Episode 20

"Please resolve the issues inherent in the body you inhabit and thereafter live joyfully with Jefra. I entrust my son to you."

Renata strained to pry her eyes open. Her captivating brown orbs gradually drew into focus, centering on the first sights that met her gaze.

An all-white room with the pervasive sting of medicinal scent.

Renata attempted to sit up.

"Am I in a hospital?" whispered Renata, as realization dawned on where she was.

Was her encounter with the enigmatic woman merely a figment of dreams?

Such thoughts, however, dissipated when she noticed something clasped in her hand. A ring with a sapphire gemstone. Instantly, Renata's memory harked back to when Jefra proposed to her.

"I may not be the romantic guy who brings a thousand roses or other sweet surprises. But tonight, with all my longing, I want to ask you. Be my companion."

"I love you deeply. Will you marry me?"

Yes, this ring was a symbol from Jefra, signifying his invitation for her to commit through better or worse.

"Why is this ring in my grasp?"

Currently, Renata was entangled in complex emotions. She was utterly confounded by the reality claiming that Mr. J was her husband who had also entered the novel, especially since he did not remember her. The one who loved her, had forgotten both her and all their cherished memories. Naturally, Renata's heart ached deeply.

Why did God allow their paths to cross under such circumstances?

Click.

The sound of the opening door diverted Renata's attention. She quickly concealed the ring under her pillow.

Zayn appeared from behind the door's leaf. He was taken aback to find Renata sitting upright on the bed. Quickly closing the distance, he embraced his sister warmly.

"Oh, thank heavens, you're awake."

Renata returned Zayn's embrace, "I'm sorry for worrying you."

Zayn broke the embrace, "You do indeed have a knack for causing me concern."

Renata simply grinned, revealing a row of pearlescent teeth, "Don't worry, Big Bro. I'm extremely resilient. Even my head is sturdier than a car's body."

Indeed, it was true when Renata survived a car wreck that was entirely wrecked, but here she was, alive to tell the tale. In other words, her body was alive, while her soul had been supplanted by another's.

Renata contemplated the fate of the real Angel's soul. Had she passed away? She wondered how Zayn would react upon discovering that his true sister was no more.

"Yes, I am aware that my sister is strong. Nevertheless, you should be cautious in all matters," Zayn said smiling faintly, his brows arching gently.

"Understood, Boss Brother!" Renata saluted playfully with her arm.

Zayn tousled Renata's hair, feeling a wave of relief at seeing her cheerful smile once more. His heart had been in turmoil upon receiving news of Renata's allergic reaction, which had rendered her unconscious for an entire day.

"By the way, Bro. Did Father visit?" Renata asked momentarily.

Zayn fell silent, uncertain whether or not to respond.

Renata smiled softly at his hesitation. It was as she had expected; it was unlike Rendra to show concern for her. Her inquiry was mere small talk.

"I really am okay," she assured.

"Sanaya informed us that she's pregnant. Right now, Father and his new wife are celebrating," Zayn eventually spoke.

Renata expressed surprise. Sanaya pregnant? Could it be a mistake?

"Wasn't it said that Sanaya couldn't bear children?"

"What are you implying, Renata?" Zayn recoiled, catching a murmur from Renata that traveled to his ears.

"Ah, nothing."

Renata's mind churned. The reason the novel titled 'The Voice of Sanaya' was centered on Sanaya's infertility; the woman was barren. The story narrated Alvaro's pure love accepting Sanaya with all her shortcomings. It was the tale's poignant aspect that had emotionally stirred Renata while reading Sanaya's love story.

And yet, now, Sanaya was with child. Could this be a miracle?

**

The following day, at ten in the morning, upon Renata's discharge from the hospital.

"If you need anything, just let me know," Zayn said to Renata as they walked side by side.

"Yes, Zayn."

Renata and Zayn entered the Tan family abode in tandem.

"Brother, Renata!" exclaimed Sanaya, rushing towards Renata and embracing her without warning.

Renata stood still, neither speaking nor reciprocating Sanaya's hug.

*Drett*

Simultaneously, Zayn's phone rang. He left Renata and Sanaya, proceeding to his ground floor office.

Sanaya withdrew from the embrace, a sweet smile gracing her delicate features, "Sorry, Sister Renata. I didn't visit you at the hospital because I'm expecting. Father, Mother, and Alvaro accompanied me to the Doctor's for checking on my pregnancy."

"Oh, is that so," Renata replied flatly.

"I'm really joyous to see you appear well," continued Sanaya.

"Is that truly the case?" Renata narrowed her eyes sharply.

"Absolutely!" Sanaya responded quickly.

Renata's smile was tinged with sarcasm, "Did you wish for my death, by any chance?"

Sanaya's eyes widened incredulously, "W-what do you mean, Sister Renata? Why would you say such a thing? I would never──"

"Enough with your charade in my presence. It's just us here. Aren't you tired of wearing that mask all the time?" Renata silenced Sanaya, slipping her hand inside her jacket pocket.

Defeated, Sanaya looked down, her body quivering.

Was she crying? Renata couldn't tell, nor did she care.

But Sanaya wasn't crying; instead, she was laughing, lifting her gaze to meet Renata's with a mocking expression. She had truly shed the mask she had worn for so long.

"So you've figured it out? I thought you were too foolish to notice how I've been manipulating you into my puppet."

Renata raised an eyebrow. Sanaya was truly manipulative.

"You should have just died. Why do you persist to live?" Sanaya regarded Renata with loathing.

"So you have been trying to kill me all along?"

Laughing again, Sanaya admitted, "Yes!"

Renata's expression grew stony; Sanaya was not only manipulative but also resentful.

"Anyone who stands in my way deserves death because I am the protagonist destined for happiness."

Renata began to assess Sanaya.

A confession filled with self-importance and superiority, the belief of being the main character meant for joy, willing to do anything to achieve it even if it means eliminating obstacles, all pointed to a singular condition.

Megalomania or narcissistic personality disorder. Sanaya clearly had a mental problem that resulted in an excessive focus on herself.

"You should get your brain checked," Renata suggested.

"Darn you," Sanaya seethed, unaccepted.

"Ever since the accident, it's your brain that's the issue. Had you not altered your promiscuous ways, Alvaro would never have found you appealing again. You ought to have remained the homewrecker disrupting our relationship."

"But why did you change? You're truly infuriating!"

"I worked so hard to shatter your love by luring you into a nightclub with a man."

Sanaya had not only revealed her face but also confessed to a truth that left Renata staggered. However, unbeknownst to Sanaya, Renata had recorded her entire tirade.

_To Be Continued_

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