The first thing I feel is warmth. A heavy, familiar weight draped over my waist. A soft breath against my neck. For a moment, I almost convince myself it's just another nightmare. But nightmares don't feel this real.

My eyes snap open.

The ceiling above me isn't the white sterile hospital ceiling I expected.

It's the pale beige ceiling of our old apartment. The one we lived in years ago, when I still believed Evan and I had a future. The curtains flutter in the soft morning breeze from the cracked window. The cheap clock on the nightstand ticks steadily, just like it did when we couldn't afford anything better.

My heart slams against my ribs.

Evan's arm is wrapped tightly around me, his chest pressed against my back. His breathing is slow, even. He's asleep.

I don't move. I can't. I just stare at the wall, trying to understand how I went from bleeding on the floor of a ball room to this. No, this isn't real. I shift slightly, testing the weight of his arm. His hand twitches but doesn't let go. His scent fills my nose-the same warm cologne he used back then, the one I begged him to stop wearing years later because it made me dizzy.

I turn my head slowly. His face is right there. Peaceful. Beautiful. The same face I loved for ten years and hated in the last ten minutes of my life.

Evan. Alive. Breathing. Sleeping like he hadn't just killed me. A tiny, hysterical laugh escapes my throat.

His eyelids flutter open. Warm brown eyes meet mine. He smiles, the lazy morning smile that used to make my heart melt.

"Morning," he mumbles, voice still rough with sleep, my throat goes dry.

"What's wrong?" he asks, noticing my stiff body. He leans forward to kiss my cheek like nothing's wrong.

"You look like you saw a ghost."

I flinch before he touches me. His brows knit together. "Hey. What's going on?"

I shove his arm off and sit up. My hands are trembling. My breath comes out in shallow bursts.

"Aria," he says, sitting up too. "Talk to me."

I scramble out of bed. My feet hit the cold wooden floor. Everything around me is wrong. Or maybe too right. The room is exactly the way it was years ago. The ugly lamp we found at the thrift store. The tiny wardrobe with its squeaky door. The framed picture of us on the nightstand. My stomach twists.

This is the past.

"How did I get here?" I whisper.

Evan frowns. "What are you talking about? You've been here all night.

You came home late, but you were fine."

I stare at him like I don't know him. Because I don't. Not this version.

This is the man before the mask slipped.

"Aria," he says carefully, "did you have a nightmare?"

A nightmare. Sure. That's easier than the truth.

"Yeah," I say weakly. "Something like that."

He reaches for me, and I automatically take a step back. His hand falls to his lap, and something flickers across his face. Irritation.

That old, familiar look I ignored for years.

"What's going on with you?" he asks.

I shake my head. "Nothing. I just need a minute"

I hurry into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I grip the edge of the sink until my knuckles turn white. My reflection stares back at me from the mirror.

I expect blood. A wound. Something. But my skin is smooth.

My hair is longer, the way it was years ago. There are no bruises, no bloodstains on my shirt.

I lift my wrist. The thin gold bracelet I lost six years ago glints under the bathroom light.

My breath catches. I lean closer to the mirror. The woman staring back at me isn't the one who died last night. She's younger. Softer. Her eyes don't have the lines carved by ten years of disappointment.

"Oh my god," I whisper.

I look at the calendar stuck to the wall. A cheap cat calendar Evan's mom gave us. The date hits me like a punch.

May 17th.

Ten years earlier.

I squeeze my eyes shut, but when I open them again, the numbers don't change. The mirror doesn't lie.

I really came back.

The sound of Evan's voice through the door makes me jump. "Aria? Are you okay in there?"

"I'm fine," I say too quickly.

"You're acting weird," he says. "Did something happen at work?" Work. At this time, I was still a junior assistant at that marketing firm. Still naïve. Still stupidly in love.

I press my hand against my chest. It's pounding too fast.

"I'm fine," I repeat. Silence follows, then I hear him moving around the room. I know his routine by heart. He'll make coffee, complain about the rent, flirt with me like he's not sleeping with someone else behind my back.

But right now... he isn't. Not yet. I step out of the bathroom slowly. Evan's already dressed in a gray Tshirt and jeans, his hair messy in that annoyingly perfect way. He's scrolling through his phone. He looks up when he sees me.

"You sure you're okay?" he asks.

"You look pale." I force a smile. "I'm fine." He narrows his eyes, like he's trying to read my mind. He can't. But I can read his.

Except... I can't, can I? That was just a weird whisper before I died. But something inside me stirs. A sharp, clear thought that isn't mine slices through the silence.

She looks weird today. Did she find out about that thing with Jason? Nah. She's too trusting.

I freeze.

My gaze snaps to Evan. His lips didn't move. But I heard his voice. Not out loud. In my head.

Oh my god. I take a step back. "What?" he asks, frowning. "Nothing," I whisper. Another thought. This one lazier, smug. Gotta get her to stop nagging about the trip. If she pushes, I'll tell her we can't afford it. She'll drop it. She always does.

I swallow hard. My heart is hammering against my ribs. I can hear him. I can hear what he's thinking.

"Aria?"

"I need air," I say quickly, grabbing my sweater.

He follows me to the door. "We're supposed to have breakfast together. Remember?"

I spin around. He's smiling at me like he used to. Like the man I loved. But now, under that smile, I hear it. She's cute when she's upset. It's like a slap. I can see him clearly now. Not the mask. Not the carefully painted charm. The truth. "I'll be back," I say, and push past him before I throw up.

The morning air hits me as I step outside. The neighborhood looks exactly like it did ten years ago. The peeling paint on the bakery's wall.

The cracked pavement in front of Mrs. Patterson's fence. The world smells like fresh bread and car exhaust.

I walk fast, hugging myself, trying to keep my head from spinning. This is real. I died. I woke up here. And I can hear thoughts. The man jogging across the street is thinking about how late he is.

The old lady waiting for the bus is worried she left the stove on. A teenage boy on his bike is singing a rap song in his head, badly.

I press my palms against my ears, but it doesn't help.

The voices are still there. A flood of unfiltered thoughts. It's overwhelming. "Shut up," I whisper. "Please, shut up." And just like that, the noise dulls. Not gone, but softer. Manageable. Like turning the volume down. I take a deep breath. Okay. I can control this. Maybe. I wander toward the park down the street, the one where Evan and I used to sit with cheap coffee and big dreams. I collapse onto the old

bench and stare at the empty playground.

Ten years. I have ten years before everything goes wrong. Ten years before he betrays me, before he tries to kill me.

This time, I'm not going to waste them. I lean back, letting the cool air fill my lungs. I should feel broken. Terrified but there's a strange calm settling in my chest.

For the first time in years, I'm ahead of him. I hear footsteps crunching on the path. A man walks by, tall, dark suit, expensive shoes.

He passes me without looking, but when he does, his gaze flicks toward me for a split second. My heart stutters.

I reach out with that strange new sense, expecting to hear his thoughts too. But there's nothing. No sound. No noise. Just silence.

I sit up straighter, following him with my eyes. I can hear everyone else around me. But not him.

Who the hell is he?

He stops at the end of the path, glances back once, and then walks away. The silence around him is louder than the crowd in my head.

I grip the edge of the bench. I don't know who he is. But something in my gut tells me this isn't a coincidence.

I stare at the spot where he disappeared, my pulse racing. Ten years ago, I had no power. No choices.

Now I have both. And someone just noticed me. A cold wind blows through the park, and I swear I hear a faint whisper again, the same one that came before I died.

Time is ticking, Aria. My blood runs cold.

When I walk back into the apartment, Evan is standing in the kitchen shirtless, leaning against the counter with a mug of coffee.

Sunlight spills through the window, catching on his skin, making him look like the man I used to love. It would have made me weak once.

Now, all I see is a liar wrapped in soft morning light.

"You disappeared," he says, raising an eyebrow. "I thought we were having breakfast." I close the door behind me and hang my sweater on the hook. My voice is steady when I say, "I needed some air."

His eyes narrow slightly, like he's looking for cracks in my words.

"You're acting weird." Weird? Yeah, dying and waking up ten years in the past will do that to you.

I force a small laugh. "Sorry. Bad dream. I needed to clear my head."

He studies me for a few seconds before nodding, pretending he's buying it. His thoughts slide into my head like someone's whispering in my ear. She's moody today. Must be that time of the month.

I'll just charm her later. I smile so hard my cheeks hurt. If only he knew the storm brewing inside me. I step closer, pretending nothing's wrong, pretending I'm still the girl who trusted him. That girl was easy to control. This one isn't.

I brush my fingers over his arm as I pass him. "Coffee smells good."

He grins, smug. "I know. I make the best coffee." I want to punch that grin right off his face. Instead, I open the fridge.

"Are you working late tonight?"

He shrugs. "Probably. Big meeting tomorrow. You know how it is.

I know exactly how it is. He's probably already flirting with his coworker at this point in the timeline. Back then, I pretended not to notice. This time, I'll notice everything.

I grab an apple from the fridge. He watches me, leaning back like he owns the room. Technically, back then, he did.

I paid half the bills, but he always acted like it was his apartment. He loved control. Loved power. I used to let him have it. Not anymore.

"You're quiet," he says.

"I'm just tired," I answer, biting into the apple. His thoughts hum through my mind again. She'll be fine later. I'll take her out tomorrow.

She loves that little diner. Cheap date, easy points. I almost choke on the apple. Cheap date, easy points.

I used to think those dates were special. I used to think he looked at me like I was his world. All the while, he was keeping score like love was a game.

I look up at him with a sweet smile.

"I'd like that."

His smile widens. Of course you would. I'm going to enjoy destroying you, Evan.

Later that afternoon, Lena calls. Hearing her voice nearly breaks me. She sounds so young. So full of life. Back then, she was my closest friend.

The only one who ever questioned if Evan was really as perfect as I claimed.

"Are we still on for lunch?" she asks through the phone.

"Yeah," I say softly. "I'll meet you at the usual spot."

"The usual spot" is a small café downtown. The same one where she once warned me not to give.

Evan everything. I ignored her. Now, I want to hug her.

The café looks exactly like I remember. Worn-out wooden tables, the smell of burnt coffee beans, and the constant hum of people trying to sound interesting.

Lena is already at a corner table, waving when she sees me. Her hair is shorter, and her face is brighter.

She hasn't gone through the storm yet. Not like me.

"Hey, stranger," she says when I sitdown. "You look... different."

I laugh. "Different good or different bad?"

"Different like you've seen somethings," she says, narrowing her eyes.

"What happened?"

How do I tell her that I died last night and woke up ten years earlier with a power I can't fully control? I stir my iced coffee instead. "Just a bad dream."

She gives me a look. "A dream?"

"Yeah. One of those real ones." She leans forward. "Let me guess. Evan died and you inherited all his money?"

I grin despite myself. "Close." She laughs, then her smile fades a little. "Seriously, though. I've always thought he was too smooth." I raise an eyebrow. "Too smooth?"

She lowers her voice. "You know. Charming. Too charming. Like a salesman. I keep waiting for the part where he tries to sell me a timeshare."

Her thoughts slide into my head before she finishes the sentence. He's hot, but he gives me weird vibes. I hope she never gets hurt.

My throat tightens. If only she knew what would happen years from now. If only she knew how right she was.

"Lena," I say quietly, "thank you."

"For what?"

"For always being honest."

She blinks, surprised. "That's new. Usually you get defensive." Yeah. I used to defend him like a fool. I sigh. "Maybe I should have listened more."

She leans back. "Uh-oh. Did you guys fight?"

I shake my head. "No. Not yet." "Not yet?" she repeats, raising an eyebrow. I shrug. "Just a feeling." She studies me for a moment.

"You're weird today. But like... a good weird."

I smile. "Thanks, I guess." We talk for another hour. It's normal and warm, and for a second, I let myself forget the blood, the knife, the way Evan's eyes looked as I bled out. I just laugh with my best friend.

I missed this.

But the world has a way of reminding me what's real. As I'm walking home, I hear it again.

That voice.

A sharp whisper right next to my ear, too soft for anyone else to hear.

He's already planning his first lie. I freeze on the sidewalk. People pass me without a glance. The whisper fades, but my heart won't slow down.

Evan's sitting on the couch when I get home, scrolling through his phone. He doesn't even look up when I step in.

"Hey," he says. "Where'd you go?"

"Lunch with Lena," I answer.

He gives a short nod. His thoughts slide into my head again. I should text Sarah later. She always replies fast. It's easy with her.

Sarah. The name twists in my chest. I remember that name. I'd found texts on his phone two years after this point. He said it was nothing. I believed him. Stupid.

I keep my face calm. "I was thinking we could go out tomorrow night."

He finally looks at me, surprised.

"Really?"

I nod. "Yeah. Just us."

His smile spreads slowly. She's finally acting normal.

"Sure," he says. "We'll go wherever you want."

"Great."

I walk into the bedroom before he can say anything else. I need a second to breathe. To plan.

He thinks he's already won. He thinks I'm the same Aria who will swallow every excuse, forgive every sin, and look the other way because I love him. But I'm not her anymore.

This time, I'll let him think I'm soft.

I'll let him underestimate me. And when he falls, it'll be hard and loud.

That night, I lie in bed beside him.

He's asleep, breathing softly. I stare at the ceiling, replaying every thought I'd heard today. Every lie he hasn't even told me yet. Every betrayal that's still waiting in the shadows.

I close my eyes and focus on the noise in my head. It's getting easier to control now, like tuning a radio.

I can focus on one person at a time. Block out the rest. The only thing I can't control is the silence I felt earlier today.

That man in the park. I turn onto my side, away from Evan.

I can still see the man's face in my mind. Sharp jaw. Black suit. A quiet that didn't feel like absence but power. Everyone else is an open book. He's a locked safe.

Why him?

My phone buzzes on the nightstand. I grab it quickly so Evan doesn't stir. An unknown number flashes on the screen. One new message.

Nice day for a second chance, isn't it?

My breath catches.

Another buzz. Second message.

Enjoy the game, Aria. It's just getting started.

I stare at the glowing screen, my hands cold. I don't know this number. I don't know this person. But someone out there knows exactly what happened to me.

I glance at Evan. He's still asleep. Peaceful. Unaware. I type a quick reply.

Who are you? Three dots appear instantly, like they've been waiting.

You'll find out soon. Don't die too early this time.

I drop the phone. My pulse races in my throat. This isn't just some random miracle. Someone's behind this. Someone who's watching me.

The air in the room suddenly feels heavier. I reach for the curtain and peek outside. The street is quiet.The lamplight spills over the pavement.

And right across the street, leaning against a lamppost like he's been there all night, is the man in the black suit.

He looks up. Our eyes lock.

The silence around him presses against me like a hand on my chest.

Then, slowly, he lifts his phone to his ear.

Mine buzzes again.

Run.

I walked over to her and forced a smile. She didn't smile, rather she bowed her head looking down at her feet. I became confused so I did same. "Who are you"? I asked. My name is Veena. I am sent to you on a mission.

"And what is the mission?" I ask. She looked up at me and smiled. "My mission?" "Follow me". She says.

I hesitate then follow behind, we got down the edge of the path. I stop and ask "where are you taking me?"

To the one who sent me to you. She says. Follow me, she says again.

Not anymore. I'll turn back already. I respond immediately with a firm tone.

A click in my mind, my phone buzzes again. Follow her, you are safe.

Damian had been watching from far. As if he knew my decision, he sent a text.

No, I can't do this, I don't feel safe about this. I say in my mind.

Another click. You have nothing to fear. It's for your good.

Immediately, I see an older woman appear. It was my Aunt. Aunt, where have you been? We have searched everywhere for you. I say.

My darling, it wasn't my wish. I was suddenly carried away by the wind of life by the person I trusted. Aunty Dora says.

The one you trusted? And who is that? I ask angrily.

Aria, be calm. Everything you need to know will be revealed to you. If you ever want to pay visits, this is where I live.

How long have you been here? I ask curiously.

Exactly five years today, July 7th.

Aunty Dora had left home 5 years ago and never returned. Everyone took all kinds of actions towards bringing her back home but it all failed. It's exactly five years now.

A click, the breeze took me away as I find myself within my family circle. Everyone looking sober and some crying. Aunt Dora left a gap no one could fill. No one knows her whereabouts.

Suddenly, I see a flicker in the wind and follow the direction.

I see Evans bullying aunty Dora with a matchet and a whip. She had beaten her so much that she died after struggling to survive the violence mettered towards her.

I ran towards them but a force pulled me back. I saw myself before aunty Dora smiling faintly.

I became angry. What? Evan murdered you this way without leaving any trace?

The same man I trusted and spent ten good years with.

The man I gave everything yet I got nothing but betrayal? I screamed in anger.

This is a horrible way to die! I said again.

Be calm Aria, this is not the time to get angry, this is the time to take action.

Besides, this is Veena. Aunty Dora said looking into my eyes, she took Veena's hand and put it in mine.

Whenever you need help, you will see her.

You can go now. Aunty Dora said.

No Aunt, I'll stay here with you. I'll live here with you.

We have come together never to path again. I told aunty Dora.

I felt a strange but familiar presence and Damian appeared with a curious look. The only way to bring him down is to be friends with him. He said.

On no account will I befriend a man who is meant to destroy me! He killed my Aunt five years ago and he also killed me now.

Take this, my daughter. She handed to me a piece of necklace with a strange looking pendant. Put it on, she said.

What's this for? I asked taking the chain from her.

This is a symbol of our spiritual state. Look into the pendant anytime you need help and Veena will surface. Take it. Aunty Dora said.

Thank you aunty. I said and took the chain. I looked inside and trembled.

I saw myself years ago in this pendant. I said.

It actually can do anything for you. Dora said. So you can go now. She added.

No, I'll stay here with you. You were missing for a very long time. I told her.

No my daughter, you have to go now. It's getting late. Aunty Dora said.

I couldn't control my movement as the wind drifted me off and next to our apartment with the chain on my neck.

My heart became filled with thirst for instant revenge. I opened the apartment door and difted in.

I saw Evans sitting and making a call. A click in my mind- no, she can't and will never get to know. It's you that I love. Just give me some time, I promise to drop her like shit.

I read his mind- if I can get married to this girl then I'm fortunate. As for this one, I'll dispose her, she's doesn't even know her worth so she means nothing to me. He looked in my direction.

I felt like shrinking into a hole in the ground. Like seriously? I am this worthless to you? Wow.

Hi Aria, you're home. He smiled pretentiously. I smiled in pretence too. Thank you Evans. I walked up the stairs and undressed so I can take a shower.

I looked into the pendant on my neck. I saw a particular day in the month of June two years ago. After I had left home to attend an interview, Evans came in with Emma and they both had some really good time on our bed and every other place in the sitting room.

The interview didn't take long so I came back on time, Evans called me to ask about the interview and I told him I was on my way back and almost at the door.

He dropped the call immediately and ran to where Emma was lying on the bed.

He told her to hide in the guest room, by now I was already at the door. By the time I was entering, Emma was entering into the guest room and the door clicked lock.

I shook my head to clear my mind. I remember that day, I knew we had a stranger in the house but I couldn't place it. My instinct told me.

I went to the guest room and saw nobody. Emma had hid under the bed so I couldn't see her.

This son of a bitch had been cheating on me for a long time and I didn't even notice?

Evans came upstairs. I left the pendant hanging. I made dinner for us, come and eat some. He announced as he stepped into the room.

Oh thanks, I'll join you in a moment. A click- I read his mind. I really need to quickly end this with her. She stresses me and she's so stubborn.

At least, I'll leave this goddamn house (he looked around the pop ceiling) and get married to luxury and ambience.

I paused and thought of what to do to him. Then a gentle wind blew and my phone buzzes - do nothing, just let him think you know nothing.

I looked around me and felt a presence. I looked through the window and saw him afar of. Damian. He waved at me and disappeared into thin air.

I sighed and came downstairs. Evans set the table and watched me eat. I ate slowly and watched him with ridiculous eyes.

A click- I read his mind. Why is she staring at me like that? You think I still love you? I'm just doing this for old time sake so your heart won't shatter when I finally break it.

Then he smiled. You like it? He asked. Oh yes, I do. I responded with a fake smile too.

Why won't you like it? You've always liked anything I give you. He said in his mind.

Yes I do, I have always liked anything you give me. I said. He look shocked.

What is wrong with her? Did she just read my mind? No, it's not possible. It's just a coincidence. He said in his mind.

I went upstairs and picked a book to read as I sat on the couch.

How was he able to kill aunty Dora? I asked myself. What did she do to him to deserve such a cruel act of murder? I couldn't bring myself to look into the pendant for answers.

Evans came in right after. I'm gonna see some friends tonight. It's business. Will be back soon. He said.

He fled out even before I could respond. I didn't move an inch. I kept reading and got up to get a bottle of water.

Damian flew in. The air aided his swift movement. I stared at him like he was a horror movie.

How did you get in here? Who let you in? I asked curiously.

Well, I saw him fled out so I had to quickly use the opportunity to come tell you something. He said.

What? I asked. I still couldn't read his mind, I tried so hard. Silence around him but this time, it wasn't just silence but a silence of anger.

Don't let him use you like he did before. Play your games but don't be fooled. He said.

No I won't. It's not gonna happen cos I'm guided.

A click- Damian left and I heard Evans chatting with a group of 4 men. He dropped a picture on the table. Take care of this!