Serena read through the newspaper of Esquire. She doesn't even understand why she reads the garbage, but she could not help herself. Even though the writer was obviously showing favor to Emily, he knew how to keep the audience hooked. With the way he wrote, if she did not know Emily personally herself, even she will be in awe of her.

He painted her as a person who has been down with luck, but still chose to stand up every day to face the world with courage and hope. Then, with the singing career, finally, the skies smiled upon her.

It said, 'Ever since I heard Ms. Emily Evans sing during the opening event of Benz-motors, I looked high and low to request for an interview. Asking around, I found out that she visits every Sunday on an orphanage to provide what she can to the orphans. Without knowing her background, it was already impressive on itself. Yet, when I learned her life stature, I can only salute her.

When I met her there, she was very polite, very unlike some high-profile stars I know of. Then, when I asked for an interview, she wanted to decline because she felt that it was too much for such a small celebrity like her. I was humbled by her humility. However, in the end, after much persistence on my end, she finally relented.

Ms. Emily's father was a baron, but her mother has long passed. She lives in a 3-bedroom townhome with her father and 4 other siblings to which she was the eldest. She manages the household with the help of only a cook and a laundress. Even some commoners live a life richer than her, but she never thought of it as a disadvantage.

She was kind enough to let me enter their humble abode, and I could not help but note its simplicity. I asked, why does she go to the orphanage to do charity work when she could use that money for herself instead?

Her answer shook me to the very core….'

Serena wanted to shout bullshit with all the hypocrisy. Really, Emily should tone it down. What be thankful for having a roof over one's head? She was a social climber and a gold-digger. How could she say those words to the interviewer like she was some Holy Mary?

Also, what does the writer mean by other high-profile stars? She could not help but think that he's alluding to her. He did not mention her name, but she was the only one he compared Emily to last time. However, she has never even spoken to the man, and she has also never acted like some high profile star.

It's really maddening!

Anyway, her car, an omnibus model, stopped. She pushed the curtain and saw that they already arrived at Columbia's. Ah, the car was truly convenient, the travel from her Ducal estate, Cornwell, to the Capital was shortened to 2 hours. Given that Columbia's was at the outskirts and nearer to Cornwell, the travel only took 1 and a half hour. Bernard opened the door and she alighted.

She was about to enter when she heard another car arrive. As the car was a Benz-Victoria, it was not enclosed, and she saw that it was Emily riding it with a hired driver.

She wanted to say, 'well, so much for living humbly. Now, she has her own car and even a driver. Anyhow, what was she doing there? It's not like she has a new contract.'

Serena did not have anything to say to Emily and did not want to look like she's waiting for her. So, she decided to climb the stairs without saying 'Hi.'

--

"Good morning Ms. Emily! We read about your interview with esquire, it's truly inspiring to normal everyday workers like us." One of Columbia's employees greeted.

Emily smiled, "Good morning too, Mr. Juliard. Thank you very much, I'm glad that it had that effect, but I believe that you are more inspiring than myself."

Juliard was more amazed by Emily's humbleness. He and the other employees could not help but compare, they didn't know why, but they just did (triggered by Esquire but they did not know).

Whenever Lady Serena arrives, she just nods at them in acknowledgement, and they can't feel any connection with her. Like she's kind, but there's always a divide. Maybe because she's a daughter of a duke, and very noble. However, Emily was different, she was like them.

Although she too was part of the peerage, she was easy to relate too, especially now that they read all about how she lived in Esquire. It made them want to cheer for her more. It made them feel like her success was the success of all the day-to-day workers like them.

Even more inspiring when the writer quoted her line, ', don't know why people think lowly when another is living humbly, for as long as one lives honorably, one should take pride in it. Having a roof over one's head is blessing enough.'

"You are far too kind Miss Emily. May I ask why you are here today?" Juliard asked.

"Ah, I am looking for Lord Charlton, I wish to show him this new piece I wrote, maybe if he approves of it, Columbia's can have it recorded. I feel nervous as this is my first personal composition… also, he must be busy working with Lady Serena. I wish I could be like her… her skills and composition are so amazing that she doesn't have to get in line anymore and can just directly get it recorded. Ah… I can only wait for the day." she lamented. Carefully constructing her sentence.

Juliard nodded his head, "Indeed, lady Serena's works were all very amazing. It was because of her and Lord Charlton that Columbia has reached this height in a short matter of time. Though, I do hope lord Daniel gives your composition a chance. I'm sure it would be wonderful and many people will support you. Me included! Hehe"

Emily smiled at him, "thank you so much. Now, I must excuse myself and see if I can squeeze myself in for the day. Wish me luck!"

"Good luck Miss Emily! All the best!"

--

TBC