INICIAR SESIÓNAlina’s pov“How was your trip? Hope you are enjoying DL city.” Hannah said.I could not even answer her. I was trying to wrap my head around what was happening.I hid my trembling hands under the table, and gave her a short nod, in reply.“Are you okay? Do you need water?” she asked.Fuck I was probably turning pale from all the mind tension.Calm down Alina. She doesn’t even know who you are. She has no idea.And Hannah isn’t an enemy, she was never bad to me. But still, being around her made me nervous. Especially because I had seen Edrick too. Just 24 hours in this cursed city and I am meeting people I was determined to avoid.Who next?Aria? A shudder ran through me at the thought of her.“I am fine. Let’s get to business.” I straightened my back. I was already here. Acting weird will just be plain stupid.“Okay, that’s good.&rdquo
ALINA’S POVI woke up earlier than I should. Mostly because I was too excited to stay in bed, but also because I needed to get a baby sitter for Clover while I am gone.The first thing I did was pick up my phone and scroll through it like my life depended on it. I opened the most trusted baby sitter’s site in the city. Even with that, I had to read each and every review to see if I can trust that person. I cannot leave my baby with just anyone.After I was done assessing the reviews, the real challenge began. Finding someone who was not already booked.Lord, I should have booked a baby sitter last night.Finally, I managed to get one. Grace.Clover and I had a late break-fast before Grace showed up, and I started getting ready.Nothing serious, just a simple dress, light makeup and jewelry.As informed, the driver came to pick me up at exactly 11:30.The meeting is by 12, so I guess that was early enough.I kissed clover goodbye, then made my way to the car. It was the same one that p
ALINA’S POVfool, fool fool. What a big fool I was. I felt like the ground should just open and swallow me.I hate this, I hate this. I hate this city. I hate this goddamned city.My hands were still trembling, my legs felt like they could not hold me.Fuck I hate it.Edrick Vale.I could have bumped into a thousand people. But Edrick? Why did it have to be him? Why did he have to be in the same hotel?DL city is big enough. I knew things like this would definitely happen, but I did not expect it would be in my first hours in the city. And I definitely did not prepare myself on how to react if I should stumble across any of these people from my past.Calm down Alina. He did not recognize you. All he saw was blonde hair, blue eyes and woman with a completely different face structure from the Alina he knows.Alina is dead. And all Edrick saw was Laina.I stood in one spot and calmed myself down before go
EDRICK’S POVWhat in God’s world?One minute I was walking pass the corridors in peace, and the next, I was bathed in hot coffee.“Oh I’m so so sorry,” The soft voice said, “I’m sorry.” She kept apologizing but I did not need the apology at the moment. I needed her to stop trying to clean off the coffe. It was spreading the burns.“It’s alright.” I said and she looked up the instant I spoke. Her eyes glued to my face, the color from her face instantly drained and she was pale.Her blue eyes bulged as she stared at me like I was her sleep paralysis demon, here to take her to eternal doom.On top of it all, she was frozen in place. Her hands still on my shirt. I pulled away slowly. Staring at her.“Uhm, are you okay?” I asked, and I swear this woman kept staring at me, mouth half-way open.I looked around me awkwardly.Was there something on my face? What is this? What should a man do under a circumstance like this? I snapped my fingers the in the air.And it was like her soul re-enter
ALINA’S POVI cannot believe I did it! I cannot believe I did it.But as I sat in the plane, watching my daughter sleep peacefully while we landed in the city that broke me. I forced myself to believe.We landed at DL City airport exactly around 12pm.H’s Closet said they would send a ride that will take me to the hotel I will be staying in.The driver called me the moment we landed.He helped me with my luggage while I held Clover to the car. It was a beautiful silver, luxurious SUV. One that is found in houses of elites.Who ever owns this company has their money up. No wonder they kept mentioning bringing the funds like it was nothing.As we drove out of the airport, and into the main city. I felt knots in my stomach with each lane we passed.A lot has changed in seven years, new buildings, upgraded parks, new businesses, and different evolutions. but still, there were things that stayed t
Edrick’s povDinner in this house is usually always quiet. With everyone being quiet and being grumpy about one thing or the other. The Vale Mansion is already used to this dark gloomy energy. Especially now that Grandma’s condition keeps getting worse.But tonight, it was different. Not exciting or bright.No, It was different because Hannah was squealing loudly like a teen at a rave. She’d look at her Ipad, type a bit, then squeal again. I hate the sad quiet dinners, but this was not the alternative I was looking for. It was noise pollution.I was about to beg her to keep it down when she said, “Guys! I have great news. I have a new business idea that…” Her words were cut short with the sound of something crashing to the ground, shattering.Jamiee came running from the direction the noise was coming from.I stood up, grabbed him and checked his body for any injuries from whatever it is he just crashed.The maid came running after him, and sadly, there were visible cuts on her arms,
Edrick’s POV.I couldn’t move.I stood there between the stage and… my wife? My mind wouldn’t catch up. My heart was beating too hard, too fast. My ears were ringing.The woman on stage holding her small bump, calling herself Aria, was looking straight at me.And the woman beside me… the woman I ha
Alina’s POVI stared at my reflection one last time.The makeup artist had already packed up and left, but her work still lingered on my face. soft, glowing skin, warm eyeshadow, glossy lips. The dress hugged me perfectly, the silver fabric shimmering whenever I breathed. I didn’t even recognize my
Alina's POV I watched my mother and Aria settle in like they owned the place.My mother placed her handbag on the couch as if she lived here. Aria crossed her legs and leaned back, her eyes scanning the room like she was searching for faults.Hannah was too excited.Way too excited.“You two look
Edrick’s POVI woke up before the sun. My mind was already racing the moment I opened my eyes. My father was awake. He was healing. That part of my life felt light again.But Leonardo…He was the last monster standing in the dark.I showered fast and got dressed. Aria was still asleep when I left t







