“While our souls are still exchanging, marrying you is an inevitable decision, even though our status as a leader and subordinate must be very difficult,” Daniel said, his voice containing a heavy certainty.
The news of their marriage that would only last for a year, was weighing heavily on Emily’s heart. She didn’t want a temporary marriage of convenience like this, but a lifelong marriage based on love.
“I understand,” Emily whispered, her voice almost drowned out by the heavy breathing.
“Then get some rest. Good night,” Daniel said, his voice now sounding distant and hollow, as if echoing in the distance.
“Yes, good night,” Emily replied, her voice barely audible.
***
The next night, under the high skies of the magnificent convention center, the W Company’s anniversary celebration took place in a glittering manner. Prominent faces from the business world, influential industry leaders, gathered to celebrate the company’s achievements. At the center of the celebration, a large screen displayed W Company’s latest innovations, a promise of a brighter future.
The spotlight turns on, flooding the stage with a warm glow as Emily, in Daniel’s body, steps up to the podium. The previously soft music died down, making room for the sound of her steady steps. Every eye in the room was on her, full of anticipation.
Looking at the few invited guests, the selected employees, Emily felt her heart skip a beat. In the distance, hidden from view, Daniel made a gesture of support, as if sending strength through the look in his eyes.
“Good evening, and thank you for joining us on this special night,” Emily said, her voice clear through the microphone. “Today, we celebrate achievements and a hopeful future.”
A standing ovation echoed, filling the room with positive energy.
Emily took a deep breath, looking out at the crowd full of faces that honored and supported her. “At W Company, we are not just a team, we are a family. And like a family, we will continue to grow, learn, and evolve together.”
“Today, I would also like to share a more personal announcement,” she continued, her voice now carrying a slight tremor. “I am getting married soon, and my wedding will be private. I hope you will all respect my and my partner’s desire to keep this private.”
As Daniel’s wedding announcement was heard, whispers circulated among the invited guests. Emily could feel a range of mixed emotions in the air: admiration, curiosity, even a little envy.
“Are you happy to be finally be married to your boss?” asked Sean, approaching Daniel, who was trapped in Emily’s body.
Daniel was silent, not answering Sean’s question.
“A marriage between a CEO and a secretary? What if your relationship is exposed?” Sean asked again.
“I’ve considered everything. We’ll follow all the procedures,” Daniel replied calmly.
As Emily stepped down from the podium, Olivia approached her. “Congratulations on your wedding. I apologize for the previous incident and I sincerely wish you happiness,” she said, extending her hand.
Although still upset with Olivia, Emily accepted the hand. “Thank you,” she said in a softer tone.
After the birthday party ended, Emily and Daniel stood on a secluded balcony, away from the crowds. The city lights flickered below them, and the night sky stretched out above.
“I finally did well with my speech,” Emily said with a wide smile, recalling her success today.
Daniel gave a brief nod. “You handled it well,” he said, his voice flat and emotionless.
“I was so scared. Didn’t you see my legs shaking violently from earlier? Even my hands were cold like this,” Emily continued with a laugh.
“Finally… I can breathe freely now,” Emily said, raising her arms up, signaling her freedom. A huge smile was etched on her lips, radiating immeasurable happiness.
Daniel gave her an unreadable look, then, with a swift movement, flicked his fingers at Emily’s forehead. “Ouch,” she squealed, surprised by Daniel’s action.
“You still call me ‘Sir’,” Daniel reminded, his voice firm, underlining the mistake with obvious dissatisfaction.
“Sorry, sir. I meant Daniel. I’m not used to calling you by name,” Emily retorted, her voice trembling with awkwardness.
“I really hope we can get back to our own bodies soon,” Emily said.
“As for our marriage, I’ve already decided. I will leave this job after we get married,” Emily said with a firm decision.
Daniel looked at her, his eyes were like ice. “What do you mean? Are you worried about conflicts of interest or gossip if a secretary and a CEO get married?” he asked.
Emily shook her head firmly. “I’ve been thinking about this plan for a long time. I’m not suited to office work.”
“I want to be a teacher. I love children and that profession would suit me very well,” Emily continued, her voice becoming softer as she talked about the future she wanted.
“You can’t do that now,” Daniel refused.
“Why?” asked Emily.
“You haven’t forgotten that our souls are swapping right now?” asked Daniel.
“Ah, yes, that’s right. How can I forget this?”
“You can think about it once we’re back in our own bodies,” Daniel said, his voice remaining cold and firm.
“As long as we keep this relationship a secret, everything will be fine,” Daniel said, closing the conversation with a final statement.
***
After a week of anxious preparation and anticipation, Emily and Daniel’s big day finally arrived. The church they chose for the ceremony was a grand old building, with a stained glass that colored the sunlight into rainbows on the marble floor.
With only their closest family in attendance, their wedding was a private affair, with no friends or business associates present.
“I could finally see my daughter off today,” Fred said as he continued to shed tears at the sight of Emily in her beautiful wedding dress. Little did Fred realize that the Emily in front of him was Daniel trapped inside Emily’s body.
“You’re so beautiful,” Fred praised.
Daniel massaged his furrowed mid-brow. “You’ve been crying for half an hour. Isn’t that enough?”
“Has it been that long? I’m sorry, I’m still not willing to let go of my little daughter who is now grown up and beautiful like this,” Fred replied as he hugged Daniel, who was trapped in Emily’s body so tightly.
“Let go of me,” Daniel said in a cold tone, but instead of letting go, Fred tightened his embrace even more.
‘How annoying,’ Daniel thought.
Meanwhile, Emily’s soul trapped in Daniel’s body looked at herself in the mirror wearing her wedding suit.
‘I got married today. But why did it end like this? Not wearing a wedding dress but a suit like this?’ Emily stared, confused, at her reflection in the mirror.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door of her preparation room and Daniel’s grandfather smiled at her.
“Grandpa,” Emily called nervously.
“I finally get to see you get married today. If David were alive, he would be so happy to see you get married,” Jake murmured as he patted his grandson on the shoulder.
“I hope you can be happy and give me lots of great-grandchildren before I die,” Jake said with a smile.
‘If Grandpa knows that this marriage is only based on an agreement, will everything be okay in the end?’ Emily wondered.
Daniel, in Emily’s body, walked through the church aisle, accompanied by Fred. On the other side, Emily, trapped in Daniel’s body, waited at the altar.
The priest, with a voice that echoed through the walls of the church, began the ceremony with gentle yet powerful words. “We gather here today to witness and celebrate the union of two souls in the bond of marriage…”
“I promise to love you, honor you, and be faithful to you,” Daniel said into Emily’s body.
“And I,” said Emily in Daniel’s body, “promise to always support you.” As they exchanged rings, an eternal symbol of their commitment, their families applauded, the eyes of some of them glazed over with emotion.
With the priest’s final words, “I pronounce you husband and wife,” the room filled with applause and cheers. Emily and Daniel, albeit in unusual bodies, shared their first kiss as a married couple, a kiss that promised the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
‘What will happen to us after this? Oh, God, Emily thought to herself.