*Reborn in Shadows*

Chapter 13: Emily

I woke up feeling drained from yesterday's chaos, but a flicker of excitement sparked in me for today. Emily had planned a special outing, and despite my fatigue, I was looking forward to it. I slipped into a neat pair of jeans and simple white T-shirt with blazer on top of it .

As I came downstairs, Emily's eyes lit up at the sight of me. "You look fantastic, Cath! Ready for a day of fun?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. We headed out to a charming café downtown for breakfast and some shopping. The warm, inviting atmosphere of the café made it a perfect spot for a more personal conversation.

As we settled into a cozy corner with our coffees, I decided it was the perfect time to ask the questions that had been weighing on my mind.

"Emily, can we talk for a moment? I've been wondering about the family. What do you and Mr. Thompson do, and... well, is there something I should know about my background? I look so different from everyone here—am I adopted ?I felt some kind of guilt saying that "

Emily's smile softened, and she set her cup down, her gaze growing thoughtful. "Yes, Cath, you are adopted. When we found you, we knew you were special. We chose you because we saw so much potential and love in you. It wasn't about appearances but about the bond we could create."

Her words were like a balm, soothing my fears. I felt a mix of relief and sadness. "I've always felt a bit out of place, and I guess I've been struggling to fit in."

Emily's hand reached across the table to touch mine. "I understand. It's not always easy to feel different. But remember, we chose you because of who you are inside. We love you for being you, not for fitting a certain mold."

I looked at her, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you. I know you love me, but it's good to hear it out loud."

She smiled warmly. "We're a family because we care for each other. Our love isn't defined by looks or biology. It's about how we support and cherish one another."

Our conversation eased my anxieties, and Emily's reassurance gave me a sense of belonging. As we finished our coffees and prepared to leave, Emily's tone shifted to a lighter, more playful note.

"How about a change of look to go with our new chapter? What do you think about dyeing your hair?"

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What color were you thinking?"

Emily's eyes twinkled. "How about a rich chocolate brown? It'll look great on you."

We spent the rest of the morning at a nearby salon, where my hair was transformed into a glossy chocolate brown.
Later, while waiting for my new look to set, Emily and I talked about trivial things—fashion, our favorite movies, and little anecdotes from our lives. The serious conversation we had earlier felt like a distant memory. We found we have a lot of things in common and not for a moment I felt that I was not theirs .

When the transformation was complete, I looked in the mirror and saw a new version of myself. Emily's eyes sparkled with delight. "You look fantastic! It's like you've found a new part of yourself."

I smiled at her reflection. "Thank you, Emily. For everything."

We spent the rest of the day shopping, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. It was a day of bonding, filled with both lighthearted and heartfelt moments.

As we headed back home, I felt a deep connection with Emily ... A feeling of being loved and taken care of .

As we drove home, I glanced over at Emily, feeling a mix of gratitude and affection. "Thank you, Emily. I mean, thank you, Mum. For everything."

Emily's eyes softened, and she reached over to squeeze my hand. "You're welcome, Cath. I'm glad we had this day together. I'm always here for you, no matter what."

We shared a contented silence as we continued our drive, the bond between us feeling stronger and more genuine than ever.