The first rays of dawn stretched across the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and gold. The great city of Autumn Hill stirred awake, though even at this hour, its streets were never silent. Streams of traffic already filled the broad, immaculate highways. Neon signs still glowed faintly as towering skyscrapers pierced the clouds above.
Autumn Hill was no ordinary city. It was a kingdom draped in steel and glass, a monument to wealth and advancement. Its economy rivaled entire nations, its influence stretching far beyond borders. Corporations and foreign powers alike flocked here, desperate to secure alliances, to be even remotely connected to its prosperity.
And at the heart of it all stood the power behind Autumn Hill's rise; the Green family.
Their dominance wasn't whispered, it was proclaimed from every corner of the city. At the center, looming higher than any other building, was the Green Tower. A staggering 120 storey colossus of gleaming silver and tinted glass. It was so tall it seemed to pierce the very clouds, and so wide its base could swallow city blocks. A vast digital display crowned its peak, blazing the words "The Greens" in bold letters that could be seen from miles away.
Everything about the tower screamed wealth, authority, and unshakable power.
---
On the ninety-seventh floor, a section restricted solely to family, Marie Green stood by the vast window wall, arms folded as she stared out at her empire. The panoramic view gave her all of Autumn Hill at her feet, yet today, her eyes were shadowed with worry.
Her voice was sharp when she finally spoke. "I don't like it, Robert. I don't like this one bit."
Her husband, Robert Green, sat on the leather sofa behind her, reading through a digital tablet. His white hair and sharp eyes reflected both age and authority, but his tone was calm, measured. "You're letting your nerves get the best of you, Marie. What's troubling you now?"
Marie turned, her silk gown flowing with the movement. Her brows knitted, and her lips pressed into a thin line. "The engagement between the Grayson and Stone heirs. Do you not see what this means? With their families merging, Sofia will be forced to push herself harder. Harder than she already does just to remain on top. Those two families, if united properly, could rival our power in the future."
"Maybe you shouldn't have retired early. I don't want all this pressure weighing down on our beloved daughter because of these god damned families"
Robert set the tablet aside, his gaze steady. "Marie, Sofia has always been strong-willed. She thrives in competition. You worry too much."
Marie scoffed lightly, though her fingers trembled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You didn't see her last night. She drank far more than she should have. I could barely stand the smell of wine when she staggered into the room." She pressed a hand to her temple. "If she continues this way, how can she hold her position when wolves circle at every corner?"
Robert rose slowly, walking to her side. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "She is our daughter. A Green. Blood like ours does not yield so easily. You must have faith."
Marie sighed, glancing back at the city. The unease in her chest refused to fade. "Faith or not, I need to see her with my own eyes this morning. Come with me."
---
The couple ascended to the private penthouse floor reserved solely for their daughter, Sofia Green. The air here was different — luxurious to the point of indulgence. The hallways gleamed with polished marble and silver inlays, and priceless art adorned the walls. Every corner was perfection, designed to remind anyone who stepped inside that this was the domain of someone untouchable.
But when they entered her main chamber, what greeted them was far from perfection.
Sofia lay sprawled across the silver-plated floor, her luxurious robe twisted around her, her long hair a tangled mess. An empty bottle of wine lay beside her outstretched hand, its contents drained.
Marie's eyes widened, her heart leaping in panic. "Sofia!" She rushed forward, kneeling beside her daughter. "Robert, she's cold!"
Robert crouched, checking her pulse with swift precision. Relief softened his tense features. "She's alive. Just unconscious."
Marie fumbled for her comm device. "Medic! Now!"
Within minutes, a private physician in a crisp white coat entered, kneeling at Sofia's side. He examined her, ran a quick scan, and straightened. "She's fine, ma'am. Just severe intoxication. Rest will fix it. Nothing more."
Marie let out a shaky breath, pressing her hand to her chest. Robert gave a curt nod of thanks, and the medic departed silently.
---
Hours later, Sofia stirred.
Her eyelids fluttered open slowly, her gaze unfocused. A pounding filled her skull, her throat dry as sand. She blinked at the vast, gleaming ceiling above her, disoriented.
"W-where…?" Her voice rasped.
"Sofia." Marie's voice was soft now, almost relieved. She stepped closer, reaching down to embrace her daughter.
But before her arms could close around her, Sofia jerked back violently. "Stay away from me!"
Marie froze, shock flashing across her face. "Sofia, darling, it's me. Your mother."
The faces around her were strangers, the room alien, the air suffocating. Panic clawed at her chest.
Marie, masking her hurt with practiced composure, forced a small smile. "Very well. If you need space, I'll leave. But Jenny will bring you something to settle your stomach."
She turned to the corner, where a young maid stood waiting. "Jenny, prepare her tea. Something detoxifying. I'll take my leave now and attend some meetings along with your father. Jenny,make sure sofia gets some rest"
Marie proceeded to take her leave with a worrisome mind.
"Yes, ma'am." Jenny bowed and disappeared briefly, returning with a steaming cup of herbal brew. She set it carefully on the bedside table, her voice gentle. "Miss Sofia, please drink this. It will help."
The moment the name left her lips, Sofia stiffened.
Miss Sofia.
Her eyes widened, her pulse quickening. "Wh… what did you just call me?"
Jenny blinked, confused. "Miss Sofia…?"
Sofia's heart thudded against her ribs. She sat up abruptly, her hands trembling. "The bathroom," she stammered. "Where… where is it?"
Jenny's brows furrowed, but she gestured to the ornate silver door on the right.
Elena staggered from the bed, her legs unsteady as she rushed inside. She pushed the door closed, her breaths coming in frantic gasps.
And then she saw it.
The mirror stretched across the marble wall, reflecting the face that was not her own.
She froze, every muscle locking as her mind reeled. The reflection staring back at her was beautiful, sharp-featured, with long dark hair and striking green eyes, the face of Sofia Green.
But it wasn't hers.
Her trembling hand lifted to her cheek, and the reflection mirrored it perfectly. Her breaths quickened, bordering on hyperventilation.
"No…" she whispered, her voice cracking. "This… this isn't me."
Her knees weakened, tears stinging her eyes. She stumbled closer to the mirror, gripping the sink for balance.
"My name…" Her voice shook violently. "My name is not Sofia…"
Her reflection stared back, unfamiliar and horrifying.
"My name is Elena. Elena Grayson."
And then the realization hit her like a projectile that weighed a ton…
"Why… Why am I in the body of Sofia Green?"