CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE – GETTING INTO RHYTHM

Over the next few days, Charlotte threw herself into job hunting. She knew she needed something to occupy her mind, to give her days structure. After several rejections, she finally landed an interview at a local department store. The morning of the interview, Charlotte stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her secondhand blazer. She barely recognized the woman staring back at her – a far cry from the polished heiress she'd once been. But there was a determination in her eyes that hadn't been there before. "You can do this," she told her reflection firmly. The interview went better than she'd dared hope. The manager, a kind-faced woman named Margaret, seemed impressed by Charlotte's eagerness to learn. "Well, Miss Emerson," Margaret said, smiling, "I think you'll fit in just fine here. When can you start?" Charlotte felt a wave of relief wash over her. "As soon as possible, ma'am. Thank you so much for this opportunity." As she left the store, clutching her new employee handboo