Forging New Alliances (1)

As Selene ascended the grand staircase, the ornate railing cold beneath her hand, her phone continued ringing. She answered it with a calm, measured voice, "Hello?"

A familiar voice came through the line. "It's me, Amber."

"Hmm. Why are you calling?" Selene's tone remained polite, though there was a hint of curiosity in her words.

"My friends and I are going horseback riding tomorrow at our family's ranch. I was wondering if you'd like to join us?" Amber's voice was cheerful, almost as if she had already anticipated a positive response.

Selene paused for a moment, her footsteps slowing as she reached the top of the stairs. The idea of spending time with Amber and her group was unexpected. She continued walking, her gaze drifting toward the large windows that overlooked the estate's lush gardens. "I appreciate the invitation," she began, her voice steady, "but I'm not sure we're that close. It's your circle of friends, after all. I don't think I would fit in."

Amber's light laugh echoed through the phone. "What do you mean by that? You know I don't care about a person's background. I can be friends with anyone I like, and I like you, Selene. Besides, you're not just anyone—you've got the status, the brains, and the beauty. Do you know that among all the young ladies in our city, you're considered the first? Everyone knows that."

Selene entered her room, closing the door behind her softly, shutting out the world outside. She walked over to the plush sofa by the window, sinking into it as she listened to Amber continue.

"In the past, you rarely went out with classmates, and I doubt you have many close friends since you're always so busy with your studies. We only recently met, and I didn't want to waste the opportunity to get your number and try to be friends. I think we could really get along. So, what do you say? Will you come with us?" Amber's enthusiasm was clear, her words coming in a rush as if she feared Selene might refuse.

Selene leaned back, her eyes half-closed as she considered the offer. There was a part of her that found Amber's persistence intriguing, even amusing. "Alright," she finally said, her lips curving into a slight smile. "I'll join you. What time should I be there, and where exactly is this ranch?"

Amber's excitement was palpable. "We're meeting at 7 a.m. I'll send you the location by text."

"7 in the morning?" Selene's brow furrowed slightly. "Isn't that a bit early? It's Saturday tomorrow; wouldn't it be nice to sleep in for a change?"

Amber giggled, her laughter light and infectious. "Oh, come on! We're going to have fun all weekend, not just for a few hours. It's not like we get to do this every day. Trust me, you'll enjoy it."

Selene's smile widened, a rare expression that softened her usually composed features. "Alright, I'll be there. But don't blame me if I'm a little grumpy from waking up so early."

Amber's laughter was the last thing Selene heard before they ended the call. As she put her phone down, Selene stared out the window, her thoughts already drifting toward the weekend ahead. The invitation had been unexpected, but perhaps it was time to see what Amber were really like.

In the past, Selene would never have found herself in this situation. The thought of socializing outside her usual routine would have been unthinkable. She was a creature of habit, someone who found solace in her studies and the quiet solitude of her room. She had declined the offer to go to the restaurant with her classmates, choosing instead to head home early, burying herself in books. That small decision had cost her the chance to meet Amber Wu, a connection that could have been pivotal in her previous life. Now, as she stood in her room, preparing for a weekend away, Selene reflected on how different things had become.

Back then, Selene had no real friends—just acquaintances from school, people who knew her name but not her heart. She had been content with that, or so she thought. But when everything fell apart, when her world crumbled due to betrayal and loneliness, there was no one to offer her support, no one to comfort her. The isolation she had once embraced had turned into a cold, empty void. That was a mistake she was determined not to repeat.

Now, with the gift of a second life, Selene understood the importance of building connections, of weaving herself into the fabric of society. If she was going to take down Cassandra and protect herself, she needed allies—people who would stand by her, who would see her as the virtuous one, and not believe any slander that painted her as scheming or cruel. And to do that, she had to play the part of the well-behaved, elegant young lady, someone who could never be suspected of having ulterior motives.

As she woke up before dawn, Selene felt a sense of determination settle over her. The early morning light filtered through the curtains as she took a quick shower, the cool water refreshing her senses. After drying off, she dressed in simple yet stylish clothing—a casual white pullover sweater paired with matching white pants and shoes. She packed a small bag with a change of clothes and a few essentials, her movements swift and precise. Today marked the beginning of her new strategy.

The maid, noticing the bag in Selene's hand, hurried over and took it from her. "Where is the young lady going?" she asked with a respectful tone.

"Prepare a car for me. Inform the driver that I will be going to Spring Bliss Ranch," Selene replied calmly.

"Yes, Young Lady," the maid answered, bowing slightly before leaving to fulfill the request.

Selene made her way to the dining room, her footsteps soft against the polished floors. As she entered, she saw Alexander, Beatrice, Cassandra, and Charlse already seated, enjoying their breakfast. The air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. Beatrice was the first to notice her, smiling warmly. "You're up early today, Selene. Are you going somewhere?"

Selene nodded politely. "Good morning, Aunty. Yes, I'll be going out with some friends."

Alexander's eyes flickered with surprise.