I rushed through the hospital corridor to the lobby downstairs like I was being chased by a ghost, my heart pounding in my chest. What the hell?! Why does it feel like everyone I meet somehow knows Mia Isabella? How many men were tangled up with her before I took over her body?
Please, don't tell me there are more out there. I don't know how to handle them all. I had no idea being involved with too many men could be this exhausting—especially when they're all intense, stubborn, and terrifyingly straightforward. There's no way I can keep lying to their faces with a straight expression!
"Mia!" a voice called out from behind, just as I was a few steps away from the glass revolving door at the hospital entrance. I froze, my shoulders tense. Please don't be Alexius. Please don't be Alexius.
I turned slowly. Thank God—it wasn't him. It was my oh-so-perfect second brother, Matteo.
He strolled over, calm and confident in his pristine white doctor's coat, the stethoscope around his neck gleaming like an accessory on a fashion runway. Honestly, he looked more like a model than a hospital doctor.
"Second brother," I greeted him, forcing a polite smile. I wasn't exactly thrilled to see him.
He stopped in front of me and asked, "How was your appointment? What did the psychiatrist say? I cannot come early as I have emergency surgery"
Before I could answer, I noticed a few groups of nurses and female patients watching us from nearby. They were whispering among themselves, clearly curious about who I was. Matteo, after all, was just as popular here as Alexius—probably the second biggest heartthrob in the hospital.
"He said I'm fine. I don't need any treatment. My memory will come back naturally with time," I lied, trying to sound as sincere and serious as possible as I remember—this guy had a sixth sense for detecting lies.
He narrowed his eyes, studying my face. "You're not lying, are you? I can see that struggle on your face."
He leaned in, his face suddenly just inches from mine. I stiffened. Does he not see everyone staring at us?! This guy has no shame!
"Of course not," I replied quickly. "Why would I lie about something like this? I'm telling the truth."
"Hmm… fine. But I've got my own ways to find out if you're lying" he threatened.
"Whatever. I'm done here. I want to go shopping and then go home to sleep. You go back to work. I won't bother you anymore," I said, waving him off and turning to leave. I was too tired to deal with this psycho.
"Wait," he said. "Let's have dinner together tonight. Leon and Mike will join us."
What?! Dinner with them? I don't mind Mike—he's easy to deal with. But Dr. Leon? I'm still not comfortable around him. What if he asks something I can't answer? I might choke on my food from the pressure alone.
And this guy? I wouldn't be surprised if he accidentally poisoned me. I mean, this is the same person who almost killed me once… with a horse. How am I supposed to trust him now?
I paused and turned back to face him, clearly not thrilled. "What if I say no?"
He narrowed his electric-blue eyes and said in a low, warning tone, "You dare?"
I gritted my teeth. "Of course… not. Fine! Just message me the location."
Ugh, I surrendered. Again. One day, I swear I'll kick this guy. Why does he always make me follow his arrangements like I have no will of my own? His attitude is seriously beyond saving!
***
I let out a long, deep breath as I sink into the soft leather seat of the luxurious Bentley. "Take me to the nearest mall," I tell the driver, too drained—mentally and physically—to deal with anything else after today's drama.
Alexius… Mia's childhood friend. He seems like a genuinely kind man who really cares about her. But what did he mean by "after all these years"? Did something happen between them? Were they separated for a long time? The way he looked so heartbroken when I said I didn't remember him… maybe they had a fight before? I need to find out. Hmm… Mike might know something. I should ask him later. Yes, that's the plan.
And then there's the poisonous second brother—Matteo. Twisting facts, arranging things on his own, threatening me like it's his hobby! Just thinking about his smug, relaxed face makes my blood boil.
Ting—my phone lights up with a message. Who else, if not that annoying man himself? He sent me the address for tonight's dinner. And of course, it comes with a warning: "You better show up. No excuses."
I grab a fistful of my hair and nearly kick the front seat in frustration, screaming silently in my head:
ARRRGHHH!! Damn you, Matteo!!!
***
Thirty minutes later, the car pulled up in front of a massive mall in the center of the city—Aurel Kingdom.
The name sounded familiar. Where had I heard it before? I couldn't remember, but whatever.
I stepped out of the car and walked toward the automatic glass doors. The mall was enormous, stretching across several blocks. Its smooth glass walls reflected the skyline like a mirror. The design was sleek and modern, with bold architecture, soft gold accents, and an entrance that opened like the gates to a palace.
By this time, the place was packed with people on their lunch break. Inside, huge chandeliers dangled from the high ceilings, and in the center of the ground floor stood a glimmering marble pond with a giant fountain. I watched a few people toss coins into the water while making wishes—like it was some kind of sacred ritual.
What a good way to waste money.Why not use it to buy food instead?
Speaking of food, I needed two things now: new clothes and lunch. My stomach had been growling non-stop. I barely touched breakfast this morning from all the stress, and now that everything had calmed down, my hunger came back with a vengeance.
I walked slowly, taking in everything around me. This world really was different. People had every eye and hair color imaginable—just like in a manga or anime. Most were dressed like runway models: some sexy, some sporty, others chic or vintage. From babies to high schoolers to stylish middle-aged ladies, they were all here. This mall seemed like a major hub for both locals and foreigners in Lumora City—kind of like Dubai Mall or Avenues Mall back in my world.
After wandering aimlessly for a while, I finally found a digital map. Turns out, the clothing department was on the fourth floor. I could take the escalator, but I was too lazy—and too hungry. Elevator it is.
Inside the elevator, I nearly ran out of breath. It was packed, even though it was much larger than a normal one. Some things really are the same no matter the world. Still, I was used to it.
Once I reached the fourth floor, I began hunting for clothes that caught my eye. Anything cute, modest, and affordable went straight into my basket. Of course I paid with Mia's black card—the one I found in her wallet. And for the first time since I got here, I felt a spark of joy. A shopping spree with no budget limits? Yes, please. HAHAHA!
I also grabbed a few sets of new underwear, a few makeup kits, and some skincare products. Even though I could afford more, I still spend carefully. Old habits from my past life—being thrifty were hard to shake. After an hour, both my hands were full of shopping bags. They were heavy, but I was so happy and satisfied, I barely noticed.
As I was walking and admiring the surroundings, someone suddenly called out from behind.
I froze for a second, a little startled, then slowly turned around.
A tall man stood there, his sea-glass green eyes gleaming under the lights. He stared at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. Behind him was a group of serious-looking people in sharp office attire.
"It's really you," he said, stepping forward. "I thought I was mistaken."
My eyes widened.
"It's you!"