Rosaline was underneath the sheets, once again forgetting about the dream. She always forgot the dream existed whenever night turned into day—as if her dreams stole away her memory. This morning was no different. A strange dream lingered on the edge of her mind, slipping away before she could grasp it. She couldn't remember, but Granny always did. Granny never forgot.
Rosaline was still drained from yesterday—visiting her parents at the hospital had sapped most of her strength—but she managed to pull herself together for school. On her way, she met her two best friends, Marga and Casse. As always, their smiles brought her comfort, and the three walked together, laughing softly, pretending everything was normal.
Meanwhile, Granny was at her usual spot at the small corner restaurant. People whispered that she was taking a break, but her other two close friends, Mrs. Nora and Mrs. Grace, knew better. They sat beside her with worried eyes.
"Why don't you go home and rest?" Mrs. Grace asked gently.
Granny shook her head. "I can't. Not yet."
Rosaline had dreamt of the dream again—the same haunting dream. She had confided in Granny the night before: a good-looking man had appeared in her dream. There was something intense in his eyes, something possessive in the way he spoke to her—as if she belonged to him. He even called her Katherine.
When Granny told Mrs. Nora and Mrs. Grace, they gasped in unison.
"Don't tell me he's found her already…" Nora whispered. "After all the running, the hiding… here in Ivia?"
Granny took a long sip of water, her eyes dim with exhaustion. "I managed to keep her hidden for years… but now, I'm not sure I can anymore."
"I still remember the oath we took," Grace said, her voice trembling. "To prevent Rosaline from getting married to the prince."
"Maybe he doesn't know where she is," Nora said, trying to sound hopeful. "Maybe he only visits her in her dreams…"
"But dreams are where everything begins," Granny whispered, barely audible. "And if she remembers… then everything will fall apart. She will try to dig out the past."
Mrs. Grace reached across the table and held Granny's hand. "You gave her the necklace, so nothing will happen," she smiled faintly. "Because even if the world forgets who she is, we won't. She deserves to live like one."
At school, the air was filled with excitement. Bianca and her two fashionable friends, Maya and Britney rushed into class talking non-stop about the upcoming gala at Avalone. It was the imperial majesty's first wife's birthday.
"I can't wait to see them all," Bianca gushed, twirling her silky hair.
"We have to buy the most expensive dresses," Britney added, eyes shining.
Maya giggled. "It'll be the party of the year!"
Just then, Ashley approached them. "Hey… I want to come to your clubhouse today."
The three girls rolled their eyes. Ashley always ruined their mood. Coming from a middle-class background, she wasn't someone they considered "worthy" of their elite circle. But Ashley wanted to be like them—popular, glamorous, and adored. She longed for their world.
Bianca owned the most exclusive clubhouse in town. They called it Crystal Luxe—a dreamy escape where parties sparkled until 2 a.m. under chandeliers and starlit skies. Ashley had never been invited.
Bianca scoffed and handed Ashley a box full of invitation cards. "I invited everyone. Not you specifically. So don't think it's for you."
Ashley lowered her gaze but still took one.
Elsewhere, Cassie and Marga buzzed with excitement. The Crystal Luxe gala sounded magical, and they couldn't wait. But when they realized Rosalone won't be permitted.
"We're not going," Cassie said.
"But why should you miss it because of me?" Rosaline smiled, though her voice cracked. "Go. Have fun. I'll be fine."
"If I were you," Cassie said, "I'd ask your grandma what all these strange rules mean. What's she really protecting you from?"
Marga nodded. "Yeah, Rosaline. There's something she's not telling you."
That night, Rosaline went home, remembering she had a dream… but once again, she couldn't remember what it was.
Yet somewhere, far away—within shadows and dreams—a man whispered her name.
Katherine.