The crisis that befell the Grayson family was the most tragic event that had ever happened in the decades of their family's long peace. News media outlets were all fixated on the case, as the knowledge of Elena's demise spread like wild fire.
Elena, now in the body of someone she could easily regard as an enemy, wanted nothing more in the world than to run back to her family and let them know that she was particularly dead and long gone.
But she had to think rationally. Going back to her family while in Sofia Green's body will make their lives more twisted than it already is. Knowing that her "parents" might summon her very soon, she proceeded to head over to the shower to freshen up a little, as she was still feeling a little discombobulated.
When Elena approached the mirror for the second time, when she was more aware of her surroundings, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the figure that reflected back at her eyes. The straightened black hair that ran down her lower back, the deep green coloration of her eyes that almost glowed under the lamps, and her body was also nothing to scoff at. Her mild olive skin combined with the flawlessness of her features made it seem like she was now living inside the body of a celestial being.
"Maybe this new life won't be as bad as I have predicted it to be," Elena thought to herself.
Sure, she had seen what Sophia looked like in her past life, through several commercials and media portraying her elegance every now and then. But looking at her figure in person, and being inside of it, it felt surreal.
Quickly snapping back to reality, Elena proceeded to freshen up. When she was done, she went through her wardrobe and quickly picked out designer clothing that revealed a lot on her body. Trying her best to imitate Sofia through the little knowledge she had over Sofia's personal life wasn't going to be early, but she didn't have a choice.
"Alright, I think I'm ready to face this new family of mine."
In the middle of her thoughts, the elevator that led to her floor pinged, and two figures stepped through. Robert and Marie Green.
The soft chime of the private elevator startled her. Her pulse quickened as the steel doors slid open. Out stepped Robert and Marie Green.
They were a sight that commanded attention. Robert, broad-shouldered in a tailored navy suit, had the kind of posture that radiated authority; the weight of boardrooms and negotiations clung to him like a second skin. Marie, elegant in a satin evening gown though it was barely past noon, exuded both poise and power, the kind of woman whose presence alone could silence a room.
"Sofia honey?," Marie called out.
Just then Sofia, as gorgeous as ever, stepped out of her bedroom and started advancing towards her parents slowly. She couldn't help but feel nervous about the whole scenario
"Good morning mum, dad," Sofia anxiously voiced.
"How're you feeling? Are you feeling better? Is there anything you need, baby?" Marie replied with concern.
"No....mother. I'm okay. I just needed some space, that's all."
Marie sighed softly and cut in, smoothing his words. "Your father only means that you are not alone. Whatever storms rage in your heart, we weather them together. That's what being a Green means."
Robert, noticing that his daughter was acting a little bit strange, and unlike her usual self, a little bit polite, thought she was still feeling out of it. With deep concern in his eyes, he decided to comfort her in any way possible.
"If it brings you any peace my dear, Elena Grayson was reported dead. As tragic as it is, it could mean that the merger between the Graysons and the Stones will never take place. No one will try to rival us. No one will try to rival you," Robert said calmly.
"The Green was the most powerful family, is the most powerful family, and will forever remain the most powerful family in the country. So don't put more pressure on yourself, my dear. We gave you our empire early because we trusted your judgement, and we know you will never let us down."
Elena swallowed hard. Her heart ached with a bittersweet sting. If only you knew…
The conversation meandered, circling business. Robert spoke briefly about a new acquisition deal in Eastern Europe; Marie mused about hosting a charity gala to outshine the Graysons, especially now that tragedy had struck.
"Elena Grayson," Marie said bitterly, her eyes flashing. "Shot dead on her engagement day. Tragic… but predictable. The Graysons have always played with enemies they couldn't control."
Elena's breath hitched, her nails digging into her palm.
Robert's voice cut sharper. "Their loss is their weakness. And our advantage. We must move strategically now. But as for you, Sofia, focus on yourself. Leave the Graysons to mourn their dead."
Every word stabbed at her like glass. She wanted to scream the truth at them, but the lie weighed heavier. She watched her so-called family peace and relief over her death, making her feel more and more resentment as she stood in their presence.
Being Sofia Green, while trapped in the family feud that had been waging for generations, was proven to be more difficult than she thought so. Even standing in the presence of her new parents made her feel agitated, as she had been raised to hate them all her life.
Time blurred, and just when Elena thought she could retreat into her room, Robert's phone buzzed. He glanced at the caller ID, his brows drawing together.
"Yes?" he answered curtly. His face shifted slightly, an unreadable flicker in his eyes. "He's here? Now? … Very well. Send him up."
Marie tilted her head. "Who is it?"
Robert set the phone down deliberately, his gaze locking onto Elena. "Chad is downstairs."
Elena frowned. "Chad?"
Marie smiled faintly, as though the name were familiar and comforting. "Your boyfriend, darling. You didn't tell us he was visiting today. I thought that you were going to be rather engrossed with other financial matters as you always are. Or maybe he just decided to come visit on his own."
The room spun. Elena's lips parted soundlessly. Boyfriend?
"What… what did you say?" she whispered, her voice breaking.
Robert's eyes narrowed slightly, studying her reaction with the precision of a hawk. "Chad is here. Don't tell me you've forgotten him."
Her chest tightened. Forgotten? No. She'd never known. Because Chad wasn't her boyfriend. He was Sofia Green's.
And in that instant, Elena's world cracked even further.