The Bentley glided smoothly through the heart of the bustling city, its engine humming like a lullaby wrapped in luxury. Through the tinted windows, I watched as the city unfolded—a world both familiar and foreign.
Towering skyscrapers kissed the clouds, their glass exteriors reflecting the golden sunlight in dazzling patterns. Everything around me radiated wealth and modernity. The streets pulsed with sleek, high-end vehicles and pedestrians dressed in designer fashion. This wasn't just a city—it was a showcase of prosperity.
It resembled my original world, yet everything here felt... elevated. Cleaner. Sharper. Brighter. Technology was everywhere, seamlessly integrated into daily life. Even the air smelled expensive.
But what truly caught my attention was the people. Their appearances were unlike anything I'd ever seen—an ethereal blend of striking European features and delicate, almost porcelain-like Asian frames. Hair in silver, lilac, rose-gold, and midnight hues flowed like silk. Eyes shimmered in violet, emerald, and even deep amber, as if plucked from a painter's palette. And yet, no one stares. It was all so normal here.
Beautiful. Surreal. A fantasy that walked hand in hand with science.
And I– Mia Izabelle, now calling Mia Isabella, was now rolling through this wonderland in the backseat of a car I could never dream of affording in my past life.
***
The black car smoothly drove up the private hill, its tires making a soft hum on the smooth road. Outside, the busy city disappeared – the crowded streets, the noise, the dirt – and big trees and perfect gardens took over, stretching up the hill as far as I could see.
I sat straight and tense in the back, my fingers twisting the flower bouquet on my lap. We weren't even through the gates yet, and I already felt like I didn't belong here. The heavy iron gates marked with the family's crest–the white dragon opened quietly, like magic, showing a driveway that looked like it led to a palace, not just a house.
As we went higher, the big house came into view – and I forgot to breathe.
It was huge. Way bigger than I'd imagined. All sharp glass and stone, shining softly in the late afternoon sun. It didn't even look real, more like something from a fancy magazine I read before in my past life. The car turned the last corner, stopping at a wide entrance where a fountain, taller than me, sprayed water in the air. A guy in a black uniform opened my door before the car even stopped.
"Miss," he said nicely, holding out a gloved hand.
I got out, trying to look cool even though my heart was pounding. My sandal touched the marble driveway, and I had a silly urge to check if I was making it dirty.
The front doors – two giant things made of dark wood and shiny brass – opened by themselves. Inside, I saw really high ceilings, stairs that looked like they were floating, and a soft, golden light that made everything look like a dream.
Someone, an old grandpa – maybe a butler? was already waiting inside, standing super straight like he was part of the building. Sunlight reflected off his rimless glasses, making his light-brown eyes shine.
"This way, Miss Mia," he said, bowing a little. I smiled at him. His being so polite felt a bit weird, because he reminded me of the old grandpa next door back home. How was he still working at this age? I glanced subtly at my eldest brother, a silent protest in my eyes.
This house was massive – like a mix of fancy old stuff and cool modern stuff. Bright stone walls, big glass windows, and black metal balconies made it look clean and strong. Everywhere I looked – from the shiny marble floors to the wooden doors with carvings – it just shouted money and old family history.
The ceilings were so high I could barely see them, with giant fancy lights hanging down like frozen waterfalls. A big, beautiful staircase curved up from the front hall, and the steps were so shiny I could almost see my reflection.
This large mansion comprises a total of five floors. From the floor-to-ceiling window, I can see a glassy infinity pool on the rooftop, creating the illusion of swimming directly into the sky. The mansion is also surrounded by verdant lawns, vibrant flower gardens, and a fish pond, shimmered in the sunlight.
Heaven! Is this going to be my house now? It looks like a castle straight out of a fairytale.
"We've already prepared evening tea for you, Miss. Would you prefer to eat first, or would you like to rest?" the grandpa – I mean, the butler – asked politely, gently pulling me from my awe.
I instinctively went to scratch my head, forgetting the papers and flowers clutched in my hands. "I'd like to rest first, please," I said a little awkwardly. "Could you show me to my room?"
A sudden pause hung in the air. The old butler studied me with a curious expression. "Pardon?" he asked, clearly confused. I tilted my head slightly, not quite understanding his reaction. Then, a few moments later, it dawned on me. My question sounded strange. Of course, Mia Isabella would know her own room if this was her house.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," I explained hurriedly. "It seems I've lost some memory from the car accident. I can't remember anything right now."
"That's quite alright, Miss. Please follow me; I'll be happy to show you to your room," the grandpa-butler replied, his expression smoothing over, though his professional demeanor remained.
Just as I was about to step forward, I remembered—eldest brother! I turned back quickly and offered him an awkward smile. "Brother… I'll go take a rest first. See you later," I said, trying to sound casual, but the nervousness probably still came through.
Martin met my gaze for a moment. He gave a slow, single nod—silent and unreadable.
As I stepped into the elevator with the butler, the polished gold doors slid shut. The moment I was out of sight, Martin's expression changed. The calm vanished, replaced by something colder, sharper.
He turned slightly to his secretary. "How's the investigation into the accident going? Any leads on who drugged Mia that night?"
The young man, looking sharp in his tailored black suit, adjusted his black-rimmed glasses smoothly. "The inquiry is ongoing, Sir. We've collected the CCTV footage from the club. So far… nothing concrete. No clear suspect. But we're working on it."
Martin's jaw tightened. His eyes, as icy blue as frozen lakes, glinted under the chandelier light.
"Keep digging. I want answers. There's no way Mia took that drug willingly. Someone set this up—and I intend to find out who."
"Understood, Sir," the secretary replied, his tone just as serious.