Sophie bit her lips and plucked up the courage to speak. "Thank you, Nathalia and I want to apologize. I'm sorry. I've been wanting to say it to you but haven't found the courage to do so till now. I know I haven't been a very good friend, and I've caused so much trouble for you."

She poured her heart out and felt much lighter afterward. She admitted that there was a lot for her to learn from Nathalia, her calmness, her bravery, her intelligence. No wonder mum loves Nathalia so much, and so does Matt.

​​

On hearing Sophie's confession, Nathalia looked up from the screen and said, "Hey, don't be silly. There's nothing to apologize for, Sophie."

Sophie blushed, feeling ashamed of herself. "I feel like a fool myself, so useless, compared to you. And I have been so stupid. I didn't understand your way of thinking and, and I didn't respect you. Mum has also told me off and helped me realize that I have been a disappointment as a friend. But I, I do, I do see you as my best friend, and I never ever wanted you any harm." She stammered a few times.

Nathalia could hear the guilt, the shame, the regret, and sadness in Sophie's voice. She heaved a silent sigh and thought, it must be rather stressful for her to have a friend like me. No one likes to be compared with someone else.

"Sophie, all I know is that you are my friend and what real friends do is allow each other to be themselves, to be true to themselves." To Nathalia, Sophie was her only friend, and that was the only thing that she would ask her to allow each other to be each other.

Sophie felt much better after expressing her real feelings. She replied, sounding more cheerful this time, "I promise I will never ask you, or trick you, to do what you don't like anymore. Even if Matt begs me, I will respect you."

It brought a smile to Nathalia's face. This is what I love about Sophie's innocence. She thought sweetly. "A promise is a promise. If you break your promise, then I will not be your friend anymore." Nathalia said, half teasing.

As if the heavy box containing all her worries that had been placed on her heart suddenly disappeared, Sophie exclaimed happily, "Yes, I promise, and I will never break my promise."

It was only till now when Sophie realized how much she cared about Nathalia as a friend and how worried she was about losing her. She's my friend and a mentor. She thought gratefully.

Lisa heaved a sigh of relief. Now they have finally torn down the wall between them. She gestured to Sophie to imply that she wanted to speak to Nathalia.

"Mum wants to speak to you. I will put her on the phone."

Lisa took the phone and said gently, "Nathalia, how are you? Don't you mind, Sophie? I've spoiled her too much. She's too innocent to know the dark side of the world." Lisa had always felt grateful to Nathalia. It was Nathalia that helped change their life.

When she found that Nathalia had risked her life to save Sophie, she knew she would be grateful to her for the rest of her life. Sophie was alive because of Nathalia. She saved my daughter's life.

Nathalia understood Lisa's unspoken worries and gratitude. She envied Sophie for having a love of her mother and was happy for her. "Sophie is like a younger sister to me. You have no idea how jealous I am of her innocence." She said sincerely.

Nathalia understood that Sophie was allowed to keep her innocence because she had the protection from her mother, which she wished she had.

However, at the same time, she knew that one had to live their life on their own. One had to learn to be a warrior to be their own protector. Your path of life was meant for you only.

Sophie had started to see things more clearly and understood better since the incident. It was a hard way to learn, but perhaps it was a good thing after all.

"Nathalia, thank you again. Thank you for saving Sophie..."

"You are very welcome." Nathalia paused for a bit and said cheerfully, "And you've said it like a thousand times! Hahaha, my ears are growing tired of it. Now tell me something good. How are things at The Trend?"

She decided to change the subject. She didn't ask for their gratitude. She did what she did because she loved them.

"Trend is doing great!" Lisa said with excitement. "We've just got a few large orders and some big clients from Europe."Business was good and growing quickly. Pretty much every new design was sold out within a few days.

"That's wonderful!" Nathalia exclaimed. At least there's some positive news. She thought and comforted herself.

"Yeah. Why don't you come over when this nonsense dies down? There are some decisions to make, and I would love to have your opinions on them." Lisa suggested.

There were too many things for Nathalia to deal with at the moment, and she couldn't spare time for The Trend at all. "I trust you, Lisa. You are capable of making the best decisions."

Nathalia heard a commotion from outside. She went out to the balcony to see what was happening.

A car parked near the gate. A young man and a young woman got out of the car. Nathalia could tell that they were Kelly and Herman Berry, Amy's sister and brother. They went straight to the gate and rang the bell.

A group of journalists surrounded them within seconds and were asking them questions. Nathalia couldn't hear what they were saying but could tell that the Berry siblings were very emotional.

She gave it a thought and asked the housemaid to open the door. Though the bodyguards had suggested her not to, she had made up her mind. I can't just hide here all day. They have now come to me, then I will face them. I've done nothing wrong and have nothing to feel guilty for.

The crowd was surprised and excited to see the gate open. All had their cameras and microphones ready. With the escort of a few bodyguards, Nathalia walked to the gate to greet the visitors. In a light blue dress, she looked pretty and elegant.

Kelly was wearing black and an angry face. She rushed to Nathalia emotionally. "You are a murderer! We, the Berries, will have revenge on you!"

Herman was glaring at Nathalia with intense resentment. "Amy would not die for nothing! You will have to pay for it!" He barked furiously.

The bodyguards reacted quickly and barred the two angry visitors. Nathalia appeared calm and indifferent. She said plainly, "I'm sorry for your loss, but what has it got to do with me?"

The crowd was rather shocked to see Nathalia's reaction. She doesn't seem to be affected by it at all!

Enraged, Kelly started punching the bodyguards and yelled at Nathalia, "You are a monster! An evil monster! What have you done with my sister! You don't even feel guilty at all! You are a devil!" She shouted so emotionally that she looked like a madwoman.

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Dearest Lovies,

I decided to give an extra chapter today because I read all your comments. Tomorrow is FRIDAY, mass release day, and thank you all for the love and support you guys showered on this novel. 

I want to share and help my other sisterhood author, who published her book: FATED TO YOU (by Shadow Princess96) featured this week. Hopefully, you guys will give it a try too. 

This novel will end soon, and there are few chapters left, but I will produce volume two immediately to continue my task for the WIN_WIN event so that you guys will get back 20% rebates of your spent coins on the privileged chapter purchased. It is another reborn story and more exciting than this one. 

Stay safe, lovies! Spread love and positive vibes!

Love lots,

Anna Shannel Lin