I awaken to a throbbing headache, groaning as I try to make sense of my surroundings. "She's playing dead, that damn troublemaker," a voice mutters nearby. The sound of her voice sparks memories of the body I now inhabit. As these thoughts swirl in my mind, I can't help but notice the striking parallels between this person and the character from the book I recently read.
My eyes flutter open to find myself in a body that feels both familiar and utterly foreign—Luna von Dewill's, no less. A rush of disbelief washes over me as I grapple with the absurdity of the situation.
"What?? I never wished to become her; I merely desired to be her friend," I exclaim, the words tumbling from my lips in disbelief. Yet here I am, inhabiting the very being I once read about in the pages of a book. It's a surreal twist of fate, one that I never could have anticipated.
Luna's upbringing, as briefly outlined in the novel, sheds light on the complexities of her familial dynamics. Her father and older twin brothers served as beacons of light in an otherwise tumultuous childhood. However, her relationship with her mother, Laurinda von Dewill, was marred by deep-seated resentment and animosity.
Laurinda's struggle with post-partum depression cast a shadow over Luna's early years, leaving her feeling neglected and unloved. The bitterness stemmed from Laurinda's inability to fully embrace Luna, a sentiment that Luna struggled to comprehend as a child.
While Luna's father, Luther von Dewill, empathized with his wife's plight, his demanding career as CEO of a Fortune 500 company left little room for meaningful connection with his daughter. In an attempt to compensate for his absence, Luther showered Luna with material possessions—bags, clothes, and jewelry—believing they could fill the void left by his absence.
Despite these efforts, Luna found herself yearning for something more profound—a sense of love and acceptance that transcended material wealth. The juxtaposition of her family's affluent lifestyle with the emotional void she experienced underscored the complexity of Luna's upbringing, leaving her grappling with a longing for familial connection that money couldn't buy.
As I'm suddenly transported into Luna's former life, I'm determined to seize this unexpected chance with both hands. Despite the challenges Luna endured, I'm drawn to the bright spots in her story—her bond with her brothers and her father's love, imperfect though they may have been, surely left a lasting impression on her.
Now, as I step into Luna's shoes, I feel a sense of duty to ensure she receives the love and care she deserves in her next life. It's a strange notion, I know, to entertain the idea of reincarnation and the reality of this world. But somewhere along the way, I heard or read that when life gives you a second chance, you grab it with both hands.
With this newfound understanding, I'm resolved to live each day with intention and appreciation, holding onto the blessings that come my way and working towards a brighter future not just for myself, but for Luna and all those who have gone before me.
Having witnessed firsthand the depths of unhappiness, I'm resolved to live my life to its fullest. I owe it to myself, but more importantly, I owe it to my parents. They would want nothing less than to see me radiate with happiness.
Shaking off my thoughts, I lift my gaze to the woman before me, her expression filled with scorn and disdain. She is the mother of this body—my mother now, I suppose.
The words cut through the air like a knife, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "You have been nothing but useless since the day you were born. I don't know why your father didn't want to take you to a foster home or something," the beautiful woman screams, her words laced with venom. It takes a moment for the weight of her words to sink in, and when they do, they hit me like a ton of bricks.
As memories of Luna's past begin to weave themselves into my consciousness, I start to comprehend the tangled web that led her to become the person she was. No child, whether five or forty years old, should ever endure such cruelty and abuse. It's a weight that no one should bear.
Laurinda's constant scorn and disdain towards Luna, as vividly recalled now, have been a relentless force dragging her down. I find myself lying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to process the tumult of emotions swirling within me.
Unlike Luna, I was fortunate enough to be deeply loved and protected by my family from a young age. It's a stark contrast to the loveless existence Luna endured under Laurinda's gaze. And yet, despite this stark difference, I can't help but feel a pang of empathy for Luna, trapped in a life filled with such cruelty.
"It was an accident. I'm sorry for scaring you," I murmur softly, my voice barely above a whisper. Exhaustion weighs heavily on me, compounded by the splitting headache I'm currently grappling with. The memory of Luna's fatal fall by the water fountain replays in my mind, the head trauma leading to her untimely demise and my unexpected transmigration into her body. In this moment, I simply can't bear to hear the screams of a mother devoid of any concern for her child.
"I'm tired. May I get back to sleep?" I manage to murmur, my exhaustion palpable. My mother's scowl deepens, and she hastily exits the room, followed by my nanny, Anna, who shoots me a reassuring smile filled with concern before gently closing the door behind her.
With a sigh of relief, I take the opportunity to survey my surroundings. My room, adorned with princess-like decor, exudes a soft elegance with its subtle pink accents. The bed, draped in baby pink blankets, beckons me back to its comfort. Across the room stands a walk-in closet, housing an array of clothes and accessories, while another room holds my collection of shoes.
Attempting to push through the pain, I muster the strength to make my way to the bathroom. But as I navigate the room, a sudden migraine grips me with excruciating force. I stagger back to bed, groaning in agony as the pain becomes unbearable. With a final, desperate breath, I succumb to unconsciousness, the world fading to black around me.
As I open my eyes, I find myself in a spectral form, observing my former world from a distance. There, amidst the familiar surroundings, I see my parents laughing joyously, likely at Luna's antics, who now inhabits my world as me. Meanwhile, my grandfather and sister engage in a game of chess in the garden, while Rhyn, the new inhabitant of Luna's former life, frolics across the field with her parents in pursuit.
A bittersweet wave washes over me as I follow the carefree Rhyn throughout her day. Despite the ache of being separated from my loved ones, I'm comforted by the sight of my grandfather and sister alive and well. And seeing Luna finally immersed in the warmth of a happy, loving family fills me with a sense of contentment.
As the day draws to a close, I watch as Luna is tucked into bed by my mother, drifting off into slumber. When she awakens to find me in my ghostly form beside her, she wastes no time in addressing the weighty decision before us.
"Do you want to come back?" Luna asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "If we switch our lives, we can't save our grandfather and sister, but I can try my best to prevent their deaths. However, it will mean our own demise. What do you say?"
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I exhale deeply before responding. "Be filial to my parents," I begin, my voice steady. "And I will ensure to live happily as you. At this moment, you are Rhyn, and I am Luna. Make sure to make friends with people who truly appreciate you, and don't waste your love on those who won't give it back. My sister may seem young, but she's got wisdom beyond her years. Confide in her, but spare her the harsh truth about what's to come. Let her be your guide to a better tomorrow.."
With resolve in my heart, I continue, "Our worlds may not be so different after all, which means we might be able to adjust to our new lives more easily than we think. I'm set on finding happiness in this new journey, and I truly hope you'll find it too."
We look at each other and take a step into our new lives.
I wake up with a smile on my face, reassured by the absence of mourning from my parents. I know that Rhyn, now inhabiting my former life, will have the chance to experience a happier childhood. No, she's not Luna anymore; she's Rhyn. I can only hope she took my advice to heart. It would be disappointing if she ended up repeating the same mistakes, but I'll push those thoughts aside for now.
Now, I am Luna von Dewill, the daughter of Laurinda and Luther von Dewill, the esteemed owners of the von Dewill Group. I have twin older brothers, both of whom are seniors in high school, making them eight years older than me. As a primary school student, I'm just ten years old. And so, my story begins.
It's been a decade since I found myself in this alternate yet strangely familiar world. Here on Tilla, the only disparities from Earth are the people and place names. The inhabitants of Tilla are notably heartier and longer-lived, with the oldest among them reaching an astonishing 350 years. Though they possess no extraordinary abilities, their resilience and strength far surpass that of humans on Earth.
Growing up, I was fortunate to have two fiercely protective older brothers, Rome and Henley. Rome, the elder by a mere five minutes, exudes affection and often takes on the role of caretaker, even after assuming our father's mantle as CEO. Meanwhile, Henley, with his rough exterior and tender heart, ensures my physical and mental well-being through rigorous training and unconventional displays of care.
When my brothers reached twenty, they wasted no time in securing a home of our own, freeing me from our mother's incessant nagging. Though she never improved, I harbored no resentment, recognizing her struggles. While her treatment stung, I refused to shoulder blame for circumstances beyond my control. My father, on the other hand, remained a steadfast presence in my life, attending every milestone, despite my mother's disdain. His unwavering support has always been a source of comfort.
Now, a final-year MBA student at Cramley University, I've opted to pursue studies that align with our family business. Though initially reluctant to join the company, I've found solace in the prospect of consulting while keeping the option open to start my own venture.
As I prepare to head to varsity, Henley offers to drive me. "Are you sure you don't want me to drop you off?" he asks, peering down at me with a playful grin. "Cut it out, I'm not that short," I retort, playfully dodging his gaze. "And no, you two always attract too much attention when you drop me off," I add, taking a step back from my towering brother.
"Fine, but you better finish everything on that plate," Henley sternly admonishes before grabbing his bag and heading for the door. "See you later," he calls out before disappearing through the doorway.
I wave in acknowledgment and take a seat, knowing this routine all too well. Rome always whips up breakfast, Henley issues orders without actually eating, and I sit alone, savoring the morning meal before school. Thankfully, Rome's cooking never disappoints. Today, he's prepared my favorite: pancakes with cinnamon and sugar, accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee. Simple, yet satisfying—I relish every bite.
After clearing my plate, I head to the kitchen to wash up. In our household, the cook doesn't handle the dishes. As I scrub away, my thoughts drift to the ongoing debate in my mind: continue my studies or pursue freelancing, a nod to my past life. Arriving at a decision seems elusive, but for now, school demands my attention.
Pulling into the school parking lot, I'm met with curious stares as I step out of the car. It's a sensation I've grown accustomed to, though it still feels unsettling at times. Ignoring the scrutiny, I make my way towards the entrance, where I spot a familiar face.
"Hey, Luna," my best friend Selene greets, enveloping me in a warm hug. Returning the embrace, I inquire, "What's with the strange vibe today?"
"We've got a VIP on campus," she replies with a knowing look. "You know Alexander Forbes, right? He's giving a speech in the Accounting building."
Ah, Alexander Forbes—the CEO and chairman of the Forbes Group, a global powerhouse. It all clicks into place. Nodding in understanding, I follow Selene as we make our way to class, anticipation for the day's events simmering in the air.