Rebirth: A Second chance at life

The next morning, a fresh aroma of food wafted throughout the apartment, pulling Aurora from her slumber. Groggily, she made her way to the kitchen, where she found Cassandra meticulously preparing breakfast.

Cassandra noticed her and beamed. "Good morning! I made your breakfast."

Aurora's eyes fell on the plate—a beautifully presented French toast stuffed with avocado, topped with a perfectly poached egg, and garnished with a drizzle of butter and thinly sliced carrots. It looked divine.

Taking her first bite, Aurora hummed in satisfaction, savoring the mix of flavors. Cassandra watched her with an amused expression before nervously breaking the silence. "Uh, Aurora… we did have fun last night, right? I mean, I wasn't… a pain in the ass, was I?"

Aurora stared at her for a full two minutes, her expression unreadable, before bursting into laughter. "No, you just fell asleep. But honestly, it'd be fun to see you in full drunken mode someday!"

Cassandra blushed furiously, muttering something under her breath that only made Aurora laugh harder.

The two decided to take the day off and spent it lounging around, chatting, and indulging in a proper girl's day. For Aurora, it was a rare treat. Cassandra was the only real friend she had now. As Aurora, her relationships had been fraught, and even as Luna, meaningful girl-time had been scarce.

As they talked, Aurora recounted the events of the previous night, including her encounter with Alexander.

"That bastard!" Cassandra fumed. "How dare he? Is he having second thoughts now?"

She then turned to Aurora with a curious expression. "Well, if he did truly repent and wanted to reconcile, would you forgive him?"

Aurora gazed at her friend, understanding the deeper worry beneath her words. Cassandra didn't want her to be hurt again—or to let herself be a fool for someone undeserving. Smiling softly, Aurora hugged Cassandra tightly.

"Thank you for being my friend, Cass," she whispered. "But no. No way in hell would I ever go back to that scoundrel. He doesn't deserve me."

Cassandra grinned, her relief evident. "Good. At least you've changed for the better."

She studied Aurora quietly, noting the subtle but undeniable transformation in her friend. This Aurora wasn't just tough—she exuded a refined, almost commanding aura. It was a stark contrast to the girl she once knew. Back then, Aurora had been plump and considered unattractive by many, but she carried a lady-like demeanor. Despite her outward insecurities, she was brave—Cassandra still remembered the time Aurora had saved her life on the slippery hills.

But those qualities had been overshadowed by the emotional scars left by relentless bullies. Their cruelty had chipped away at Aurora's confidence, leaving her fragile and, at times, timid.

Cassandra's thoughts darkened as she wondered what Alexander had done to push her once-fragile friend to become this fiercely unyielding woman. Whatever it was, it had ignited a change—a fire that Cassandra couldn't help but admire.

Still, she hoped the transformation wasn't born solely out of bitterness. Deep down, Cassandra wished Aurora had changed not just to survive but to thrive and find happiness.

"I like the present you a lot," Cassandra said, her voice soft but filled with sincerity. "I hope you've truly changed for good and that you make your life better—because you deserve it."

Aurora smiled, a glimmer of warmth breaking through her usually sharp gaze. "Don't worry, Cass. I will."

While chatting, Aurora suddenly paused, her eyes glinting with determination. "I've been thinking, Cass," she began, setting her cup down. "I'd like to give the college entrance examination this year."

Cassandra blinked, surprised. "Really? That's amazing!"

Aurora's lips curved into a faint smirk as she leaned back in her chair. "But that's not all. I'll also be paying the Smith family a visit in a few days."

Cassandra's expression shifted from excitement to concern. "The Smith family? Why?"

Aurora's smirk deepened, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I have my dear mother there and my lovely sister. It's been far too long, and I think it's high time I returned all the love they've showered on me—" she paused, her gaze sharpening, "—in hundredfold."

Cassandra watched Aurora's shifting demeanor with intrigue and a playful glint in her eyes, her brows knitting together as if piecing together a perplexing puzzle. "Are you... really my friend?" she asked cautiously, her voice laced with disbelief. "Because the Aurora I knew was nothing like this. It's... confusing. Don't tell me—there's a ghost inside your soul or something?"

Aurora froze, the unexpected accusation catching her off guard. For a fleeting moment, panic flickered in her usually calm eyes. What's wrong with me? she thought, her composure slipping.

Her mind raced. Should I tell her the truth? That I'm not Aurora at all, but Luna, trapped inside her body? Would she even believe me? The thought was ridiculous, almost laughable. Who would believe something so absurd? Science doesn't exactly have a handbook on soul-swapping.

But then another possibility crept into her thoughts, chilling her further. What if she does believe me—and drags me to a Taoist priest? Aurora suppressed a shudder. The last thing she needed was some mystical exorcism ritual gone wrong.

Gathering her wits, Aurora let out a soft, awkward laugh. "Cassandra, don't be ridiculous. A ghost? Inside me?" She rolled her eyes, forcing a nonchalant tone. "Maybe I just decided to grow a backbone after everything I've been through. People change, you know."

Cassandra tilted her head, studying Aurora like a riddle she couldn't quite solve. "Hmm," she mused. "If you say so. But you're definitely different—and not just a little. You're... sharper. Stronger." Her gaze lingered on Aurora, searching for the friend she once knew.

Aurora met her eyes, masking her unease with a faint smile. "Isn't that a good thing?" she asked lightly.

Aurora's lips curved into a faint smile, masking the unease swirling in her thoughts. Well, my dear friend, she mused, your intuition is sharper than you let on, and you did know Aurora better than anyone. But what can I possibly say? That your best friend's soul has been replaced by someone else? There's no explanation that wouldn't make me sound insane—or worse, leave you doubting me entirely. Whether I'm the real Aurora or not doesn't matter anymore, she resolved silently.

Aurora snapped out of her spiraling thoughts at the sound of Cassandra's soft muttering.

"You used to be so kind and soft," Cassandra said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "A bit timid too. But now... it's good to see you like this—brave, confident. There's a fire in your eyes that wasn't there before. What did that bastard do to make you lose your innocence?" Her expression darkened momentarily before shifting back to one of cautious optimism. "Well, whatever it was, I'm just happy to see this bold, fearless version of you. I hope you've truly changed for the better this time."

Aurora blinked, her phoenix-like eyes momentarily softening at her friend's words. A flicker of guilt passed through her chest. Cassandra… you don't know the half of it. The innocence you remember was tied to a different soul entirely, she thought to herself. But instead of addressing the unspoken truth, she smiled—a rare, genuine smile.

"Don't worry, Cassandra," she said lightly, though there was a steeliness beneath her tone. "Whatever I've lost, I've gained more in return. And no one, not Alexander, not anyone, will take that away from me again."

Cassandra grinned and gave her a playful shove. "That's the spirit! And if anyone tries, they'll have to deal with me first!"

Aurora chuckled at her friend's bravado, a warmth spreading through her chest. No matter what happens, I'll protect this bond. You're one of the few things in this new life worth fighting for.