Yuna gently wheeled a large mirror in front of Aisha and smiled.
Take a look, Miss Aisha. You look so beautiful in this dress, she said warmly.
Aisha turned to the mirror, her eyes landing on her reflection. She looked elegant almost like someone from a dream.
But as her gaze lingered, a memory from her past life surfaced.
She had never owned a new dress back then.
Except once.
And that day… was the last day of her life.
The memory faded, and the present returned.
Aisha's lips curved into a quiet smile.
Sakura, standing nearby, tilted her head.
Miss Aisha… are you smiling because you really love the dress?
Aisha looked at Sakura and softly said, "I'm not smiling because of the dress."
Sakura blinked, confused, but didn't push further.
Just then, Yuna stepped forward with a gentle smile.
"Miss Aisha, it's time to go out. They're waiting for you."
She moved to the door and opened it. Aisha followed her, with Sakura close behind.
As Aisha stepped out of the room, her eyes widened.
They were on the upper floor of a grand hall. She could see everything from where she stood
A giant chandelier hung from the ceiling, scattering light like falling stars. The walls were decorated with elegant paintings and golden accents. A wide, spiraling staircase led down to the lower level, where luxury surrounded every corner.
Then, her gaze fell on the people standing below.
A man and woman dressed in regal clothes, holding themselves with graceful dignity looked up at her with expectant smiles.
And beside them stood two older girls. Both were beautiful, elegant… unfamiliar.
Aisha froze.
She didn't recognize any of them.
Then a soft voice called out from below.
"Honey, come on down. Your father and I are waiting for you," her mother said with a warm smile. "And your sisters, too."
Aisha's eyes widened slightly. Sisters? She didn't recognize them.
Her father's gentle voice followed. "It's alright, Aisha's mom. We have time. Today's her birthday, after all." He looked up toward Aisha and added, "Take your time, sweetheart. We'll be right here."
Then one of the young women standing below, a tall and graceful girl with confident eyes, stepped forward and smiled brightly. "Today's your birthday, little sis. We're going to celebrate it bigger than ever!"
Aisha hesitated, still trying to process everything. Then she, along with Yuna and Sakura, slowly moved toward the grand staircase.
From the upper floor, she could see the elegant hall spread out below—a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, golden patterns on the walls, and expensive vases and artworks placed with care. Everything felt unreal.
As they reached the stairs, a large portrait hanging on the front wall caught Aisha's attention. It depicted an older woman, regal and proud.
"Who is that?" Aisha whispered to Sakura as they passed.
"That's Madam Haruka," Sakura replied with a soft tone. "She founded the Haruka family and raised it to greatness. That's why your surname is Haruka—Aisha Haruka."
Aisha blinked. "Is there more to her story?"
"There is," Sakura said, smiling. "But we'll be late if I start now. Maybe next time, Miss Aisha."
As they descended, Aisha noticed all the workers and maids standing respectfully in two neat lines, watching her with admiration. The atmosphere felt like something from a dream.
When she finally reached the bottom, her mother rushed forward and pulled her into a warm embrace.
"I love you, honey," her mother whispered. "And happy birthday."
Then her father stepped closer, gently lifting her into his arms.
"Happy birthday, my princess," he said, his voice full of affection.
Then her father smiled and said softly, "We have a surprise for you, princess."
Her mother clapped her hands lightly. "Let's go. There are many places we need to visit today."
Without waiting, her father gently lifted Aisha again and carried her outside. The others followed close behind.
As soon as they stepped out of the mansion, Aisha's eyes widened. In front of the grand entrance, a line of luxury cars was waiting. Each car had a chauffeur standing beside it, dressed in crisp white uniforms.
Her father carefully placed her in the backseat of one of the sleek black cars. Sakura and Yuna sat on either side of her, positioned to ensure her safety.
As the engine purred to life and the car began to move, Aisha glanced out the window. What she saw took her breath away.
A vast, enchanting garden stretched across the front yard filled with colorful flowers, trimmed hedges, and elegant fountains. Beyond that, she saw her home from a distance, a towering estate that looked more like a palace than a house, surrounded by acres of land.
In front of their car, another vehicle led the way with her mother and father inside. Behind them, two more cars followed—carrying her sisters, each with their own attendants.
After a few moments, the car approached the grand gates of the estate. As they neared, the guards stepped forward and opened the gates with a respectful bow.
For the first time in her life across both lifetimes Aisha was stepping outside.
Her heart beat faster with excitement. She pressed her face slightly against the glass, eyes wide with wonder.
This is the world I never got to see… in my past life. But this time, everything is different.
Once the cars reached the main road, Aisha found herself sitting between Sakura and Yuna in the back seat. She tried to peek outside, but from the middle, her view was blocked on both sides.
Turning slightly to her left, she looked at Yuna and asked softly, "Can we switch seats? I want to see outside."
Both Yuna and Sakura turned to her in surprise.
Yuna hesitated. "Miss Aisha, this is for your safety. Sitting in the middle is the safest position."
"But… I just want to look outside," Aisha replied, her voice gentle but firm. "Please?"
For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then, after exchanging a glance, Yuna let out a small sigh and nodded.
"As you wish, Miss Aisha. But please don't open the window, okay?"
Aisha smiled and gave a quick nod.
The girls adjusted their seats, and Aisha shifted over to the window side. As soon as she looked out, her eyes lit up.
Lush gardens, beautiful houses with colorful rooftops, and tall trees lined the road. She watched children laughing, people walking hand-in-hand, and birds soaring across the sky.
Everything looked so alive, so peaceful.
She leaned slightly closer to the glass, her breath leaving a faint fog on the window.
So this is the world outside... she thought, her heart filling with wonder. In my last life, I never even got to see this much...