Episode 5

Shadow's side:

Here you go, Shadow, Mark said, handing over a document. I found something about your girl. Turns out, she’s way older than you.

Mark, what nonsense are you talking?! Where did you get this?

I got it from XYZ hospital Mr. Ruthwell family own, Mark replied.

It was in a secured lock under the test-tube baby records. I saw her name listed, so I took a picture.

How can you be sure it’s her name? Shadow asked, still skeptical.

It says Renita Hana Ruthwell and Ren Adrian Ruthwell, Mark explained. Ren is my colleague from the dance club I work at. And you also told me that her name is Hana. But there’s no girl in his family register. That’s when I remembered our conversation and thought something was off.

Are you sure about this? Shadow pressed, looking at him intently.

100% sure, Mark said. But the dates don’t add up. It was documented 35 years ago, but she looks barely 25.

Shadow paused, a realization hitting him. Now I get it. It’s possible they froze the embryo, he said, thinking it through.

Okay, but why would they hide her? Mark asked, still puzzled.

That’s the part I don’t understand either, Shadow admitted, frustrated.

Mark thought for a moment. Should we ask my colleague about her?

No, that would make us a target. It doesn’t seem safe for her, Shadow replied. We have to keep this quiet. We need to search on our own.

Where do we start? Mark asked.

Look into the Arius family, Shadow said, eyes narrowing.

Why him? Mark asked, confused.

Maybe we’ll find something. Why else would someone reject a lifelong friend as a life partner unless there’s more to the story? Shadow said, his voice trailing off, lost in thought. *It doesn’t make sense.*

Her Side:

Boss, can you look into my father's hospital? Maybe we’ll find something useful there, she suggested.

You know, you could ask Arius for help too, her boss said.

No, she replied firmly. He knows something, but he’s hiding it.

Alright, I’ll email you if I find anything, he said.

Thanks, my friend.

No problem. And here's a little surprise for you, he said, tossing her a flash drive before walking away.

Her eyes widened as she looked at the recording on the drive. Wait... it’s not Arius who saved me that day on that dark alleyway? She paused, her mind racing. I think I know this person.

I was unconscious that day, so I couldn’t see who it was.

Now, looking at the person in this footage. He is wearing a mask...if it was some other person I couldn't have recognised but that's how I know it’s him. It’s my opponent... but why did he save me? How was he there during that moment? She watched the footage again and again, trying to make sense of it all. Did I know him then? Was he with me all along?!

After a while, she decided to take to go back to her country.

She reached his home, climbing the walls into his room, which was well-guarded.

Before she knew it, she felt a gun pressed against her. He slammed her against the wall, holding the gun to her chest.

She didn’t panic. Instead, she calmly removed her mask, smiling.

Ohhh, I think I found out who you are.

He just starred at her.

They say you’ll find peace when you meet your soulmate.

And... who is that? he asked, curious.

You won’t believe me if I tell you, she teased.

He raised an eyebrow. Try me.

It’s you, my senior from college, she said softly.

He was surprised but didn't show it.

Why are you here? he asked, lowering the gun slowly.

To make your boredom go away, she replied playfully.

Liar, he knowingly smirked.

Then what if I say it’s because I love you? she asked, her eyes sparkling.

You better not be joking, he warned, his voice serious.

Because I’m completely obsessed with you, my moon, he said and kissed her.

She was taken aback but kissed him back in surprise.

So, we’ve been rivals all along, she grinned. Only to find each other like this, in this strange twist of fate.

Maybe we were meant to cross paths all along, he continued with a mischievous smile.

Then he looked at her, almost confused. Why are you looking at me like that, Shadow?

Now I think I believe what people say about being blinded by love.

So, where were you blinded?

Honestly, I thought Aju was your boyfriend.

What?!! When I came to your home that day you even said that he's treating me like a sister!

Yeah! That's what I'm saying too. I was too blinded by love. I couldn't even see through his feelings for you in our college days.

Admit it, you were jealous of him.

Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?

If only I had known it was Arius. *Gave a tight smile*

What would you have done then?

I would have asked him to help me get closer to you.

You fool. He's overprotective you don't know about him.

I have a name, and I’m not a fool, okay? And I'll convince him don't worry.

Oh, my bad! What’s your name? I mean, are we close enough to know that now? she asked, raising an eyebrow.

It’s Arwin, he said.

Renita, she replied, smiling.

I know, he said.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***