Chapter 4 The proposal

It all began as always unfolded.. an afternoon that felt familiar but forgotten. Two children, their laughter echoing through the sun-drenched fields, across an old mansion...they chased each other with an abandon that only innocence could afford. The boy, with a mop of unruly black hair and a grin that could light up the world, pursued the girl, her pigtails bouncing with each step, her giggles a symphony of joy.

They played in a world untouched by time, where the grass was greener, the sky bluer, and the air sweeter with the scent of wildflowers. The girl's eyes sparkled like dew-kissed petals, and the boy's smile could have charmed the birds from the trees. Together, they were an unbreakable duo, their bond forged in the fires of childhood wonder.

As they played, the world around them seemed to slow down, each moment stretching into an eternity. The boy picked a daisy and handed it to the girl, who twirled it in her fingers, In that fleeting gesture, there was a tenderness that belied their years, a promise of something deeper that neither of them fully understood.

But like all idyllic moments, this too was fragile. The boy tripped over a hidden root, and has a cut on his wrist, below his palm. He cried out, more in surprise than pain, and the girl rushed to his side, her face etched with concern. She helped him up, and as he stood, their eyes met, the connection between them sparking like lightning on a summer's day.

The girl gently brushed the dirt from his knees & hands her touch sending shivers down his spine. The boy looked up at her, his eyes filled with gratitude..

As the dream faded, like sand slipping through fingers, the memory lingered, a bittersweet reminder of what had been and what could be.

The dream dissolved into the morning light, leaving behind the haunting sense...

Yet, even as I awoke, I couldn't shake the feeling that this dream was more than just a fragment of my subconscious. It was a glimpse into a past life, a memory that lingered the edge of my mind, waiting to be recalled. A memory of my past life_a reminder of what could have been.

But who was this boy & why was I with him?... Or was it even real?.. how was my childhood like?.. & why couldn't I remember anything.. he had a cut very deep, was that also real or was it just a dream??..

Yesterday had been real she wished it was a dream.. Sine had told her a story & made her a juicy offer...

Selena Thompson ...

She stood tall, her piercing green eyes surveying the bustling office with a calculating intensity. Selena sharp features and sleek black hair framed a face that was both striking and imposing. With a confident stride, she moved through the room, her tailored suit and crisp demeanor. She had an aura of authority. Her aura & charisma could be sensed from a mile away . As the heir to her family's empire, she was about to inherit from her parents, everything they ever had & worked for. But fortunately there was a fire outbreak that landed her in the hospital...

"Is she dead" I remembered asking him.

"Just in a coma.. was a really ugly incident"

"Remind me again why you are telling me this".

"This is where u come in because 'Selena' is vacant....take a look at this picture" he handed me a photo of a lady...& What was more astonishing was _ we looked very much alike... If u weren't our parent you wouldn't tell the difference..

"Wait... I get to be Selena"

"Exactly"

"No way... But why"

"Everyone is eyeing Selena's spot. They all want her inheritance. Without an heir everyone would want to fight for her spot & the business would undoubtedly flop & that's not what we want."

"But this is so risky, my life would be at risk..."

"U would be offered $5000... After Selena wakes up... U can go back to ur old life or start a new one... This is an opportunity u don't want to miss..

"What exactly do I have to do".

"Just take her position. Do the things she doesc live life, work. just be her."

I had a lot of questions but non at the same time.."but why me?"

"Cos u look alot like her.. no one would suspect a thing...this is really crucial plus you really need a life _no offense"..

"I would have to think about it but I won't guarantee anything"

******

Finally came back to reality holding a golden card that had his number, he had given me this before dropping me off a stone throw to my house & handing me a whiskey.

Deep down I wanted this adventure but I really can't risk it, can I?? ..No!!! Wouldn't be needing his card, neither would I work with him...

"Eleanor!!!!"ma called angrily.. that was my cue to suspend any thoughts till evening...

"Yes ma!!, am coming". I answered just like every other morning.