Chapter 5 Determination to change

Morning arrived. Luna was still in awe of everything in Anastasya's luxurious home. I cooked for her, even though there were more than enough housekeepers to attend to Luna's every need.

Luna had met her grandfather briefly last night. "This is Grandpa William. Kiss his hand, child."

"Luna, this is Grandpa. From now on, you and Mommy will live here. In the big William family home."

Luna smiled, "Okay Grandpa, can I still go to school, Mommy? Am I still with Mommy?"

I smiled. William burst out laughing. "Of course, darling. Grandpa has arranged everything. Everything that's best for Luna."

That day, Luna received a new school uniform, bag, and all the school supplies that had just been delivered. Luna had to go to school. An international school, known for its discipline and for producing intelligent children in this country.

After breakfast, I took my daughter to school alone in the car. Dad had asked for the driver to take us, but I firmly refused. I was wearing a plain t-shirt and loose pants, with no makeup and my hair tied back haphazardly.

Dad saw his daughter leave with a faint smile as she said goodbye to take Luna to school. "She's pale, without makeup, and dressed so simply. I hope I can see her as the Alyssa I once knew..." Dad took a deep breath.

I took Luna to an elite private school, a school that Brian and I had once set our sights on, but was rejected then, and out of reach then. Even after Brian achieved success, he never moved his child to an elite international quality school like the one I had always wanted.

Now, Dad helped me enroll Luna there.

At the school gate, luxury cars lined up: black SUVs, white sedans, and expensive sports cars. Socialite mothers stepped out, exuding the scent of expensive perfume, with flawless makeup and branded bags.

I arrived in an ordinary family car, leading Luna while carrying her lunchbox. I just wanted to make sure my child was happy.

The curious, surprised, and inquisitive eyes of the socialite mothers idly made comments.

"Is the new child being brought by the maid?"

"I don't know. Is the maid so tacky? Her outfit makes me itch."

"The important thing is that the boss can pay, right?"

"The maid looks so sloppy, how can she kiss the employer's child?"

The comments and sneers were heard clearly. Glances of deceit or disgust fell upon me.

I remained silent, indifferent. Right now, I just needed my child not to be shattered, even if her heart was broken. My child's education would continue. Luna's world would remain intact.

I walked with my head held high, ignoring the opinions and cynical stares I heard. "I don't care about your comments. For me, the most important thing is that Luna receives the best education for her."

As my foot touched the car door, I saw myself and was stunned. My simply tied hair, my dull face, and my clothes. I bit my lip in disbelief. Brian had destroyed my life too deeply that I indeed looked like a housekeeper.

Meanwhile, Brian's status that morning was "Perfect romantic photos between Bryan and that itchy brown-haired woman."

"I was once beautiful and elegant. Now? I can't even bear to look at myself because my soul is wounded by Bryan's betrayal."

The mothers' sneers actually awakened something within me: disgust, shattered pride, and a rage I wanted to unleash.

I opened the car door, sat in the driver's seat, and said firmly, "It's time for me to change myself into Allysa!"

When I left the school grounds, I didn't go home immediately. I sat in the city park, feeling the warmth of the sun, calming my still wounded heart.

A woman wearing trendy leggings and a sports t-shirt stopped her morning run. She smiled as she looked at me.

"Oh my God, is that you, Ayna? Is this really my friend, Ayna?"

"Liana? You, is that you, Li?" I smiled, and we embraced, releasing our longing.

"You look so tired. Ayna, you always used to be the most put-together, the most confident. What happened to you after marrying Bryan?"

I gave a hollow smile.

"It seems I've forgotten how to be myself. Brian... He, um... Left me and destroyed me just like that. Please help me become Allysa, but I'm still confused about where to start."

Liana looked at me with pity but also with enthusiasm.

"You're not confused. We'll start everything, and I'm here. I have a salon and a gym. Come on, I'll help you. It's free for my friend, consider it a gift for the friend who once helped me."

"Salon and Gym?" I couldn't believe it.

"Yes, both can help you remember who you are. When you married Brian, I missed you so much. Now I won't let Bryan smile. He'll cry when he sees your transformation after this."

I finally accepted Liana's invitation, albeit with a bit of embarrassment. That morning, Liana took me to her salon.

In front of the mirror, I only saw a wounded woman with dark circles under her eyes and long, dull hair tied back simply.

"Rina, give her a haircut that suits her," Liana instructed. My tangled hair was now cut to shoulder length, neat and soft. With a hair color chosen by my friend Liana.

Not to forget, a spa and special facial treatment were also provided for me. My dull skin slowly regained its radiance. Simple nail care, a luxurious scent replaced the usual soap smell.

For the past few days, I've also been exercising with a special instructor at the gym. I started on the treadmill with a stiff body, but gradually got used to it. In the afternoon, Liana picked me up for aerobics and Salsa. Rhythmic music accompanied my steps in black leggings and a drenched t-shirt, sweat dripping, my forehead covered in endless beads of sweat. Spirit and freshness returned to my life.

My routine upon waking up was jogging and aerobics. My body felt more alive. Joking with Liana was the remedy for my dim soul.

"It turns out it wasn't me who was broken, Li. It was just my body that had forgotten to be looked after and pampered!"

"Yup, you've been reborn. After this, we're going to the boutique! I'm itching to get rid of your collection of clothes. Alyssa Anastasya Lincoln has to go back to how she was!" Liana said with an enthusiastic look.

"Boutique?" Yes, I need that, Li," I closed my eyes. I hadn't used the black card that Dad had given me yesterday to pamper myself at all.

It turned out that Dad and Liana had the same intention: to return Ayna to her rightful place and class.

"I won't let Liana help too much. I will prove that I have returned as Alyssa!"