I tried my best to clear my thoughts. There's no place for distraction right now. I need to focus on the things at hand. I should just ignore this unnecessary pang on my chest.

My feelings regarding their wedding doesn't matter.

Sino ba naman ako?

I booked an Uber to take me to the hospital. As soon as I stepped inside, people along the way started greeted me. Wow, Atticus did say that Gaia's family owns the hospital, so there's no wonder why she chose to be a doctor.

Noong magising ako sa katawan na ito, akala ko talaga artista si Gaia sa dami ng bumati sa akin sa ospital.

"Good morning, Dr. Gaia. The members of the board are currently on a meeting. Do you want me to inform your mother about your arrival?" The woman on the front desk nicely told me.

I waved my hand politely. "No need. I'm just here to pack my things. Oh, and don't tell my Mom that I came. I'll talk to her at home."

She nodded to me in response. I excused myself from her then made my way upstairs. Mabuti na lang at hindi niya napansin na sinilip ko kung saan ang opisina ko. Ang awkward naman kasi kapag tinanong ko siya, hindi ba?

My office was located on the sixth floor, the room on the farthest left. Hindi naman ako nahirapang hanapin ito. After all, the full name of Gaia was carved on the door.

I carefully opened the door, avoiding making noise. A smile dawned to my face upon taking a closer look around.

Lavenderish. The office was neat and well-designed. Medyo maliit lang ang opisina ni Gaia ngunit maluwag ito dahil konti lamang ang mga gamit. There's the desk with her nameplate, a shelf full of medical books, and a mini sofa on the side.

My eyes darted on the framed picture on her table. It was a photo taken in a beach. Nakaakbay si Atticus kay Gaia at pareho silang halos mapunit ang mga labi sa lawak ng kanilang ngiti.

Here we go again.

My chest heaved. Gaia Venice, sino ka ba talaga? Of all the bodies that I can possess, why yours? What is our connection to each other? Anong kinalaman mo sa pagkamatay ko?

"Oh, you're here. I was just about to call you, Gaia."

Sa sobrang gulat, nabitawan ko iyong picture frame at nahulog ito sa sahig. My face blanched when the frame shattered into pieces and some of the shards wounded my leg.

I tilted my head to his direction.

"Who are you?"

He snickered. "Don't make me laugh, Gaia."

I cautiously took a step backward when he smiled to me.

"What are you doing in my office?"

Instead of answering my question, he continued walking towards me, to which I responded with another step back. I didn't know who he was, but his presence made me feel uneasy.

Something about him felt so sinister. I sensed danger.

"Lumayo ka." matapang kong sabi sa kanya.

"I have been wanting to talk to you." he softly remarked.

I creased my forehead. "Stop right there."

But he didn't listen to me. Mas lalo lamang siyang lumapit sa akin at napigilan ko ang aking paghinga sa hindi maipaliwanag na takot. Mabilis ko siyang tinulak palayo.

"Lumayo ka sa akin!" matapang kong sigaw.

But I almost regret pushing him away because he snarled and pinned me to the wall, his once twinkling eyes now ablaze.

"Why are you pushing me away?!" he said through gritted teeth.

I inhaled sharply. "I don't even know you!"

"Oh, really?" He whispered then leaned closer to me.

I couldn't control the patternal rise and fall of my chest.

This intense fear... I'm sure I have felt it before.

"Have you watched the news?" I was stunned by his question. Was he the man who called me? The one who said that he had good news?

He gently caressed my cheek when I remained silent.

"Oh, Gaia. Don't be so distant." His lips waned into a smirk. "After all, there's a memory that two of us will have to share forever. We promised not to tell anyone, right?"

Those were his last words before he finally left my office. I stumbled on the floor, unable to move. My fingers were trembling as I dialed the number of Atticus.

"Yes, love?"

There was a hint of sarcasm on his voice.

A sob escaped from my mouth. "Atticus."

Sandaling natahimik ang kabilang linya. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko at tuluyan na akong napaiyak.

"Nasaan ka?"

Napapikit ako. "I'm still here in the office."

He ended the call. I pushed myself to the corner then cried silently. I don't even know the reason behind these tears. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako umiiyak, kung bakit tila pinipiga ang puso ko, kung bakit hindi ako makahinga sa presensya ng lalaking iyon.

There's only one thing that I'm sure of.

Fear. I feel nothing but fear towards that man.

Wala pang isang oras ang lumilipas noong dumating si Atticus. I stood up then ran towards him. Hindi naman siya umangal noong yakapin ko siya nang mahigpit.

"Hush, love." Atticus whispered to my ear. He gently wrapped his arms around me. "I'm here. Stop crying."

He pulled away from the hug. Tinitinan niyang mabuti ang mukha ko. He clenched his jaw. "Tell me, who made you cry?"

I held the sleeve of his shirt. "Atticus-"

Sasabihin ko na sana ang nangyari ngunit nagulat ako nang mahagip ng mata ko si Gabriel sa isang sulok ng opisina. He was back to his original form, the man with an archaic face.

Don't tell him.

My mouth froze. Bakit hindi ko pwedeng sabihin?

He shook his head. It's not yet time to tell him. Don't.

I have never felt so helpless before.

Napayuko ako at huminga ako nang malalim. Gustong gusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang nangyari pero ayokong suwayin si Gabriel. He's the one who knows the best course of action.

"Stellar? Who made you cry? Sabihin mo sa akin."

Inangat ko ang ulo ko sa kanya. He was clenching his teeth so hard. It made me realize that perhaps... he was so mad because he didn't like seeing his love crying.

Maybe he doesn't really care for me.

He only cares for Gaia Venice.

"I thought I saw a ghost trying to steal Gaia's body. I'm sorry for overreacting." pagsisinungaling ko kay Atticus.

I saw relief rushing to his face. Tumango-tango naman siya at muli niya akong niyakap. Tumingin naman ako kay Gabriel at bakas ang awa sa kanyang mga mata.

"Don't ever cry like that again. It freaks me out."

I smiled. "I can't promise."

Tears streamed down to my cheeks as I recalled my encounter withe the mysterious man. Bakit ganito na lang ang epekto niya sa akin? Is it an indication that he has something to do with my death?

It just happened that I can't remember anything, but a part of my soul tells me that he's someone I should be wary of.

When Gabriel saw me crying, he slowly approached me.

He placed his hand on my head.

You were brave. Good job.

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