After 99 Times

To help Adrian Spencer get over his feelings for his cousin, his mother made a deal—with Zoey Landon, the girl who had been secretly in love with him for years. They signed a contract. It gave Zoey ninety-nine chances. If even once—just once—Adrian chose her, she’d get what she wanted: to become his wife. But if he never did, she’d be sent overseas for good. No return. No exceptions. Zoey knew how hopelessly obsessed Adrian was with Claire Spencer. Still, she signed without hesitation. Ninety-nine chances. She refused to believe he wouldn’t choose her—not even once. But what she didn’t see coming was… Chapter 1 Once the contract took effect, Adrian Spencer’s mother, Linda Spencer, introduced Zoey Landon to him as his potential fiancée. Everyone thought he’d push back. But to their surprise, Adrian agreed right away. There was a look in his eyes Zoey had never seen before—panic. “As long as you leave Claire alone, I’ll do whatever you want,” he said. And just like that, Zoey and Adrian were together. Claire Spencer moved in too, staying with them under the title of Adrian’s cousin. After they got together, Zoey treated Adrian with nothing but care—always attentive, always saying yes. Slowly, Adrian started to warm up. He wasn’t cold anymore. He even began responding to her on his own. Zoey thought she was getting close. That the contract would be fulfilled any day now. But what she didn't expect... was that in the next ninety-three chances, not once did Adrian choose her over Claire. On the ninety-third attempt, Claire bought a bottle of acid—and tried to throw it in Zoey's face. Zoey dodged. But her arm got caught. The acid burned through her skin, leaving it blistered and raw. And even then, Adrian still took Claire's side. Just like always. “That’s enough, stop being mad. I already punished her,” he said. “What punishment?” Zoey asked, still clinging to the tiniest sliver of hope. “Claire hates the heat. I told her she can’t turn on the air conditioning all day.” Zoey stared at him in disbelief. She stepped back and pointed to the open, festering wound on her arm. “Adrian, do you know what would’ve happened if that acid hit my face?” Adrian frowned. He paused, then said, “Yeah, I know.” But he quickly added, "Claire just couldn't stand seeing me with you. She lost control for a moment. Don't blame her. If anyone's to blame, it's me—I should have handled this better." Zoey let out a bitter laugh. In that moment, it hit her—she had completely underestimated how far Adrian would go to protect Claire. Even if she was almost disfigured, even then… Adrian still defended her. Zoey took a deep breath. She didn’t push it any further. She just gave a sharp, cold laugh. “Fine. Don’t blame her. Blame me—for ever getting involved in the first place. I’m supposed to be your partner, but I feel more like the other woman.” As soon as she said that, Adrian realized she was truly upset. He rushed forward and pulled her into his arms. “Okay, okay… this is my fault. Let me make it up to you. I’ve been working out, and I’ve finally got those abs you like—you want to see?” As he spoke, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder, his eyes full of a kind of soft desperation, like he was trying to win her over for the first time. Just as things were beginning to shift between them, an obnoxiously loud ringtone cut through the air. The name of the song? “The One and Only.” It was Claire’s custom ringtone. The moment Adrian heard it, he picked up the call without hesitation. “Adrian, I’m on the rooftop. I saw you with another woman. I’m going crazy with jealousy.” “Don’t do anything stupid. I’m coming now.” Adrian hung up and immediately pulled away from Zoey. He threw on a jacket in a rush. “Zoey, Claire’s on the roof. I’m worried she might do something. I have to go.” Zoey frowned. “She pulls this twenty times a month. Has she ever actually jumped?” But Adrian didn’t respond. He didn’t even hear her. He was already halfway out the door. All he left behind was, “I’ll finish this conversation when I get back.” Zoey stood there, staring at the space he left behind, heart sinking. She didn’t wait for him like he said. Instead, she opened the memo app on her phone—and noted down one more reason Adrian had left her behind. When she was done, she looked around at the empty bedroom. A wave of bitterness washed over her. She silently counted down. Five more chances. And then she’d be gone from Adrian’s life for good. Chapter 2 Zoey had a dream about the first time she met Adrian. Back then, she was mischievous and had snuck out of the villa during an adult gathering. As the sun set, Zoey was forgotten on the side of the road. She called out helplessly for the adults, but no one answered. Staring at the unfamiliar intersection, she could only crouch down and cry. Just then, a little boy's voice suddenly came from above her. "Hey, crybaby, stop crying. I'll take you home." She wiped away her tears and smiled as she reached for Adrian's hand. But the moment she touched him, Adrian's expression changed. He yanked his hand away and glared at her. And just like that, every memory of Adrian walking away from her came rushing back. The first time: Claire pressed a lit cigarette against Zoey's chest, screaming for her to die. But Adrian only held Claire tighter, saying to Zoey, "Claire didn't mean to hurt you. She's just sick." The second time: Claire hurt Zoey's pet dog—the one she'd raised since childhood—seriously. The veins in Claire's neck bulged as she snarled, "If I see Adrian smile at you one more time, next time it won't just be a dog that hurts!" When Adrian came home, his first words were, "Claire, did the dog bite you?” The third time: Claire sabotaged Zoey's car engine. Zoey slammed the brakes just in time, but still ended up with a mild concussion. When Adrian arrived at the hospital, he looked at Claire with lingering fear and whispered, "Thank God it wasn't you who got hurt." At this point in her memories, Zoey jolted awake from the dream, her back drenched in cold sweat. When she came downstairs, she saw that devil of a woman flashing her a smug and provocative smile. But the moment Adrian turned around, Claire’s face changed. The smugness disappeared, replaced by a sweet, innocent smile. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have thrown acid at you." Hearing Claire's apology, Zoey wondered if there was something wrong with her ears. Claire had hurt her so many times—this was the first time she'd ever apologized. Just as she was processing her shock, she suddenly noticed the kiss marks on Adrian's neck. She understood everything with dawning realization. So Claire's apology had been bought with this. He really was willing to go that far. Adrian's brow relaxed upon hearing the apology. "Zoey, don't hold grudges against Claire. No matter how much Claire acts like a child, it doesn't change the fact that you're my girlfriend." Zoey gave a self-mocking smile and murmured under her breath, "Not for much longer." But at that moment, Claire tugged on Adrian's hand and pouted, “Adrian, you promised that after I apologized, you'd take me racing." "Of course~ When have I ever broken a promise to you?" Adrian's eyes were completely focused on Claire—he couldn't hear what Zoey was saying at all. Only when he and Claire reached the door did he remember that Zoey had been speaking to him. He turned back. “What did you just say?" "Nothing." Relieved, Adrian turned and left with Claire. After the door closed, Zoey pulled out her phone and searched for flights abroad. Fortunately, there were seats available on international flights for the next month—no need to compete for tickets. Zoey remembered her parents' messages urging her to come abroad and reunite with them soon, and a flash of loneliness crossed her eyes. Perhaps spending the rest of her life overseas wouldn't be such a bad choice after all. Chapter 3 The next morning, Zoey got ready for work like she always did. Just as she was about to leave, Adrian wrapped his arms tightly around her from behind. While holding her close, he opened an elegant gift box in his hands—inside was a pair of dazzling earrings, sparkling under the light. He gently picked them up and carefully fastened them onto Zoey’s ears, his touch light, almost reverent, like she was something rare and fragile. “I’ve been spending all my time with Claire these past few days,” he murmured. “I know I’ve been neglecting you… please don’t take it to heart.” Zoey forced a faint smile. “Okay.” Maybe it was because she was getting ready to leave—for good—that she found herself being unusually generous. After he put the earrings on her, she said goodbye and headed out the door. But as she left, she had the strange feeling someone was watching her. She brushed it off and drove to the office, just like always. During her usual walk-through of the company’s cold storage area, Zoey was startled to see someone who absolutely shouldn’t have been there—Claire. Claire stormed toward her, grabbed her arm, and yanked her inside the cold room. Her voice was low, but wild. “What the hell did you do to Adrian? Huh?! Even I’ve never gotten a gift from him, so why would he give you earrings like those?!” Zoey stayed calm. “It’s just a pair of earrings. If you want them, I’ll give them to you.” But Claire wasn’t listening. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she suddenly lunged, clawing at Zoey’s ears. The earring hooks tore at Zoey’s earlobes, sending a sharp jolt of pain through her. Her ears turned red and swollen in seconds, with streaks of blood seeping out before the earrings were finally ripped off. Claire clutched them in her fist, her voice shaking with venom. “Why is it always you? Why do you get to take everything away from me so easily? I was here first! Adrian belongs to me! If I see you trying to seduce him again, I swear, I’ll kill you.” Zoey opened her mouth to speak, but Claire suddenly kicked her hard, knocking her to the ground. As Claire stormed off, Zoey’s heart dropped. She knew exactly what Claire was about to do. “No!” Zoey screamed after her, panic rising in her throat. But the door slammed shut. No matter how hard she pounded on it, no one came. She yelled for help until her voice went hoarse, but the thick, insulated walls swallowed every sound. Ten minutes passed. Her fingers felt frozen solid, like ice was growing under her skin. Twenty minutes passed. Her body started to shut down. She couldn’t speak anymore—her jaw just wouldn’t move. Her temperature kept dropping. Curling up on the floor, Zoey squeezed her eyes shut. There was only one key to the walk-in freezer, and Claire had it. Which meant Zoey’s chances of getting out alive were close to zero. She truly hadn't expected Claire's obsession to reach such a disturbing level. All over a pair of earrings—just earrings—and Claire had tried to kill her. An hour passed. Zoey’s body had gone numb. She couldn’t even lift her arms anymore. Her vision dimmed. And then, just as everything was going dark— She felt a pair of strong arms grab her. --- The next time Zoey opened her eyes, it was already the following day. Blinding white walls came into view first. Then the sharp sting of disinfectant hit her nose. She was… in a hospital? She wasn’t dead? Before she could react, someone pulled her into a firm embrace. “Zoey, you’re awake! Thank God—how are you feeling?” Chapter 4 “If the staff hadn’t mentioned you missed a meeting, I wouldn’t have even realized you were locked in the walk-in freezer.” Zoey took a long time to process everything. When she finally spoke, her face was blank. “Do you know who did it?” Adrian hesitated, then gave a small nod. Without another word, Zoey picked up her phone and started dialing 911. Adrian panicked. He rushed over and hit the end call button, then pulled her into his arms. His voice trembled with guilt. “Zoey, please—don’t call the police. If you do, Claire’s future will be ruined. “I’m the one who let her down. Don’t blame her. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I didn’t give her enough attention. “If I’d just bought her a pair of earrings too, none of this would’ve happened.” Zoey stared at him in disbelief. Her lips had gone pale. “You really think this is about earrings?” Adrian didn’t say a word. And that silence told her everything. She had truly underestimated just how far Adrian’s blind devotion to Claire went. Looking at the tubes in her arms, the bruises on her hands, Zoey let out a quiet, bitter laugh. “Four left.” Maybe he really did feel guilty, because for the next two days, Adrian stayed by her side, taking care of her like never before. He even moved his work setup to the hospital. He was so attentive he made sure her water was the perfect temperature before handing it to her. Just before Zoey was about to be discharged, a doctor suddenly rushed into the room and called out to Adrian. “Mr. Spencer? Are you related to Claire Spencer?” Adrian looked confused but nodded. “Yeah.” “She was just brought into the ER with self-inflicted injuries. She tried to slit her wrists. We just managed to stabilize her.” The color drained from Adrian’s face. He didn’t say a word—just bolted out the door. After that, Zoey never saw him again. Not a single visit. Not even a text. She told herself Claire must be in serious condition. That Adrian was too busy caring for her to even send a message. When the day of her discharge finally came, Adrian still didn’t show. She checked herself out alone, signing all the paperwork at the front desk. But just as she was walking across the hospital lawn, she saw him. Adrian was pushing Claire in a wheelchair, laughing—genuinely, from the heart. The sun shone down on them like something out of a picture book. They looked happy. Perfect. A soft breeze swept past, blowing Adrian’s tie across Claire’s face. Her eyes narrowed slightly, filled with longing. Zoey thought she was over it. But watching them like that still made her chest ache. Claire spotted her first. She whispered something to Adrian, and he nodded. Then he walked off toward the payment counter, leaving her alone. Claire wheeled herself slowly toward Zoey, one push at a time. She smiled, but her voice was venom. “Such a shame. Even all that, and I still didn’t manage to kill you.” Zoey said nothing. Claire’s smirk deepened. “You probably don’t know this, but I hurt myself on purpose. I wanted to see who Adrian would pick. You or me. Turns out, it wasn’t even a contest.” Zoey wasn’t surprised. She’d already guessed. But what stung was knowing Adrian never once questioned it. Even when the truth was obvious, he’d find a way to excuse her. Every time. Zoey’s gaze dimmed, but her voice was strangely calm. “You didn’t need to go that far. Adrian’s always chosen you.” Claire’s tone turned icy. “Don’t think I believe a word you say. Not unless you leave. And if you don’t—this won’t stop.” Zoey answered quietly, “I will leave.” Claire didn’t believe her. But Zoey didn’t care anymore. She walked out of the hospital and flagged down a cab. The breeze outside was light, and the view was beautiful. But Zoey couldn’t enjoy any of it. She hadn’t expected Adrian to abandon her twice in such a short time. Now that there were only three chances left on the contract, she felt oddly calm. Maybe she had always known. As long as Claire was an option, Adrian would never choose her. This whole deal—this gamble—was doomed from the start. And she’d lost. Completely. Chapter 5 After Claire was discharged, Adrian drove her back to the villa. It wasn’t until he saw Zoey sitting alone in the kitchen eating cup noodles that he remembered she existed. He frowned, clearly guilty. “Zoey, when did you get out of the hospital? Why didn’t you tell me?” “You were busy with Claire,” she said lightly. “Didn’t want to bother you.” That hit Adrian harder. Guilt flooded his face as he pulled out his phone and started transferring money. “Claire’s situation put you through a lot… here, take this and buy something nourishing, okay?” Zoey glanced at her phone. Fifty thousand. Of course. Whenever it came to Claire, Adrian’s generosity knew no limits. But she didn’t accept the payment. Instead, she just kept eating her noodles without a word. Right then, Claire walked in with a few takeout containers in hand. “Adrian, I picked up the meal you ordered! Come eat with me, quick!” Zoey looked up. The logo on the boxes caught her eye—it was from the most expensive restaurant in the city, where a single meal could cost tens of thousands. So Adrian had really gone all out for Claire’s health. He glanced at Zoey, then looked away awkwardly. “I didn’t know you were discharged, so… I only ordered for Claire.” Then he quickly added, “I’ll call the restaurant now. I’ll set up a meal plan for you too.” Zoey stopped him, her tone calm, almost routine. “No need. Cup noodles are fine.” After all, it wasn’t the first time Adrian had forgotten her. And if it happened again… so what? He opened his mouth to say something else, but Claire called for him again, and his attention shifted instantly. He sighed. “Cup noodles aren’t good for you. Don’t eat them too often, okay?” Zoey didn’t answer. She just finished her noodles and quietly went upstairs. That night, Adrian crawled into bed beside her, trying to be gentle. He wrapped his arm around her and leaned in close, his voice low and coaxing. “Zoey…” As he spoke, his hand slid under the covers toward her. But this time, Zoey stopped him. Her expression was indifferent, distant. Adrian looked confused. Zoey gave a bitter smile. “Don’t bother. You’ll just get pulled away by Claire again soon anyway.” Adrian hurried to reassure her, swearing that this time would be different—when his phone rang. It was THAT ringtone. “Adrian, it’s storming outside,” Claire sobbed through the phone. “I’m so scared. Can you come stay with me?” Before the call even ended, Adrian was already throwing on his clothes. “Don’t be scared, I’m coming right now!” He turned to Zoey, rushing to explain, “Claire’s always been terrified of thunderstorms, I just—” But Zoey cut him off. “I get it. Go.” He paused, staring at her. There was something strange in her tone. She wasn’t angry. She didn’t try to stop him. For the first time… she didn’t ask him to stay. That should’ve meant something. But his mind was already on Claire. “Don’t wait up,” he said, slipping out the door. Zoey stared at his retreating back, then said quietly, “I wasn’t planning to. And from now on… no one ever will.” Chapter 6 Adrian left in such a hurry that he didn't hear what Zoey said. Zoey calculated how many chances were left in the contract—only two more. Two more times, and then this contract, and everything between her and Adrian, would be over. But when she thought about leaving him now, her chest didn’t ache anymore. Instead… she felt relief. She turned off the lamp beside her and drifted into a dreamless sleep. — The next morning, as Zoey walked downstairs, she was startled to find the dining table covered in a full spread of breakfast. In the kitchen, Adrian stood smiling in an apron, stirring a pot of soup. He looked up, voice warm. “Zoey! Go wash up—breakfast’s ready. I made your favorite soup!” For a moment, Zoey couldn’t believe her ears. Adrian had been pampered since birth. He never lifted a finger. Meals were always prepared for him—there’s no way he’d ever set foot in a kitchen, let alone cook. And yet here he was… cooking. For her. No one had ever treated her like this. She sat down and took a few bites, still stunned. Then Claire came down the stairs. Her eyes lit up when she saw the table. “Adrian! You made this for me? You actually cooked for me? I’m so touched!” Adrian froze, tugging off his apron as he stumbled over his words. “No—Claire, this was for Zoey. You’ve got your own meal plan, remember? That’s why I didn’t make you any.” Claire’s smile dropped in an instant. When Adrian left for work later that morning, all the sweetness vanished from Claire’s face. She finally snapped—grabbed the pot of soup and dumped it all over Zoey. The boiling soup scalded her thigh, burning her skin raw. “Who told you that you could eat what Adrian made? “That’s mine. “You don’t deserve any of it!” She flung the rest of the food to the ground and stormed out of the villa. Zoey quickly tore off her clothes and grabbed the first-aid kit, applying burn ointment to her leg. She didn’t tell Adrian. There was no point. She was leaving soon anyway, and even if she said something… he’d never believe her. What she didn’t know—was that Claire had already spiked her water with sleeping pills. The moment Zoey drank it, she blacked out. When she opened her eyes again, flames were everywhere. Smoke. Heat. Fire roaring at every corner. She rubbed her eyes, thinking it was a dream—but the blaze only grew bigger. The villa was on fire. And she was trapped inside. Panicked, she reached for her phone—only to find it gone. That’s when she saw Claire, standing in the doorway, holding her phone. Claire gave her a twisted smile. Holding Adrian’s number on the screen, she said with a smirk, “Wanna guess who he’ll save this time?” Zoey froze. The fire hadn’t been an accident. Claire had set it on purpose. Her blood ran cold. “You’re out of your goddamn mind! Are you seriously ready to die over this?! “Give me the phone! If we don’t call for help now, we’re both dead!” But Claire ignored her. Instead, she burst into tears and started wailing into the phone. “Adrian! Help! The house is on fire! Zoey and I are trapped—please come quick!” The second the call ended, the tears vanished. She looked at Zoey with a manic calm. “You shouldn’t have eaten what he made. That was mine. “If it takes my death to prove how much Adrian loves me, then so be it.” Zoey backed away, horrified. “You’re insane, Claire.” Minutes passed. The fire spread fast. Zoey’s strength was fading. She curled into the corner, too weak to shout, unable to move. And then—Adrian burst through the flames. His voice was hoarse as he shouted Claire’s name over and over. No reply. He ran into the room—and saw both women huddled in opposite corners of the bedroom. He rushed toward Claire first, instinctively wrapping her in his arms. And then… he froze. There was only time to save one of them. The fire was growing too fast. Whoever he didn’t grab now might not make it. Claire whimpered, “Adrian…” That was all it took. His resolve snapped. He picked her up and ran. As they reached the door, he turned back. “Zoey! Just hang on—I’ll come back for you!” But those words—those same words—shattered something in Zoey for good. The flames licked at her skin, but what chilled her more was the realization: He had chosen Claire. Again. Every time Claire was there, she was the one left waiting. Even when her life was on the line, Adrian didn’t hesitate. She was never the priority. Never the one who got picked. Just the one left behind. But it was okay. After this… there’d only be one chance left. One more, and then she’d be gone. Smoke filled her lungs, fire closed in. Her vision blurred—until she couldn’t fight it anymore. And finally, she passed out in the flames. Chapter 7 When Zoey woke up again, that same familiar smell of disinfectant filled the air. But this time, something was different—Adrian wasn’t sitting at her bedside. He was in the bed next to hers. The moment he saw her open her eyes, he rasped, voice hoarse with concern, “Zoey… are you okay?” It took Zoey a long time to piece everything together. After Adrian carried Claire out of the burning house, he ignored her protests and ran back in to save Zoey. He inhaled too much smoke and ended up hospitalized alongside her. Zoey listened quietly. But her expression didn’t change. Calmly, she said, “Claire started the fire. She drugged my drink.” Then she turned her head toward Adrian, who was hooked up to an IV. “This time… you’re not going to defend her again, are you?” Adrian bit his lip. “She already confessed everything to me.” Then, almost desperately, he added, “But I didn’t let it slide this time. I really punished her.” Zoey asked flatly, “What did you do?” “Claire’s never been patient, so I made her handwrite ‘I’m sorry’ a hundred times. To show you she’s truly remorseful.” He handed her a page filled with Claire’s handwriting. Zoey stared at it… then let out a cold, bitter laugh. She’d nearly died. Adrian had landed in the hospital because of her. And Claire’s punishment? A handwritten apology. But this time, Zoey didn’t argue. She just turned her back to him and didn’t say another word. Adrian was discharged first since his injuries were milder. When Zoey was finally allowed to leave the hospital, she got into a cab headed for Adrian’s other villa. She gave the driver the address, but he didn’t say a word. Something felt off. Before she could react, a cloth was shoved over her mouth—everything went black. When she came to, she and Claire were tied up near the ocean. Claire was whispering lines to the hired “kidnapper,” telling him what to say. Then she noticed Zoey waking up. Her voice was raspy but full of scorn. “I really underestimated you. Adrian was already safe, but he still went back into the fire to get you. What the hell do you have that I don’t?” Zoey took a slow breath. After everything, she knew by now—Claire couldn’t be judged by normal standards. She kept her voice even. “Adrian has always loved you. He saved me because he didn’t want to feel guilty, that’s all.” “No,” Claire snapped. “I don’t believe words. I believe what I see. “I need to see him choose me. Over and over again. That’s the only way I’ll ever feel secure.” Just as she finished, Adrian’s car pulled up. He jumped out, frantic, but the “kidnapper” held a knife to Claire. “Don’t come any closer,” he shouted. “One more step and she’s dead!” Adrian froze. “Okay. I won’t move. Just don’t do anything rash.” Claire burst into fake tears. “Adrian, I’m scared! Help me!” “Don’t be afraid, Claire. I’m here!” Adrian called back, panic thick in his voice. Zoey, meanwhile, stayed completely silent. Not a single word. The kidnapper turned and said bluntly, “Only one of them leaves. The other gets fed to the sharks. Choose.” Adrian’s voice cracked. “I choose both! You want money? I’ll give you whatever you want!” But the kidnapper shouted back, “Last time. Choose. One.” He dragged Claire closer to the water, and Adrian instinctively shouted, “Claire! I choose Claire!” The words barely left his mouth before Claire’s eyes lit up. She even cast Zoey a triumphant look, smug and unbothered. Zoey just smiled. A peaceful, free kind of smile. This was the final time. She was finally free. Before anyone could push her, Zoey stepped back herself and let her body fall into the sea. Splash! Adrian’s face went pale. “No! Zoey!” He collapsed to his knees, reaching out in helpless despair. — When Zoey woke up again, she found herself in the hospital. Again. She laughed under her breath. Two hospital stays in just a few days. Both because of the same man. Adrian clutched her hand tightly, like he was afraid to lose her again. Before she could speak, he said with a grim face, “Claire went way too far this time. I’ve punished her—she’s not allowed to leave her room for a week. She needs to learn.” Zoey didn’t say anything. Because by now, she truly didn’t care anymore. The contract was over. She was leaving the country for good—just like she agreed. Adrian thought she was just too weak to respond. He stood and said gently, “I’m going to take care of the bill. Stay here and rest.” Zoey nodded. The moment he stepped out, she picked up her phone and dialed Linda’s number. “The contract’s done. I’ll be leaving the country as promised.” “Alright,” Linda replied. “You’ve done enough, Zoey. I never thought Adrian would be so hopelessly blind over that girl.” Zoey hung up and let out a long, steady breath. Then she booked the earliest flight out of the country. She got dressed, stepped out of the hospital, and took a cab straight to the airport. Just before boarding, she snapped her mobile sim card in half and tossed it in a trash bin. Only after settling into her seat did she finally exhale. Freedom. At last, no one could hurt her again. From this moment on, she wasn’t someone’s second choice. She was just Zoey. The sun rose outside the window, soft golden light spilling through the clouds. And for the first time in a long while, her world… felt bright.