The soft hum of the airpne engines filled the cabin as sunlight poured through the window beside Evan. The private jet was the epitome of luxury, furnished with plush leather seats, elegant wooden finishes, and a menu of gourmet breakfast options avaible at the touch of a button. It was the kind of flight that the old Evan—poor, struggling Evan—would have never even dared to dream of.

  Across from him, Sienna was engrossed in her ptop, her sharp jawline catching the light as she typed swiftly. Every now and then, she’d gnce up and meet Evan’s eyes, offering a small, reassuring smile before returning to her work.

  Evan leaned back in his seat, sipping on a gss of freshly squeezed orange juice that probably cost more than a week's worth of the cheap store-brand cartons he used to settle for in his past life. He stared out the window at the clouds below, his mind drifting to everything that had happened since he woke up in this strange, reversed world.

  The sheer luxury of it all still baffled him. The sleek, state-of-the-art jet, the tailored clothes he was wearing, even the simple breakfast they’d had before leaving—all of it was a far cry from the life he remembered in his previous world. Back then, even a small treat, like a cup of coffee from a café, was a luxury he had to carefully budget for. And now? This life was drenched in wealth and privilege.

  His eyes wandered to the intricate stitching on the seat's armrest, and he chuckled softly to himself. A pne like this could have been a dream he wouldn’t dare to dream in his old life. Back then, life was a struggle, a constant battle to stay afloat. The cost of this flight alone would’ve been months of backbreaking work.

  Life isn’t fair, he thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. Some people are just lucky enough to be born into this.

  Still, Evan couldn’t deny how grateful he was. Whatever force had brought him to this world—be it God, fate, or sheer cosmic randomness—he owed it. A second chance at life wasn’t something he would take for granted.

  As he stared out, a deeper reflection took hold of him. How had he adjusted so quickly? He started cataloging everything that had happened since he woke up in this new world.

  First, there was his new family. His dad was unlike anyone he’d ever known—gentle, loving, and supportive. The kind of father who made sure Evan felt valued and cherished. His stepmother, on the other hand, was a powerhouse—elegant, strict, and commanding respect in every room she entered. Together, they created a dynamic he’d never experienced before, and surprisingly, he felt comforted by it.

  Then there was college life. It was strange how easily he’d slipped into the role of the ‘perfect son.’ He joined the robotics club, the bellhop robot project, and the friends he’d made along the way. The old Evan from this world had been quiet and unambitious, content to live in the shadows. But now? He wanted more. He wanted to make something of himself.

  And then there was Sienna. His fiancée.

  His lips quirked into a small smile as he thought about her. Their retionship had been a whirlwind—teasing banter, some quiet moments, and, well, the passionate nights they’d shared. He wasn’t shy about admitting that he liked it—a lot. Sienna’s confidence and dominance were things he’d never encountered in his past life, but here, they were the norm. It had been strange at first, but now? He found it kinda exciting.

  He reached for his coffee, taking a slow sip as his thoughts shifted. Despite how perfect everything seemed on the surface, there was one thing that kept nagging at him—the tracker bracelet. Sienna had insisted on it, citing safety and convenience. He’d begrudgingly accepted it, though he couldn’t help but feel a little stifled by the gesture. Sure, she wore one too, but it wasn’t like he needed to use it—she was always working or right by his side.

  Evan set the cup down with a soft sigh. All these changes, all these experiences—they had shifted something fundamental within him.

  It was as if two versions of himself were at war: the old Evan, who had struggled and fought to survive, and the Evan of this world, who had been quiet and reserved, content to stay in the background. Somehow, the two had merged into something new—someone who was both ambitious and adaptable, someone who could thrive in this matriarchal world.

  His mind wandered back to the old Evan’s memories. That version of himself had pnned to leave this family as soon as he could. He wanted independence, a quiet life, and a simple love. The arranged engagement to Sienna would’ve been a nightmare for him.

  But for the current Evan? It wasn’t the same. He liked Sienna. No, he more than liked her. She was beautiful, intelligent, and fiercely protective of him. And he could see a future with her—a partnership that worked.

  The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. He wasn’t the same person anymore. He couldn’t keep clinging to the mindset of his past life, comparing every situation to what he used to know. This world was different, and he had to embrace it fully.

  “I’ve changed,” he murmured softly, almost to himself.

  ***

  The flight home passed uneventfully after Evan’s epiphany. He spent the rest of the journey quietly observing Sienna as she worked, her focus unwavering even amidst the cozy luxury of the pne. Occasionally, she would gnce at him with a warm smile, and he couldn’t help but smile back.

  When they finally nded, the day had slipped into te afternoon, with streaks of gold and amber painting the horizon. A car was already waiting for them on the tarmac, sleek and polished like everything else in this new life of his. The ride back to the Lancaster mansion was serene, the hum of the engine barely audible as they sped through the quiet streets.

  Evan leaned back in his seat, letting his eyes wander to the cityscape outside. The distant buzz of the city lights flickering to life reminded him just how different his world had become. He felt an odd mix of exhaustion and calm wash over him—partly from the long flight, but mostly from the mental unpacking he’d been doing since morning.

  As they pulled into the driveway, the sprawling mansion came into view, its grand architecture lit up against the evening sky. Sienna had a quick conversation with the driver about something work-reted, but Evan’s attention was already on the house. It was odd how quickly he’d grown used to calling this pce home.

  When they entered, the cool air inside was refreshing, and a familiar voice greeted them.

  “Welcome back, you two!” Charles, Evan’s dad, stepped out from the sitting room, his face lighting up with a warm smile. He was dressed in a soft cardigan and scks, exuding the gentle, caring aura Evan had come to associate with him.

  “Thanks, Dad,” Evan replied with a smile.

  “I hope you had a good trip,” Charles said, his eyes darting between Evan and Sienna. “You must be tired, Evan. Why don’t I help you unpack? Sienna, dear, you look like you have a lot on your pte—don’t let us keep you.”

  Sienna raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the not-so-subtle dismissal. “Of course, Charles,” she said with a smirk, leaning down to kiss Evan on the cheek. “I’ll let you rest. See you tomorrow, darling.”

  Evan nodded, feeling her hand linger on his arm before she turned and headed up to her own room.

  Charles watched the exchange quietly, his smile faltering just a little. When Sienna was out of earshot, he cpped his hands together. “Come on, let’s get those bags sorted out,” he said, already heading toward the stairs.

  Evan followed him up, carrying his suitcase. As they entered his room, Charles immediately began unpacking, carefully folding clothes and pcing them into drawers.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Evan said, feeling a little awkward.

  “Nonsense,” Charles replied cheerfully. “I don’t get to spend much time with you these days. Besides, I missed you.”

  Evan smiled softly. His dad’s affection was something he hadn’t quite gotten used to yet, but it was comforting in its own way.

  As they worked, the conversation drifted to the trip. Charles asked about the business, resort, the food, and the sightseeing. Evan answered casually, keeping the details light. But then, as they finished unpacking, the tone shifted.

  Charles hesitated, his fingers fiddling with a stray button on one of Evan’s shirts. His cheeks flushed slightly as he finally spoke. “It’s just… earlier, when Sienna kissed you on the cheek. I mean, I know it’s nothing inappropriate, of course, but seeing that made me realize how quickly things are changing.”

  Evan blinked, unsure of where this was going. “Uh… okay?”

  Charles sighed, his blush deepening as he rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re growing up so fast, and now you’re engaged—which is wonderful! Sienna’s a great girl. But… I can’t help worrying about certain things.”

  “Certain things?” Evan repeated, dreading where this was going.

  Charles sat down on the edge of the bed, fidgeting with his hands. “You remember when we had that little talk a few years ago? About, um… intimacy?”

  Evan froze. Oh no. No, no, no. Not this.

  “Dad, I really don’t think—”

  “I just want to remind you,” Charles interrupted, his voice gentle but earnest. “It’s important to keep certain boundaries before marriage. I know Sienna can be… assertive. But you mustn’t let her ruin your innocence before the wedding.”

  Evan stared at his dad, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. Innocence? Was he serious?

  “Dad, I—”

  “I mean, it’s not that I don’t trust you,” Charles continued, his blush deepening. “It’s just… you’re so pure, Evan, and I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything you’re not ready for.”

  Evan resisted the urge to groan. His dad’s old-fashioned tone was like something out of a 1950s sitcom. This wasn’t even the norm in this world—if anything, most parents here seemed more casual about retionships. But Charles? He had a habit of treating Evan like he was some delicate, untouchable flower.

  Evan wanted to vanish into thin air. His dad’s words, combined with the earnest concern in his expression, were too much.

  “Dad,” he said, his voice strained. “I really don’t need your advice on this.”

  “But—”

  “No, seriously,” Evan said, standing up and gesturing toward the door. “I’ve got this under control. I promise. You don’t need to worry.”

  Charles looked uncertain, but he nodded slowly. “If you’re sure… I just want what’s best for you.”

  “I know,” Evan said quickly. “And I appreciate it. But I’m good. Really.”

  With a reluctant sigh, Charles stood. “Alright, I’ll leave you to rest. But if you ever want to talk, I’m always here.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” Evan said, ushering him out.

  As soon as the door closed, Evan flopped onto his bed, covering his face with his hands. The conversation repyed in his mind, and he groaned loudly.

  “Pure and innocent,” he muttered to himself, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, sure.”

  He shook his head, vowing to avoid any further talks like that for as long as humanly possible.