Rekindled Bonds

Approaching the host stand with a gentle smile, Astra initiated the conversation, saying, "Hello, I have a reservation under Astra Orion."

The woman behind the stand appeared taken aback by Astra's presence, though she swiftly snapped out of her surprise and began searching for the reservation. With a nod towards a gentleman nearby, she conveyed, "He'll escort you to your table. Your companion is already here."

Astra acknowledged this with a grateful smile, expressing, "Thank you."

Following the escort, Astra's steps were accompanied by curious glances from the onlookers once more. When Zoe caught sight of Astra heading towards her, she rose from her seat promptly.

Meeting in an embrace, their hug was reciprocated with equal warmth. As the escort mentioned before leaving, "I'll arrange for someone to attend to you shortly."

Taking their seats, Astra initiated the conversation, asking, "How have you been?"

Zoe responded candidly, "I had a bit of anxiety that you might not make it."

Though Astra understood Zoe's concern, she assured her, "Trust me, I wouldn't have missed our get-together. It bothers me that we've gone weeks without one."

Zoe inquired, "Really?"

Astra affirmed, "Absolutely."

In a moment of vulnerability, Astra continued, "I deeply regret how things unraveled between us. I wish I had never let our friendship end."

Zoe's eyes welled with emotion, and her voice trembled as she admitted, "You had every right to. I should have been more understanding. I understand now that everything you agreed to was driven by your promise to your mother. Instead of being supportive, I acted in the opposite manner, thinking I was protecting you."

Astra's voice held a mixture of resolve and emotion as she recounted, "No, you were right. They were exploiting me, treating me as less than human. They trampled over everything tied to my mother's memory, and Silas just watched, silently allowing it all. Everything you said was true, but I refused to see it. I was so frightened that any protest might lead Silas to replace me."

Zoe's heart ached, and she reached out, gently clasping Astra's hand, saying, "I'm sorry. I wish I hadn't been right. You deserve happiness more than anyone."

Profound trials had marked Astra's journey. She had witnessed her mother's passing before her eyes, only to find her father returning with a new family a week later.

As if that wasn't heartrending enough, they had deliberately waited for her work hours to burn her mother's cherished belongings.

The turmoil didn't stop there, encompassing the necklace incident and the betrayal of friends who resorted to threats and blackmail. The moment Zoe perceived how those people had treated Astra, she was done with them.

Calling Zoe after Astra's birthday, they recounted Astra's confrontation with her former friends, and Zoe couldn't have been prouder that Astra had finally stood up for herself.

When the server arrived, they placed their orders. Astra confessed, "There's something I need to share with you."

Over the course of their meal, Astra opened up completely, the narrative spilling forth until they were halfway through their dinner.

Zoe's expression transformed into one of shock as she absorbed the details. She voiced her disbelief, "I can't believe how desperate and repugnant they are."

Astra's lips curved into a determined smile, her eyes gleaming with newfound strength. "Their desperation will only intensify as their schemes crumble. But here's the thing: I'm not the Astra I used to be. I'll make their lives miserable, turning their own plans against them. Then I'll ensure they get into an accident, just as they had intended for me."

Meeting Astra's gaze, Zoe recognized the unyielding determination within her. She inquired, "What's your plan?"

Astra methodically outlined her strategy, sharing the intricacies until they commenced savoring their dessert. Zoe's face lit up, and she declared, "I always knew deep down you were a badass."

Astra chuckled softly. Zoe's smile waned, replaced by a seriousness that emanated from her eyes. She spoke with a hint of intensity, saying, "I genuinely wish I could strangle that detestable creature, Alexander and Violet."

Astra responded, a malicious grin playing on her lips, "I'd much rather shatter his heart than seize his company. It promises to be far more satisfying."

With excitement in her voice, Zoe exclaimed, "I'm eagerly looking forward to witnessing it."

"Likewise," Astra replied.

Zoe's tone softened as she continued, "I'm relieved you were able to mend things with your grandmother."

Astra's expression mirrored the sentiment, "I am too. I worried that she might never forgive me. But, she harbored no ill feelings and even went out of her way to assist me in executing my plan."

Zoe's response was understanding, "She knew it wasn't your fault."

Astra reached out and clasped Zoe's hand, her touch seeking connection. "I'm truly sorry for how I treated you, Zoe. You and grandmother were the only ones who genuinely cared about me, and instead of listening to you, I pushed you away. I feel terrible about it. I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Squeezing Astra's hand gently, Zoe reassured her, "You don't have to apologize. I'm not angry with you. I should have been more considerate, rather than unloading my assumptions onto you all at once. I'm sorry, too."

Astra's eyes glistened with emotion, and she posed the heartfelt question, "Does that mean you'll be my best friend again?"

Zoe blinked back her own tears and nodded, "Of course," her voice carrying the weight of her feelings.

The two of them stood up and embraced, their shared connection evident in that hug. They both felt an overwhelming sense of relief that their desire to rekindle their best friendship was mutual.

As they drew apart, Zoe confessed, "I've missed you so much that it felt like losing a part of myself."

Astra responded swiftly and sincerely, "I missed you even more."

Astra wrapped her arms around Zoe once again, holding her close. After a few moments, they eased back into their seats, taking the opportunity to catch up on the details they had missed.

The familiarity of their bond was heartwarming; being together felt as if they had never been separated, to begin with.

With their meal finished, they exited the restaurant, aided by security personnel who cleared a path for them as a swarm of paparazzi converged at the restaurant's entrance.

Opting for a change of scene, Astra and Zoe headed to a bar, where they enjoyed themselves until the clock struck midnight. Astra then dropped Zoe off at her house before returning to her hotel, both hearts filled with a newfound joy.