Chapter 2: A New Beginning

Fourteen years had passed since Lauren had first opened her eyes in a new world.

Now fifteen, she stood before her mirror dressed in a crisp uniform, the crest of a prestigious high school shining faintly on her chest. She was no longer just Lauren—she was Laura, daughter of a respected and wealthy couple, and heir to their legacy.

Her parents had gone to great lengths to have her, a miracle child born to them late in life. They were older now, but they adored her deeply. And in time, Laura had come to love them too—not just as caretakers, but as true family.

She walked into the dining room one sunny morning to the scent of warm toast and cocoa.

“Laura, come quickly and have breakfast, or you'll be late!” her mother called.

“Coming, Mom!” she replied, grabbing her bag.

“Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom,” she greeted them both.

“Good morning, my lovely daughter,” her father said with a smile, setting down his newspaper. “Come, sit. We’ll eat together.”

“I’ll drop you at school while I head to the office,” he added.

“Okay, Dad!”

As she chewed on buttered bread, her father glanced at her thoughtfully.

“Laura,” he said, “I think it’s time for you to be formally introduced to our society—as my heir.”

Laura blinked. “Dad…”

“I know you’ve been enjoying school and your friends, but it’s time. You’re ready. I’m certain everyone will be charmed by your sunny, kind nature.”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Okay, Dad. Whatever you say. I’ll follow.”

He smiled. “That’s my girl.”

“Oh my baby!” he added warmly, drawing her into a hug.

“I love you, Daddy,” she whispered, hugging him back.

The car pulled up in front of her school.

“Love you, Dad!”

“Love you too, daughter,” he replied, waving as she disappeared through the school gates.

Inside the classroom, Laura was immediately greeted by her cheerful classmate, Daisy.

“Laura, you came!”

Laura smiled. “Hey, I wouldn’t miss it.”

Daisy giggled. “You know there’s a function coming up?”

“In a week,” Daisy explained, “lots of high school and middle school students will perform together. So second-year high schoolers like us will work with second-year middle schoolers.”

Laura nodded, intrigued.

Their teacher entered the room. “Alright, everyone, form your own groups for the performance. Minimum five members.”

Laura glanced around. Her group quickly formed.

Later, in the canteen, the five of them sat in a huddle, brainstorming.

“What should we do?” Laura asked.

“Fashion show?” Daisy suggested and others also give their opinions.

Laura nodded. “Sounds fun. But instead of doing it ourselves, how about we guide the middle schoolers on stage?”

What you all think?

Everyone agreed.

“Then let’s go find our partners!” Daisy declared.

They headed off to meet the second-year middle schoolers. As they entered the next building, Laura’s gaze drifted—then paused.

There was a boy with white hair and dark sharp eyes, standing quietly in the hallway alone. His expression was unreadable, calm yet distant.