Reborn: I Made My Best Friend Marry My Husband

Chapter 6

Amara’s POV

Our ride home was quiet. I didn’t have anything to say, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to. I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through some reels, trying to distract myself from the fluttering feeling in my chest.

“Where do you live?” he asked calmly, his deep voice cutting through the silence. It was so steady, so controlled, that I felt like I could listen to it forever.

Get a hold of yourself, Amara, I scolded silently.

“Just down this street,” I replied, keeping my voice casual.

When we arrived, I thanked him and went inside. The moment I shut the door behind me, the quiet of my apartment welcomed me like a soft blanket. I took a long shower, letting the warm water wash away the tension of the day, then sank into the couch in the living room. Finally, I had time to think about everything that was happening.

How did I get here?

I had no idea how I ended up back in this life, back with a second chance. Part of me was happy I should be but it still felt strange. Unfamiliar, yet familiar at the same time. I folded my hands together and thanked the heavens quietly for giving me a second chance.

Then I checked my bank account. I had a bout twenty thousand dollars saved. In my previous life, I had been saving it for my wedding, just in case Damian ever proposed. But now… everything has changed.

I already knew which stocks would rise in the future. My fingers flew across my phone as I invested in a few carefully chosen ones. Excitement surged through me. For a moment, I almost forgot about the time travel itself the fact that I had been given a do-over, a chance to rewrite my life.

After finishing my purchases, I set aside a little money for food and other necessities. Then I got up and ordered pork belly and a few other dishes. This time, I was going to eat for myself, without restraint. In my previous life, I had barely eaten properly because I was saving every penny for my future marriage with Damian. But this time… I would always come first.

After dinner, I said a few prayers and went to bed. I hadn’t slept well in ages, not since… everything that had happened.

The next day was my day off, and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

First, I started cleaning my room. I removed several items, including most of the pictures hanging on my wall. Many of them were pictures of Lily and me, smiling side by side. I couldn’t stand looking at her face anymore not after everything she had done.

By noon, I was ready to go shopping. Honestly, my fashion sense had been childish, . Hoodies, loose shirts, comfortable shoes… that was me. But this time, I wanted a change. Maybe even start wearing makeup.

At the mall, I didn’t know where to begin. In my previous life, I had always shopped with Lily. I would pick out things for her, she would help me choose outfits. She always insisted that comfortable clothes suited me best.

“Do you need help?” an energetic, bubbly girl asked with a bright smile, arms full of designer clothes.

Without thinking, I asked her to help me choose some outfits. She patiently guided me, picking clothes, shoes, and bags. By the time we were done, we were both exhausted. I offered to buy her dinner, and she accepted immediately.

“I’m Amara, by the way. Sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier,” I said.

“Oh! Where are my manners? I didn’t introduce myself either. I’m Isabella,” she replied warmly.

I took her to a middle-class restaurant. She looked like she came from a wealthy background, and I didn’t want to take her somewhere too cheap. As she ate, I caught myself staring at her and smiled quietly.

“Is there something on my face?” she asked, noticing me.

“Oh, no! Sorry… it’s just that you look beautiful,” I said awkwardly.

“You don’t look bad yourself. You’re actually very pretty,” she replied casually, continuing to eat.

Her compliment almost made me tear up. It had been so long since anyone had said something nice about me. Not even once had Lily complimented me. She had let me believe I was ugly, never bothering to correct me.

After we finished eating, Isabella looked at my face carefully.

“Your face is telling me you don’t know how to do your makeup,” she observed.

“Is it that obvious?” I asked nervously.

“Not in a bad way. You already look beautiful, but adding a little glitter would make you stunning. I bet boys fall for you everywhere you go,” she said playfully.

If only she knew how low my self-confidence had once been.

But in this life, I had already made a decision: I would love and take care of myself first.

Before we parted, Isabella gave me her number and asked me to call her before work the next morning so she could help me with makeup tips. In return, she wanted a review afterward. I happily agreed.

I had never had a friend other than Lily. Having Isabella around felt strange… but comforting at the same time. At the office, my coworkers and I only ever spoke about work. We weren’t close, not like this.

When I got home that night, I was exhausted and went straight to bed.

The next morning, after a shower, I video called Isabella so she could help me style my outfit and help me with my makeup.

“Oooh girl! You look beautiful, like, so beautiful! If I were a guy or your boyfriend, I wouldn’t near another woman!” she exclaimed excitedly.

I smiled quietly. My husband had chosen another woman even when I looked this good, I thought bitterly. I quickly brushed the thought away and thanked her.

At the office, all eyes turned toward me. It felt strange, like I was a celebrity. I felt shy, unused to this kind of attention.

When I reached my desk, Lily looked completely stunned. I saw the disappointment in her eyes before she forced a smile.

“Sissy, did you go shopping?” she asked, her voice attempting casualness.

“Yes. I had a day off yesterday, so I decided to get some new clothes,” I replied calmly.

“But you always take me shopping so I can choose the clothes that suit you best,” she said, irritation barely hidden in her tone.

I raised an eyebrow. “I decided to change my look. Is it bad? Or am I not allowed to?” I asked, my voice calm but firm.

This girl is unbelievable. I couldn’t wear designer clothes? I had to remain stuck in plain, comfortable outfits she always picked for me? My blood boiled inside.

“No, no, sissy. I just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable,” she said quickly.

“Well, I feel very comfortable,” I replied with a sweet smile.

Her face stiffened. I could tell she was furious. After all… today, I was better dressed than her.