LOGINChapter 279The sound of soft music continued to echo through the ballroom of the Crawley family’s hotel. Guests laughed, chatted, and enjoyed the luxurious atmosphere of the evening. A ring was already wrapped around Rebecca’s finger—or more precisely, Ellya’s, in everyone’s eyes. Only Rebecca wasn’t enjoying the party.She stood beside Aric, trying to smile at the guests who came one after another to offer congratulations. The crystal lights made her eyes slightly dazed, but the discomfort she felt was far worse.“Darling,” Aric called, leaning slightly toward Rebecca. “What’s wrong?”Rebecca shook her head quickly. “Nothing… I’m just a bit dizzy.”Aric nodded. “Then after this, you should rest.”Before Rebecca could answer, a group of Aric’s friends approached with cheerful faces.“Ah, here’s our soon-to-be newlyweds!” exclaimed one tall man in a gray suit.“Aric, you’re really lucky,” added another. “Ellya looks stunning tonight.”Rebecca only gave a small smile. She tried to rema
A few days later.The Crawley family’s hotel was bustling. Servants moved back and forth. Yes, today was the engagement night of Ellya Sheinafia Crawley and Aric Jonathan—a moment that should have been joyful, but not for the person now staring at her own reflection in the large mirror of that room.Rebecca—trapped in Ellya’s body—gazed at her reflection for a long time.The white gown she wore was beautiful, her hair neatly styled in a bun, her face perfectly polished.But beneath it all, her chest felt tight.“Why does it feel more like a nightmare?” she whispered softly, touching the mirror.“I’m not Ellya… and Aric isn’t meant for me.”A gentle knock sounded on the door.“Ellya, may I come in?”The soft voice belonged to Catherine Crawley, Ellya’s biological mother.Rebecca quickly wiped the remaining tears from the corners of her eyes. “Come in, Mom.”The door opened slowly. Catherine entered with a wide smile, wearing an elegant champagne-colored gown. She immediately approached
Morning had arrived. The air felt cool and damp.Rebecca woke up early, preparing a simple breakfast for herself, Samuel, and Reno. Samuel sat at the dining table, helping Reno put on his socks.“Reno, don’t forget to always study diligently, okay? And remember, don’t be naughty. Don’t show your abilities—no one should know that you’re a genius,” said Rebecca while pouring milk into a small glass.Reno looked at her with his innocent eyes. “I’m not naughty, Mommy. I’m a good boy.”Samuel smiled faintly. “A good boy, but when he plays games, he forgets everything. And listen to what Mommy said—no one should know that Reno Barra Castillo is a genius.”Reno immediately pouted. “Okay, Mommy, Daddy, don’t worry. Reno will keep it a secret.”Rebecca chuckled softly at his expression. “Alright then, let’s eat first. After that, you two can go.”Samuel glanced at his watch. “I have to be at the office by nine. There’s an important meeting.”Rebecca nodded while placing a plate on the table. “
That night, heavy rain poured down. The sound of it struck against the apartment windows, accompanied by flashes of lightning that split the sky from time to time.Samuel, who had been asleep on Rebecca’s lap, slowly opened his eyes. The flashes of lightning made the room flicker between light and shadow. He blinked slowly, then heard a soft voice beside him.“Samuel…” Rebecca’s voice was gentle, almost a whisper.Samuel turned to see her pale face. He knew—ever since the beginning, his wife had always disliked thunderstorms.“Are you scared?” he asked softly, lifting his head from her lap.Rebecca gave a small nod, her eyes fixed on the window where the lightning kept flashing. “I don’t know why, but I’ve never been able to stay calm when there’s thunder.”Samuel smiled, then moved closer to her. “How many times have I told you, there’s nothing to be afraid of? Thunder is just the sound of nature—it can’t hurt you.”Rebecca hugged a small pillow in her hands. “I know… but still, I al
The night grew late. Reno was already asleep in his room, the blanket neatly covering his small body. Rebecca made sure he was comfortable before closing the door quietly. She walked to the living room, where Samuel was still sitting on the sofa, looking tired but showing no sign of wanting to sleep.“Still not sleepy?” Rebecca asked as she approached.Samuel turned to her and smiled faintly. “Not yet, my love.”Rebecca sat down at the edge of the sofa. “You’ve been working since morning, and you’re still not sleepy?”Samuel sighed, then shifted his position, lying down and resting his head on Rebecca’s lap. He looked up at the ceiling, then closed his eyes for a moment.“This feels so comfortable,” he said softly. “If only I could rest like this every night.”Rebecca smiled faintly, her hand gently brushing through Samuel’s hair. Her touch was soft — full of the warmth they had both longed for.“Yes, because you used to do this too,” she murmured. “Every time you came home from work,
Eight o’clock in the evening. Rebecca — now living under the name Ellya — sat on the sofa, staring at her laptop screen while typing her college assignment.Her phone chimed softly. Rebecca turned her head and saw Aric’s name appear on the screen. She sighed before answering the call.“Hello, Aric.”Aric’s cheerful voice came from the other end. “Hi, Ellya. Sorry to bother you this late. I just wanted to talk a bit about the engagement party.”Rebecca frowned instantly. “Engagement party?”“Yes, Ellya,” Aric replied casually, as if it wasn’t a big deal. “I’ve already started preparing it. But I wanted to hear your opinion.”Rebecca was silent for a few seconds, trying to keep her voice steady. “Aric, I’m sorry but I…”“But what?”“I really can’t. I have a lot of assignments and my final project. I don’t want to talk about anything else right now.”On the other end, Aric let out a long sigh. “Alright, if that’s your reason. I won’t push you. Well, I just hope you’ll like the concept I’







