A Contrast Of Fate

Gwen slept soundly that night, surrounded by thick wads of cash, Sienna’s designer wallet, and her plush jewelry boxes.

Meanwhile, back at Gwen’s house, Sienna—who had magically transformed into Gwen in Hans's eyes—was diligently cooking and preparing dinner. Sienna’s true nature was gentle, soft-spoken, and accepting, even if she moved at a somewhat slow and deliberate pace. The tough exterior she maintained around the neighbors had merely been a defensive shield she built over the years. Unfairly treated in Jeff's household, she refused to show any sign of weakness to the outside world.

"Come on, Hans! Let's eat together," Sienna invited with a warm, gentle smile. "I brought back some catered boxed meals and pastries from Sienna’s house."

Hans was momentarily spellbound. Gwen's voice sounded sweet and tender, her expression serene, and her smile deeply genuine. All the exhaustion from his grueling day at work vanished in an instant.

"You go ahead and enjoy the boxed meal, honey. I’ll just eat the stir-fried chayote."

Hans devoured the meal Sienna had cooked with great enthusiasm.

"I’m sorry, there was only chayote and salted fish left in the fridge," Sienna murmured apologetically.

"It's more than fine, sweetheart! This is absolutely delicious, and your smile tonight is all the medicine my weary body needs." Hans gently stroked her hair.

A strange warmth trickled into Sienna’s heart—a feeling of being cherished by a man, something she had yearned for so deeply. It felt soothing and comforting beyond measure.

When they went to bed, Hans—who had been rejected by Gwen time and time again—didn't dare initiate any physical contact. Whenever he tried, Gwen would explode in anger. Hans refused to burden her further by pushing for intimacy, acutely aware that he hadn't been able to provide her with a comfortable life.

Hans instinctively massaged his own sore arms. But to his utter astonishment, Sienna—whom he saw as Gwen—tenderly began kneading his aching muscles.

"You must be exhausted, Hans. Here, let me massage your arms. Just close your eyes and rest."

Sienna’s soft words felt like a cool breeze to Hans's ears. He drifted off to sleep quickly, sleeping deeply and peacefully until dawn.

When the early morning call to dawn prayer echoed from afar, Hans woke up, surprised to find his wife missing from his side.

"Gwen, sweetheart?" Hans called out as he opened the bedroom door.

"Yes, Hans! I just finished taking a shower. Go take your shower too so we can pray together!" Sienna replied, stepping out of the bathroom as she dried her hair with a towel.

"Goodness, Gwen! What did I dream last night? Your attitude ever since I got home from work has touched my heart so deeply," Hans praised her, stepping forward to embrace her, though he stopped himself since she was already cleansed for dawn prayer.

Hans took a quick shower. He was bewildered yet overjoyed by his wife's overnight transformation. Usually, when the dawn call rang out, Gwen would still be snoring away, nearly impossible to wake. But now, she was up early and bathed, ready to perform morning prayers together. It felt like a magnificent boost to his soul.

After prayers, Sienna beat Hans to the kitchen to prepare hot sweet tea. Noticing a few ripe bananas left on the counter, she deftly whipped up a batch of crispy banana fritters and served them alongside the tea.

Hans offered endless prayers of gratitude, marveling at his wife’s sudden shift in behavior.

'Did Gwen change because I bought her that new dress? Or was it because she listened to Mrs. Azizah’s sermon at Sienna’s house yesterday?' Hans wondered to himself.

Whatever the reason, Hans was profoundly grateful, hoping this gentle nature wasn't just a fleeting one-day occurrence, but a change that would last forever.

*

The next morning at Sienna’s estate, Gwen woke up around seven o'clock. She completely ignored the furious banging on the door from Susan and Trina, who were demanding that she prepare breakfast.

"As if! Who do they think I am, their maid?" Gwen muttered, stretching lazily as she glanced beside her.

The bed was empty. Normally, Hans would be right beside her—either bathed, reciting prayers on his mat, or brewing his morning coffee. A brief, unsettling feeling crept over her, sleeping all alone in a master bedroom as grand as Sienna’s.

Yet, all those strange feelings evaporated the moment her eyes landed on the thick stacks of cash Jeff had given her. Today, Gwen planned to go on a shopping spree for clothes that suited her taste. Sienna’s wardrobe was certainly expensive and elegant, but the styles were far too modest for her liking. Gwen craved trendy, eye-catching fashion.

She showered quickly and picked out an outfit from Sienna's closet that looked slightly better than the rest.

"Damn, this fabric feels so soft and cool! Compared to the cheap clothes I used to wear—stuffy and boiling hot!" Gwen whispered, admiring her reflection in the full-length mirror.

She stuffed one thick stack of cash into her wallet, fully intending to splurge at the mall. Becoming Sienna was pure bliss.

However, curiosity gnawed at her. She wanted to see Sienna first and gauge her reaction—would Sienna recognize her? Was she aware that their lives had been swapped?

Ignoring the frustrated shouts of Susan and Trina—who were baffled by their daughter-in-law's erratic behavior—Gwen strutted straight out toward Mrs. Hannah’s corner shop.

"Sienna! Those pastries were so delicious! Thank you so much!" Daisy called out warmly.

"I know, right? I ate the boxed dinner all by myself last night. Hans insisted on just having stir-fried chayote and salted fish. But he looked so happy seeing me enjoy a meal packed with meat and side dishes," Sienna chimed in with a sweet smile.

Gwen stood frozen in her tracks. Sienna had truly embraced the change. She genuinely believed she was Gwen. Which meant Gwen was the only person in the world aware of the magical swap brought upon by the five-dollar golden comb.

'Oh, how glorious it is to be rich! I’m going to have the time of my life today!' Gwen thought, waving condescendingly at her impoverished neighbors before hailing a taxi with an arrogant air. Later this afternoon, she would check in on Hans to see whether her husband would see her as Gwen or as Sienna.