Chapter 3: Friend's Advice

Amidst the whirlwind of her relentless pursuit of success, Emily found solace in the presence of her best friend, Lily. They had been inseparable since their school days, and their bond had only grown stronger over the years. Lily, with her infectious laughter and boundless optimism, was Emily's anchor in the storm of life.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as the leaves painted the city in hues of red and gold, Emily sat in her small apartment, surrounded by piles of paperwork and the hum of her laptop. Her determination had driven her to the brink of exhaustion, and she hadn't taken a moment to catch her breath.

The doorbell rang, startling Emily from her work-induced trance. She opened the door to find Lily standing there with a bright smile that could outshine the sun. Lily's eyes, filled with concern, scanned Emily's fatigued expression.

"Em, when was the last time you took a break?" Lily asked, her voice laced with worry as she stepped into the apartment.

Emily managed a tired smile. "Breaks are for people who can afford them, Lil. I'm on a mission, you know that."

Lily shook her head, stepping into the apartment. "Em, I admire your determination, but you can't run on empty forever. Life isn't just about work and success. You deserve happiness, too."

Emily sighed, sinking onto the couch as Lily continued, "I know what happened with James was painful, but it's been five years. You've come so far. It's time to start living for yourself, not just to prove a point."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with truth. Emily had been so consumed by her pursuit of success that she had forgotten to live, but the memory of her heartbreak had been a constant shadow, and her determination had often felt like a shield against the pain.

Lily sat beside Emily, her arm wrapped around her friend's shoulders. "You're more than your past, Em. You're strong, capable, and deserving of love and happiness. You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she realized the truth in Lily's words but it soon turned back to indifference as the words of James came echoing in her heart "my parents said we can't be together because of you know our social status and I'm sorry".

"I just don't want to be vulnerable again," she said indifferently

Lily squeezed her shoulder. "Being vulnerable doesn't make you weak, Em. It's what makes us human. And sometimes, it's in our vulnerability that we find strength."

Emily finally made a decision, She decided that she would heed her friend's advice and allow herself to take a break, not because she wanted to find a boyfriend but because she knew that if she did not agree, her friend will constantly pester her and also because she felt her body needed a small break.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city it showed the two ladies giggling and laughing as they gossiped into the night