My steps felt heavy as I entered the apartment. The mental exhaustion from seeing myself across the street earlier had completely drained my energy.
In the end, I didn't have the nerve. I didn't dare approach myself. I immediately turned around and returned to Aster's apartment without trying to involve myself with my original body.
"I can't act recklessly. I'd better find a way out on my own without involving my original body."
Before I could even lie down on the sofa, the phone in my hand began vibrating loudly.
The screen displayed a name that made my heart flutter: Dad.
"Is this Aster's father?" I muttered in confusion.
With slightly trembling fingers, I swiped the green button and pressed the thin device to my ear.
"Aster, the driver will be there to pick you up soon. Don't be late."
The call ended abruptly before I could respond.
Panic instantly seized my chest. The driver was coming to pick me up? Where was I being taken? It looked like I was going to face plenty of difficulties while using Aster's body.
Living as someone else was such a hassle!
With limited time, I forced myself to get ready. I chose the most neutral, inconspicuous clothes I could find and tried to steady my breathing and arrange my expression so I would look normal. At the very least, I couldn't make the people around Aster suspicious.
When I arrived in front of a magnificent residence in an elite neighborhood, my steps froze the moment I got out of the car. I stood there, staring at the sprawling building with its grand classical architecture.
"Whose house is this? Is this Aster's parents' house?"
I stepped inside with my heart pounding. I saw a dignified middle-aged man and an elegant woman welcoming me.
"Aster, you finally made it. Your father and I have been waiting for you," the elegant woman said.
"D-Dad... Mom..." I addressed them in a very soft voice. I wanted to act normal, but I couldn't hide my awkwardness.
The scene shifted to the dining table. An extravagant meal had been neatly laid out, but I had no appetite whatsoever. I kept my head lowered, chewing just enough to avoid attracting attention. Yet my worries came true when Mom started the conversation.
"Aster, how did things go with Reina today?" Mom asked as she cut the meat on her plate.
My brow furrowed. Reina? Who was that? I had no clue how to keep up with this conversation. Cornered, I had no choice but to make up an answer to save myself.
"Good. Everything went smoothly," I replied briefly, trying to hide my confusion.
"Where are you two going this weekend?" Mom asked again.
I grew even more flustered. "We're... still discussing it."
That sounded believable enough, right? I didn't even know which weekend they were talking about.
"What about the order your father mentioned yesterday? Have you taken care of it, Aster?" Dad asked, making me panic all over again.
The question was another blow that made my head hurt even more. What order? What business? I didn't understand any of it. It felt like being thrown into the middle of an exam without ever studying the book.
I fell silent. I winced slightly, realizing that the more I spoke, the more likely I was to expose this lie. Rather than invite even greater danger by giving the wrong answer, I suddenly clutched my stomach tightly.
"Ow..." I grimaced in pain, putting on a convincing expression of agony. "Mom, Dad... my stomach suddenly hurts. Can I rest in my room for a while?"
"Are you all right? Was there something wrong with Mom's cooking?"
"I'm just... on my period, Mom," I answered quickly.
The emergency excuse worked. Their expressions immediately changed. Fortunately, they didn't ask any more complicated questions and simply nodded, letting me leave the table.
I hurried away from the dining area. But once again, my steps came to a halt in the incredibly spacious hallway. Confusion slammed into me again. Where was Aster's room? Which floor was it on?
When I saw a maid passing by with a tray, I immediately approached her with an awkward expression.
"Ma'am... where's my room?" I asked softly.
The maid stopped and stared at me in surprise.
"Miss's room is on the second floor, the very last door on the right," the maid replied hesitantly.
"Thank you."
I hurried up the stairs to the second floor. As soon as I got inside, I closed the door and locked it from within.
I exhaled in relief when I realized I was finally in this girl's private space. I looked around the enormous bedroom. Along one corner of the wall stood a neat row of framed photographs. I stepped closer, examining the pictures one by one.
There were photos of Aster laughing freely as a child, photos of her wearing a school uniform with her friends, and warm pictures of her with both of her parents. The entire collection made it obvious that the owner of this body had been raised in abundant happiness.
Aster seemed to have a pretty good life. Her parents appeared attentive. Aster's family also seemed quite wealthy. They had a luxurious house and cars, and they could even afford to let Aster live in an expensive apartment. This girl also looked beautiful and impeccably cared for.
But why? If she had such a perfect life, a wealthy family that loved her, and a bright future ahead of her... why had this girl ended up as the mistress who destroyed my marriage?