Emily, who was now in Daniel’s body, was confused when she didn’t see Daniel. However, at that moment, a woman who had just come out of the bathroom made her smile widely.
“Good morning,” she greeted Daniel, who was now in her body.
“Morning,” Daniel replied.
The two of them brushed their teeth together in the bathroom. Looking at their faces in the mirror, they laughed happily. Suddenly, Emily splashed water on Daniel’s face. Daniel, who didn’t accept it, splashed her back. The atmosphere that morning really felt so happy.
After cleaning up, they went downstairs to enjoy the breakfast that Daniel’s housemaid had prepared. Emily and Daniel sat facing each other, their eyes were meeting on the table that was decorated with crispy croissants, pieces of fresh fruit, and a cup of hot coffee. Daniel took a piece of croissant and cut it carefully, while Emily tore it with her hands.
The scene did not go unnoticed by the housemaid employed by Daniel’s grandfather. Upon seeing the two newly married couples looking so happy, she immediately took out her cell phone and wrote something like a message to pass on to Daniel’s grandfather.
“You know,” Emily whispered. “I never imagined a morning like this before.”
“I didn’t expect that the man I married would be my boss,” Emily said with an embarrassed smile.
Daniel smiled, his eyes radiating warmth. “Neither did I.”
Emily reached for her cup of hot coffee. “I used to hate you so much,” she said, unintentionally revealing her feelings.
“What? Hate?” asked Daniel, his eyes searching for the truth behind Emily’s words.
Seeing Daniel’s confused expression, Emily immediately emphasized. “Yes, but back then. However, over time, everything changed. Back then, you seemed so cold and emotionless,” she said slowly. “But now, I realize that behind your firmness, there is a warm and soulful heart.”
A faint smile crossed Daniel’s lips before he replied in a quiet but meaningful voice. “If I were emotionless, I wouldn’t be able to love you.”
“That’s right,” Emily replied with a smile. Their eyes met, showing the depth of feeling growing between them.
Suddenly, Daniel asked, “Where do you want to go for our honeymoon trip?”
Hearing the question, Emily was shocked to the point of choking. “What? Honeymoon?” her voice trailed off, and her eyes revealed surprise.
Daniel looked at Emily with a serious expression, waiting for her answer. “Yes, honeymoon. I want both of us to have a special moment after our wedding,” he explained.
This unexpected honeymoon plan still surprised Emily. “I… I don’t know where to go.”
“Well, we’ll plan this destination together,” Daniel said in a firm voice.
Emily asked enthusiastically, “When will we go?”
“Soon, maybe during the Christmas and New Year holidays,” Daniel replied, a faint warmth radiating from his usually cold eyes.
“Alright,” Emily was touched by Daniel’s decision to show his concern for their marriage that had only started as an agreement.
Daniel continued, “Tomorrow is Grandpa’s birthday. Uncle Robert has prepared a birthday surprise for him. Only family, relatives, and a few close friends will attend.”
Emily was surprised to hear the sudden news. “What? Grandpa’s birthday? Tomorrow?”
“What’s wrong?” asked Daniel in confusion when he saw Emily’s surprised expression.
Emily looked at Daniel worriedly. “We haven’t prepared a birthday present for Grandpa because it’s too sudden,” she said in a worried tone.
“Can we go buy it later after work?” asked Emily enthusiastically, looking for a solution to this sudden situation.
Daniel smiled warmly, trying to ease Emily’s worries. “Alright, we’ll find a present for Grandpa after work.”
***
On the other hand, Daniel’s grandfather, who had received a message from the housemaid employed by him, smiled after hearing that his grandson’s home life was so happy.
However, he was suddenly distracted by a new message notification. His eyes widened as he read the message.
‘I have information about David’s real killer.’
His hands shook and his breathing became unsteady, his heart beating irregularly as he read the message. Daniel’s grandfather felt pressure in his chest and shortness of breath approaching, signaling the symptoms of heart disease that worried him.
With what little strength he had left, Jake tried to reach into the drawer to find his medicine. His body felt weak and trembling, but his determination to relieve his pain was strong. After some persistent effort, he finally found the medicine he needed.
Trembling, Daniel’s grandfather opened the medicine package and took it carefully. As the medicine worked, Jake felt a sense of ease and calm. His breathing slowly became more regular, and his heart rate responded more steadily.
“I can’t die yet. At least, until I find David’s real killer. Before I can hold Daniel’s child for the last time,” Jake said, a single tear escaping from the corner of his eye.
***
Meanwhile, Daniel and Emily were, as usual, focused on their jobs that had changed because of their identity changes. Daniel lived the life of a secretary because he was trapped in Emily’s body. Likewise, Emily was living the life of a CEO because she was trapped in Daniel’s body.
When the lunch break arrived, Daniel, who was walking towards the cafeteria, suddenly met Sean halfway.
“Hi, how are you?” greeted Sean.
Daniel, who was in Emily’s body at this time, did not care about Sean’s pleasantries. With firm steps, he continued his journey to the cafeteria. With ignorant intentions, Sean was about to remove the glasses worn by Daniel, but Daniel quickly avoided it.
“You avoided me,” Sean said.
“Leave me alone,” Daniel said, his eyes looking at Sean sharply and coldly.
Daniel continued his steps with decisiveness, ignoring Sean, who was trying to disturb him.
“After marrying Daniel, you’re almost the same as him,” Sean said in a dismissive tone.
Daniel chose not to answer. He knew Sean was just trying to tease him and mess with his mind.
“Does Daniel treat you well?” Sean asked, a mischievous smile etched on his face. “He’s so stiff. Don’t you need a mistress? It’s possible that you could consider me.”
Daniel gave Sean a sharp look. “He is stiff, but he is also quite considerate. I don’t need a mistress,” he muttered, ignoring Sean’s suggestion.
“Considerate? Daniel?” Sean laughed widely at Daniel’s words.
“You don’t know him very well yet,” Sean said, his voice cold. “He can be very scary because he kept too many secrets and won’t share them with you. I’m sure you won’t be happy with him.”
Daniel’s steps stopped, and his eyes pierced Sean in front of him. Emily’s face in front of Sean somehow reminded him of Daniel. It was as if he was looking at Daniel, not Emily, in that gaze.
“What do you know about Daniel?” Daniel’s voice sounded sharp.
Getting a piercing stare from Daniel reminded Sean of his childhood, who always followed wherever little Daniel went. Flashes of memories appeared in his mind, making Sean aware of his complex relationship with Daniel starting from that moment.
“Don’t bother me. What do you know about me?” at that moment Daniel pushed Sean until he fell backwards.
“So-sorry, Daniel. I just want to be close to you. I didn’t know that my words could hurt you. I’m sorry,” said little Sean.
“I don’t want to be close to you,” Daniel replied firmly and coldly.
Hearing the words of little Daniel, who was firm and cold, carved a deep wound for Sean. Not to mention the problem of his parents, who continued to fight because his father, who could not completely forget Daniel’s biological mother, caused it, made him realize his relationship with Daniel was unlikely to go well.
During the silence, Daniel’s footsteps stepped away from Sean. Sean, who was left frozen in place, seemed transfixed by the flashbacks that haunted him.
Daniel finally arrived at the bustling cafeteria, filled with employees eating lunch or just relaxing. Conversations were going on between coworkers, laughter was merry, and the sound of cutlery clanking. After grabbing his food, Daniel sat at one of the cozy tables in the cafeteria.
“Emily, is there something you’re keeping from us?” asked one coworker, who was sitting in the chair.