A soft chime echoed in Arjun's mind as soon as he confirmed the sign-in.
[Sign-In Successful — Day 2 Reward Granted]
Reward: Complete Wardrobe Package (Casual + Formal)
Note: Items have been placed inside the villa's main wardrobe.
Arjun blinked. "Clothes, huh?" he murmured, smiling. Good timing, System.
He'd actually planned to go shopping that evening. His old shirts were faded, his jeans stretched thin, and his sneakers had long lost their color. He hadn't owned a proper suit since college.
He stretched, stood up from the couch, and made his way upstairs to the master bedroom. The wardrobe doors gleamed like polished ivory. He opened them—and stopped, stunned.
Inside hung rows of perfectly arranged outfits. Everyday wear in soft cotton and denim: white and grey T-shirts, dark jeans, light jackets. A few shelves below held sneakers and loafers in matching tones. On the right side were formal sets—tailored business suits in charcoal grey, navy blue, and deep black. Matching belts, polished leather shoes, and ties completed the display.
Arjun ran a hand over the fabric. Everything looked brand new, crisp, and aligned with the latest fashion trends he'd seen online.
"This… this is amazing," he whispered.
He tried a few of the casual outfits first—a pale blue shirt with dark jeans. The fit was perfect, comfortable yet sharp. He turned in front of the mirror, grinning. Feels like they were made for me.
Then, curiosity tugged at him. He reached for one of the business suits—a deep navy jacket with subtle pinstripes and matching trousers. He paired it with a white shirt and a slim black tie.
When he stood before the full-length mirror, he paused.
A tall man stared back—six-foot-two, straight posture, black hair falling just above striking blue eyes. His features weren't movie-star perfect, but there was a quiet strength there, something that used to make people notice him back in college.
But now he also saw what the years had done. His hair was messy, his skin pale and dry, faint lines of exhaustion under his eyes. He looked older than twenty.
"Guess debt and double shifts aren't great for skincare," he said with a half-smile.
He reached up, touched his cheek. I really let myself go.
The thought wasn't self-pity this time—it was motivation.
"I should fix this," he said firmly. "Skin, hair, everything. No reason to look like I'm still struggling when I'm not."
He imagined himself clean-cut, confident, walking into the world like someone who finally belonged in it.
He exhaled, pulled off the suit carefully, and changed into something lighter—a soft grey T-shirt, black jeans, and white sneakers. Comfortable and simple.
The clock on the wall read 4:30 PM.
"I'll go to a salon tomorrow," he murmured, flopping back onto the couch. His body sank into the cushions. The day had been long, but good.
He closed his eyes for a minute… then opened them again, grinning.
"Wait—why tomorrow?" he said aloud, sitting up. "It's not like I have a job to wake up for anymore."
He laughed softly. "Hell, I don't have to work ever again."
That realization hit him differently this time—not as arrogance, but freedom. He could finally live at his own pace, shape himself into the man his parents had believed in.
"Time to change my mindset," he said, walking toward the mirror again. His reflection met his gaze, steady and determined.
He grabbed his car keys from the counter, slipped on a jacket, and headed out.
---
Evening Drive
The silver Mercedes purred to life as he pulled out of the driveway. Emerald Heights in the evening was like a painting—streetlights flickering to life, golden against the soft violet sky. Couples strolled along the sidewalks, cafés glowed with warm light, and the faint aroma of pastries drifted through open windows.
Arjun rolled down the window, letting the cool air brush against his face. For once, he wasn't rushing anywhere.
He drove slowly, taking in the rhythm of the neighborhood—the quiet laughter of children in a park, the hum of distant music, the reflection of neon signs on his windshield. Everything felt alive, gentle, and welcoming.
Then, on a corner lined with boutique stores and art cafés, he spotted a polished glass sign:
"Aurora Salon & Style"
Through the window he could see the soft glow of chandeliers, stylists chatting, customers sipping coffee while getting makeovers.
Arjun parked the car and looked at his reflection in the side mirror. His hair was indeed a mess.
He smiled. "Let's start with this."
Pocketing his keys, he stepped out of the car, straightened his shirt, and walked through the salon's glass doors.
Chapter 4 — End.