I sighed in defeat and threw my head backwards. I looked at the white ceiling above my head. Olivia was in the living room, sitting on the couch and scrolling through some reels on my phone. Now that I think of it, why was the guy even assassinated? I sit up straight. The image of the trash bag floated in my mind. My eyes darted subconsciously towards the window. The cops would have already got that, right? I got up and walked towards the window. I peeked outside the window, gently pushing aside the snow-white curtains.

My eyes widened. “The hell—” I muttered under my breath.

“You okay?” Olivia walked towards me, “You look like you saw a dragon.” She said.

I looked at her in awe and then back to the guy outside. Olivia leaned against the wall and looked at him with a brow raised, “Oh. He died?”

I just nodded and looked back at him. He seemed to be searching for something, maybe the trash bag or whatever might be the contents inside it.

“He’s Garon, no? The cheeky guy upstairs.” Olivia inquired casually.

“Yeah...” I mumbled.

She hummed, “The one who blows smoke directly on your face from his cigarette?”

“Yeah.” I said with slight irritation, “Don’t dive into details.”

She chuckled, “You never get along with guys, do you?”

I shot her a glare before looking back at him. But this time he was staring back at me, with his usual cheeky smirk. Guess some things never change. I sighed internally.

“But Olivia,” I said out aloud, still meeting his gaze with irritation etched on my face, “What do you think were the contents of the bag? Why would a mafia be so hell-bent to kill him?” I asked in frustration. “He’s a nobody.” I added quickly.

“Beats me.” Olivia shrugged.

Soon, he walked away and got out of our sight.

“But you know, something’s off.” Olivia leaned fully against a wall and crossed her arms.

“Well life’s messed up in general.” I replied and sat down on my chair with legs crossed.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“No—I—Well true.” Olivia looked at her side, recollecting her thoughts, “But he doesn’t feels like a normal ghost, you know.”

“Normal? Do you think he’s normal? Everything about him is abnormal.” I replied in disbelief.

“No objection indeed!” She raised her arms in mock surrender, “But what I mean is that he doesn’t feel like a ghost, but more like an... illusion? As if he’s alive but acting like a ghost?”

“Olivia...” I trailed off and shook my head, “He’s dead. The cops ran an autopsy on him.”

“Did they do the machine autopsy or the magical ones?” She inquired.

“Well most probably the machine ones.” I grumbled.

“Then I’ll stick to my doubts.” She said in an ultimatum.

“And I’ll stick to the facts.” I retorted.

We both glared at each other. None of us willing to back down. When finally, I broke the silence, “You know what? Fuck him. He’s not that important.”

“Yes. Fuck him. I’m gonna go watch my favorite show.”

Olivia walked away. Right, her favorite show. I scoffed internally.

Suddenly, Olivia came back with a sly grin, “Do you know his abilities?”

“Leave me alone.” I begged her and face palmed.

She snickered and went back to the living room. I sighed in relief as I heard the T.V. turned on.

But a voice in my head suggested: “What if she’s right?”

────

Adriel

I shifted in my bed restlessly. Every time I try to fall asleep, she pops up in my head. God, I was scared so shitless, I thought I lost her. Now, everyone’s gonna know I cried for her. Even Yannick teased me all the way back and the whole Karma fucking saw me.

Fuck everybody.

I got up and sat straight on my bed and checked my phone for yet a trillionth time. No reply from her. Guess Dad was right when he said that women take forever to reply. She’s gonna be the death of me. I’m so close to snapping and throw my phone on the damned wall.

REPLYYYYY!!!! I shouted internally for maybe another hundredth time.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. Lovisa. Oh my god, finally! I couldn’t resist the small smile that tugged on my lips. Words can’t express my excitement.

────

Lovisa: I’m good, you?

────

That’s it? This is the reply she made me waiting for hours?

I finally snapped. Before I knew, I threw my phone out of the window. I took multiple deep breaths. The heck? Is she for real? That’s a reply a kid would write.

I suddenly realized that I threw my phone out. I rushed over to my window and looked down. The guards were wary of the mobile phone. I ordered one of the guards to dispose the mobile phone.

“Well done.” I muttered to myself.

I lied down on my bed and buried my face in the pillow. Well, since my phone is gone, I can’t reply to her now. Maybe tomorrow? But what if she’s avoiding me? I bet she is. I put her in trouble because of me. I have to leave her alone. If she stays with me, she will be in danger.

Get yourself together, Adriel. Let her be free, I will just weigh her down. And to see her in danger is the last thing I want. The image of the fireblast which was directed on her came in my mind. I felt a pang of hurt in my chest. Right, I will avoid her.

The scene played again and again in my mind. I sighed in defeat.

But—where did the goddess and that demon even come from? Why was Lovisa so calm as if she knew that she’ll be saved? I pursed my lips together. I have to meet her for one last time and ask her everything. Tomorrow... tomorrow I will go to her home...