CHAPTER EIGHT
The lavish decor, the plush furnishings, and the soft lighting all seemed to whisper contradictions.
She felt like a stranger in a life she couldn't remember, and the man's claim only added to the enigma.
As the seconds ticked by, Cherry's grip on reality began to slip.
Cherry stepped into the room, her eyes were immediately drawn to a large, striking portrait hanging on the wall.
The subject of the painting was a stunning young woman with raven-black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of night.
Her piercing blue eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, same as one of the eyes of the curious cat Cherry had encountered earlier.
The woman's nose was slender and pointed, adding to her refined features.
Cherry's gaze was captivated by the portrait, and she sensed that the woman was a fashion icon and a member of high society, judging by her elegant pose and opulent accessories.
It left Cherry wondering who this mysterious woman was.
"She's so beautiful... who is she? Is she the one who owns this room?"
The man's response was shocking to her
"She's not just the owner of this room, Amy, she's the owner of this entire house and the estate... and she's you."
Cherry's gaze snapped back to the man.
"What do you mean? That's not me!"
The man's eyes narrowed, with concern.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize your own face, Amy. What's really going on with you? Why can't you remember?"
He placed his hands on her cheek gently looking at her straight in the eyes.
"I hope they didn't do anything to hurt you?"
He moved forward and tenderly arranged a plush robe beside the bathroom door, with a gentle movement.
"Your bathing robe is right there, go ahead and freshen up. You need to relax."
He then guided Cherry towards the bathroom, supporting her elbow with his hands.
As he shut the door behind her, Cherry felt
relieved a little as she was alone to herself, void of the constant name they called her.
As the man turned to exit the room, he was met with Amy's mother.
"Did she agree to go into the bathroom?" She asked.
"Yes, she did, but she's behaving very strangely."
"I wonder what could have driven her so far from home.
I have no idea what she might have endured, but I hope she recovers soon and quickly," She said with concern.
As Cherry stepped into the bathroom, she began to shed her worn clothes, letting them fall to the floor.
She reached out and turned the shower handle, and warm water cascaded down.
She leaned back against the cool tile wall, letting the water pour on her, and closed her eyes.
"Why do I feel lighter?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the gentle hum of the shower.
As Cherry stood under the warm shower, she became aware of her body in a way she hadn't in a long time.
She felt a strange lightness, as if she'd shed not just her clothes, but also a significant part of her physical self.
Her mind struggled to reconcile this new sensation with her memories of her body.
She recalled weighing 85 kg, but now she felt more like 60 kg.
Her bursts, once full and curvy, now felt smaller, less substantial.
Her hands, too, seemed slimmer, her fingers more delicate.
The water cascaded down her body, revealing the changes she felt.
Cherry's eyes fluttered open, and she gazed down at herself, trying to understand this transformation.
Had she really lost weight, or was this just some trick of her mind?
As the water flowed down her hair, Cherry felt its weight settle heavily on her shoulders, a sensation that surprised her.
Her hair, once neck-length, now fell down her back like a luxurious cloak.
She turned off the shower and wiped the water from her face with her hands, and that's when she noticed another change.
Her nose, once slightly rounded, now felt more pointed, more refined.
Cherry's mind whirled as she explored her new features.
Maybe, just maybe, her skin routine was working wonders, making her feel more confident, more alluring.
But deep down, she knew it was more than that.
Something fundamental had shifted, like the very fabric of her identity was being rewoven.
Cherry emerged from the bathtub, her heart racing with anticipation.
She approached the mirror with curiosity.