“You will stay in this room,” Daniel said, pointing to his private room.
“I’ll take the other room,” Daniel continued.
“All right,” Emily replied, stepping into Daniel’s room, which had become like her own because of this exchange of souls.
After Daniel left, Emily stood for a moment, reflecting on the fact that she was now Daniel Winston’s wife, albeit by appointment only. She felt tired, not only because of the long day, but also because of the burden of thoughts she was now carrying.
With unsteady steps, she took off her shoes and lay down on the bed. The room was large, made more spacious by the quiet.
“Congratulations, Em. Now you’re married and have become a wife,” Emily whispered, her eyes fixed on the ceiling in the room.
“Ah, yes. Not a wife, but a husband, right? Considering I’m in Daniel Winston’s body. Is this all real?”
After a few moments of lying down, Emily got up to clean herself up. Returning to the bed, she tried to find a comfortable position to sleep, but her mind kept raging, not letting her rest. Suddenly, a sensation like electricity infiltrated every fiber of her body, and in an instant, she found herself in an unfamiliar room-not Daniel’s room.
“What’s happening?” whispered Emily in a trembling voice, her eyes widening in astonishment as she touched her face and body that were back to being her own. “This is really my body,” she murmured, a sense of relief mixed with deep confusion.
With unsteady steps, she approached the mirror, examining every curve and line on her now-reflected face. Yes, there was no doubt. It was her own face, not Daniel’s. But how could it be? Weren’t the rules of their soul exchange clear? They could only return to their original bodies if one of them was in danger and the other saved them. “How can I go back?” she asked her reflection in the mirror, searching for answers that might be hidden behind the same eyes that were now looking at her questioningly.
With hurried steps, Emily got up and walked towards Daniel’s room. She had to see what was going on with his body. When she touched the doorknob, she was surprised when her body was pushed forward as Daniel had pulled the door from the inside at the same time.
Emily fell to the floor with a slight thud. She gasped for air, trying to regather her fragmented consciousness.
“Are you okay?” Daniel grabbed Emily’s hand, helping her up.
“Th-thank you,” Emily whispered in a barely audible voice.
Instantly, realization crept back into Emily, bringing a thousand questions with it. “How did this happen? We can return to our own bodies again like this. Does this mean our souls are no longer exchanged?”
Daniel just stared at her with a level gaze. “I don’t understand either,” he replied, his voice low and filled with the same confusion.
“It’s like that old lady really played us,” Daniel continued, the pent-up anger showing in his tone.
“After getting married, we have to deal with this again,” Emily said, her voice trembling slightly.
“Married?” Daniel repeated the word, weighing the meaning behind it.
“What’s wrong? Does this soul exchange have anything to do with our marriage? Do you know anything?” asked Emily, her eyes radiating urgent curiosity.
With a swift movement, Daniel flicked his fingers against Emily’s forehead. “Ouch, that hurts,” complained Emily, but Daniel just looked at her expressionlessly.
“How many times have I told you to just call my name?” Daniel said.
“Sorry,” Emily said as she stroked her sore forehead, her eyes looking at Daniel with genuine regret.
‘Does this have anything to do with the wedding? Is there something I’m missing?’ Daniel thought, his mind spinning in search of a possible answer.
“What are you thinking about?” asked Emily, breaking Daniel’s reverie.
“Why aren’t you sleeping? Aren’t you so tired after our wedding today?” asked Daniel.
“I can’t sleep,” Emily replied, her voice barely audible.
Suddenly, Emily looked deeply at Daniel, searching for a crack in the man’s cold gaze. “Will you accompany me out for some fresh air?”
Daniel pulled back the covers with a measured movement and laid his body on the bed, his back facing Emily. “I’m tired. Go to sleep, it’s late,” he said.
Emily sighed heavily before finally saying. “Alright, good night.”
Just as Emily was about to leave, a strong hand blocked her departure. “Where to get some fresh air?” Daniel’s cold voice broke the silence.
Emily turned around, confusion written all over her face. “Aren’t you tired?” she asked, trying to understand the sudden change in his demeanor.
Daniel stood up, his silhouette firm and sure. “Get ready in ten minutes. I’m waiting for you in the car,” he said, his voice containing none of the signs of fatigue he had previously shown.
Emily gave him a confused look. However, she knew this was not the time to ask questions. With a pounding heart, she turned around and headed to the room to get ready.
After getting ready, Emily went downstairs and saw that the lights of Daniel’s Mercedes Maybach were already on, showing that it was ready to go. She climbed in, sitting next to Daniel, who was looking very dapper in his casual clothes today, a stark contrast to his formal office appearance.
“Where are we going?” asked Daniel, his voice calm but with a hint of curiosity in it.
Emily stared ahead, letting her gaze drift for a moment before answering. “I don’t know where we’re going either. I just want to go out because I can’t sleep,” she said.
“Do you enjoy watching?” asked Emily.
“Going to the movies?” asked Daniel.
Emily nodded. Her faint smile was answer enough for Daniel. After a while, they finally arrived at the most expensive and luxurious movie theater in town. They were greeted with elegant decor, soft lighting, and highly personalized service.
“Isn’t it very expensive here?” asked Emily.
“We should find another movie theater that’s cheaper,” Emily whispered, her eyes sweeping the room with discomfort.
However, Daniel, with a calm certainty, ignored Emily’s words. They stepped into the theater, which was filled with comfortable couches, fluffy cushions, and a large, eye-catching screen.
Daniel surveyed the food and drink menu with a thoughtful gaze. “Is there anything you’d like?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.
“Hmm, I think I’ll have a River Oaks Margarita and popcorn,” Emily replied.
“I’ll take an Old Fashioned and popcorn,” Daniel continued to the waitress, who served them in a calm but determined manner.
“Okay. Your order will be delivered shortly,” the waitress replied kindly.
With the screen emitting a soft glow, the romantic movie they had chosen played, telling a sweet and touching love story. After a few minutes, their food and drink orders were delivered by the waitress.
When the kissing scene arrived, the atmosphere was full of tension. Emily swallowed, feeling her pulse suddenly increase. She reached for her drink, but in the darkness, her hand accidentally came into contact with Daniel’s. The moment the unexpected touch happened, Emily felt a strange tremor running through her body.
Her gaze met Daniel’s eyes. They stared at each other in silence. The atmosphere of the theater room felt so personal and intimate.
With a gaze full of warmth and tenderness, Daniel’s face suddenly drew closer to Emily. Both of their heartbeats sped up. Emily looked into Daniel’s eyes with bated breath, unable to hide her anxiety and curiosity.
“What do you want?” asked Emily in a low voice.