia's memories, this was usually her private time.
She would have snacks delivered to her room, pour herself a glass, and sit alone doing something entirely by herself.
Emma didn't reach for the bar.
She only tilted her head back and stared at the clear sky.
It wasn't so bad here.
For the first time since waking up in this body, she felt less suffocated.
And for once, she was genuinely annoyed that Honey didn't respond. She pretended the system didn't exist and simply stared upward, her thoughts dissolving into nothing.
Sleep took her quietly.
Her head eventually tilted sideways, resting against the chair handle as soft snores echoed across the balcony.
She had no idea how long she slept.
"Miss Smith, your mom asked for you. It's time for lunch."
Via's voice repeated the message again and again until Emma finally stirred and stumbled back into the room.
"Did I disturb your sleep, honey?" Laura asked gently as Emma dragged her feet toward the dining area.
"No," Emma replied groggily.
Smith pulled out the chair beside him and opened his arms instinctively. Emma moved closer without hesitation.
In that moment, she felt it clearly, these two were the only things that felt right in this unfamiliar world.
They were genuinely good people.
Their wealth hadn't twisted them. It hadn't hardened their hearts.
Just like Laura had done that morning, Smith's fingers slid through Emma's hair, slow and affectionate, while the maids quietly set the dishes on the table.
After lunch, Emma finally spoke.
"Can we talk now?" she asked softly. "About what you mentioned earlier."
The couple's faces lit up instantly.
Smith wiped his mouth with a kerchief and stood. "Of course, baby."
Laura followed immediately.
Their enthusiasm startled Emma.
What could it be?
Smith's arm wrapped naturally around her shoulders, while Laura held her hand. They smiled as if sharing a secret.
Emma couldn't help smiling back.
She felt like one of her younger sisters; the way she used to walk between them when she had rare free time with her family.
They led her into a wide garden behind the mansion.
Even with Olivia's memories, Emma blinked in disbelief. Reality was always stronger than memory.
Flowers of every color bloomed around them, their fragrance calming, almost therapeutic.
There was a round table set a short distance away, already prepared by the maids, as if they had known this conversation would take place here.
Smith poured strawberry juice into their cups.
Emma almost thanked him out loud but caught herself at the last second, lowering her head instead.
"Baby," Laura began, her tone careful, "what do you think about Max?"
Emma felt their gazes lock onto her.
It was as if they weren't waiting for her to speak, they were waiting for confirmation.
"I… I don't know," Emma replied, clearing her throat repeatedly as her heart raced.
The couple exchanged knowing looks.
"I figured you wouldn't like this idea at first," Smith said gently.
Emma looked up, confused.
"Max's parents mentioned that the woman you saw yesterday with Maximillian's family is a skilled fighter and extremely advanced with technology," he continued. "I know you're already talented in that area, but there's no harm in learning more. You could train with her."
Emma listened carefully.
"It would be better than having male instructors," Laura added. "And… you'd finally have some freedom. You wouldn't need your guards constantly around you."
Smith's voice hardened slightly.
"You'd be under their protection while I deal with the people behind the assassination attempts, without worrying they might use you to threaten me when pushed to a corner."
Emma froze.
"But," Laura continued gently, "she lives in Max's villa. Which means you'll be seeing him every day… at least until everything is settled."
"We were worried you wouldn't agree," Smith admitted.
"I agree," Emma blurted out.
The words came out too fast.
She quickly corrected herself. "I mean I understand why you came up with the plan. It makes sense."
The couple exchanged glowing looks.
They were convinced now.
Their daughter had fallen for Max.
"It's okay, baby," Smith said warmly. "We understand."
Emma felt something bloom in her chest.
Everything…. everything had just been handed to her on a silver platter.
A smile spread across her face.
There was no way Max wouldn't fall for her now.
Her courage surged back, stronger than before.
These two…
They really were the best.