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!

She refuses to die. I want her buried with no traces to me. Evan says.

Five thousand dollars? He asks the gang of men sitting at a round table. They all glanced at one another.

Fifty thousand dollars! One of them responded.

That's too much just to bury a person. Ten thousand and no more! Evan stands to leave.

We are not just burying your corpse, we are burying your damn dirty secrets without leaving any traces. One of them says.

He pauses and tilts his head to the left and right. Fifty thousand dollars. Clean job, no trace. Evan says frowning.

Damian looks from afar, he wore a pair of dark sunglasses to conceal his stitched eye brow.

Evan walks away like a warrior who had just conquered a battle. He walks past Damian confidently with his shoulders puffed up. Damian breezes away from him a little. He couldn't see Damian.

What the hell? Damian says. He brings out his phone and sends Aria a text.

Get ready, he is trying to bury you very soon.

Damian walks away.

A click- Aria hears whispers and hushes a bit far away. She didn't know it was about her. I heard about someone's gonna be buried. Who's that?

She asks herself. Her phone buzzed. She reads the text and covers her mouth with her hands.

Evan enters into his car and tightens his seat belt. How did it go? Emma asks him.

It didn't go well, they won't award the contract if I don't pay two hundred thousand dollars to settle up. You know these business elites like to work with one another. He says resting his hands on the steering. He tells her.

But you are also a business guru, a top one at that. Emma responded.

True but we are talking about inner circus here! He says softly as if giving up.

I'll give you the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to settle whatever and get into the inner circus too. You need the contract like hell. Emma says.

"You're always a darling". he says smiling with his face lit up.

He lies to her.

Damian breezes past them, Evan looks on as if he sees him but no. He is only distracting Emma making him look sober.

"I love you Emma". He says. I love you too Evan. They began to kiss passionately while burning with emotions.

A click- Aria hears the sounds of lips locking and hands hovering over the body.

So he's been cheating on me like forever and I never doubted him for once? She soliloquizes.

She looks down at her feet and bit a finger. Love is dangerous.... Love is cruel.... She whispers.

Her phone buzzes with a text from Damian as tears drops from her eyes. People like us don't shed tears, we shed strength. Love is neither dangerous nor cruel.

She feels a presence and looks around the room, nothing. She peeps through the window and sees him standing and waving and then walks away slowly.

She sighs. Who the hell is this man and what does he really want from me? Oops. She says as she drops her hands by her side.

Really? He did this too? She asks herself as she looked into the pendant on her neck.

Evan hired a guy to crack her cards and siphoned all the money in it. He then went ahead to invest it in his own business.

That very night when he came home. Aria complained to him that her cards were swiped but he only consoled her.

"Uh! Dangerous viper! She says. How can I ever be too loyal? Shit"! She says.

I went to the kitchen to get some water. I see Evan and Emma come in through the front floor, passionately undressing each other. I keep staring but they didn't see me or maybe they care no more.

By now, they are on the couch doing what they both know how to do.

I take Emma's blouse and jeans and throw them into a bucket of water.

I sit at a corner staring intently at them.

A click- I read their minds. I can't wait to get married and become the heiress' proud husband.

I sure know she will do me proud especially now that I always give her what she needs. Evan thinks.

How am I so sure all these will end well? My father says if he doesn't worth it, he will marry me off to David.

Really? Aria says. You both are just playing games. She smiles.

Evan and Emma finishes their bed business and both gets up. Emma looks around for her clothes and became confused. My clothes! She says.

Evan looks around and couldn't find it too. No, it was here a while ago. They both begin to search the sitting room and beyond until they find it in the bucket.

Oops! How did it get here? Emma looks at Evan with a doubting and confused appearance.

Why would you do that? She asks.

Do what? I didn't do it. He replies. Then how did it get in here? I can't even go back home now with soaked dress.

Uh! You have been a sweetheart all day but just now, you ruined my evening. She says.

I'm sorry Emma. Sincerely I didn't do it. I can't even explain how it got in there. I'm so sorry.

You know what? I'll just wash it up now. He stoops to bring the clothes out.

Don't worry, Evan. I'll just order for a new dress. You can keep that here.

Emma makes a call and soon a man appears on the door knocking.

I peep through the window and see the man standing aloft in the air. What? What's this? Who is this man?

A click- I try to read his mind but couldn't. I try again. The man sees me and smiles, waving his hand. I know what your trying to do, don't even dare! I came to do business so mind yours too. He says to me.

I open my eyes wide. What? You can see me? I ask him. Of course I can see and hear everyone but no one sees me. Just watch. He says.

The door opens, Evan looks around but sees no one. The delivery man drops the package by the door side. Evan sees the package and picks it up.

The door clicks close.

The man opens his palms as if saying you see? I told you!

I look away then close the curtains. I sit by the window side and look at the two idiots before me.

It's too small. She says. I can't even manage it. I'm sure gonna spend the night here. Gosh! She says.

I walk past them and lie on the bed in my room. I sleep and when I woke at the middle of the night. I see Evan sleeping quietly beside me.

How come? Where's Emma? I get up to check. I find her lying on the couch. She had refused sleep in the guest room.

I pick a thread and let it run through her body traumatizing her. Emma suddenly wake up screaming and sweating.

Evans rushes out from the room. Emma, are you okay? He asks. I had a nightmare. Oh I'm sorry about your night mare. He holds her hand. Let's go to the room. He says.

I sit down and smile. I sip some juice I had taken from the refrigerator.

DAVID

How can she be so proud and lofty not to want to marry me? David asks.

She's too arrogant, Dad. I can't marry such a Humpty Dumpty!

No son, you have no choice in this matter. The matter has been concluded. Rufus (David's father) says and walks away.

Don't I have a right to choose a spouse for myself? I love Betty and she's all I want. She protests and sits on the couch.

Phone buzzes, David picks and speaks- Hi Love. He tries to keep his voice steady.

Betty - Do you really love me? She asks.

What kind of a question is this? Haven't we spoken about this? Of course you know I do. David says.

Why haven't you introduced me to your family? She asks.

Because I need time to do that. Betty, we already talked about this. He says.

You know what? It's over between us. We no longer have a relationship. I'm tired. She begins to cry over the phone.

You're kidding me right? I only need a little time to sort out a few things.

Take forever to sort your fucking shit, I don't care. It's over. She ends the call.

Emma coils around Evan's arms. Evans strokes her hair as they both cuddle each other.

I sat on the chair in the room and stare at them with fury. I stand pacing around the room like I am a stranger.

Yes, I am a loyal stranger for ten years. Uh, I brush my hair backwards and wipe my face with my palms.

They slept peacefully like babies while I stand watching. A click- I read his thoughts. Yeah, this feels good. This way, she would trust me more unlike that rabbit with donkey brain who has nothing to offer.

My heart skipped. I? Rabbit? Donkey brain? Oh my Goodness!