Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 87

Ria's POV:

As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. My reflection had become a stranger I was now fond of-one with a bright, welcoming face, and a confident, easy-going demeanor. I brushed my fringe curtain bangs back, admiring the way they framed my face. My hair had grown long and healthy again, each strand catching the light in a way that made me feel alive.

The past three years had been transformative. It was hard to believe that I had left Ivy behind, left behind the confusion and heartache that once defined my days. Now, in Oxford, everything was different. Everything was better.

I looked at my reflection, taking in my figure and the natural curve of my body. I had finally gotten my shape back, the curves that made me feel comfortable in my own skin again. The constant rain of Oxford might have been dreary, but it hadn't dampened my spirits. Instead, it had given me time to reflect, to grow, to become someone I was proud to be.

Today, like most days, was spent in the hospital where I was doing my internship. I had taken up a position at the main hospital in Oxford, a prestigious place that was giving me a wealth of experience. It was challenging, but every day was a new opportunity to learn and to help others. And it was exactly what I needed.

Layla and I had graduated from our one-year master's program at Oxford University twe years ago, and while our paths had diverged slightly, they still intersected in the best ways. Layla had secured an incredible internship at a non-profit organization run by the university. Even though we weren't working together, we were inseparable. We saw each other every day, minus the occasional holiday when she'd fly back to Oregon to visit her family and I'd have my sisters come to Oxford.

I glanced at the clock. I had just enough time to grab a quick breakfast before heading to the hospital. Layla was still sleeping, as she often did, with her non-profit's irregular hours. We had found a cozy routine that worked for both of us. And Jamal-oh, Jamal was a constant, cheerful presence in our lives. After a brief break during our master's program when the long distance had become too hard, Layla and Jamal had rekindled their relationship. It was as if they were meant to be together, and nothing seemed to keep them apart now.

Jamal had even moved in with us. I didn't mind at all. He was funny, clean, and made Layla happier than I had ever seen her. Plus, he had recently graduated as a sports physical therapist and was helping out with rent. He was a breath of fresh air, and I genuinely liked him. If I were a betting woman, I'd say a proposal was on the horizon. Yes, they were that perfect for each other.

Benjamin, my cousin, had moved into the flat directly opposite ours. It was like having family right next door, a small piece of home in this foreign city. He had settled into Oxford life quite well, and our frequent catch-ups kept me grounded and connected to my roots.

Life had changed so much. I no longer hid behind baggy clothes. I wore what I wanted, how I wanted, and walked with a confidence that I hadn't known before. My sisters still flew in to visit, and every time they did, it was a joyous reunion.

We were all close now-Layla, Jamal, Benjamin, and me. We all even made some friends here, including me. We laughed, shared our dreams, and supported one another through thick and thin. The pain of the past was there, but it was now a distant memory, overshadowed by the present joy I felt every day.

As I finished getting ready, I took one last look at myself in the mirror. I was proud of how far I had come. Life wasn't perfect, but it was mine. And it was good.

With a final glance at the mirror, I grabbed my bag and headed for the door, ready for another day.

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