Episode 2

"Is this for me?" asked Renata to a woman seated before her.

She received a novel with a gray cover, titled SUARA HATI SANAYA.

"Yes, Doctor Renata. I'm giving you my work as a token of gratitude. It's the first print edition."

Renata appeared delighted, "Thank you."

Indeed, her patient had just recovered from a long-lasting psychological ailment. Renata actually didn't require any gifts, as the recovery of her patient was already a source of great joy.

Once her patient left, Renata began reading the novel. With no more consultation schedules for the day, she had some free time to indulge. True to her nature, Renata enjoyed reading novels, sometimes inviting Jefra to accompany her to the bookstore for a new read.

Speaking of Jefra, thoughts of her husband made her yearn for him. Her handsome man had been away for a week due to work out of town.

"Perhaps reading this novel will lessen my longing for Jefra," Renata mused to herself.

She focused intently on the novel, her eyes and thoughts absorbed by the thick tome, savoring every page.

The story was about a woman named Sanaya who married a man named Alvaro following a one-night stand incident. Sanaya, in a drunken state on her birthday, slept with Angel's boyfriend—her step-sister. Alvaro, coming from a decent family, did not shirk from responsibility and unilaterally ended things with Angel.

Some say love comes with familiarity. Witing tresno jalaran soko kulino.

Initially strangers, Sanaya and Alvaro's frequent encounters blossomed into a new affection. Despite their accidental marriage, they fell in love over time.

"The universe sometimes jokes, bringing people together without giving a reason," Renata whispered with a self-amused smile.

She turned another page of the novel. Her expression soured.

The conflict emerged. Angel, refusing to accept Sanaya's claim over Alvaro, began plotting slyly to destroy their relationship. From running Sanaya over with a car, paying someone to assault her, to kidnap attempts and luring Alvaro with seductive schemes.

"The shameless home-wrecker. If only there were a law against such a person. Angel would be indicted first."

Renata became thoroughly angered by the villainous character. Her frustration stemmed from a personal past altercation with a home-wrecker.

"But why must her name be so similar to mine? Angelica Renata Tan," Renata complained with a pout. A petition to her former patient seemed necessary, a petition to change the antagonist's name.

The novel unfolded with Angel's every attempt to disrupt Sanaya and Alvaro's relationship ultimately failing. The antagonist's fate was to die by suicide, unable to cope with the pressure, a truly miserable and tragic end.

"Pitiful, really. But it's her own fault for being a home-wrecker."

*Knock... Knock*...

The sound of knocking on the door of her practice disturbed Renata's reading focus.

"Who could it be now? Such a disturbance," Renata grumbled in annoyance.

The elegant woman rose from her proud chair, legs sheathed in black pumps moving towards the door. She reached out to twist the handle and open it.

Renata gasped at the sight of the white tulip bouquet greeting her first—so beautiful and fragrant.

Her smile bloomed instantly. Oh, Renata had a feeling about who was behind the tulip arrangement.

The person hidden behind the white tulips gradually came into view as Renata took the flowers.

"Je..."

"...fra."

Renata awoke from her sleep, tears dropping from her eyes. She missed him so much.

It was all a dream.

Why hadn't they met again? Renata had hoped his death would reunite them.

Yes, Renata realized that now.

She had entered the novel 'Suara Hati Sanaya.' Worse, she had become the antagonist she once despised.

"It would be better if I left for the afterlife."

"Don't say such things."

Renata glanced over at Zayn driving next to her. They were in a car, on their way home with Zayn, to the Tan family residence.

Zayn Frederic Tan. Elder brother to the antagonist, CEO of Tan Group, the only person in the family not to scorn Angel. Clearly, Renata saw Zayn as a potential ally. After all, his power was significant in the Tan family that viewed him as a burden.

For now, Renata's approach was to show kindness to Zayn.

"Losing memories isn't the end of the world. At least this way you can forget Alvaro and live without clinging to the unattainable," Zayn added.

"Yes, Brother."

Zayn was mildly surprised to hear his sister call him that; she'd never used such a term before.

"Also, I've lost interest in Alvaro."

Zayn glanced at his sibling peering out the car window—the slight curl at the edge of his lips revealing a thin smile. His original worry shifted to relief with his sister's changed attitude. The doctor had mentioned her amnesia, explaining the lost memories of random events. No wonder she was denying her name, even mistaking someone as her son.

Meanwhile, Renata admired the sunset, the lined-up cars, occasional vehicular honks, and the bustling people on the sidewalks. The novel's world was not so different from reality after all.

Renata was absorbed in thought. Five days had passed since her spirit was trapped in the novel. With each day came more questions, her throat seemingly holding back the flood, her mind mired in convoluted thoughts. The more she pondered, the less sense it made. Renata hoped sleep would free her from this strange dream. Yet, she remained in the antagonist's body.

Why did she, meant to have died, enter the novel?

What was she to do now? Follow the plot towards a tragic death, or strive to change fate for a happier life?

Renata caught her reflection in the car door window. Worse still, Angel bore an uncanny resemblance to her own twenty-year-old self. It wasn't just the name, but the face too. Was the novelist purposely inspired by her?

Renata sighed deeply.

"What's wrong, Angel?" Zayn inquired, conscious of Renata's deep exhale.

Renata turned her gaze to Zayn, "From now on, you should call me Renata."

"Why the sudden wish to be called by your middle name?" asked a baffled Zayn.

"I intend to improve my life further. Starting with leaving behind past memories that only serve to wound me. The same goes for my desire to be called Renata."