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!

I didn't sleep. The truth is- I don't sleep.

How could I? Every time I close my eyes, I hear his voice in my head- "Rabbit with donkey brain". The words played on repeat like a broken record I couldn't turn off.

I stood by the window and watched the sun come up. The city looked peaceful from here, like nothing bad ever happened.

But I know better now. I know what people really think when they smile at you.

Evan stirred behind me. I hear the sheets rustle, then his footsteps on the hardwood floor.

"Babe? You're up early."

I turn around and plaster on a smile. The same smile I'd given him for ten years in my first life. Sweet. Trusting. Stupid.

"Couldn't sleep. I was thinking about you."

His face lit up. God, he actually believed it.

"Yeah? Good things, I hope." He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck. His hands started wandering lower.

I wanted to shove him off. I wanted to scream. Instead, I leaned into him and giggled.

"Always good things."

A click- She's so easy. Just a few kisses and she melts. Thank God she's not like those high-maintenance girls. He thinks

I keep smiling even though my stomach turn. This is going to be harder than I thought.

"I'm making breakfast," I say, pulling away gently. "Pancakes?"

"You're perfect, you know that?" He slaps my ass as I walk past him.

Perfect idiot. She'll do anything I want.

I grip the kitchen counter so hard my knuckles went white. Breathe, Aria. Breathe. I inhale and exhale.

The pancakes sizzle in the pan. I make them exactly how he likes them, golden brown with chocolate chips. I even cut up strawberries and arrange them in a heart shape on his plate.

When I set it in front of him, he barely look up from his phone.

"Thanks, babe."

A click- I read his mind.

Need to text Marcus about the Henderson deal. Can't let anyone know I'm undercutting the price. If this works, I'll make eighty grand easy.

I froze with the spatula in my hand.

Henderson deal. Marcus. Fifty thousand dollars. This was it. This was exactly what I needed.

"What are you working on?" I asked innocently, sliding into the chair across from him.

"Just work stuff. Nothing you'd understand."

I read his mind again - She doesn't need to know about the business. Women are terrible with money anyway.

I bit my tongue and nodded. "You work so hard. I'm lucky to have you."

He finally looks up and grins. "Damn right you are."

I watch him eat my pancakes and scroll through his phone. Every few seconds, another thought would drift into my head.

"I need to meet Marcus at noon to discuss the details about the Henderson property. I need to make the documents real to make the sale look legitimate". He thinks

My boyfriend wasn't just a cheater. He was a fraud too.

Perfect! He says in his mind.

After breakfast, Evan left for the gym. The second the door closed, I grabbed my phone and called Lena.

"Hello?"

"Lena, it's me. Can you talk?"

"Aria? Girl, it's eight in the morning. What's wrong?"

"Everything, I need to see you today. It's urgent."

There was a pause. Then, "Come to my place, I'll make coffee."

I threw on jeans and a hoodie and caught a cab to Lena's apartment across town.

She lived in a small studio with plants hanging everywhere and art prints covering the walls. It smelled like lavender and coffee.

She opened the door in pajama pants and a tank top, her curly hair piled on top of her head.

"You look like hell," she said.

"Thanks."

She pulled me inside and shoved a mug of coffee in my hands.

"Talk."

So I did. Not everything, not about dying and coming back. But I told her about Evan. About the things he'd said. About what I'd discovered.

"He's cheating on you?" Lena's eyes went wide.

"Not yet, but he will. And he's stealing money, committing fraud."

"How do you know all this?"

I hesitated. "I just... I know, trust me."

Lena studied my face for a long moment. Then she nodded. "Okay. I trust you, What do you need?"

"Information, Connections, I need to know everything about Marcus Trent and the Henderson deal."

"Marcus Trent? The real estate guy?" She asks

"You know him?" I ask her too

"My cousin works at his firm. Let me make some calls." Lena answers and disappeared into her bedroom.

I paced around her tiny living room. My mind was racing.

If I could get proof of Evan's fraud, I will ruin him, not today, not tomorrow, but soon.

This is just the beginning.

Lena came back twenty minutes later with a notebook full of scribbles.

"Okay, so Marcus Trent is shady as hell. My cousin says he's been involved in at least three lawsuits for contract violations.

The Henderson deal is supposed to close next week, but there's rumors the paperwork is sketchy."

"What?" I exclaimed. What kind of sketchy?"

"Like forged signatures. Fake permits. The whole property might not even be legal to sell."

I felt a smile creep across my face. "Can your cousin get me copies of those documents?"

Lena raised an eyebrow. "What are you planning, Aria?"

"Justice."

She looks at me for a long time. Then she grins, "I'm in. Whatever you're doing, I'm in."

I hug her so tight I thought I might break her. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. This is going to get messy." She says.

"Good. I like it messy." I added.

I left Lena's place with a plan forming in my head. Step one: get the documents. Step two: figure out how to use them without exposing myself. Step three: watch Evan squirm.

But first, I had to go back home and play the perfect girlfriend.

When I walk through the door, Evan sat on the couch watching football. He didn't even look at me.

"Where were you?"

"Just went for a walk. Needed some air."

A click- I read his mind- She's acting weird lately. Hope she's not getting suspicious.

I sat down next to him and rested my head on his shoulder. "I missed you."

He relaxed. There she is. My sweet, dumb Aria. He thinks.

I wanted to stab him with the remote.

Instead, I kissed his cheek. "Want me to order lunch?"

"Yeah, get Chinese. And make sure they don't forget the spring rolls this time."

"Of course, baby."

While he watched his game, I pulled out my phone and pretended to scroll through the delivery app. But really, I was texting Lena.

How fast can your cousin get those papers? I ask.

Tomorrow morning. Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th. She says.

Perfect.

I ordered the Chinese food and brought Evan a beer without him even asking. He patted my head like I was a dog.

She's so good at this. Maybe I'll keep her around even after I marry Emma. She could be useful. He thinks

My blood went cold.

Marry Emma!

So it was already decided. He is planning to leave me for her. He is just using me until the time was right.

I excuse myself to the bathroom and lock the door. My hands were shaking. I stare at myself in the mirror and barely recognize the girl looking back.

"She looks weak. Scared". I think.

"No. Not anymore". I whisper.

I splash cold water on my face and take a deep breath. When I walked back out, my smile was perfect.

The rest of the day dragged on. Evan went to meet Marcus at some bar downtown. He told me he was meeting a client. I told him I believe him.

A click- "She buys everything I say. This is too easy." He thinks.

The second he left, I grabbed my laptop and started digging.

Marcus Trent had a website, a LinkedIn, even a Facebook page.

He posted pictures of expensive cars and luxury vacations. Everything about him screamed fraud.

I found articles about the lawsuits Lena mentioned. One case involved a retired couple who lost their life savings on a property that didn't exist.

Another involved a small business that got evicted because of forged lease agreements.

This man was a predator. And Evan was working with him.

I saved every article, every photo, every piece of evidence I could find. Then I created a folder on my laptop and labeled it "Project Downfall."

It felt good.

Around midnight, Evan stumbled through the door drunk. He reeked of whiskey and cigars.

"Baaaabe," he slurred. "Come here."

He grabbed me and tried to kiss me. I dodged and helped him to the couch instead.

"Let me get you some water."

I brought him a glass of water and a bucket in case he threw up. Then I sat on the armchair across from him and watched.

A click- I read his mind.

She's so sweet. Taking care of me. Emma would never do this.

His thoughts are in a mess.

Fragments of conversations with Marcus.

Worries about getting caught. Excitement about the money.

And then, clear as day: After this deal, I'll have enough to propose to Emma. Aria won't suspect a thing.

I dug my nails into the armrest.

He passed out a few minutes later, snoring like a chainsaw. I grabbed a blanket and threw it over him.

Not because I cared, but because it's what the old Aria would have done.

I went to the bedroom and locked the door. Then I pulled out my phone and opened my notes app.

**Evan's Crimes:**

- Fraud (Henderson deal)

- Forgery

- Conspiracy with Marcus Trent

- Planning to leave me for Emma Lancaster

**Next Steps:**

- Get documents from Lena's cousin

- Find a way to expose him without getting caught

- Build my own network

- Make him fall harder so the crash hurts more

I stared at the list for a long time. Then I added one more line.

**- Destroy him completely.**

I set my phone down and climbed into bed. For the first time since I came back, I felt something other than fear.

I felt powerful.

Tomorrow, I'd meet Lena. Tomorrow, I'd get the proof I needed. And tomorrow, Evan Grayson would take his first step toward destruction.

He just didn't know it yet.

I closed my eyes and smiled in the dark.

The sound of my phone buzzing woke me up. I grabbed it off the nightstand, half asleep.

Unknown number.

I almost ignored it. But something made me answer.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then, a voice, Deep, Smooth, Unfamiliar.

"Aria Sinclair. I've been waiting for you to wake up."

My heart stopped. "Who is this?"

"Someone who knows what you can do. And I think we should meet."

The line went dead.

I sat up in bed, my pulse racing. The clock said 3:47am. Evan was still passed out on the couch.

Who the hell was that?

And how did they know my name?