《Switched Fates, Entangled Hearts [Parallel World]》 Chapter 1: Switched Fates [Callas POV] [Calla''s POV] Calla stepped outside her house and, as usual, found Damian waiting by the gate. Their houses stood side by side, a fact that had tethered them together for as long as she could remember. Casually leaning against the fence, Damian greeted her with his usual easygoing smirk. It was a routine that had never changed¡ªevery morning, they walked to school together, just as they had done since childhood. ¡°Yow,¡± Damian greeted her with his usual laid-back smile. Just then, Calla¡¯s parents stepped outside as well. ¡°Take care of Calla today, Damian,¡± her mom called out with a warm smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Aunt. I¡¯ve got her on a leash,¡± Damian replied, throwing his arm casually over Calla¡¯s shoulder. Am I his dog? Calla thought, shooting him a sharp glare. Damian just smirked in response, clearly enjoying the reaction. Unable to resist, Calla immediately started tackling him, playfully wrestling her off him. ¡°Aunt! Your daughter!¡± he yelled, still trying to escape her grip. Her parents just laughed, amused by the daily banter. ¡°Look how close they are. I¡¯ll be relieved if those two end up together,¡± her mom said with a content sigh. ¡°I¡¯m sure Damian¡¯s parents would agree,¡± her dad added with a grin. ¡°Mom! We¡¯re just friends! F-R-I-E-N-D-S!¡± Calla practically shouted, exasperated by the same conversation she¡¯d been having with them for years. She kept insisting it was impossible to see Damian as anything other than a friend, no matter how often they hinted otherwise. Calla and Damian had been together practically since birth, their parents having been close friends since their college days. Their families had even made a playful pact: if their child ended up being of opposite genders, they would arrange for them to marry. But Calla wasn¡¯t buying into that plan, no matter how much their parents teased them. After a slow morning, they had some time to kill before class, so they headed to the convenience store near their campus for a quick bowl of ramen. Calla, lost in thought, started slurping her noodles at an impressive speed. ¡°Hey, hey, Calla. No one¡¯s going to steal your ramen!¡± Damian commented with a smirk, passing her a tissue. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you,¡± Calla shot back, giving him a suspicious glare. As she wiped her mouth with the tissue, Damian, true to form, casually stuck his chopsticks into her ramen and stole a mouthful of noodles. ¡°You¡¯re the worst!¡± Calla exclaimed before launching her revenge, stabbing her chopsticks into his bowl and stealing a generous portion of his ramen in return. This playful back-and-forth was what anyone would see whenever the two were together. They bickered, joked, and teased each other as if they were siblings rather than potential future spouses. While Calla was still busy stealing Damian¡¯s ramen and Damian was casually eating hers, Calla suddenly asked, ¡°Damian, do you like me?¡± Damian immediately choked on his food. ¡°What the hell? I¡¯d rather date a frog than you,¡± he sputtered, still coughing. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Yeah, I feel the same way,¡± Calla sighed, returning to her ramen. After a brief silence, Calla spoke again, ¡°Damian, we really need to find someone else to date. Our parents won¡¯t stop bugging us, and honestly, I¡¯m getting tired of seeing your face every day.¡± Damian laughed, his carefree nature shining through. ¡°Alright, how about this¡ªlet¡¯s race to see who can find someone to date first. What do you think?¡± Calla grinned. ¡°Deal. And the one who gets married first has to pay for the wedding.¡± ¡°Okay, okay! I¡¯ll definitely win. I mean, look at this,¡± Damian said, gesturing confidently to his face. Well, he wasn¡¯t wrong. Damian was ridiculously good-looking, the kind of guy who made people stop and stare. It¡¯s why he was hailed as the ¡°campus prince.¡± But Calla had seen that face every day for years, and by now, it had lost its charm on her. Just as they were about to continue their playful banter, Damian suddenly glanced at his watch. ¡°Oh no! It¡¯s time! We¡¯re going to be late for class!¡± He hurriedly gulped down the last of his soup and took off running toward the campus. ¡°Wait for me, you jerk!¡± Calla yelled, hastily slurping the rest of her ramen before bolting after him. In her rush, she didn¡¯t notice the uneven pavement. The next thing she knew, she was tripping over her own feet, and before she could even call out to Damian, everything went dark. £ª£ª£ª When Calla opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unfamiliar room, lying on the softest bed she¡¯d ever felt. The air smelled faintly of lavender, and the room was bathed in warm pastel tones, accented with gold trims. It looked¡­ expensive. What was more confusing was the sight of several maids bustling around her, dressed in black uniforms with white aprons¡ªlike something straight out of a fantasy novel. Maids? Calla blinked in disbelief and sat up, her head throbbing. She instinctively reached up to rub her temples, still trying to make sense of the lavish surroundings. The maids all turned to her with wide, worried eyes. ¡°Is this a dream?¡± she muttered to herself. To test it, she slapped her own cheek¡ªhard. ¡°Miss, please don¡¯t¡ª¡± one of the maids started, rushing to stop her. But the pain was real. Calla winced. That hurt. A lot. Wait¡­ don¡¯t tell me I died after tripping and reincarnated as some villainess who¡¯s destined to be killed? Calla¡¯s heart raced as her mind filled with the familiar tropes from all the fantasy novels she¡¯d read. Now she needed to confirm whose body she had woken up in. Please let this be a familiar villainess, she thought, scrambling out of bed. Stumbling toward the mirror, Calla¡¯s breath caught in her throat. The girl staring back at her had the same face she¡¯d always had, but with a few differences: her long, silky hair cascaded down her back, and her skin was flawless¡ªfree from any of the acne breakouts she had been so used to battling. She looked¡­ pampered. Rich. ¡°Who¡­ am I?¡± Calla whispered to her reflection, trying to make sense of the impossible situation she found herself in. ¡°Lady Rosalie, are you okay?¡± one of the maids asked, her voice filled with concern as she watched Calla¡¯s bewildered reaction. Before Calla could respond, a voice she immediately recognized echoed through the room. ¡°What is happening here?¡± Her heart skipped a beat. That voice¡­ She turned around swiftly, and the maids around her immediately bowed to the figure who had just entered the room. ¡°Damian?¡± she gasped. Standing in the doorway was a man who looked exactly like Damian, but with black hair¡ªthe natural color he had before he dyed it. Did Damian reincarnate here, too? she wondered, her mind racing. Without thinking, Calla dashed forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. Both the maids and the man she hugged seemed completely caught off guard. ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re here. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do without you, you bastard,¡± Calla murmured into his chest, her voice filled with relief as she hugged him tighter, hoping he¡¯d understand her confusion. But something was wrong. He wasn¡¯t reacting like Damian. When she pulled back to look at him, her heart sank. His expression was cold, reserved¡ªnothing like the carefree, easy-going Damian she knew. She blinked, confused, and without thinking, she reached up to touch his face, trying to make sense of it. She gently placed her hands on his cheeks and raised the corners of his mouth, attempting to force the familiar grin she had seen countless times. A shocked gasp came from one of the maids behind her, but Calla barely noticed. He looks like Damian¡­ but somehow¡­ he¡¯s not? The man¡¯s expression shifted to one of clear annoyance. He suddenly grasped her wrists tightly, and the sharp pain made her wince. This isn¡¯t Damian. This isn¡¯t the Damian I know. Fear began to creep in. ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡± she whispered, pulling her hands away from him as the realization settled in. The man¡¯s cold gaze bore into her, and Calla could feel the weight of her mistake. Whoever this was, he wasn¡¯t her childhood best friend. Chapter 1: Switched Fates [Rosalies POV] [Rosalie''s POV] Rosalie stared at her reflection in the mirror as her maid carefully groomed her. Today was the day she had prepared for as long as she could remember¡ªher engagement. As a noblewoman, her future had always been clear: to support her husband, bear children, and participate in society¡¯s grand gatherings. All her training, her carefully crafted poise, had led her to this moment¡ªan engagement to the heir of the prominent Cromwell House. Her parents were proud, showering her with the best of everything until the day she would marry. Yet, as Rosalie gazed out the window, watching birds soar freely through the sky, a wistful thought crossed her mind. If only I could be a bird¡­ A knock at the door interrupted her reverie. Turning, she saw him¡ªEthan, the man she was destined to marry, the heir of the Cromwell House. Her maids quickly exited the room, leaving them alone. Instead of the warm, celebratory atmosphere that often accompanied engagements, the air between them was cold and tense. ¡°Greetings, my lord,¡± Rosalie said, bowing with perfect formality. Ethan gave a curt nod in return. She had met him a few times since childhood. Back then, he had been a boy full of innocence, but now, all that remained was a cold, distant figure. ¡°So, the day is nearly upon us,¡± she said, trying to break the silence. ¡°Yes. I assume you¡¯re prepared for what¡¯s to come,¡± Ethan replied flatly. ¡°One can never be truly prepared for such things. But duty calls,¡± Rosalie answered, her tone steady. A brief pause followed, the tension thickening between them. ¡°Duty, yes. That¡¯s all this is. You understand that, don¡¯t you?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was sharp, leaving no room for warmth. ¡°I understand,¡± Rosalie replied coolly. ¡°We are bound by obligation. Nothing more.¡± ¡°Precisely. This is an arrangement for the benefit of our families, and I have no interest in pretending otherwise.¡± His words stung, but Rosalie maintained her composure, the years of noble training keeping her expression calm. ¡°I see. Then we¡¯ll both play our roles¡­ as expected.¡± Ethan regarded her for a moment, the coldness in her tone mirroring his own. Before either could say more, a butler entered the room and bowed. ¡°The party is about to begin, my lord, my lady.¡± Ethan offered his arm, gesturing for Rosalie to accompany him toward the grand hall. The room filled with guests who congratulated them¡ªnot on their union, but on the alliance between their families. Rosalie wore a practiced, polite smile, one as artificial as Ethan¡¯s. Together, they moved to the center of the hall, where they danced with grace and precision. To the onlookers, it was a picture-perfect moment, yet devoid of any true warmth or affection. After a while, Ethan excused himself to greet other guests, leaving Rosalie alone. She made her way to the terrace, a glass of wine in hand, and stood beneath the moonlight, grateful for the brief moment of quiet. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. In the stillness, her mind replayed their earlier conversation. I always knew this day would come, but I never imagined it would feel so cold. She looked up at the stars just beginning to twinkle in the evening sky. The weight of her family¡¯s expectations pressed heavily on her. This engagement, though prestigious, felt like the loss of her freedom¡ªa step into a life dictated by duty rather than desire. Will he ever see me as more than just a pawn in this game? The thought of being reduced to a mere piece in a strategic alliance was disheartening. She longed for something real, a connection beyond the cold formalities. Is this how love dies in noble circles? Reduced to political maneuvering? I suppose this will be my fate, she thought bitterly. I was never meant to feel warmth, even as a child. It¡¯s always been about duty and perfection. As she took the last sip of her wine, a wave of dizziness washed over her. She frowned¡ªshe¡¯d only had a small amount. Why do I feel so light-headed? The world around her began to blur, her thoughts slipping away as her consciousness faded into darkness. £ª£ª£ª Rosalie awoke to the harsh light from the ceiling shining directly into her eyes. She blinked, trying to shield herself from the glare, but as she raised her hand, she felt something odd¡ªa tube was attached to the back of her hand. Confusion washed over her as she glanced around, noticing a blue curtain encircling the bed she lay on. The room was entirely unfamiliar, unlike anything she had ever seen before. Where is this place? she thought, her heart racing. As she tried to make sense of her surroundings, her gaze fell upon a blond man sleeping beside the bed. His presence startled her. He stirred at her movement and opened his eyes, revealing a familiar face¡ªthe face of someone she will spend years with, devoid of love. Ethan? But something was different. The cold, distant demeanor she had always known was gone, replaced by genuine concern. His brow furrowed with worry as he sat up. ¡°Are you okay? You just tripped and passed out,¡± the man asked, his voice soft but filled with care. Rosalie stared at him, bewildered. There was no mistaking it¡ªthis was the man who looked exactly like her fianc¨¦. But why was he acting so different? Why did she feel no tension between them? ¡°May I ask where I am?¡± she asked cautiously. The man looked confused. ¡°You¡¯re in the hospital. I brought you here. By the way, why are you speaking so formally? That¡¯s not like you.¡± Not like me? Rosalie¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in a nearby mirror. It was her face, but¡­ her hair was much shorter, unevenly cut, and dark circles hung beneath her eyes. What is the meaning of this? Rosalie¡¯s thoughts spiraled in disbelief. £ª£ª£ª Rosalie sat in a chair, watching the man who looked exactly like her fianc¨¦ as he went to settle the hospital bills. Her gaze drifted around the unfamiliar surroundings, taking in the people and the strange devices. What kind of place is this? she wondered. Everything was so different¡ªnothing like the world she knew. Was this a dream? But the dull throb in her bruised knee reminded her painfully that this was no illusion. When the man returned, he knelt in front of her, his eyes searching her face with a kind of concern she had never seen in Ethan before. ¡°Are you really okay? Should I take you home?¡± Rosalie blinked, taken aback by the genuine worry in his tone. Unsure how to respond, she simply nodded. He turned around and gestured for her to climb onto his back. She froze, shocked at the casual, almost indecent offer. How could someone, a noble, suggest something so improper? ¡°You¡¯re injured, and it might be hard for you to walk,¡± he explained, as if reading her thoughts. Feeling self-conscious but unable to refuse, she gingerly got onto his back. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. How did I end up in such a ridiculous situation? She pressed her lips together, hoping he wouldn¡¯t notice her flushed ears. ¡°You¡¯re awfully quiet. Are you still upset that I left you earlier?¡± he asked softly. ¡°If so, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hearing an apology from someone who resembled Ethan felt surreal. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t remember why you¡¯re apologizing,¡± she murmured. He stopped abruptly and gently set her down on a nearby bench. His face drew closer to hers, and she instinctively held her breath. He placed his hand against her forehead, his brow furrowing in concern. ¡°Calla, are you sick?¡± Calla? The unfamiliar name echoed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine. Who is Calla? Chapter 2: My New World [Callas POV] ¡°Who are you?¡± she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop herself. He remained silent, his expression unwavering, but the room felt heavy with unspoken tension. It was as if he was evaluating her, searching for something she couldn¡¯t fathom. Why does he look at me like that? The distance in his eyes, the unfamiliar sharpness in his demeanor¡ªit was all wrong. The Damian she knew would have cracked a joke by now or teased her about being dramatic. But this man¡¯s silence was suffocating. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her head. Images and memories flooded her mind¡ªmemories that didn¡¯t belong to her. Faces, names, and scenes she¡¯d never experienced flashed before her eyes, leaving her breathless. When the pain subsided, she looked up at the man before her in stunned realization. Ethan¡­ His name surfaced in her mind, as if she¡¯d known it all along. This is Ethan. He¡¯s not Damian. He¡¯s¡­ my fianc¨¦? Calla¡¯s lips twitched with irony. Just when I thought I could escape marrying him, I end up engaged to him in another world. She let out a bitter sigh. Our parents would be thrilled if they knew. But she could also recall how the engagement was more of a political alliance between two powerful families¡ªcold and formal, with no room for love. A marriage without love. That must be tough. Yanking her hands free from his grip, she squared her shoulders and looked at him fiercely. If he was anything like the cold, reserved male leads she read about in her novels, then she had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Great. So I¡¯m stuck here, she muttered to herself, eyeing him carefully. If I have to play this role until I find a way back home, then so be it. A sudden thought crossed her mind, and a small smile tugged at her lips. If I¡¯m in this world, then the person who originally inhabited this body must be in mine. Poor girl. But¡­ Calla¡¯s smile grew wider. If it¡¯s Damian on the other side, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll take care of her. Straightening up, she glanced around the room, then back at Ethan. Now, it¡¯s my turn to figure out how to navigate this world¡ªand maybe have a little fun along the way. She lowered her head in a respectful bow. ¡°I apologize, my dear lord. I haven¡¯t fully recovered from the dizziness and ended up displaying such disgraceful behavior,¡± she said softly, her tone surprisingly polite and sincere. The sudden shift in her demeanor made Ethan pause, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to decipher her intent. But instead of questioning it, he brushed it off and turned to the maids. ¡°Take care of your lady,¡± he commanded. The maids quickly bowed and murmured their assent, rushing to Calla¡¯s side. Just as Ethan was about to leave the room, she suddenly called out, ¡°About our engagement¡­ I¡¯ll make the most of it.¡± Her words hung in the air, causing him to turn back, brow furrowed in confusion. I¡¯ll help, she thought to herself, recalling the fragments of memories that weren¡¯t hers. The previous owner of this body had truly yearned for a deeper connection with Ethan, something real. If that¡¯s what she wanted, then I¡¯ll see it through¡ªuntil I figure out how to get back to my world. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. £ª£ª£ª Ethan couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of unease as he left the room. Rosalie¡¯s sudden change in attitude, the unexpected line about making the most of their engagement¡ªit all felt¡­ different. He frowned, wondering what she was up to. Something¡¯s definitely going to happen. I can sense it. As he stepped into the hallway, Felix, his trusted secretary, fell into step beside him. ¡°It appears that someone poisoned Lady Rosalie¡¯s wine,¡± Felix reported calmly, his voice low enough to ensure no one else overheard. Ethan¡¯s eyes darkened at the news. ¡°Find out who did it,¡± he ordered sharply. ¡°Yes, my lord,¡± Felix replied with a slight bow before hurrying off to carry out the command. Ethan glanced back at the door of Rosalie¡¯s room, his jaw tightening. Just what game is being played here? he thought, a sense of foreboding settling in his chest. Whatever it was, he intended to get to the bottom of it. £ª£ª£ª Calla sipped on her tea, savoring the rich flavor as the maids fussed around her, brushing her hair and adjusting her attire for the day. Ah, what an expensive tea. What a nice day to be alive, she thought with a grin, amused by her own thoughts. ¡°My lady, you¡¯re scheduled to meet your parents for breakfast,¡± Ruby, one of the maids, reminded her gently. ¡°Okay!¡± Calla responded, casually making an ¡®OK¡¯ sign with her fingers. The maids exchanged bewildered glances at the unfamiliar gesture, but Calla only smiled, letting them finish their tasks. By the time she was fully dressed, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit exasperated. Wow, it takes forever just to get into a dress. She glanced at the elaborate gown in the mirror, layers of fabric and intricate embroidery weighing her down. As she made her way down the hall, she found herself constantly lifting the heavy skirts to keep from tripping over them. With each step, she sighed quietly to herself. I really admire nobles for managing to wear these cumbersome things every day. They must have legs of steel, she thought with a wry smile, imagining herself dragging the dress through the entire day. Calla entered the grand dining hall, feeling slightly overwhelmed by its sheer size and opulence. Taking a deep breath, she approached her parents, who were seated at the leftmost end of the massive table. ¡°Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother,¡± she greeted, dipping into a small curtsy that she hoped looked respectful enough. Her parents barely looked up from their plates, giving her a curt nod. ¡°Good morning, Rosalie,¡± her mother replied, her tone formal and detached. Her father simply gestured toward her seat at the far end of the table, wordlessly dismissing her. What the hell is this setup? Calla thought as she took her place all the way on the opposite side of the room, feeling the distance acutely. She tried not to let it show on her face as she settled in. She took her seat, and as soon as she settled in, the chef presented a lavish array of dishes for breakfast. Her eyes sparkled with delight. Woah, look at all this food! she marveled, practically salivating at the sight. Just as she picked up her fork, she heard a sharp clink of glass. Her father had cleared his throat, drawing her attention. In her world and in this one, her parents looked strikingly similar, yet there was something about them here that felt so distant¡ªstrict and imposing. ¡°Now, your engagement with Ethan has been confirmed. You¡¯ll begin making public appearances together. I expect you to uphold the image of the perfect daughter of the Mills House,¡± he stated firmly, his voice cold and authoritative. Calla straightened in her seat and nodded obediently. ¡°I understand.¡± Her father continued, launching into a long-winded explanation of the benefits of their union with the Cromwell House¡ªtheir influence over the kingdom¡¯s trade and properties, and their direct ties to the royal family. Calla tried to listen, but her stomach had other plans. It growled softly, making her inwardly groan. I wonder when he¡¯ll stop talking. After what felt like ages, her father finally concluded his lecture and returned to eating. Calla breathed a silent sigh of relief, a smile forming on her lips as she eagerly dug into her long-awaited breakfast. He¡¯s so strict, but he reminds me of Dad, she thought, her heart softening just a little. It was a strange comfort¡ªan odd familiarity wrapped in formality. Chapter 2: My New World [Rosalies POV] Seeing the confusion on her face, the man¡¯s expression suddenly paled. ¡°You¡¯re not joking? Calla¡­ Do you even know who I am?¡± ¡°Calla? Who is she? Me?¡± Rosalie hesitated, then asked cautiously, ¡°Are you¡­ possibly Ethan?¡± The man¡¯s face twisted into shock and disbelief. ¡°No¡­ No way.¡± He stared at her, searching for some sign that this was all a prank. ¡°You don¡¯t recognize me? I¡¯m Damian¡ªyour friend. Your best friend.¡± ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t remember,¡± Rosalie replied honestly. ¡°Calla, this isn¡¯t funny.¡± His voice cracked slightly. ¡°Okay, I give up. I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s my fault.¡± Damian¡¯s tone was almost desperate, as if he were clinging to the hope that she was simply teasing him. A sharp pain pierced through Rosalie¡¯s head, and suddenly, a flood of memories that weren¡¯t hers poured in. She winced as flashes of a different life¡ªher life¡ªplayed out in her mind. Damian, she thought, staring at him with wide eyes. He¡¯s my best friend¡­ since childhood. Even in this unfamiliar world, it seemed that she was still destined to be tied to this man. Fragments of earlier memories surfaced. She recalled eating at a small shop with him, running towards him just before everything went black. Why had he apologized? She didn¡¯t know, but she accepted his apology anyway. Damian¡¯s worried frown slowly melted into a relieved smile, and Rosalie¡¯s heart unexpectedly skipped a beat. It felt strange¡ªunfamiliar. I¡¯m not used to seeing him smile like this¡­ Before she could react, Damian turned and offered to carry her again. ¡°Let me give you a ride,¡± he said softly. Reluctantly, she climbed onto his back, feeling the strength and warmth radiating from him. As they walked, she noticed the towering, shiny buildings surrounding them¡ªstructures far taller than the grandest mansions in her world. And there were strange vehicles that moved without horses. Damian hailed a strange carriages he called a ¡°taxi¡± while still carrying her on his back. He gently helped her into the backseat, ensuring she was comfortably seated before gesturing for her to move over. Rosalie hesitated for a moment, surprised. In my world, men and women don¡¯t share carriages unless they¡¯re married¡­ she thought, feeling a sense of impropriety. But this world was different. Damian settled beside her, his presence unfamiliar yet oddly comforting. I have to get used to this, she told herself, looking out the window at this strange new world. Whatever this place is¡­ I have to adapt. £ª£ª£ª They finally arrived at their street, and as soon as the taxi pulled up to the gate, Calla¡¯s parents rushed out, their faces etched with worry at the sight of her condition. Throughout the entire ride, Damian couldn¡¯t help but notice how uncharacteristically quiet Calla had been. Normally, she would have argued with him over the smallest things, raising her voice in a fiery exchange. ¡°It was my fault. I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said, breaking the silence as he helped her out of the car. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°No, it¡¯s not your fault. Don¡¯t apologize,¡± she replied softly, giving him a gentle smile. Damian froze, his confusion deepening. This wasn¡¯t like the Calla he knew. Something was different today. Yet, despite his bewilderment, a strange, unfamiliar feeling tugged at his heart, leaving him more unsettled than before. £ª£ª£ª Rosalie woke up in a room that was both familiar and foreign. The walls were covered with unfamiliar posters and writings, and books were piled haphazardly on the desk. She had managed to navigate through the past few days using the memories of this body¡¯s previous owner. She really was a carefree girl¡­ I envy her, Rosalie thought wistfully. Getting ready in the mornings had proven difficult¡ªshe was accustomed to being groomed by her maids. As she struggled with her hair, she sighed in frustration. I can¡¯t even style my hair properly. Defeated, she left it as it was and headed downstairs. In the dining room, she found a simple but homely scene. Her mother was bustling in the kitchen, while her father sat at the table, reading a newspaper and sipping coffee. The table was filled with breakfast food, not the lavish feasts she was used to, but everything looked freshly made. ¡°Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom,¡± she greeted them formally, giving a slight bow. Her mother turned and, to Rosalie¡¯s surprise, walked over and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. ¡°Good morning, baby.¡± Rosalie blinked, stunned by the affectionate gesture. Slowly, she took her seat at the table, gazing at the spread before her. It was a simple breakfast¡ªscrambled eggs, toast, sausages¡ªbut the sight of it made her smile. Everything was made by her¡­ not a chef. She picked up a fork and took a bite of the sausage. The taste, while plain, carried a warmth that she hadn¡¯t realized she missed. ¡°So¡­ are there any developments between you and Damian?¡± her mother asked teasingly. Rosalie¡¯s eyes widened as she choked on her food, coughing slightly. It was an embarrassing mistake she would never have made back in her world. Damian¡­ The mere thought of him brought back the memory of his gentle but firm offer to carry her. She could almost feel his warmth against her back again. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly, and she struggled to maintain her composure. Her mother¡¯s eyes widened at her reaction, and she eagerly tapped her husband, who was still engrossed in his newspaper. ¡°Oh my goodness! This is the first time our daughter¡¯s reacted like this!¡± she exclaimed excitedly. Her father lowered his newspaper and looked at Rosalie with newfound interest. ¡°Hmm, good¡­ very good. Damian¡¯s a good guy. He¡¯s a model student, and we know his family well.¡± He nodded approvingly. He leaned back in his chair, eyes distant as he reminisced. ¡°I remember when he helped you with that big school project a few years ago. Stayed up all night just to make sure you finished on time. And there was that time he stood up to those bullies in the neighborhood who wouldn¡¯t leave you alone. A good kid, through and through. Always looking out for you.¡± He paused, then nodded to himself as if concluding a well-reasoned argument. ¡°He¡¯ll make an excellent son-in-law.¡± Rosalie flushed with embarrassment at the thought of being paired up with Damian. Yet, strangely, it didn¡¯t feel as stifling as the engagements and alliances she had been a part of in her own world. There, every interaction felt cold, calculated¡ªanother chess piece moved by her family. This¡­ felt different. Less constricting. Almost comfortable. Her mother leaned in with a mischievous smile. ¡°So, tell us, how do you feel about him? You¡¯ve known each other since childhood, after all.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Rosalie hesitated. What was she supposed to say? That she didn¡¯t know how to feel? That this Damian was completely different from the one she knew? ¡°I think he¡¯s¡­ very kind.¡± ¡°Kind, is he?¡± her father murmured, clearly amused by her reaction. ¡°Well, kindness is the first step to affection, and affection leads to love.¡± He leaned forward, his expression turning serious. ¡°Just know that we support you, whatever path you choose.¡± Rosalie¡¯s heart clenched at the sincerity in his voice. The freedom to choose¡­ It was something she had never been granted in her world. Every decision had been made for her¡ªwho to speak to, where to go, whom to marry. So this is what a normal family looks like? she thought, a small smile forming on her lips. Chapter 3: May Day [Callas POV] Calla decided she needed a change of scenery and announced to her maids that she was going out. They stared at her, wide-eyed and incredulous. It was no secret that the young lady of the Mills House rarely stepped outside the manor¡¯s gates, so the sudden desire to venture into town was met with shock. Ruby, her ever-loyal maid, and Matthew, one of the knights of the Mills House, were assigned to accompany her. To avoid drawing attention, they all donned simpler clothing¡ªcommoner attire that blended into the crowd. After all, Calla had no intention of flaunting herself as the daughter of the prestigious Mills House or as the fianc¨¦e of the Cromwell heir. They left in a carriage from the estate, but Calla insisted on stopping halfway to walk the rest of the way on foot, avoiding the fanfare of a noble¡¯s entrance. As she stepped into the bustling town square, Calla¡¯s eyes widened in awe. The streets were filled with lively chatter, vendors calling out their wares, and the scent of fresh bread and spices wafting through the air. Stalls lined the streets, showcasing colorful textiles, fragrant spices, handcrafted pottery, and various other goods that painted a vivid picture of local life. People mingled and haggled, the atmosphere buzzing with energy. She couldn¡¯t help herself¡ªCalla broke into a jog, practically running toward the nearest stall, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She leaned in closer to admire bolts of vibrant fabrics and jars filled with exotic spices. Wow, everything here feels so alive, she thought, a grin forming on her lips. As she wandered, something else caught her attention. Many houses and storefronts were adorned with flowers¡ªdaisies, roses, and other blooms hung in delicate arrangements from windowsills and doorways. In the center of the square stood a tall wooden pole wrapped in colorful ribbons, fluttering gently in the breeze. ¡°It looks like they¡¯re celebrating some kind of festival,¡± Calla observed, glancing back at Ruby. ¡°Yes, my lady. Did you know that today is May Day?¡± Ruby replied, her tone respectful yet surprised. ¡°May Day?¡± Calla echoed, raising an eyebrow. She racked her brain, trying to recall anything about the day, but it drew a blank. Noticing her mistress¡¯s confusion, Ruby smiled and explained, ¡°May Day is a celebration of rebirth, meant to ensure a good harvest and an abundant year¡­ and it¡¯s also a day to celebrate love.¡± So it¡¯s kind of like Valentine¡¯s Day back in my world, Calla mused, nodding in understanding. She glanced around, taking in the joyous atmosphere. People laughed and danced, and a sense of lightness filled the air. As she wandered closer to a group of vendors, she noticed a group of young girls giggling and holding flower garlands. One of them, a bright-eyed child with a wide grin, stepped forward. ¡°Pretty lady, would you like some flowers?¡± Calla couldn¡¯t help but smile at the compliment. Pretty lady, huh? It feels good to hear that. Kneeling down to their level, she said gently, ¡°I¡¯d love to accept them. Thank you.¡± The girls beamed with joy and eagerly placed the garland in her hands before scampering off, waving excitedly. Calla stood up, turning to Ruby and Matthew, who both looked bewildered. ¡°My lady, are you sure you¡¯re okay accepting those?¡± Matthew asked, a note of concern in his voice. She blinked at him in confusion. ¡°It¡¯s just flowers, you know. No harm in that.¡± Continuing her exploration, she spotted a stall run by an elderly lady selling a variety of pastries. Her gaze landed on a beautiful cake decorated with delicate edible flowers. ¡°Could we have that one?¡± she asked, pointing at the cake. I should bring something back for the maids who stayed at the mansion. As Calla reached for her coin pouch to pay, the old lady waved her hand. ¡°No, no. This is my treat for you, young lady.¡± Calla shook her head with a smile. ¡°No, you must have worked hard to make these beautiful cakes. How about this? You can treat me to this one cake, but I¡¯ll buy two more, and I insist on paying.¡± With that, she placed a gold coin on the counter. The old woman¡¯s face lit up with a grateful smile. ¡°Thank you, young lady. May you have a wonderful May Day!¡± She carefully handed three boxes of cakes to Ruby and Matthew, who took them with a mix of surprise and admiration. ¡°Let¡¯s find a spot and enjoy some cake,¡± Calla said cheerfully. Just as they were about to leave the crowded square, the group of children from before suddenly appeared, tugging at Calla¡¯s hand. Matthew¡¯s hand instinctively went to his sword, but Calla quickly waved him off. ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay!¡± she reassured him. The kids continued to pull her along, guiding her toward a platform at the center of the square. Cheers erupted as they climbed up, and a man¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°We welcome our May Queen!¡± ¡°May Queen?¡± Calla murmured, bewildered as the crowd erupted into applause. Before she could process what was happening, she glanced to her side¡ªand froze. Standing beside her, dressed in plain clothes much like hers, was a man she thought she¡¯d never see in a setting like this. ¡°Ethan?¡± she blurted out. ¡°Rosalie?¡± he responded, equally shocked. Wow, what a small world, she thought, staring at him in disbelief. What¡¯s a noble like him doing here? He looked just as out of place as she felt. He¡¯s even wearing commoner clothes, just like me. It seemed she wasn¡¯t the only one dragged into this unexpected role. After a few awkward waves to the cheering crowd¡ªboth of them unsure of what exactly they were supposed to be doing¡ªthey finally stepped off the platform. A middle-aged man, who appeared to be the head of the event, approached them with a nervous smile. ¡°Congratulations, my lady and my lord. You¡¯ve been chosen as our May Queen and May King among the crowd! It¡¯s an honor, and we hope you¡¯ll participate in the procession and ceremony.¡± ¡°I refuse,¡± Ethan stated flatly, his tone leaving no room for discussion. The man¡¯s face fell, panic flashing in his eyes. Calla glanced at Ethan, then back at the head. The success of the festival is on the line, she realized. Without a second thought, she stepped closer to Ethan and, to his surprise, slipped her arm through his. ¡°We¡¯ll do it,¡± she announced with a bright smile. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± Ethan began, but she cut him off, leaning in close to whisper in his ear. ¡°Do you want to ruin the festival?¡± she murmured softly. ¡°We¡¯re nobles, so we have a responsibility to our people. If you¡¯re uncomfortable with me, just think of it as one of our ¡®public appearances.¡¯¡± He frowned, clearly weighing his options, but before he could argue further, she added with a mischievous grin, ¡°Besides, don¡¯t you think it could be fun?¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at her, a mix of irritation and amusement flickering in his gaze. He let out a resigned sigh and turned back to the head of the event. ¡°We¡¯ll do it,¡± he repeated, his voice calmer this time. The head¡¯s face brightened with relief, and he quickly instructed his assistants to explain the flow of the procession and the details of the crowning ceremony. As they listened to the instructions, Calla couldn¡¯t help but glance up at Ethan, a small smile tugging at her lips. I guess we¡¯re in this together now, Ethan. Let¡¯s see how this goes. £ª£ª£ª£ª Calla and Ethan rode through the town in a decorated open-air carriage, flower petals raining down as the crowd cheered and waved enthusiastically. Calla returned their waves with a bright smile, while beside her, Ethan sat stiffly, barely acknowledging the crowd¡¯s energy. ¡°You¡¯re really bad at pretending to enjoy yourself, you know?¡± Calla teased, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. ¡°And you¡¯re surprisingly good at putting on a show,¡± Ethan replied, a hint of dry humor in his tone. ¡°Someone has to make up for your lack of enthusiasm,¡± she shot back with a smirk. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m just letting you shine,¡± he quipped, finally glancing her way. Calla chuckled softly. This banter¡­ it¡¯s just like my best friend. It¡¯s almost as if they¡¯re the same person. She shook her head lightly, a small smile playing on her lips as she continued waving at the crowd. After the procession, Calla and Ethan were guided to the center of the town square to participate in the traditional ribbon dance. Colorful ribbons wrapped around a tall wooden pole swayed gently in the breeze, their bright hues adding vibrancy to the celebration. Calla eyed the intricate dance steps being demonstrated by the other participants, her confidence faltering. I¡¯m really not cut out for this, she thought nervously, trying her best to follow along. She stumbled several times, her feet struggling to keep up with the rhythm and patterns. Meanwhile, Ethan moved with ease and grace, his steps fluid and perfectly aligned with the music. The sight surprised her¡ªhe looked so natural, almost as if he¡¯d done this a hundred times before. Just as she tried to match his movements, Calla¡¯s foot caught on the hem of her dress, sending her teetering forward. Before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her. ¡°Careful,¡± Ethan murmured, his voice low. Their faces were mere inches apart, and Calla found herself staring into his jet-black eyes. She¡¯d seen Damian¡¯s face up close countless times, but something about this moment felt strangely different. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat. What¡­ is this feeling? she wondered, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. Quickly brushing off the moment, she stepped back, her cheeks flushed. ¡°Th-thanks,¡± she stammered awkwardly before returning to the dance. She moved through the rest of the steps stiffly, her heart still racing. Ethan watched her with an unreadable expression before resuming the dance, his movements as calm and composed as ever. When the dance ended, they were guided to the center of the square for the crowning ceremony. The head of the festival stepped forward, placing a delicate flower crown on Calla¡¯s head and a leafy crown on Ethan¡¯s. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Calla couldn¡¯t help but look around at the joyful, beaming faces. The head of the festival raised his hands to quiet the gathered crowd. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, today we celebrate the May Day Festival, a tradition that blesses our land with prosperity, joy, and love. To honor this special day, our chosen May Queen and May King will now recite the ceremonial vows, passed down through generations.¡± He turns to Calla and Ethan, who stand side by side, both wearing their newly adorned flower crowns. With a nod, the head gestures for them to step forward. ¡°May Queen, please recite your vow to the people,¡± he says, offering Calla a small parchment with the traditional words. Calla glances down at the paper and clears her throat, trying to project her voice as confidently as possible. The crowd hushes in anticipation. ¡°I, as the chosen May Queen, vow to bring light and joy to our people. I pledge to honor this land, nurture its spirit, and carry the hopes and dreams of our town with every step I take. Just as flowers bloom under the sun¡¯s warm embrace, I promise to cherish the people, foster love, and sow happiness wherever I go.¡± There¡¯s a round of soft applause and nods of approval from the townspeople. Calla takes a breath and, in a moment of spontaneity, decides to add something of her own. ¡°And¡­ I wish that all who celebrate today find joy, laughter, and maybe even a little surprise romance!¡± she adds with a wink, earning delighted giggles and murmurs from the crowd. Ethan¡¯s brow furrows slightly, but there¡¯s a faint curve at the corner of his lips. He steps forward as the head of the festival turns to him. ¡°And now, May King, please recite your vow.¡± Ethan glances at the parchment briefly, his voice low but clear as he begins the traditional lines. ¡°I, as the chosen May King, vow to protect and support our people. I pledge to honor this land, safeguard its strength, and stand as a symbol of resilience and courage. Just as the mighty oak stands tall and unyielding, I promise to guide our people, shield them from harm, and lead with wisdom and integrity.¡± He pauses for a moment, then looks down at Calla, his gaze softening just a fraction. ¡°And¡­ I wish for a bountiful year ahead, not only for our land but for every heart gathered here today. May love, in all its forms, find its way to those who seek it, and may our people know both prosperity and peace.¡± Calla is taken aback, sensing a deeper sincerity in his words. The crowd bursts into cheers, clearly pleased with their new May King and Queen. The head of the festival steps forward again, raising his arms to address the crowd. ¡°With these vows, we welcome our May Queen and May King!¡± The applause grew louder, and Calla couldn¡¯t help but smile at the joyous faces around them, feeling a small but significant shift between herself and Ethan. £ª£ª£ª After the ceremony, Calla and Ethan found a quiet spot away from the crowd to catch their breath. Their attendants stood at a respectful distance, watching over them but giving them space. Calla sat down on the steps with a sigh, her legs aching from the long day. Ethan noticed her action and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did you give up pretending to be the perfect noble lady?¡± he asked, a hint of teasing in his voice. ¡°Perfect noble lady? Please,¡± Calla scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how to sit gracefully on stairs. Besides, isn¡¯t it exhausting pretending all the time?¡± She paused for a moment, glancing at her surroundings. The previous owner of this body was always graceful and poised, she thought with a pang of guilt. I¡¯m the complete opposite. I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m tainting your image. She silently apologized to the former Rosalie. Ethan¡¯s expression shifted, and he crossed his arms, clearly taken aback by her bluntness. ¡°It is. But I didn¡¯t expect you to admit that so openly.¡± Calla shrugged lightly. ¡°I¡¯m not the type who can keep up a facade for long.¡± He raised an eyebrow, his gaze softening as he looked at her thoughtfully. He glanced at their attendants, then took a step closer to her. ¡°You¡¯re different from how I remember you.¡± Because I¡¯m not her, Calla thought, but she only smiled and replied, ¡°People change.¡± Ethan considered her response quietly, then asked, ¡°Back there, why did you insist on participating? Even if we refused, they could have found someone else to replace us.¡± Calla tilted her head, looking up at him. ¡°I wanted to live up to their expectations. We were publicly announced as the May King and Queen, and if we backed out at the last minute, it would have disappointed a lot of people.¡± Ethan¡¯s gaze lingered on her, as if he were trying to see through her words. ¡°You¡¯re taking your role more seriously than I expected.¡± Calla let out a small chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s not just that. It was¡­ kind of nice, you know? To just be a part of something for once. No pressure, no expectations¡ªjust enjoying the moment for what it was.¡± Ethan¡¯s expression softened, but his voice held a note of skepticism. ¡°No expectations? You¡¯re engaged to one of the most influential families in the kingdom. Expectations are all we have.¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I wanted to escape for a while,¡± Calla replied softly. ¡°Just to be Rosalie¡ªno, just to be me, without the titles, the status, or the weight of what¡¯s expected of us.¡± She paused, then glanced up at him with a mischievous smile. ¡°And maybe dragging you into it was my way of saying¡­ lighten up a little?¡± Ethan shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You¡¯re impossible, you know that?¡± Calla laughed softly, and they both fell into a comfortable silence. The music from the festival drifted over to them, and they watched as people danced and celebrated in the distance. ¡°Why were you here, anyway?¡± Calla asked after a moment, genuine curiosity in her voice. Ethan¡¯s gaze shifted to the festivities. ¡°I was curious. I wanted to see why people find so much joy and contentment in such simple things.¡± Calla looked at him in surprise. ¡°So you¡¯re not as stiff and unapproachable as you seem. Who would¡¯ve thought?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let that get out,¡± he murmured, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. ¡°It would ruin my reputation.¡± She grinned. ¡°Your secret¡¯s safe with me¡­ for now.¡± They both fell into another quiet silence, watching the distant figures twirl and laugh under the soft glow of lanterns. The weight of expectations and formality seemed to lift, if only for a brief moment. For the first time, Calla felt a strange sense of companionship with Ethan¡ªan understanding she hadn¡¯t expected. Maybe this engagement isn¡¯t as suffocating as I thought, she mused quietly to herself. At least, not when we¡¯re both willing to drop the masks, even if just for a moment. Chapter 3: Chocolate Milk [Rosalies POV] Rosalie sat quietly, staring absentmindedly at the book in her hands. Despite the familiarity of Calla¡¯s memories, she still found it difficult to fully embrace this new life. Conversations that used to flow easily with her ¡°parents¡± now felt stilted, and she wasn¡¯t sure how to interact with people who expected a different version of her. Suddenly, Damian¡¯s voice interrupted her thoughts. ¡°What¡¯s with the silent treatment these days? Are you secretly plotting my demise or something?¡± he teased, his tone lighthearted as he settled down beside her. Rosalie looked up, startled by his presence. The genuine curiosity in his eyes was disarming, but she quickly composed herself, offering a small smile. ¡°Plotting your demise?¡± she repeated, as if tasting the words. ¡°Why would I go through all that trouble?¡± Damian blinked, then grinned as if relieved to get even a semblance of a reaction. ¡°Because you used to find my very existence annoying. Now you¡¯re all quiet and proper¡ªit¡¯s almost like you¡¯ve been replaced by someone else.¡± Her heart skipped a beat at how close to the truth his words were. For a moment, she hesitated, unsure of what to say. How would Calla have responded? she wondered. A sly comeback, maybe a playful shove? But she just shook her head gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. I simply have more important things to focus on.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± Damian leaned in slightly, narrowing his eyes in mock suspicion. ¡°Like what? Reading the dictionary for fun? Or practicing how to avoid my amazing company?¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying to develop my skills and¡­ refine myself,¡± she said, maintaining her formal tone. He let out a dramatic sigh and leaned back, stretching his arms over the back of the couch. ¡°Man, I really do miss the old Calla. She used to argue with me over the silliest things, like whether milk chocolate or chocolate milk has the better name.¡± He chuckled softly. ¡°She¡¯d get all riled up, saying I had it completely wrong.¡± Rosalie felt a twinge of guilt. Did Calla mean this much to him? The way his eyes softened as he reminisced made her chest tighten. She wondered what kind of friendship they¡¯d shared¡ªhow close they must have been. A pang of envy struck her. Would he ever look at her, the real Rosalie, with that same fondness? Feeling an unexpected urge to put him at ease, she tried to emulate the spirit of the girl he remembered. ¡°Well, if you really want to know¡­ I still think chocolate milk is way better. I mean, the name just sounds smoother,¡± she said, surprising herself with how easily the words came out. Damian¡¯s eyes widened slightly before a broad smile spread across his face. ¡°There you are,¡± he murmured softly. ¡°That¡¯s the Calla I know.¡± The sudden gentleness in his voice made her pulse quicken. There was something disconcerting about the way he looked at her now¡ªlike he could see right through her attempt at pretense. He shifted closer, his gaze never leaving hers. ¡°Don¡¯t go all quiet on me again, okay?¡± he said softly. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ unsettling.¡± Rosalie blinked, surprised at the sincerity in his tone. The tension in her chest eased just a little. Despite not being able to respond in the exact way Calla would have, she could sense Damian¡¯s relief. He wanted his best friend back, and in a way, that desire touched her deeply. ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± she whispered, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. ¡°That¡¯s all I ask.¡± He reached out and ruffled her hair lightly, his touch gentle. ¡°But don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to let you off that easily. Just because you¡¯re quiet now doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll go easy on you. You still owe me an explanation for why you think chocolate milk is the best name.¡± Rosalie let out a small laugh, surprised at how natural it felt. ¡°That¡¯s easy. Chocolate milk rolls off the tongue. It¡¯s simple, classic, and everyone knows exactly what you mean.¡± Damian raised an eyebrow, a spark of challenge in his eyes. ¡°Oh, is that so? Because milk chocolate clearly has the edge. It sounds rich, fancy, like you¡¯re about to enjoy the best treat ever.¡± Rosalie shook her head, amused by the argument. ¡°Milk chocolate? It sounds like you¡¯re just switching the words around to make it seem fancier. It doesn¡¯t even describe what it is¡ªit¡¯s chocolate with milk in it!¡± ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s the chocolate that comes first,¡± Damian shot back with a grin. ¡°Which is why it¡¯s superior. The chocolate is the star, and the milk is just the supporting act.¡± Rosalie¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly at his playful jab, but she couldn¡¯t help but continue. ¡°You¡¯re overcomplicating it. Chocolate milk is straight to the point¡ªit¡¯s a drink. You sip it. Everyone loves it.¡± ¡°Sure, but it¡¯s just milk trying to be chocolate,¡± Damian said, feigning seriousness. ¡°At least with milk chocolate, you¡¯re eating something, savoring it.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but laugh at his exaggerated expression. ¡°Okay, fine, but you¡¯ll lose this argument. Chocolate milk is unbeatable.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Damian said, his eyes gleaming with challenge. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that, Miss ¡®I-Can¡¯t-Even-Defend-A-Drink.¡¯¡± Her laughter bubbled up, feeling light and genuine. ¡°I¡¯ll make a note to remind you when I win,¡± she replied with a hint of a smirk, surprising herself. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it,¡± Damian said, his grin widening. ¡°But don¡¯t expect me to go easy on you.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dream of it,¡± Rosalie murmured, her smile lingering as she turned her attention back to the book in her hands. She could feel Damian¡¯s gaze on her for a moment longer, his presence a comforting weight beside her. £ª£ª£ª Damian and Rosalie had been invited to hang out with their high school classmates. She hadn¡¯t been able to refuse¡ªit wouldn¡¯t be something the previous owner of this body would do. Calla would have jumped at the chance to meet her friends. So, once again, Rosalie resolved to rely on whatever lingering memories she had of Calla¡¯s life. She sighed softly as Damian pulled up in front of her house to pick her up. Damian glanced at her, noting how quiet she seemed. She had been uncharacteristically silent these past few days, but this time, there was something different¡ªa nervous energy surrounding her. ¡°Calla, you okay?¡± he asked gently. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just¡­ a little nervous,¡± she admitted, her voice almost a whisper. Damian¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in surprise. Nervous? It wasn¡¯t a word he was used to hearing from her. Calla was always the outgoing one, the one who could keep up with any conversation and brighten any room. He studied her for a moment longer, concern flickering in his eyes. ¡°Nervous, huh? That¡¯s rare for you.¡± Rosalie forced a small smile, trying to keep up appearances. ¡°Yeah¡­ rare.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. But the truth was, every interaction with Calla¡¯s friends felt like stepping into a role she didn¡¯t fully understand. And for once, she couldn¡¯t help but wish she could just be herself¡ªwhoever that was now. Damian and Rosalie arrived at the caf¨¦ and immediately spotted a lively group of people sitting and laughing together. One of the girls waved excitedly at them¡ªa girl Rosalie vaguely recognized. Mary? she thought, but Calla¡¯s memories quickly surfaced. No, in this world, her name was Mia. ¡°Hey, Calla! Damian! Over here!¡± Mia called out, her voice cheerful and welcoming. Rosalie took a deep breath, steadying herself before approaching the group with Damian. Everyone greeted her with hugs and warm smiles, but each embrace and every cheerful remark felt like a reminder of the person she was supposed to be¡ªsomeone she still didn¡¯t fully understand. She sat down stiffly, her fingers fidgeting nervously with the edge of her sweater as the conversations shifted rapidly from one topic to another. They talked about shared memories, inside jokes, and school gossip¡ªthings she had no grasp of. ¡°So, Calla, did you remember about the time Damian ran around with a broom trying to chase us down because we were avoiding cleaning duty?¡± one of the boys teased, grinning mischievously. Rosalie blinked, her mind racing. What? No, I haven¡¯t¡­ But instead of admitting her confusion, she forced a weak smile, hoping it looked convincing. ¡°Oh, come on, Calla, don¡¯t pretend like you don¡¯t remember!¡± another friend laughed, completely unaware of her discomfort. ¡°You were there too, waving a broom around like his accomplice!¡± Damian¡¯s gaze shifted toward her, his brow furrowing slightly as he observed her uncharacteristic silence. He leaned closer, his voice low and filled with concern. ¡°You really okay?¡± he whispered, making sure only she could hear. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she mumbled, looking away quickly. She didn¡¯t want to make him worry. But she wasn¡¯t fine. The pressure to keep up, to pretend she knew what they were talking about, was suffocating. ¡°Calla, do you remember when we all sneaked out to watch that late-night movie last summer?¡± Mia asked with a conspiratorial grin. ¡°You were the one who convinced us to go in the first place!¡± Rosalie¡¯s heart pounded painfully. She could feel everyone¡¯s eyes on her, waiting for her to respond. What should I say? Admit I don¡¯t remember? Would they think I¡¯m acting strange? This gathering felt even more daunting than the formal tea parties she¡¯d attended in her own world. A nervous laugh escaped her lips. ¡°Oh, uh¡­ yeah, of course. That was¡­ fun,¡± she said awkwardly. The words felt hollow and unnatural even to her own ears. Mia¡¯s smile faltered slightly, and an awkward silence fell over the group. Without thinking, Rosalie abruptly stood up. ¡°Excuse me, I just need some fresh air,¡± she said quickly, her voice strained. Before anyone could respond, she turned and walked briskly out of the caf¨¦, her heart hammering in her chest. She stepped outside, taking deep breaths of the cool air. Without thinking, she started walking down the unfamiliar streets, her pace quickening as if she could outrun the discomfort building inside her. The city around her blurred as she moved faster, her mind clouded with confusion and anxiety. Then, out of nowhere, the sky opened up, and rain began to pour. It fell hard and fast, drenching her in seconds. She shivered, cold and disoriented, trying to turn back to the caf¨¦¡ªbut nothing looked the same. She turned left and right, searching for the entrance, but it was nowhere to be found. Panic set in as she wandered aimlessly. Her heart pounded, and her breaths came in short, desperate gasps. The more she searched, the more everything blurred together in a mess of rain and confusion. She stumbled to a stop, her legs trembling, and blinked against the tears mixing with the rain on her face. I can¡¯t do this¡­ The thought struck her hard, raw and painful. I don¡¯t know how to be her. I don¡¯t know what to say¡­ She clutched her arms around herself, her mind spiraling. I¡¯m not her. I¡¯ll never be her. Everything felt wrong. She couldn¡¯t keep up with their conversations, couldn¡¯t fit into their world. I¡¯m not what they want. Tears mixed with the rain running down her face as she stood in the middle of the empty street, completely lost in this world she didn¡¯t belong to. Then, through the blur of rain and tears, she saw a figure running toward her. She squinted, trying to make out who it was. ¡°What the hell, Calla? You can¡¯t just run off like that!¡± It was Damian. He stopped in front of her, his eyes widening as he took in her soaked, shivering state. Concern replaced his frustration, and he stepped closer, pulling her into a hug. Rosalie stiffened at first, but then the warmth of his embrace broke through her defenses. Without thinking, she buried her face in his chest and cried. She cried hard, clutching his shirt as sobs wracked her body. ¡°I knew you weren¡¯t okay,¡± Damian murmured softly, his voice gentle. ¡°Just cry it out. I¡¯m here.¡± His words cut through her pain, and she let go of everything she¡¯d been holding in¡ªthe frustration, the fear, the feeling of not being enough. She cried because she couldn¡¯t be Calla, because she felt like a failure. She cried because she didn¡¯t know who she was supposed to be in this world. I can¡¯t do it, she thought desperately. I¡¯m not strong enough to pretend anymore. Time seemed to stop as they stood there, rain pouring down around them. She cried until the tears slowed, until the sobs became soft hiccups. Finally, the rain began to ease. £ª£ª£ª Drenched from the rain, Rosalie stood outside the convenience store while Damian hurried inside to get them towels and something warm to drink. When he returned, he gently placed a towel around her shoulders and handed her a bottle of hot tea. ¡°Thank you,¡± Rosalie whispered softly. They moved to a nearby bench and sat down, a heavy silence hanging between them. Rosalie stared at the steaming bottle in her hands, her mind racing with unspoken thoughts and emotions. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she whispered suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop them. ¡°Sorry?¡± Damian repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°Sorry for what?¡± ¡°For¡­ not being myself lately,¡± she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. Her fingers tightened around the bottle of tea, and she took a shaky breath, searching for the right words. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m not¡­ fitting in. I¡¯m trying, but¡­ I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s hard.¡± Damian¡¯s eyes softened, his confusion giving way to concern. ¡°Not fitting in? What do you mean?¡± Rosalie glanced down, her gaze fixed on the bottle as if it held the answers she couldn¡¯t find. How could she explain it without saying too much? ¡°I just¡­ feel like I¡¯m not meeting everyone¡¯s expectations. Like I¡¯m letting them down somehow.¡± Damian studied her for a long moment, his brow furrowed thoughtfully. ¡°Hey,¡± he said softly, reaching out to gently pat her head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be perfect, you know. No one¡¯s expecting you to be.¡± Rosalie looked up at him, a small, bitter smile tugging at her lips. Not perfect? That was exactly what everyone had expected of her back in her old world¡ªperfect manners, perfect behavior, perfect everything. ¡°I wish it were that simple,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Damian''s gaze filled with quiet determination. ¡°It is that simple. You¡¯re allowed to have bad days. You¡¯re allowed to be confused. No one¡¯s keeping score here.¡± ¡°Thanks, Damian,¡± she said softly, the sincerity in her tone surprising even herself. ¡°I appreciate it.¡± ¡°Anytime,¡± he murmured, a faint smile crossing his lips. He looked at her for a moment longer, as if debating whether to say more, but then he just sighed softly. ¡°And if you ever want to talk, I¡¯m here. No pressure.¡± Rosalie nodded again, feeling a flicker of gratitude. He wasn¡¯t pushing her. He wasn¡¯t demanding answers. For now, he was simply offering her the chance to be¡­ herself, in whatever way she could manage. After a few minutes, the tension between them began to ease. Damian shifted on the bench, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he glanced at Rosalie. She noticed his hesitance, his gaze flickering between her and the now-empty tea bottle. ¡°You know,¡± Damian said casually, a hint of playfulness creeping into his voice, ¡°there¡¯s a place just down the street that sells milk chocolate.¡± Rosalie raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. ¡°I want chocolate milk, not milk chocolate.¡± Damian paused for a moment, pretending to look confused. ¡°What¡¯s the difference? They¡¯re practically the same thing.¡± Rosalie let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. ¡°No way. Chocolate milk is a drink. It¡¯s refreshing and perfect. Milk chocolate is just a snack trying to pass as dessert.¡± ¡°Ah, but milk chocolate is rich, indulgent, and it melts in your mouth. You can¡¯t beat that,¡± Damian argued, his eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°Chocolate milk doesn¡¯t need to be chewed,¡± Rosalie countered, folding her arms. ¡°You sip it. It¡¯s comforting, and it doesn¡¯t leave you with sticky hands.¡± Damian chuckled, shaking his head in mock defeat. ¡°Fine, fine. Chocolate milk it is.¡± He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. ¡°Let¡¯s go get some, and I¡¯ll admit¡ªjust for today¡ªthat it¡¯s better than milk chocolate.¡± Rosalie¡¯s smile widened, warmth spreading through her chest. It wasn¡¯t much, but this small moment felt like a win, like a piece of herself could belong here. ¡°Okay,¡± she agreed softly. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Damian¡¯s grin grew, and he stood up, extending his hand to her. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll even buy it for you.¡± She hesitated only for a second before reaching out and taking his hand. His grip was warm and reassuring, and as he pulled her to her feet, she found herself smiling again. Maybe she didn¡¯t know exactly who she was supposed to be yet, but sharing a silly moment like this¡ªover something as simple as chocolate milk¡ªfelt like a good place to start Chapter 4: Invitation to Cromwell [Callas POV] ¡°An invitation from the Cromwell House?¡± Calla asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Yes, my lady,¡± the head butler replied respectfully. ¡°The invitation states that the Cromwell family will hold a formal dinner, and as the fianc¨¦e of Lord Ethan, you are invited to attend.¡± Formal dinner meant rigid rules and strict expectations. Calla had already experienced these kinds of dinners every day with her own parents, but the thought of enduring one with the entire Cromwell family added another layer of pressure. She sighed, knowing she would have to put on the act of a perfect noblewoman once again. It had been months since she had arrived in this world, and despite the overwhelming formalities, Calla had come to enjoy certain parts of her new life. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but think about her old world¡ªthough it seemed further and further away with each passing day. ¡°Lord Ethan will come to pick you up this afternoon,¡± the butler added. ¡°Etha¡ª I mean, my Lord?¡± Calla¡¯s surprise was evident. Since the May Day festival, she hadn¡¯t seen much of Ethan, and despite her reluctance to admit it, his absence had disappointed her. She had thought the festival had brought them closer, but now¡­ she sighed again, wondering if she had misjudged their connection. £ª£ª£ª A carriage from the Cromwell house arrived in front of the Mills House. As Calla descended the stairs, her eyes caught sight of Ethan, standing near the entrance, engaged in polite conversation with her parents. Her father wore his usual formal expression, nodding thoughtfully, while her mother smiled in that graceful way she always did, exchanging pleasantries as they discussed the upcoming dinner. For a moment, Calla paused on the steps, taking in the scene. Ethan looked so at ease with her parents, as if the formalities were second nature to him. The distant nobleman she had come to know remained unchanged, and a small pang of disappointment tugged at her chest. Despite everything that had happened during the May Day festival, he still seemed like the Ethan who was difficult to reach. Ethan, however, was more aware of her presence than he let on. The soft sound of her footsteps echoed against the marble stairs, and though his attention remained on her parents, he could feel the subtle shift in the air as Rosalie approached. Ever since May Day, there had been something different about her¡ªsomething that intrigued him, even if he couldn¡¯t fully understand it. He found himself stealing glances at her, catching brief moments when she seemed more at ease, unburdened by the noble facade she often wore. But there was a distance between them, one he wasn¡¯t sure how to close. His responsibilities, the expectations placed on him as the heir of the Cromwell family, weighed heavily on his every action. Yet, despite his best efforts to remain composed, there was a part of him that found it difficult to ignore the growing curiosity he had for her. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. As her shoes clicked against the marble stairs, Ethan¡¯s gaze finally shifted from her parents to her, his eyes locking with hers. For a brief moment, something flickered in his expression¡ªbrief and almost imperceptible¡ªbefore he quickly schooled his features back into their composed state. He bowed his head slightly in greeting as she approached. ¡°Good day, my Lady,¡± Ethan greeted her, his voice calm and measured. ¡°Good day, my Lord,¡± Calla replied, offering a polite nod in return. For a moment, Ethan hesitated. He wondered if she, too, felt the distance between them, or if she had long accepted it as part of their roles. Either way, the unspoken tension between them lingered, fragile but ever-present. Ethan then turned to her parents. ¡°We shall depart now,¡± he said, his tone courteous. Then, with practiced ease, he gestured for Calla to place her hand on his arm, a silent invitation for her to join him. £ª£ª£ª As they settled into the carriage, Calla let her noble facade slip, resting her elbow against the side of the window and looking outside. She knew that Ethan had already seen this unguarded side of her, so there was no need to keep up the pretense. She allowed herself to relax, taking a breather as they traveled toward the Cromwell estate. For a few moments, silence filled the carriage. Calla glanced at Ethan and was startled to find him looking at her, his gaze steady and unwavering. She wasn¡¯t sure how long he had been watching her, and the realization made her heart skip slightly. Surprised, she quickly looked away. Clearing her throat softly, Calla broke the silence. ¡°You¡¯ve been busy, I take it,¡± she said, her voice casual but curious. ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied, his tone polite yet distant. ¡°There have been matters that required my attention.¡± There it was again¡ªthe formal, measured response. Calla pressed her lips together, fighting the frustration rising within her. She knew Ethan had responsibilities as the heir of the Cromwell family, but she had hoped for something more. Something personal. ¡°Matters more important than your fianc¨¦e?¡± she teased, her tone light but probing, hoping to break through his composed exterior. Ethan blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her words. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± he said, his voice softer now, but still guarded. Calla leaned back against the carriage seat, crossing her arms in mock exasperation. ¡°Well, it felt like that. I thought we had¡­ a good understanding after the festival.¡± ¡°The responsibilities of my position¡­ they demand much of my time,¡± Ethan responded, his tone still formal but tinged with something more genuine. ¡°And people,¡± Calla added, ¡°can demand a little more of your time too.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Ethan admitted, his usual formality loosening just a little. ¡°I have been¡­ distant. But it¡¯s not because I wanted to be.¡± Calla was taken aback by his honesty. She studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. ¡°Then what is it?¡± she asked softly, leaning forward. ¡°Why do you feel like you have to keep me at arm¡¯s length?¡± Ethan¡¯s gaze flickered, but instead of answering directly, he deflected slightly. ¡°My family¡­ has high expectations of me. And of you.¡± His tone was measured and careful, as though he was trying to say more without fully explaining it. ¡°And are those expectations going to stop you from being yourself with me?¡± she asked, half-teasing but with genuine curiosity beneath the question. For the first time, a smile tugged at the corner of Ethan¡¯s lips. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll have to work on that,¡± he said, his voice barely above a murmur. Calla¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the sight of his brief smile. For the first time since they entered the carriage, the air between them felt lighter. Chapter 4: Ramen [Rosalies POV] Damian sat next to Calla in the quiet library, pretending to focus on his own assignment, though his attention kept wandering. Calla was beside him, completely engrossed in her laptop, her fingers tapping steadily on the keyboard. Ever since the incident where she passed out after tripping, Damian had noticed small, subtle changes in her behavior¡ªlike the time she struggled to use her phone and laptop, even though he¡¯d never had to teach her before. The memory still gnawed at him. Leaning forward, Damian rested his arms on the table and tilted his head to the side, allowing himself a glance at Calla. She was in full focus mode, her brow slightly furrowed, lips pressed together in concentration as she typed. She was serious, calm¡ªso different from her usual carefree demeanor. As he continued to watch her, she absentmindedly reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The movement was slow, graceful, and for some reason, it captivated him. Her slender fingers brushed against her cheek, and for the first time, Damian noticed the softness of her skin, the way her eyelashes fluttered just slightly as her eyes remained fixed on the screen. Why does this feel like it¡¯s in slow motion? he wondered, caught off guard by his own thoughts. He blinked, feeling an unfamiliar stirring in his chest. What am I thinking? This is Calla¡­ why am I looking at her like this? Damian quickly looked away, his heart suddenly beating faster. This was the first time he¡¯d found himself thinking about Calla like that¡ªhis best friend, the girl he¡¯d known for so long. The realization made him uneasy, as if something inside him was shifting, and he wasn¡¯t quite ready to confront it. Before he could process his thoughts, a gentle tap on his shoulder snapped him out of his daze. He turned to see Calla looking at him with an amused expression. ¡°Hey,¡± she said, her voice soft but playful. Still rattled by his earlier thoughts, Damian¡¯s reaction was immediate and panicked. He moved too quickly, and in his haste, the chair wobbled beneath him. Before he could catch himself, he tipped backward and fell off the chair with a loud thud. Calla blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter, her eyes bright with amusement. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked between giggles, leaning over to offer him a hand. ¡°Are you always this clumsy when you¡¯re not paying attention?¡± Face flushed with embarrassment, Damian took her hand and let her help him back to his feet. ¡°I, uh¡­ lost my balance,¡± he muttered, trying to shrug it off, though his mind was still reeling from the earlier moment. Why did I think that? What is happening to me? As he sat back down, Calla¡¯s laughter still echoed in his ears, light and teasing. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, trying to shake off the strange thoughts that had crept into his mind. But it was hard to ignore the lingering sense that something between them had subtly shifted. ¡°I¡¯m done with my work. Let¡¯s go eat somewhere,¡± Calla said, closing her laptop. Damian perked up at the suggestion. His stomach had been growling for a while, but he hadn¡¯t wanted to disturb her while she worked. ¡°Ramen in convenience store?¡± he asked with a grin, already knowing her answer. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. As they packed up, Damian couldn¡¯t help but remember the last time they had ramen at the convenience store. That was when Calla had casually suggested they date other people to keep their parents from pushing them into marriage. He hadn¡¯t thought much of it then¡ªafter all, it was classic Calla, always brushing serious things aside with an easygoing solution. But now, walking beside her out of the library, his thoughts returned to their strange moment earlier. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. What is wrong with me today? He glanced at Calla, who was scrolling through her phone as they walked, completely oblivious to his inner turmoil. The cool evening air greeted them as they stepped outside, and Damian stuffed his hands into his pockets, hoping the crisp breeze would shake the awkwardness from his thoughts. They walked in comfortable silence toward the convenience store, the familiar sight of the bright neon lights coming into view. ¡°Let¡¯s grab some ramen and eat outside,¡± Calla suggested as they neared the entrance. ¡°Sounds good,¡± Damian said, opening the door for her as they stepped inside. £ª£ª£ª Soon enough, they found themselves at a nearby convenience store, slurping ramen. Rosalie sat across from Damian, still adjusting to Calla¡¯s life. Everything felt foreign, and today she was faced with yet another challenge¡ªusing chopsticks. She had gotten used to using cutlery, but chopsticks were proving to be much trickier. The more she tried to control them, the more awkward her grip felt. She could feel Damian¡¯s eyes on her, and she fought to keep her composure. ¡°Do you need a fork?¡± Damian asked with a teasing smile, noticing her struggle. Rosalie glanced at him, determined not to give in. ¡°No, I¡¯ll try to relearn the chopsticks,¡± she replied, setting her jaw as she tried once again to get the noodles into her mouth. But as soon as she lifted the ramen, the noodles slipped from her grip and splashed broth onto her face. She froze in embarrassment. Damian chuckled, clearly amused, and passed her a tissue. ¡°Here.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Rosalie muttered, wiping her mouth as quickly as she could. She could feel her cheeks heating up, and as she wiped away the broth, she realized there was still some soup left at the tip of her nose. Before she could reach for another tissue, Damian leaned forward, and with his usual ease, grabbed one himself. She blinked in surprise as he gently wiped the soup from her nose. His closeness startled her, and suddenly, she was aware of how near he was¡ªtoo near. Her breath caught in her throat as their eyes met. His hand lingered near her face, and she felt her heart skip a beat. His eyes, full of an unfamiliar softness, held hers, and for the first time, Rosalie noticed the warmth in his gaze. Time seemed to slow, the noise of the convenience store fading into the background as they stared at each other, both seemingly caught off guard by the sudden intimacy of the moment. Rosalie¡¯s chest tightened. What is happening? she wondered. She didn¡¯t move, too shocked to react. His eyes were searching hers, and for a brief second, she wondered if he could see past Calla¡ªif he could somehow see her. The moment stretched far too long, and when Damian finally pulled back, clearing his throat, Rosalie felt the color rise in her cheeks. Her face was flushed, and her pulse was racing. Why was she reacting like this? She had never felt this way around him before, and yet, something had shifted. Damian rubbed the back of his neck, clearly flustered as well. ¡°Uh¡­ you had soup on your nose,¡± he mumbled awkwardly. Rosalie let out a small laugh, trying to break the tension. But the blush on her cheeks didn¡¯t fade. She looked down at her bowl, suddenly feeling more self-conscious than she ever had around him. Why did it feel different this time? she thought, her heart still pounding. She stole a glance at Damian, who was now avoiding eye contact, his own discomfort evident. It was clear the moment had unsettled him too. She bit her lip, wondering if he had noticed the change, or if he was just as confused as she was. Either way, something between them had shifted, and Rosalie wasn¡¯t sure if she liked it or feared it.