Chapter 6- The New me

“Good day, Ma’am. Am I onto Miss Celine ?”

I frowned slightly and answered, “Yes, speaking.”

“Good day, Ma’am. We are calling from the Bluebird Entertainment Agency. You are to appear for an audition with the next set of people tomorrow by 9 a.m. Have a nice day, Ma’am.”

The call ended just like that — no chance to even ask a question.

For a moment, I just stood there, the phone still pressed to my ear. Beside me, Tessa’s mouth hung open.

I turned to her slowly, and a small smirk curved my lips — a mix of disbelief and quiet anger. “So he heard what I said,” I murmured. “And he’s already making moves for me. He’s quite fast.”

Tessa blinked at me, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Ma’am, we need to get you clothes and a makeover.”

“That’s true,” I replied softly, remembering Lucas’s cold words from the night before. He really was the monster people called him — arrogant, proud, and used to getting whatever he wanted. I didn’t even want to imagine getting attached to someone like that.

“And, Tessa,” I added, grabbing my handbag, “I told you to stop calling me ma’am when it’s just us. I’m Celine.”

“Yes, ma— I mean, Celine,” she corrected herself quickly. We both laughed. She was clearly too used to formality.

Before leaving, I glanced at myself in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looked tired — not from lack of sleep, but from heartbreak. I touched my reflection gently.

It’s time to erase this version of me — the one they turned into a fool.

When we stepped outside, a man in a black suit was leaning against a sleek 2022 BMW.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” he said, straightening immediately. “I’m Thomas. I’ve been assigned by Sir to take you wherever you need to go. I’m also your personal driver and bodyguard.”

I looked at the car, then at him. “I don’t think I’m ready to drive in such exotic cars coming from him yet,” I said flatly. “I want a slow and clearly mapped-out comeback on my own, not one powered by someone else’s influence.”

“Boss instructed me not to let you go anywhere alone,” he insisted politely. “It’s for your safety.”

“Of course,” I muttered. “He only cares about his property and his money.” Then louder, I said, “Fine. Follow behind the cab. Keep your close watch.”

With that, Tessa and I left. Our cab had already arrived, so we got in and headed straight for Reno’s Boutique — one of the biggest in New York.

I’d only heard about the place from Marielle, but stepping inside was something else entirely. The glass walls gleamed, the scent of expensive perfume filled the air, and designer dresses shimmered under the warm lights. I ran my fingers across one of them, smiling a little for the first time in days.

Tessa and I started browsing through the racks. When we reached the trousers section, I picked a few to try on — and that was when I saw her.

Marielle.

She was clinging to Adrian’s arm like her life depended on it, laughing too loudly, too sweetly. The moment her eyes met mine, her smile froze — then twisted into a smirk. She whispered something to Adrian and strutted toward me, still holding onto him.

“Well, well,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “What’s a loser like you doing here?”

I closed my eyes briefly, steadying my breath. When I opened them again, my tone was calm. “What else? Shopping.”

“As if you can afford anything from here,” she snapped. “You were just sold yesterday. Oh—” she let out a fake gasp, “—and how’s your husband?” She said that part with venom, tightening her grip on Adrian’s arm.

“I’m no longer part of your family,” I said evenly. “So please, Marielle, leave me alone and let me shop in peace.”

I turned to leave, but she yanked my arm. Hard. I nearly lost my balance, and Tessa rushed to steady me. The sudden heat In my chest flared into rage.

Before I even realized it, my hand moved on its own.

Slap!

Then again.

Slap!

Her face snapped to the side, red and shocked. The entire boutique went quiet.

“Don’t concern yourself with my affairs again,” I said coldly. “You’ve already done enough.”

Adrian finally stepped forward, grabbing Marielle’s shoulders. “Celine that’s enough! Marielle, calm down—”

I turned to him, cutting him off with a bitter laugh. “Enough? You should be the last person telling me that.”

He looked taken aback, his voice softer now. “Celine, I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t.” I raised a hand, my tone like ice. “Don’t you dare say my name like you ever cared. You made your choice, remember? Now stay beside her like the coward you are.”

The words hit him, and for a brief moment, I saw guilt flash across his face. But I didn’t care anymore.

Marielle, still holding her cheek, screamed, “You’ll regret this!”

I met her gaze and smirked. “I already regretted ever knowing either of you.”

With that, I turned away. Tessa followed, and though I could hear Adrian trying to calm Marielle behind us, I didn’t look back. I was done.

We continued shopping quietly after that. By the time we finished, our hands were filled with bags — dresses for both Tessa and me. She kept thanking me over and over, but I just smiled.

At the counter, I swiped the black card Lucas had given me the day before. The cashier’s polite smile faltered when she saw the card — the kind only billionaires owned. I felt a strange sense of power at that moment, one I hadn’t felt in a long time.

From there, we went to a spa and makeover studio. I let them handle everything — a full-body massage, facial treatments, even my hair. My dark locks were styled into soft curls with short bangs that framed my face perfectly.

When I looked in the mirror, I froze.

The woman staring back wasn’t broken anymore. Her eyes looked sharper, her lips fuller, her skin glowing. I didn’t even look like myself — or maybe for the first time, I did.

Tessa gasped beside me. “You look… incredible,” she whispered.

I smiled, really smiled this time. “Maybe I was just hiding for too long.”

As the day ended and we returned home, Tessa helped me arrange the new clothes neatly in the wardrobe. I showered quietly, warm water running down my skin as my thoughts drifted.

Tomorrow would be the start of something new.

Not the timid girl who begged for love.

Not the broken bride who was betrayed.

But the woman who would rise — and make everyone who hurt her pay.