opened

ve floor-to-ceiling windows, warming the cold sheets.

n a tidal wave of clarity. The diamond ring on her finger felt ju

tuck in this world, she was determined to fully emb

Endless rows of designer dresses, pristine silk blouses, and glass disp

om the nightstand. It was time to check

original owner's birthdate. The screen unlocked. A

. Her fingers trembled slightly with th

reen l

The warmth in her chest vanished,

nd. She stared at the screen again, leaning in close t

ount balance fir

grand illusions of becomi

the phone. She hit zero balances and maxed-out credit c

clutching the fabric of her silk pajamas as a wave of genuine, exis

had arrived only a week ago, and the original owner had sent every single penny of her

air deep into her lungs, forcefully suppressing the p

tain her position as Mrs. Sterling. She had to survive until

ned the gold faucet and splashed freezing water onto

r gowns and pulled on a modest but elegant beige cashmere sweater and t

stepping out into the vast, sile

ided over the polished mahogany banister, the cool wood g

ainst the imported tiles. The immense scale of the mans

utler, stepped out from the dining room. His p

d slightly. "Goo

genuine warmth or respect. It was the voice of a man speak

do you prefer a tray sent to your quarters?" he ask

ing expression that completely contradicted the

om, Mr. Harrison," Summer

ent, but a brief flicker of confusion broke his

oors, stepping aside to let her pass

at the impossibly long, polished mahogany dining table, f

over her lap. Her stomach gave a l

mer sat quietly, staring at the empty porcelain plate in