Chapter 1

Chapter 1

They buried me in silence, but I came back loud— draped in fame and dressed with vengeance.

Cameras flashing around me momentarily blinding me— like lightning in a storm as they called my name on stage.

“And the Best Actress Award goes to... Kayla Serrano!”

I stood up, shock and pride evident on my face as I walked up front. The red carpet stretches ahead like a royal path, deep and rich beneath my feet. Faces blur in a sea of admiration and curiosity—some smiling, others scrutinizing.

I never expected this would happen, but I also didn’t expect that someone would kill for their own satisfaction… only if they knew, I did die that night but I was born again, this time stronger and bolder.

“Thank you so much for this award, I actually never expected any of this to happen but your kind support and love made me work hard and achieve what I have right now.” My heart is almost full but something is still missing.

They see confidence, glamour, and grace. But beneath this designer gown is the ghost of a girl who was never meant to survive.

“And for those people who wanted to bring me down,” I chuckled, voice shifting. “I always come back alive… you don’t know that yet, but you will.. in time.” I wink and everyone chuckled and clapped.

The applause fades into a distant echo as I step off the stage. With each step, my smile weakens. I need air.

I remained composed throughout the event but inside I was dying. I slipped to my chair and rushed to the bathroom.

My legs shaking and hands trembling, my hands on the sink for support as I watch my dreadful face in the mirror.

Today marked my death anniversary. I may have won a prestigious award but that award means nothing if I’m living as someone else instead of my own.

“Kayla?” A cubicle door creaked open. I stiffened, forcing a smile. “Congratulations on your award.”

“Thank you.” She hugged me slightly before leaving the bathroom.

As she walked past me, my brows creased and sweat trickled down my forehead.

That perfume reminded me of someone… and the pain and suffering came back, reminding me of the past… the day that I died and was born as Kayla.

But I wasn’t Kayla Serrano right now.

I was her.

The girl whose life ended five years ago.

And just like that, the past clawed its way back in.

—5 years ago—

I ran as fast as I could, my heart was beating so fast as I swept the branches away that were blocking my way. It’s so dark despite the moon being so bright, the breeze is cold and lonely, and everything around me is dead silent that no matter how hard I scream no one would hear me.

I looked behind only to find the people chasing me, my breathing became heavy as I felt them getting close to me but that didn’t stop me from running away and fighting for my life despite feeling the pain from my hands and feet.

Every step was hard and heavy. How funny because I have always wished that I wasn’t born and to be dead but now that I’m facing death my first instinct is to survive. Do I really want to die? No… I just wanted to be seen, heard and loved.

I’m sweating so hard as I’ve reached the end. “Is this really how my life would end?” I whisper to myself as I look at the cliff. I gulped as they found me… I have nowhere to go now.

Tears fell from my eyes as they slowly approached me and I slowly stepped back feeling the cold breeze. If I died right here no one would know, no one would find me, maybe someone would try to but they would give up because by that time it would be too late… my body would be in the bottom of the ocean behind me.

“Who’s ordering you to do this?!” At least I should know right? I have a feeling but I don’t want to believe it but the smirk on their faces is the only answer that I need… I just know right then and there.

“You’ll be thanking us for this… because everyday you wished not to be born.” He whispered as he pushed me.

I screamed as I fell, my heart was broken and I had given up the moment I felt my body hitting the ocean.

***

The memory slammed into me like the waves that once swallowed me whole. I needed to get out of here.

I blinked, and the cold water on my face wasn’t enough to silence the scream echoing in my memory.

Five years, and I still wake up gasping.

I should be stronger. I am stronger.

But even strength has scars.

I stared into the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back. She's everything I ever dreamed of—famous, powerful, untouchable.

But sometimes... when the mask slips... all I see is the girl who was thrown off a cliff and never really climbed back up.

And tonight, something in the air warned me—She’s not the only one coming back.

I need to breathe. I need to escape the crowd.I slipped past the crowd and into the side corridor, pushing through the exit that led to the back parking lot.

The moment I turned the corner— A shadow followed me down the corridor.

“Kayla!”

A hand gripped my wrist, , my heartbeat became fast as I tried to pull it away. My head is hurting and memories of the past came back to my head and spread like wildfire. My vision is blurry and I feel like throwing up… cold sweats formed all over my body as my body began to weaken.

“Let go.” He didn’t listen and continued dragging me to the parking lot… he still didn’t let me go and I looked around. There were people outside the event hall, lingering by their cars—but not as many as earlier during the ceremony. “Caleb.”

I felt a shift in the air—like the moment before lightning strikes. Then,a low voice cut through the noise, calm and commanding.“You heard the lady, let go.”

He stepped from the shadows, tall and composed, like the kind of man who didn’t just walk into a room—he owned it.

Sharp jaw, eyes like dark stormclouds—dangerous and unreadable and his face is chiseled… Focus, Kayla. This is no time to fall for a chiseled jaw.

Before Caleb could say anything the man pulled me away and I bumped into his hard chest which made my eyes widen.

He let go of my arm and put his hand on my shoulder that made me gasp… his touch feels so hot.

I couldn’t focus on what’s happening or what they were talking about —I was spacing out. When I got back to my senses Caleb was gone and he’s looking at me with a frown while sticking his hand out that made my brows creased.

“You’re not safe. Give me your keys—I’m driving you home.” the man said with a deep voice… I almost got swayed again but I stepped back.

Why does his voice sound like a memory I forgot?

“Who are you?”

“We don’t have time for introductions. But I promise, I’m not your enemy.”

Is he another stalker? I shake my head, their tactics won’t work with me… I had enough of them, though he kind of saved me from Caleb… still that doesn’t give him a pass.

“If this is just one of your tactics to get me it’s not going to work.” I said and walked past him but he grabbed my arms. His grip tightens. I try to step back, but the guards… they're not moving. Why aren't they moving?”

“Keys now or I’ll drag you to my car.” I close my eyes tight and scoff.

“I can drive myself home and I don’t even fucking know you.” He chuckled as if he finds this amusing but I’m so tired.

I walked out but I was shocked when I felt my feet leave the ground as he put me on his shoulder. I screamed but even my guards did nothing but watched.

“Put me down!” I slap his back and I bite his shoulder that made him stop for a moment. “I said put me down you!” I should be panicking or scared, but... why does his presence feel familiar?

“Shut up or I’ll tape your mouth.” that made my heart race— not because of fear but… with something else… something foreign.

Who is he? He might have saved me from Caleb. But something tells me... he’s about to destroy the rest of my lies.