THIRD PERSON’S POV
“Are you sure you don’t like her?” Zerro asked Zayden.
“I told you. I don’t.”
Zerro smiled. Zayden acted it out well that even Zerro believed that he is in love with his girl. He already forgiven Zayden. He knows him too well. Zayden won’t do anything without any reason.
“That’s good to hear.”
After the dinner with Zainea’s family, the two of them decided to talk. The dinner went well. Zainea’s mother only asked a few questions about the relationship of the three of them. When Zainea’s mother asked Zayden if he’d divorce Zainea, he did not hesitate to say yes. They were surprised at his answer, but happy at the same time. Zayden is not the bad guy here.
“What do you plan to do next? Are you going to marry her?”
“I will, but not this year. She had many issues, we should lie low first.”
Zayden don’t know how to open up the issue about his father. It’s not his nature to take the first move.
Zerro sensed that Zayden has something to tell.
(He’s still that young boy who likes to shoulder all the burden by himself.) Zerro thought.
Zayden gulped the beer in bottle.
"I don't blame your dad for not saving my parents back then," Zerro started. He knows this is what Zayden wants to talk about.
Zayden wiped his mouth with his hand. "You must be kidding me. He's the reason why you lost everything you should have. Don't you care about your dad's company? You must revive it."
Zerro does not have a grudge against Chairman Constello.
(Is he that kind, or a fool?)
"I'm mad at him, but I'm grateful that he saved me. Although he had a bad intention behind that, I owe him my life, so let's just say, my dad's company's my payment to what he did. Besides, he raised me well. He sheltered me. Aren’t that enough reasons to just forget the past?"
All that matters to Zerro is the present.
"Whatever you say then."
Although Zerro doesn't care about the things he experienced due to Chairman Constello's wrong doings, Zayden's plan is still up. Zerro is kind enough to let go of the past, but he's not.
Chairman Constello made a fake contract and that's something Zayden will not tolerate. His dad even involved the quiet lives of Zainea and Zerro.
"An apology from him would be enough to make it up with me. I don't want any material thing from him."
"Hmm. Don’t you think El Grande needs a new CEO?"
"What are you planning to do? I don't want you to do anything you might regret, Zayden. Stop it. It's okay. We're all good. The rest is up to your father, whether he wants to continue being a greedy man, or have a new beginning."
Zayden shook his head. He can't believe that he's actually hearing these words from Zerro. He thought he'll take his revenge or something.
"Oh." Should he really stop what he's planning? Zerro made it clear. He doesn't want anything but an apology. Does that mean, it's okay not to take Dawson Corporation back to its track?
Out of 12 shareholders, he got 5 on his side. He plans to continue his plan on buying the others' shares tomorrow. But now that Zerro voiced out his thoughts, he's hesitating.
"I have my own company now, why should I covet El Grande?" Zerro established his own company using the last property his biological dad left. It was given to him by Chairman Constello's secretary. No one knows that Chairman Constello’s secretary is secretly taking care of Zerro since he arrived in the Constello mansion. He’s not up to something. He just can’t bear to see Chairman Constello destroy a child’s future.
"Do it your way then."
"I'm okay with what I have right now. I won't ask for more. But if Chairman Constello involves Zainea again in his evil plan, I won't sit back and watch."
"You really love her?"
"More than anyone else in this world."
"Oh.” He drinks the last drop of beer. “By the way, have you caught the gunman?"
"Yeah. He's now in jail. No one can’t escape from me. You know that."
Zerro suddenly laughed like he remembered something funny. Zayden furrowed his brows.
"Nah. It's just that, I thought you're really into my girl. You're good at acting. You punch hard, huh?"
"I am into the other woman who's living inside her," Zayden said.
Zerro was shocked to hear that. Zayden is opening up to him. This is the first time he got to hear him say something important, not to mention that it is about his own love life.
"Bro! Congrats! You're now evolving into a normal human!" Zerro shouted excitedly.
"Keep it a secret for now. I want to tell her how I feel once she goes back to her own normal life."
He plans to confess after this mess. He'll personally go to Calais' country to have her hand and her family's blessing. He’ll go step by step.
"What if..."
"Dude, there's no what if. I will make sure that she'll wake up and hear my confession."
-----
ZAINEA'S POV
"Miss Zainea, what's the reason why you decided to quit? Does it have something to do with the accident you're involved with?" the reporter asked.
This press conference is fixed by my management. Although I already terminated my contract with them, still, they arranged this. They said, it is be the least thing they could do for me.
"No. The accident is true, but it's not the reason of my retirement—"
"Who is the person involved? Why did you hide it to the public? Did you intentionally hit that person, and now you're feeling guilty that's why you're disclosing it?" another reported asked.
"I-I..."
Megan holds my hand under the table, giving me courage.
"It was my fault why she's in critical situation right now, but it wasn't my intention to cause her that. I hide it because I don't want the public to talk about it. I, indeed, cared for my image that time. But, seeing her lying on that bed made me realize that my image can't be compared to her safety."
Calais told me not to disclose the accident, for she worries that her sister might find out where she is and make a move to harm her while she's out. This is one of the reasons why I remained silent. It was decided by the both of us.
"There is someone who's waiting for her appearance, so it is best not to disclose who that person is. She's still in danger. Hope everyone understands what I mean."
The news about my accident didn't mention where it happened. My stepmother didn't know it, so perhaps, she didn't state it to the news anchor. That's good. Calais' sister won't be able to connect the pieces.
"If you have no further questions, thank you—" Megan didn't finish her words. The first reporter who asked raised her hand again.
"There's a rumor that you are getting divorced. Is it really just a mere rumor?"
Everyone in the room buzzed like a bee. I'm hearing different judgements from them.
"You—!"
"Megs, it's okay."
"How could that information get out when it is still confidential?"
"We can't forever hide that truth." I smiled. "That's true. I'm having a divorce. Zayden and I are not compatible with each other, that's why we decided to end everything between us. If you think that there is a third party, no, there is none. This decision is agreed upon by the both parties, so no hard feelings." Thank God, my brain worked.
"Everything you saw from the beginning, half of it were genuine. We tried, but we just can't. We're not a match."
We really can't be a match because he has someone in his heart and so do I.
"Does that satisfy your curiousness, miss reporter?" Megan's peevishness comes out.
The reporter avoided Megan's gaze.
"What a big mouth you have there," Megan whispered.
"Enough with the questions. Zainea's not a public figure anymore, so please, stop pestering her private life and digging out her past. If any of her private information or her past comes out, we won't keep our silence. We'll take measures," Megan threatened.
"Let's go." We both left the room.
"You look so cool there, Megs."
She winked at me. "Did I?"
"Yeah." I sigh in relief. "Thank you for speaking up for me."
"Don't be so polite. I should do everything to help you as your best friend. Anyway, how's the process of your divorcement? Did Zayden make it hard for you?"
"No. He agreed right away when mother asked him if he'd divorce me. This morning, he even sent me the divorce papers with his signature on it."
"Really? Why do I feel that he's rushing everything?"
"He's in love."
-----
CAILEIGH'S POV
President Constello is avoiding me, isn't he? Feels like he doesn't really want to lend me a hand. No, this shouldn't be. I will make him agree to my proposal, no matter what. I've been idle these past few days, it is time to make a move.
"Get the car ready. We'll pay President Constello a visit."
I should get it done within a week. I still have some unfinished business in China. I must settle it down before moving here. I've planned this long ago. I know that dad can't come here because of his promise to mom, he won't be able to interfere in my decisions. And Calais, I'm sure she's dying somewhere. If she's not, she should've shown herself in front of me.
"Anyway, how's my dad?"
After she went back to China the day after she signed the contract with Kairus Silvenia, her dad found out that she planned to kill Calais. He had a heart attack because of that. Now, he's in coma.
"He's still unconscious. Miss Calais' secretary's been taking care of him."
"She's a loyal one, huh?"
"I heard she sent someone here to search for Miss Calais."
"We should make everything done before they find her then."
I'll make sure that before she could appear, Ruscitti Enterprise can no longer out of her reach. My position as the CEO is still at stake. The other shareholders are still on my father's side. I have to find someone whom I can get a strong support, and that's Zayden Constello.
"I need to see President Constello."
"Do you have an appointment with President Constello, ma'am?" the receptionist asked.
"Just tell him that Caileigh Ruscitti is here to see him. He knows me."
"Ma'am, he's busy. He can't see you at the moment. If you want to meet him badly, you can wait for him at the lobby."
"Where's his office? I'll just go there."
"Ma'am?"
"I said, tell me where his office is."
"Ma'am, I can't—"
"Do we have some problem here?"
"President Dawson..."
"I forgot to give this to Zayden, please send it to him." He handed her a paper bag. The receptionist put it below.
"What do you need from him?" asked by the man called President Dawson.
He has a strong aura that anyone could tell that he's not a simple man.
"Why should I tell you that?" I raised my brow.
He shrugged. "That's your choice. Call the guards and kick them out," he commanded the receptionist.
"What? You can't do that!"
"Why can't I? You seem suspicious. You don't have any appointment with him, but why are you asking for him?"
"Who are you to interfere with my business?"
"I'm not interfering with your business. I'm just prioritizing my brother's safety."
Brother?!
"Ma'am," my secretary called me. "He's the adopted brother of President Constello, Zerro Dawson." She showed me the news where it stated that Zerro is not a real Constello, but a Dawson— son of the former CEO of Dawson Corporation.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?!
"Caileigh Ruscitti. My apologies. I didn't recognize you." I extended my hand to shake hands with him, but he just stared at it.
Are they sure they are not real brothers? They have the same attitude, both are rude.
"A friendly reminder, better give up. Zayden won't agree. He's not into ill intentions."
"What?"
"And by the way, she's here. Lurking around you."
I got goosebumps of what he said. Does he know something? What is he saying? I unconsciously looked around me.
"Ma'am, what are you looking for?"
He's not pertaining to Calais, is he?
He laughed. "You can't see her, but she does. Take a proper care of yourself." He walked away.
"Ma'am?"
I started to feel odd.
When I darted my gaze at the entrance, I saw a woman wearing a black cap and mask entering.
The way she holds her sling bag is the same as Calais'. She holds the bag while the sling is on her shoulder.
"Ma'am!" I turned my head on my secretary.
"You look pale. Is there something wrong?"
"Did you see that? I think Calais is here." I looked again at the entrance, but the woman is not there anymore. I searched for her in every corner, but I can't find her.
“I didn’t notice, ma’am. Are you sure it’s her?”
Am I being paranoid?
"I'm not feeling well. Maybe we should come back tomorrow. Make an appointment with President Constello's secretary."
"O-Okay."
No. Calais can't harm me. No. A dead person can’t harm a living one.
------
CALAIS' POV
If only I'm not using Zainea's body, I wouldn't wear these as if I'm trying to escape from the police.
I am currently on my way to Zayden's company when I saw Caileigh and her secretary standing in from of the receptionist. Caileigh's staring at me like she saw a ghost.
Did she recognize me? Really?
When her secretary called her attention, I immediately ran towards the lift.
Why is she here? She's so persistent, eh? Good that I'm here, I'll tell Zayden to just reject her.
Zayden and Zainea already got their divorcement done. I was like, 'Huh? Why? Zayden agreed? What was that all about then? Is he really not in love with Zainea, or he just wants her to be happy although it is not because of him?'
The door of the lift opened at 10th floor.
Zayden?
I fixed my cap and avoided his stare.
He won't recognize me, right?
The door closed. He didn't press any button. We're going on the same floor then, 21st floor.
16th floor, the door opens. Some employees were waiting in front. When they saw that Zayden is inside, they didn't bother to enter. Are they afraid of him?
"Good morning, sir."
"We'll just wait for the next."
"It's okay. Hop in," Zayden said.
His employees hesitated, but in the end, they all come in. Zayden stepped back and he's now so close to me.
"21st?" one of the employees asked then looked at me strangely.
Am I not allowed to go anywhere I want?
She pressed 20. After that, no one dared to talk. All are quiet. I can't hear anything, even their breath. The only thing I can hear is my own breath behind this mask. When the door opened at 20th floor, they pushed each other out as if they can't stand being with Zayden in the same space.
Should I also go out? Why do I feel awkward all of a sudden?
I was about to take my step out when he pulled my shirt and pressed the close button.
"The only person who dared to press that button is you."
"I..."
"Calais Ruscitti."
Okay, fine. He knows.
I removed my mask.
"How do you know my office is here?"
"I bribed your secretary."
"Tss."
He let go of me when the door opened. I followed him in his office. No one is there. It's very spacious. It's like a condo unit. The whole space is his. Everything is complete.
"Wow." Maybe I should do the same to my office.
"What do you need?" He sat on his swivel chair.
"Reject Caileigh's proposal immediately."
"Okay."
Huh? Okay? He agreed just like that? I thought I'm going to beg before he could agree.
"Anything else?"
"Are you not feeling awkward talking to me, knowing that this face is your ex-wife's?"
The reason why I am wearing a mask before meeting him is this. They were divorced peacefully, but if I openly meet him with this face, rumors might rise.
"No."
"Where's your mom? I haven't seen her for days. I miss talking to her."
"At home."
"What does she do?"
"Nothing."
"Zayden Constello!"
He looked at me with surprised eyes.
"Will you die if you add more words to your statements? Don't tell me I should pay for it before I hear you say longer phrases."
"Oh." He turned his look to his laptop.
Why am I upset that he's not paying attention to me? He's treating me like a real stranger now. Is it because his relationship with Zainea ended, and he totally see me as Calais?
"Are you that busy?" I lowered down my voice. "I won't keep you then." I stood up. "Uhm, anyway..." I opened my bag and took out the thing I bought for him. It's my thank you present for saving me. "For you."
"What is that for?"
"Will you just accept it? It's not like I'm giving you the world. I'll go now. Keep me updated about Caileigh."
I didn't wait for his response and immediately exit.
Stop it, Calais. It's better if he doesn't know your real feelings for him. There is no assurance that you can go back to your own body. You shouldn't chase him then leave him hanging. This cold treatment is nothing.
When I went home, I saw Zainea's mom cooking.
"You're home. Where did you go?"
"I just had some walking." They still don’t know anything about this soul-switching.
"Are you hungry? I cooked your favorite snack. Pasta. Anyway, what do you want for your birthday? Should we hold a grand celebration?"
Right, Zainea's birthday is coming. She said I could celebrate it on her behalf. The rest of the days are mine and I shouldn't let her out, that's what she told on her writings.
"Just a simple celebration would do. I am beyond happy to celebrate it with you and dad."
I suddenly missed my dad. How is he doing? Does he miss me, too?
"My baby girl is sweet. Okay, we'll do that. Just list down everything we need to prepare for your birthday, and we'll do the rest."
I nodded. "I will go upstairs, mom. I'm quite tired from walking. Can i?"
"Sure. Go on."
Mom continued what she's doing. I left her there.
I opened the television and the drama Zainea supposed to do, is airing. I don't really like the female lead, so I changed the channel.
"Just in. Chairman Constello of El Grande is being sent to the hospital due to heart attack."
I immediately got up from my bed and took my phone after I heard that. I called Zayden, but he's out of reach. I tried calling his secretary, he answered.
"Where's Zayden? Why's he not answering my calls?"
"He's on the meeting, ma'am."
"Did he watch the news?"
"I guess so— (Who's that?) It's Miss Zainea, boss."
Tristan still doesn't know that there is another soul inside Zainea. He might be confused as to why I keep on asking him about Zayden, but he kept his silence.
"You missed me already?"
"Why are you so full of yourself? Have you watched the news?"
"About my father? Yes."
Why does he seem so calm? His father's life is at risk. Even though his dad did something so unacceptable, he should at least show some care. He's still his father.
"You're not worried?"
He sighed. "I won't take the initiative."
"Even if he dies?"
It took him a minute to respond. "Even if he dies," he repeated.
"Go before it's too late. He's still your dad."
"Accompany me."
To whom are you saying that? Me or Zainea?
"Okay. Wait for me." I don't care whom he wants to accompany him.
I wore the same cap and mask when I went to see him. He's waiting for me in front of the emergency room. He's blankly staring at the door of the room.
"Zayden."
I stand beside him. After some minutes of waiting, the doctors come out.
"We failed to save him. We are sorry."