++Chapter 5++

Tanya led me through the big gates, and I felt like I had stepped into a whole new world. The driveway seemed to stretch on forever, with neat gardens on both sides. A fountain sparkled in the sunlight, and the house in front of me looked more like a castle than a home.

"Don't worry," Tanya said, as if she knew what I was thinking. Her voice was calm and kind. "It might feel strange at first, but it's just temporary."

I nodded, clutching my bag tighter. It didn't matter if it was temporary. Being here reminded me how far away I was from everything I used to know.

We walked through the big doors into a beautiful foyer. A few maids bowed as Tanya greeted them. The floors were shiny and made of marble. Above, a huge chandelier sparkled, and the walls were full of paintings I couldn't even begin to guess the price of.

"Your room is this way," She said, leading me up a grand staircase.

I followed her quietly, my footsteps soft on the thick carpet. At the end of the hall, Tanya opened a door and stepped aside.

The room was huge. The bed was big enough for three people, covered with white sheets and pillows arranged perfectly. There was a sofa, a coffee table, a walk-in closet that already had clothes in it, and a balcony that looked out over the gardens.

"This will be your room for now," Tanya said. "The maids are here if you need anything. You also have my number."

I nodded, not sure what to say.

She glanced at her watch. "Mr. Herrera has a meeting, but he'll see you in his office later tonight. For now, get comfortable."

She left, and I was left alone in a room that felt too big, too fancy for me. I sank into the armchair by the window, looking out at the neat gardens below. I didn't know where to start or what to do, but I couldn't stop thinking about how different my life had become.

——————

By the time Tanya came to get me for my meeting with Mr. Herrera, my nerves were all tangled up. I followed her down a quiet hallway to a door. She knocked softly before opening it.

"Mr. Herrera is ready for you," Tanya said, stepping aside and motioning for me to go in.

The office was big and intimidating, just like the man who sat behind the desk. There were bookshelves filled with expensive-looking books, and a large desk in the center of the room. Mr. Herrera looked up as I entered, his sharp eyes locking onto mine.

"Miss Villanueva," he said calmly. "Please, have a seat."

I sat down across from him, trying to stop my hands from shaking.

"I want to talk about the surgery and what will happen afterward," he said. His voice was steady, but I could tell there was more to it.

I nodded, waiting for him to explain.

"The surgery is scheduled for the day after tomorrow," he said. "I've arranged for a private medical team. They're the best."

I swallowed hard. I wanted the surgery, but now that it was really happening, I wasn't sure what to think.

He looked at me for a moment, then leaned back in his chair. "There's something else you need to know."

I frowned, curious.

"You won't just get a new face," he said. "You'll take on the identity of someone else. Her name was Bianca Reyes."

"Bianca?" I asked, confused.

Mr. Herrera's expression softened, like he was thinking about something sad. "Bianca was the daughter of my nanny. The woman who raised me when my parents were too busy. She's very old now, and she has dementia. She doesn't remember much, but one thing she still remembers is Bianca. She keeps asking for her, like Bianca is just in another room."

He got up and walked over to a small table by the window. He picked up a photo and handed it to me.

It was a picture of a young woman with soft features, sitting next to an older woman who looked just as warm. The younger woman was beautiful, and the older woman's face was tired but full of love.

"This is Bianca and her mother," Mr. Herrera said. "Bianca passed away a few years ago from cancer, but my nanny doesn't know that because of her dementia. She still asks for Bianca every day, pretending that she's still with us. I want to grant her one last wish—to see her daughter again before her sickness gets worse. I can't let her die without bringing her some happiness."

I felt a strange pull in my chest. The sadness in Mr. Herrera's words made me feel like I wanted to help. I wasn't just feeling sorry for his nanny, I felt something deeper. I could understand what it was like to lose someone, even if it was different.

"I'm not asking you to pretend for anyone except her," He said gently. "No one else needs to know. But this is important to me. If you agree, I'll also give you a share of my company and help you with whatever you need—including your revenge."

I stared at the photo, then at him. I could see how much this meant to him. It wasn't just a wish—it was something he needed to do for the woman who had cared for him.

"I don't know..." I started, feeling unsure.

"I understand it's a lot to ask," he said softly.

I looked down at my hands, tight in my lap. His offer was big. It was hard to believe. But it also felt like the right thing to do. I thought about my own pain, the loss I'd felt. And then I thought about his nanny—how she wanted to see her daughter one more time.

Could I say no?

Finally, I nodded. "Okay. I'll do it."

——————

The next two days were a blur. The medical team got me ready for the surgery, explaining everything step by step. I was nervous, but I had made up my mind.

Now, standing in the hospital room, waiting for the nurse to call me in, my hands were shaking again.

"Miss Villanueva?" the nurse asked, smiling kindly. "Come with me."

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. This was it.

I was about to leave Naomi Villanueva behind and become someone else.

There was no turning back now.