Lucas and I left when the morning arrives. Sir Benjamin did not see us off. According to Jia, he was already gone when she woke up.I am really grateful to Sir Benjamin, but I don't want to see him again if possible. Because seeing him means that there was someone I had to lose.On the way back, I was suddenly reminded of one thing I have forgotten. The place where Lucas would stay.Since Lucas' body was not on the same floor as me anymore, where would he go?Would he stay in the same place when it reminds him of the painful past?I glanced at Lucas. He was still wearing the necktie I gave him. He was also silent and his expression was solemn. Knowing Lucas, there must be something complicated in his mind.I was scared to ask.What if he decides to find a place far away from the hospital? That place gave him no good memories.Would we not see each other then? What if he decided to explore other places he hadn't been into? Would he leave me? No...He can't yet. I am still looking for
We went to the haunted mansion directly. I have no time to read the letter so I only keep it on me.When we arrived, the people crowded around us again. They were pleasantly surprised that I brought Lucas with me. Lucas and I was a celebrity to these people.Carl got the news of us coming here so he immediately run towards us."Great contribu-!" The rest of Carl's words were swallowed down when he saw Lucas. His jaw dropped.Carl glanced at me and then at Lucas. He shut his mouth. I could literally hear his gear turning. He then decided on something and jumped toward Lucas. He wrapped his arms around Lucas' shoulder affectionately like a good friend who haven't seen his friend for a long time."Luas! Man! You disappeared suddenly!""..." I want to smack Carl's mouth. Don't speak about it so loudly! Others might notice and figure it out!Lucas just shook his head. "I have something going on so I have to disappear without notice.""You made me worry. I thought you..." Carl halted. He t
The ghost market in the haunted mansion was lively as usual.Lucas was a celebrity in this place. Since he had both reputation and money, the booth sellers immediately crowded around him. However, because the stingy Carl was with him, they only said their greetings and said in passing about their new products.Lucas just nodded at them with a smile.When the crowd dispersed, he tapped the arm that was around his shoulder. "You could let me go. I won't follow her inside."Carl took off his arm, "You noticed?""I knew you long enough to know that you deliberately pull me away. It's not just because you are glad to see me, right?""Hey, I am really glad to see you. I am worried this time. I thought you totally become a demon."Lucas touched the necktie over his right eye and muttered, "...I almost."Lucas was not even surprised that Carl knew about his condition. Carl was wise and sharp to know that something was going on when he disappeared. Carl met a lot of ghosts and demons in diffe
However Lucas could not expose himself, or else the problems Kelly has to face were not only about being detained in the Capital but also freeing him. Lucas knows that Kelly would save him. He doesn't want to be a burden to her. "I know I can't be seen right now. But Kelly could not be kept in the Capital." Lucas said stubbornly. Carl sighed heavily. The reason why he took Lucas away and swallowed down the words he wanted to say to Kelly earlier was because of this. He did not mention the people from the Capital earlier because he know Lucas would keep Kelly safe even though he needs to offend the capital by not sending Kelly over. And Kelly might run away due to fright. She kept postponing the matters with the Capital after all. It would not be strange for her to do that. "They won't harm her. They might even place protection for her and she would get the most polite and generous treatment. Think of it as her having a vacation." "It will be a very very long vacation. Kelly does
The greatest archenemy of ghosts and demons was the grim reapers. They were the missionary of death. Grim reapers could end their life with just a spun of their black umbrellas.Lucas did not answer him directly and said, "The grim reapers have been active in attacking ghost market a few months ago but then they suddenly stopped. As if hunting demons are more interesting for them than hunting thousands of soul. Don't you think it's strange?"Carl was stunned by this sudden realization so he slowly processed Lucas' words. He then noticed the difference, "Now that I think about it after five consecutive markets were attacked, the grim reapers suddenly turned silent. As if after the exhausting hunt, they have found what they were looking for...."Then his eyes suddenly turned wide.Carl shouted a name that crossed his mind. "Mr. Finch!"Lucas' eyes were solemn. "I was there when the group of grim reapers attacked the underground mall ghost market. Mr. Finch was there, but he quickly esc
[Kelly's POV] The nice voice of the long black-haired man blended with the surroundings. I could not make up for what he was saying because my mind was constantly turning. All I could think was....the Capital is here. I haven't made up my mind yet. Just earlier I am still thinking of what am I going to do once the Capital came. Avoid them? Run? Or negotiate? I can't do the two choices because they have seen me already. So there was only one chance. Negotiate. But I negotiated with them before and failed to keep my words. Would they still believe me? I have offended them, would they still treat me well, or even trust me? Even this handsome man smiled gently at me, I don't believe they would let me get away so easily after fooling and rejecting them like that. "Is that alright with you, Kelly?" My swirl of thoughts was interrupted at the mention of my name. "Excuse me?" I did not catch on what they were talking about. Mr. Lin Ze, Marcus, and Sir Reynold were staring at m
"Because we are still researching and making progress here." It was Carl who answered.All eyes turned to him again.Carl glanced at me and signal me through his eyes to stick with his story."We first witnessed this phenomenon in this area. So we believed the breakthrough in that matter would be here as well. Mr. Lin Ze and the Capital have been researching the door-to-the-afterlife for so long, right? But the Capital hasn't made any progress. Why do you think we can offer results greater than the Capital when we only discover this matter a few months ago? Can't you see that the potential lies in this place?"I opened my mouth at Carl's nonsense excuse. It was full of shit but the way Carl said it seemed like it was true. It makes me even think it was reasonable.Mr. Lin Ze thought for a moment. Then asked, "What is special about this place then? What difference does this place have from the Capital? In the Capital, you can use all the resources right away, while in this barren place
A/n: This chapter is fixed. Thank you for waiting. **** "Kelly, wait!" Carl ran after me. The exhausting meeting finally ended. After Mr. Lin Ze dismissed us, I ran out of the room immediately. Staying there any longer made me uncomfortable as if my lies and secrets would be exposed. I stopped and stared at Carl. "Why the heck did you become my assistant?" "Do you think I want to?" Carl's face showed anger. "That damn Lucas pushed me to clean up your mess!" "What mess! I handled it well!" "You handle it? You almost cut your tongue. If I did not help you, you could have been dragged away!" Carl's words were right. If Carl did not speak for me and buy me time, I would be dragged to the Capital while still thinking of ways to escape. Thankfully, we can fool Mr. Lin Ze at that time. "I-it's true...that you somehow helped me. But why didn't you tell me earlier that the people from the Capital are here?" It's really hard to say 'thank you' to Carl's disdainful attitude. Carl sig
That weekend, I crashed at Jia's home and dragged her to my apartment. Colt was sad but since it was rare for me and Jia to have a girl's party night, Colt finally let go of his soon-to-be wife. Seeing them lovely-dovey and could not even be separated for one night, made me feel bitter. Tsk. With beers and snacks, I told Jia about Laurance's offer. "I told you! He liked you!" "I don't want to think that you are right. But...if Laurence really looks at me that way...it would be hard for me to reject him." "I saw that Laurence twice. I could say he is handsome, tall, and rich. What's not to like about him?" "If Colt heard you he would be heartbroken and jealous." "Colt is not here anyway. Why are you having difficulty rejecting him?" "Because he is my boss. If he confesses to me and I reject him, how would I face him afterward? Would he want to see me after that? I think my job is in danger." "Girl, why don't you just accept Laurence? Since the man like you, give him a chance."
It's been nine years since that incident. It was said that a momentary earthquake around the area caused the club to have cracks in the wall and its ceiling to give out. Nevertheless, the people were injured that night and the club has been investigated. That was when the dead body count increased. There were actually people who died in the club because of an unknown incident. But because they were no proof that they were murdered or any motives behind their deaths, it was only branded as an accident. But there was one thing in common, they died while they were in the club. They were only declared dead when they arrived at the hospital. The club was suspended for not reporting this strange anomaly but they were back in business after a month. After all, it was not the fault of the club owner. Some people said it might be related to the accident eight years ago. But after that, there was no incident that happened again in that building. When I mentioned it to Jia, she just shrugge
Seeing him, I felt my heart tightly squeezed. My body shook. As if I was struck by lightning, I remained dazed and rooted in the ground.It was a strange face that I haven't seen before. But...why...why the sight of him affected me so much?I felt like crying, yelling, rampaging, and crying all over again. As if a pandora's box was opened and all my crazy emotions that I have kept were released. It was an emotion that I could not define.However, what I knew was that the feeling of loss I have suddenly found its meaning- longing.I have never felt such longing before. As if the empty hole in my heart found its piece. It was as if I finally found a light in the darkness where I have been wandering for so long.My nose went sour and my sight blurred. I held back my tears.I don't understand why these overwhelming emotions suddenly came out. But I know it was all related to this man.The man crouched down and checked my ankle.Our surrounding was chaotic. There were people screaming, ob
Jia then told everyone in the group. "I think you guys already have fun. How about we call it a day? Let's all go home."I looked strangely at Jia. Was she hinting at everyone to leave?Is something about to happen?"The night is just starting. When things heated up we will go to the dance floor. Don't leave yet." The group was hot-blooded and wanted to dance all night until dawn.Jia tried to convince them but they were determined to get wild this night.Jia turned silent, she was a bit frustrated.I pulled at her sleeves, "Why are you hinting them to leave?""Well, based on the story of this place I am now sure that there is a demon here. A vengeful one. It has been hiding for eight years after it killed the students. Now, it must have been hungry and looking for victims. What is strange though is that there is no news of accidents that happened here even though this place is running for a year."I don't doubt Jia. So I made a guess. "Could it be the owner is covering it up?""Perha
I asked the group which university they were from, what course they were in and etcetera.My social skills were okay. I could answer and ask questions effortlessly. However, it was just that I don't make deep connections with other people aside from Jia. So oftentimes, after making friends, I won't contact them afterward."It is the first time we saw you two here. Don't you go clubbing in this area?" One of them asked."Honestly, it is the first time we went to the club. We are still adapting to college life." I replied. Some of the people here were seniors. They were kind and gave me advice on what to look out for in the club. Such as not accepting drinks from strangers.We got lucky that we met such a nice group. Even Jia seemed to open up too.They were talkative and kept us interested. At least with them, we don't have to be bored and dance on the dance floor.One of them even opened a spooky topic."Hey. Do you guys know that before this became a club it is a dormitory eight yea
Jia sighed, "That's right. I can see some things that other people don't."I expected it. But I am still surprised."...Can you see ghosts and spirits?""You can say that."I clenched my fist. "...Then can you see if I am haunted?"Jia was surprised. "...Haunted?""I have always felt it. It is always in my dreams, at the bottom of my heart, in the depth of my consciousness. I am haunted. But the problem is I don't know what is haunting me."Jia turned silent."...Is it a person?" I asked.Jia did not answer."Is it my mom?"Jia looked away. "There's no one behind you. You are not haunted by some ghosts.""Then what I am haunted with? What is it? What is making me restless?"Jia shut her mouth tightly. But I could see her struggling.Her hesitation and strange reaction made me think of something ridiculous.Could it be that...Jia was hiding something from me? Could she know about it?However, Jia just looked me in the eyes with pained and complicated emotions."I can't tell you, Kelly.
Another year had passed since then. Although I can't explain this feeling of loss and this emptiness in my heart, as if a deep hole appeared and was never filled, I continued my daily life. I figured that when I wasn't busy with something I end up dazing and thinking about what I lost. It was confusing and all the thinking made my chest hurt. To distract myself, I studied hard at college and work part-time in my free time. My busy schedule kept me going. My thoughts and my unexplainable emotions were put aside. Jia was worried for me ever since I broke down at my graduation. She tried to cheer me up by visiting some other places and letting me meet some new friends. However, even Jia was not good at making friends. She sometimes end up screwing it up or my awkward silence and blank stares made the people we met looked strangely at us. In the end, only our friendship remained. "I am not really interested in meeting other people. I am already busy at school and at my part-time
One year later.... I watched our Principal make an emotional speech for the graduates. The teachers were all proud and smiling. While the students were bored and wanted to finish the speech soon. When the Principal finally congratulated us and ended the speech, the graduates cheered up. The whole venue was filled with loud cheers. I just stood there in a daze, feeling everything was unreal. Today is my graduation from senior high. After I woke up from the coma, I have undergone treatment for two months before I got discharged. When I tried to go back to school, I learned that the entire school got banned and the Miguel family who tortured me so much had been punished severely. Alejandro and Claire were in jail while the recent news about Ella was that she had killed her husband and she was facing a trial. The old man's relatives won't let her go and will make her life worst. She won't be able to bother me anymore. Many things changed after I woke up. The things I wanted to b
A/n: This chapter is fixed. *** Sir Benjamin also looked sad. "Lucas has included this in our deal. I have to make sure you return even if I have to force you. Please accept our last goodwill for you." My tears fall. I understand Sir Benjamin and Lucas' concerns and sacrifice. They were only thinking about me. But my heart and soul were really unwilling. And how could I turn back on Sir Benjamin and Lucas' great effort? Sir Benjamin wanted to use his last remaining energy for me while Lucas was willing to endure a long journey mainly because of me. I looked down at Lucas. He was still unconscious and the black veins in his face reduced a lot. He was not frowning in pain anymore, he looked peaceful as if he was asleep. Would it be the last time that I would see him? Wouldn't I be able to even say goodbye? "You bad man...We can't even say goodbye to each other..." I hugged him tightly as my tears fell on him. Sir Benjamin stood up and turned his back on us. He looked at the