Harmony's POV.
After the stunt Mirabel pulled at the hotel, there was no way I could return to work so I applied for a job at a café.
I was hardworking. I had to put in a lot of effort to become who I was and I admired Mirabel's diligence.
Mirabel's mother was the only child of an oil tycoon. Her mother married her father and listened to all she was told about becoming a housewife and staying at home.
Mirabel took control of the wealth leaving her mother almost powerless at her deathbed. The trust fund she left could only be accessed after Mirabel's graduation making her penniless.
Mirabel got a scholarship to study computer engineering because she was the only female applying for that course in the entire state.
She was considered an experiment to see how hard women could study in a male-dominated field. She was watched and looked down on but she pushed forward until her siblings began abusing her physically.
She wanted vengeance leading her to plan such a crime. I had arrived in this world three days ago and I haven't crossed paths with them because they were away on a trip.
The scars on Mirabel's skin were a testament to what they did.
I was now living as Mirabel. I felt the need to help this girl escape this life of destitution. I hoped to succeed at the end of this simulation. Or at least survive long enough by avoiding getting killed by those crazy brothers or Mirabel's siblings.
"You have been hired. Resume work tomorrow at five p.m." I read the response to my application at the café and a small smile curved my lips.
With that in place, I could look forward to attending Mirabel's lectures. I wanted to go back home but I could not continue to remain hidden and penniless in the room waiting for it to happen. I was not used to laziness.
I grabbed my bag and walked out of the guest house. I heard the sound of cars and chills ran down her spine making the bike wobble slightly.
My heart pounded in my chest as I turned the bike around and rode it towards the back entrance of the property to avoid meeting her step-siblings.
After I locked the door behind me, I tried to take calm deep breaths. It hadn't happened to me but the memories of the beatings, kicks, slaps and many others were still fresh on Mirabel's mind.
They had brought Mirabel to their friends during a party to be an object of sport. She was used as a target for baseball and golf balls. They were quick to come up with another idea as soon as they began getting bored.
That night was hell and yet Mirabel could not report their abuse.
I looked down at my shaky hands gripping the bicycle bars and tried to take calm regulating breaths. Mirabel's life was just too sad, this was something I could not imagine happening to anyone in my world.
Having vivid memories and PTSD of Mirabel made me feel as though I had always been Mirabel and my life as Harmony was a mirage. This scared me. I just want to go back home.
Ten minutes more was added to the ride to school since I went through the back gate basically starting from another street.
When I arrived at class, I could hear murmurs and whispers. I knew the lecturer would add this to Mirabel's assessment. Another student came in shortly after but it was silent—the double standard.
I felt the urge to pull down the cap of my black hoody trying to stay as invisible as possible as the only girl in a class of more than fifty students.
But that was something Mirabel would do. I removed the cap of the hoodie and stared at the lecturer.
"Mirabel, you can answer the question for us," the voice of the lecturer pulled me from deep thoughts.
My eyes widened as I hadn't been focused on hearing what the question was.
"Sir, please could you repeat the question?" I asked trying to stick to Mirabel's usual submission. I forced myself to look down knowing I was in the wrong for being unfocused.
"You haven't been listening. A promising young man probably lost such a great opportunity when they chose you," without filtering his thoughts, the lecturer commented.
Disdain was evident in his voice. I felt the urge to sigh but found myself raising my head to meet his gaze.
"I am promising enough sir," I said as firmly as possible. Mirabel might have been given the scholarship as a gender advantage but she had one of the highest exam scores. It was well-deserved.
The man's eyes widened at my response. "Then how about an answer to the question?" he mocked as murmurs filled the class.
Knowing I hadn't been listening carefully, I knew I had no answer forcing me to give in for the first time in my life. It left a sour taste in my mouth.
I felt pure hate towards this world. How could an educated man have such confidence in making such a comment and every breathing being in the room agreed with him?
This nullified the kindness of the guard at the elevator.
"I am sorry," I finally apologised. Every syllable felt like hot coal rolling on my tongue. I tried to appease my ego with the fact that I hadn't been listening although he had no right to say what he said.
"Knowing how hard it is for women to study courses like this, you should pay more attention in class," the man warned sternly.
Feeling the urge to rush forward and throw a punch, I clenched my fist and swallowed, holding back. Mirabel was smart and she had to graduate to have a comfortable future. I couldn't ruin it with violence.
Mirabel was a genius with the potential to succeed in this field as she always scored the highest in tests and exams.
I had lunch at the cafeteria after attending the afternoon class.
It was almost five when I left the computer lab. I was impressed by all the abilities in Mirabel's memory.
I rode directly to the café. It was not too large with a garden outdoor area. I knew how to make coffee so I was confident when I applied for the job.
"Hello," I greeted the staff at the counter. "I'm Mirabel here to resume work," I told him.
"Oh," the man said his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "I can't see your face," he said.
I pulled back the hoodie cap since the resume had Mirabel's picture so he might need to see her to confirm. I combed my thick wavy chestnut hair back to expose my face better.
"Oh, just as I expected," he laughed and hit the counter lightly.
I looked at him calmly since he recognised her from the picture.
"Come over, you need to change," he said gesturing for me to come behind the counter.
I followed him and walked through the door he led me to.
"You know the other staff just clocked out and I am the only one here. We don't have many customers now but they'll arrive soon."
I nodded to his rambling as we walked down the passage. There was a ladies' only sign on the door.
"Get changed in there and let's get ready for our busy hours," he laughed gesturing to the door. "Locker number 2 has the key at the keyhole. Your uniform is there."
I swallowed sensing something suspicious. From Mirabel's memories, I was forced to be suspicious. It wasn't always bad but this world was the extreme opposite of my world in terms of how they treated women.