Strength in Self-Expression

Astra gazed at her reflection in the mirror, clad in a form-fitting, knee-length floral dress that boasted a slightly open back and a tasteful V-neckline.

The dress was adorned with colors that perfectly complemented her strappy heels, and she added a delicate gold necklace, along with flower-shaped earrings, to infuse a touch of elegance into her ensemble.

With her bag in hand, she stepped out and made her way to the lobby. As she exited, the waiting chauffeur promptly opened the car door for her. Once the car began to glide forward, a wave of anxiety washed over Astra.

Despite believing Zoe was receptive to rebuilding their friendship, an unsettling worry gnawed at her, fearing that something irreplaceable might have been fractured beyond repair.

Zoe was more than a best friend; she was an identical twin, a mirror of Astra in every conceivable aspect.

However, unlike Astra, who habitually molded herself to please others, Zoe was resolute in remaining true to her own identity.

The memories flooded back—when her parents expressed their intent to merge with Rayne Industry, and she commenced her relationship with Alexander, she altered her very appearance to align with their expectations.

When Alexander mentioned that he wasn't fond of how she revealed her skin, Astra found herself donning looser clothing.

His concerns were rooted in the fear that someone else might become interested in her, jeopardizing the potential merger between Orion Arch and Rayne Industry.

Ironically, his apprehensions seemed quite self-centered, especially given his own behavior. He repeatedly cheated on Astra with girls who dressed precisely as she did before.

During their outings, he took it upon himself to dictate her actions and words. If he perceived her behavior improper, he would provide her with a "lesson" on their way home.

Alexander had grand plans to marry and persuade her to allow him to take charge of Orion Arch.

His double major in university remained a secret; he kept it hidden so that the board of directors would recognize his knowledge in the field of architecture, hopefully granting him the presidency of one of the galaxy's largest companies.

Both Alexander and his father, Leon, were fixated solely on the merger. Leon's determination was unwavering, and Astra held little doubt that if Alexander were to sabotage the deal, his life would be in danger.

Reflecting on how she allowed herself to be treated as though she was beneath others, a strong urge to shake her past self welled up within Astra.

But now, things have taken a positive turn; she's back with a newfound strength and a robust system she can rely on.

With purpose, Astra recalled the need to make a post on Stellarnet. Setting up the recording, she started filming herself, a determined smile on her lips as she began to speak:

"Hey, everyone. I know it's been a while since I last posted. I needed some time to gather myself. I always post unedited vlog videos, so I initially didn't understand the comments I kept receiving. When I watched those initial moments of my last vlog, I was clueless about what was coming. I was left in a state of confusion, which quickly turned into shock. I couldn't believe the hairstylist, make-up artist, and stylist would do something like that when they knew how important my 21st birthday was, especially when they had such a stellar reputation. The most disheartening aspect is that even after being paid by heaven knows who, they didn't hesitate to take to Stellarnet and weave a web of falsehoods. It wasn't just about embarrassing me for a quick buck; they aimed to obliterate my reputation, too."

Taking a steadying breath, Astra paused briefly, her eyes shut for a fleeting moment. The emotions swirling within her were evident—overwhelm and sadness. She continued, her voice carrying the weight of her feelings:

"Thank you for reaching out. And to the individual who released that video from my party, I truly wish you hadn't chosen to lay my life bare just for some monetary gain or whatever reward you received. The kind messages I've received mean the world to me. I'd like to ask that you refrain from visiting Violet, Sophia, and Silas's profiles to hurl insults. I understand your protective intentions, but we've already addressed the issue in private. I've personally experienced the sting of insults and hurtful comments, and I wouldn't wish that upon anyone. So, I implore you to stop."

As Astra's gaze drifted out of the window, she realized that she had arrived at her destination. Glancing at her phone once more, she concluded:

"I should go now. Once again, thank you deeply for your supportive words; they hold immense value for me."

Astra ended the recording and shared the video. Stepping out of the car, assisted by the chauffeur who opened the door, she sensed the eyes upon her, whispers floating through the air.

The scrutiny and the murmurs did not deter her. With purpose, she entered the restaurant, ignoring the attention from those who began filming her, resolute in her stride.