START

"Western Eagle University," I whispered as I felt the triumph approaching me.

It’s good to be back!

It’s good to be here again!

After many years, I am here again, where the game started. Same ambiance. Same place. Nothing has changed; it’s still the same. But I guess there’s one thing that has changed—people. Some are now mature and getting older. And some are now popular in the business industry and have succeeded in their lives.

A playful grin stretched across my lips.

Finally, I will meet those people again who played an important part in my comeback.

"Are you ready, Sean?" Marl asked.

My eyes turned into slits because of that question as I turned to the driver’s seat, where he was.

Am I really ready?

Yes, of course!

Spending five years in the States was already enough. I struggled a lot and worked my ass off for this. They have already lived their lives in peace for five years. Now, it’s time for them to pay for what they've done to me.

"What do you think?" I shook my head and turned my eyes back to the three words engraved on the top of the wall of the building.

The five-story Agila, the old and main building of Western Eagle, was towering over us. And as can be seen at the entrance, mimicking ancient Spanish architecture, the grand staircase screamed its power and authority.

The brick wall that is almost covered with moss indicates how long it has been built. There are also many large round poles surrounding the building, as if they were brave soldiers fighting those who would try to enter.

"I’m ready," I said with emphasis, breaking the cold silence between us. "I’m ready to face them again, Marl. The many years I have spent are enough.”

Marl sighed. "If that’s what you want, I will trust you, Sean. But in case you will be needing my help... don’t hesitate to tell me."

"If I need you, I will need you, but this time I can do it by myself," I told him through the rearview mirror.

I saw him nod his head. He had nothing else could do but agree with my decision. Because he was there during my downfall. He witnessed how hard I worked to get where I am now. And I was blessed to have him. So, I am so sure that he will let me do this this time. Because he promised that he would do anything for me.

Marl dropped off the limousine and turned around to open the backseat door for me. And in a couple of minutes, an Adonis-like man appeared in front of me.

Wearing his white tuxedo, Marl helped me drop off the car safely. Well, he looked smart and gentlemanly in his suit. He smiled sweetly as he grabbed my hand and clung it to his arm.

I stared at him.

If I had been a different woman, I might have fallen in love with this man long ago.

"Thank you." I smiled and tiptoed to reach his cheek for a peck.

"It’s my pleasure, Sean."

I nodded and then faced the grand staircase. The full moon was sitting on top of the building, and it looked like a majestic painting, giving off mystery because of the light that it brought. As if there were many stories hidden so many years ago, waiting to be discovered. And I felt like I was one of those stories.

A dazzling flash from cameras greeted me as I reached the entrance of the function hall. As I stepped into my red stilettos, the spotlight was already on me, as if it knew I was coming.

Everyone gasped and halted as I sashayed down the extravagant red carpet. Their eyes were focused on me as if they were wondering what was going on. Or maybe they thought I was a Hollywood actress they weren’t expecting to see.

My confidence was boosted. Especially when I heard a party rock song played live on stage by a live band with a loud and fast beat.

"Is that Engineer Sean Lee, right?" a playful baritone asked somewhere.

"I think so…"

"B-but what is she doing here?"

"We don’t know. But damn, bros! She’s so hot and freaking gorgeous!"

I heard a hiss from another man, like he was disappointed. "We’re lucky if she’s still single, David.”

A playful laugh from them played in my ears.

I shut my eyes after rolling it. Yes, I lived in the States—a liberated country—for years! But those perverts were getting on my nerves. I needed to stay calm, though. I wasn't here because of them, so I let it pass.

Roaming the place as I continued walking, I saw some female socialites look insecure as I reached the center, becoming the apple of their eyes. I hated this attention, but as I read the envious way their eyes rolled in irritation, I loved it!

"Is that... A-Akemi?" Dean, in her royal blue evening gown, asked nervously.

With discomfort on her face, Rose, who was wearing the most glittering dress, turned to her. "W-what is she doing here? I-is she even invited?"

Surely, they were my old friends. Even if they were dressed up in a dollar gown, the plasticity and traitorousness in their faces could be seen. How pathetic!

I thought all my life that if you gave goodness to everyone, the same would be returned to you. But I was wrong! I was nice to them before, but looking at these bitches, they glared at me with disgust as if I were a murderer.

Despite that, I managed to lift my chin and let my sweet smile stay on my lips as I continued. A few steps further, I could see the table with the three.

I halted.

Now, I am too close to all of you, guys! Too close for me to easily carry out my plans.

I smirked as these thoughts played inside my head.

They looked at me. They were all equally shocked, and disbelief was written on their faces.

"Y-you…" said Ryu through the air.

I was sure that it was him. Aside from my information, the details of his face are still familiar to me. Even physically, he changed a lot. He became manlier and more mature because of the black beard on his face and the developed muscles concealed by his black tuxedo. His towering height and his long black tresses made him look like a god of ancient Greece.

And that hooded set of brown eyes still looked authoritative, ruthless, and bold. He’s the only one I know who has those kinds of eyes. Just one look from him, and you’ll be on your knees. Or maybe you’ll stumble immediately in fear. But he has no effect on me now. I was able to give him an equal weight of stares and challenge him in a way that I couldn’t do before.

Ryu found my eyes with a measured gaze. He seemed to be waiting for my next move. Will I run to him and hug him tightly? Is that what he had in mind?

Well, he was wrong!

Yes, I could have done that, but a knife would have stuck in his back afterward.

"T-this is not true. This isn’t freaking happening." El Sandra in her bitchy tone.

Shaking my head, I turned to her. Her beauty was indeed overwhelming. I admit it. But I don’t think anything has changed for her. She was still the same as before. I was pretty sure that my dearest cousin wanted to stand out in her see-through green mermaid dress.

But I pity you, El Sandra. That won't happen as long as we are standing in both spaces.

That fire of desperation burned in El Sandra’s blazing, deep-set brown eyes. Her sultry red lips trembled at the sound of the words. Her perfectly shaped brows shot up in shock and irritation. I also saw how her illusion melted like a piece of ice in the desert because of the intensity of my comeback.

I shook my head again, mocking her, and then turned to the man beside her, who looked like a detective—Ren in his black tuxedo, red ribbon on his collar, and thick eyeglasses. Like those at the table, his eyes also widened. However, it seemed like it wasn’t a shock. A surprise, maybe. The glimpse of joy in his hooded gray eyes told it all.

I suddenly remembered something when our gazes met. It seemed familiar! Yes, his eyes had the same intensity as that man’s stares that night! Could it be him? Was that his role in her game?

I wouldn’t be surprised if it was him. He’s so madly in love with El Sandra. Before the darkness ate up my eyesight that night, I saw that woman! So, it is not impossible that what I am thinking has a point.

"I’m back!" I uttered it playfully.

I took a step closer to their table. I smirked as I saw them gasping and took a step back, like a mouse that saw a hungry cat and was ready to gobble them up.

I’m back!

Yes, I’m back!

I’m back for my vengeance.

So better be wise in playing because… this is more exciting than her game.

The Return of the Eagle

 

“WESTERN EAGLE University,” I whispered under my breath, feeling the triumph drawing closer. It’s good to be back! It’s good to be here again!

 

After so many years, I’m back where it all began. Same ambiance, same place, nothing had changed. It’s still the same.  But I guess… there’s one thing that changed—people. Some were now mature, getting older.  And some were now popular in the business industry, successful in their lives.

 

I smirked.

 

Finally, I’ll see the people who played a vital role in my return.

 

“Are you ready, Sean?”

 

I turned to the driver’s seat where Marl was sitting. I furrowed my brow at his question.

 

Am I really ready?

 

Yes, of course!

 

Spending five years in the States was enough. I struggled and worked hard for this. They lived their lives peacefully for five years, despite the wrong they did to me. Now it’s my turn to collect my due.

 

“What do you think?” I shook my head and looked at the three words engraved at the top of the wall.

 

The five-story building of Agila, the old and primary structure of Western Eagle University, towered over us. And as can be seen at the entrance, the grand staircase, mimicking ancient Spanish architecture, screamed its power and authority. The brick walls, almost covered in moss, hinted at how long it was built. Large circular pillars surrounded the building, like brave soldiers guarding against anyone who dared to enter.

 

“I’m ready,” I declared with emphasis.  “I’m ready to face them again, Marl.  Those years I spent away were enough.”

 

“If that’s what you want… I will trust you, Sean,” he sighed. “But in case you need my help… don’t hesitate to call me.”

 

“If I need you. But this time… let me do this. I can do it on my own,” I told him, looking at his reflection through the rearview mirror.

 

I saw Marl nod.

 

He had no choice but to agree with my decision. He had been a witness to my struggles, to everything I went through to get where I am now.

 

And like he always told me… he would do anything for me. Anything. Even if it meant risking his life. So, I hope he’ll let me do this, that he won’t interfere.

 

Marl got out of the car, shaking his head, and circled to open the door for me in the backseat. And in a couple of seconds, I was met by a man who looked like Adonis. Wearing his white tuxedo, he helped me get out of the car gracefully. Well, Marl looked smart and gentlemanly in his suit. He flashed a dazzling smile as he grabbed my hand and clasped it to his arm.

 

If I were another woman, I might have fallen for him long ago.

 

“Thank you,” I smiled and tiptoed, reaching his cheek for a peck.

 

A slight grin etched on Marl’s thin lips, and he seemed to like it, his cheeks turning red.  “It’s my pleasure, Sean. Good luck.”

 

I nodded and faced the grand staircase, looking up at the full moon atop the building. It seemed like a magnificent masterpiece. It radiated mystery with the light it carried.  It felt like a place where countless stories were hidden, waiting to be discovered. I was even more excited about what I was about to do, because it felt like I was one of those stories.

 

Blinding flashes from cameras welcomed me as I reached the entrance of the function hall.

 

When I stepped inside, the spotlight was already on me, as if it knew I was coming.

 

Everyone gasped and stopped. I heard whispers as I strutted down the extravagant red carpet.  Eyes were fixed on me, as if they were wondering what was happening.  Or maybe, they thought I was an actress they weren’t expecting to see.

 

My confidence soared. It was fueled by the loud and fast beat of the party rock song played by a live band on stage.

 

“Is that Engineer Sean Lee?” A playful baritone asked somewhere.

 

“I think so...”

 

“B-But what is she doing here?”

 

“We don’t know,” one answered, “But damn, bros! She’s so hot and freaking gorgeous!”

 

I heard a hiss from another man, like he was disappointed,  “We’re lucky if she’s still single, David.”

 

A playful laugh from them played in my ears.

 

I rolled my eyes, shutting my mouth afterwards. Yes, I lived in the States for years! A liberated country! But those perverts were getting on my nerves!

 

I had to stay calm, though.

 

Because I wasn’t here for them.

 

So, I let it pass.

 

Roaming the place, I continued walking. I saw some female socialites looking insecure as I reached the center. I hated this much attention, but seeing the envy in the way they rolled their eyes in irritation, I was already loving it.

 

I almost wanted to make visiting this university a daily routine if this was what greeted me every time.

 

“Is that… A-Akemi?” It was a whisper, but I had sharp ears, even with the music playing.

 

I saw Dean at a table near me.  She was wearing a royal blue evening gown.

 

And beside her, with discomfort on her face, Rose, dressed in the most glittering dress, turned to her after looking at me. “W-What is she doing here? I-Is she even invited?”

 

I was sure those were my former friends. Even when they wore expensive clothes, their plastic nature still shone through. Their faces still held that traitorous blood.

 

How pathetic!

 

I used to think that if you planted kindness in others, it would come back to you.

 

But I was wrong!

 

I had been kind to them all. I didn’t hurt anyone. But look at these bitches, they glared at me with disgust, as if I were a murderer.

 

Despite it all, I lifted my chin and kept my sweet smile, showing them that I was powerful now.

 

A few more steps, and I saw their table.

 

I stopped.

 

Now, I am too close to you all.

 

Too close … to carry out my plans.

 

I smirked as these thoughts played in my head.  The three of them looked at me, all of them startled, in disbelief.

 

“I-You…” Ryu mumbled, almost unable to speak.

 

I was sure it was him. Aside from my information, I still remembered the curves, lines, and every detail of his face.  Physically, he’d changed a lot.

 

He became more manly and mature because of the black beard on his face, the developed muscles concealed by his black tuxedo. His towering height and unusually long black tresses made him look like a god of ancient Greece.

 

And those hooded brown eyes… they still looked authoritative, ruthless, and bold. He was the only one I knew with eyes like that. The kind that could make you kneel with just one look. Or make you collapse in fear.

 

But it had no effect on me anymore.  I could now meet his gaze and challenge him, something I couldn’t do before.

 

Ryu found my eyes, a gravity in his gaze.  He was waiting for my next move.

 

Would I run and hug him tightly?

 

Was that what he was thinking?

 

Well, he was wrong!

 

Yes, I might do that, but immediately afterwards, I would stab him in the back.

 

“T-This is not true. This isn’t freaking happening!”

 

That was El Sandra, in her pretentious and nauseating voice.  I looked at her condescendingly. Her beauty was exceptional. I admit that.

 

But I think that nothing had changed about her or her temperament. I can see, she was still the same.

 

Wearing her see-through green mermaid dress, I’m pretty sure my dearest cousin wanted to stand out tonight.  But I pity you, El Sandra! That won’t happen as long as we’re both in the same space!

 

The fire of desperation burned in El Sandra’s blazing, deep-set brown eyes. Her sultry red lips trembled at the thought of uttering words, but she couldn’t.  Her perfectly shaped brows shot up in shock and irritation.

 

I saw how her illusion melted like a piece of ice in the desert because of my intense return.

 

I shook my head, mocking El Sandra, and then turned to the man beside her, who looked like a detective—Ren in his black tuxedo, with a red ribbon on his collar and thick eyeglasses. Like the others at the table, his eyes widened.

 

However, it didn’t seem like a shock!

 

A surprise, maybe.

 

The glimpse of joy in his hooded grey eyes told it all.  I suddenly remembered something when our eyes met.

 

It seemed familiar!

 

Yes!

 

His eyes had the same intensity as that man’s those night!

 

Could that be Ren?

 

Was that the part he played?

 

I wouldn’t be surprised that it was him actually. He’s madly in love with El Sandra.

Before my eyelids could droop, I saw El Sandra there that night! So, it’s not impossible that my thoughts had a point.

 

“I’m back!” I uttered playfully.

 

I took a few more steps towards their table. They gasped, stepping back like mice who saw a hungry cat, ready to pounce.

 

I’m back!

 

Yes, I’m back!

 

And I’m back for revenge.

 

So be wise enough in playing. Because… this is much more exciting than her game.