I found myself staring blankly into space as I walked back to the hotel. It was already 4 PM, and I planned to freshen up, eat, and find something to distract myself. But that memory from earlier kept haunting me. Whose memory was that? It felt so familiar—as if it were mine—yet I've never experienced anything like it, nor had I ever met Captain Chen before.
"Who was that woman?" I murmured to myself with a sigh.
I looked ahead just in time to see Captain Chen walking with his lieutenant, carrying a box and discussing something serious. When their eyes met mine, I quickly looked away and kept walking.
I knew we'd cross paths, and part of me wanted to ask him about the woman in that memory. But then again, what if it wasn’t connected to him at all? What if my mind was just playing tricks on me?
*Ugh. This is so frustrating!*
I clenched my fists and quickened my pace, ignoring them as I passed by.
*Why am I like this?!*
Maybe I just need to rest. Maybe it’ll all fade away.
Or maybe...
---
"P-Please forgive me." A woman’s trembling voice echoed in my mind. She was bowing, tears streaming down her face.
"Can’t you do anything right? Huh? Do you *want* to humiliate me? I *told* you not to leave your room when I have important guests! Yet here you are, breaking things!" Every word he spat felt like a dagger to her heart.
I looked up and saw Captain Chen—younger, his face twisted in anger. The woman’s face was blurred, but I *felt* her emotions as if they were my own.
"S-sorry... Z-Zeid."
"And don’t call me by my name. Remember this—I don’t like you. I *reject* you. I won’t let you into my life." With that, he stormed off.
The woman collapsed, sobbing, her hand bleeding from the broken glass she’d tried to clean up.
I bit my lip and reached out to comfort her, but my hand passed right through. A flood of emotions overwhelmed me—anger at myself, crushing sadness.
Before I knew it, tears were rolling down my cheeks too.
---
12:00 AM
I jolted awake, gasping for air. My cheeks were wet.
*I was crying...*
"W-Why?" I whispered, confused.
I got out of bed, trying to calm down, but Captain Chen’s words kept replaying in my mind, piercing my heart as if they’d been meant for *me*.
Grabbing my coat and a handkerchief, I slipped out of my room. Sleep was impossible now.
I wandered outside, hugging myself against the chill. Wiping my tears, I took a deep breath.
Only one person could answer my questions: Captain Chen.
I didn’t know why I was seeing these memories—whether they were real or not. But if they *were*, I needed to confirm them with him. Who was that woman? And why was *I* remembering her life?
I had no memory-related powers, so this made no sense.
Then I stopped dead in my tracks.
I was standing in front of the Chen Clan’s estate. The guards were asleep at their posts, oblivious to my presence.
I almost walked in—but hesitated.
*Not yet.*
If I had more memories or dreams, *then* I’d confront him. For now, I wouldn’t disrupt his life—especially not when his wedding was in two days.
I turned and walked away.
*It can wait.*
---
I returned to the hotel at dawn, clutching my throbbing head. I’d spent the night by the river, lost in thought.
As I passed the living room, I noticed people inside—including the Duchess. Ignoring them, I headed for the stairs, but a man suddenly grabbed my arm.
"Mira," he whispered, staring at me with an intensity that mirrored Captain Chen’s expression.
Before I could react, he pulled me into a hug.
*Who is this?! And who’s Mira?!*
Too stunned to push him away, I stood frozen until he finally let go.
"Who are you?" I demanded.
He looked shocked. "Mira, I know you’re angry at me. I’m the reason... but how did you come back? *Why* did you come back?"
I didn’t understand a word.
Maxson appeared beside us, frowning. "What are you talking about?"
I turned away. This was too much. A stranger calling me by another name, memories that weren’t mine—I couldn’t process it.
"I’m not Mira," I said flatly before walking upstairs.
---
"Lila, I want Zeid to accept me... but it’s never going to happen, is it?" My voice cracked with tears.
*Wait—*my voice?
I blinked, realizing I was no longer in control. The scene shifted—I was now *inside* the memory of that woman, Mira, watching helplessly as her life unfolded.
A maid, Lila, smiled gently and wiped Mira’s tears. "Endure a little longer, madam. One day, Master Zeid will accept you as his wife. On that day, you’ll smile for real in front of everyone."
The memory shifted again—a banquet in the Chen Clan’s hall. Mira stood in a corner, watching as Zeid entertained guests. A woman clung to his arm, laughing. When his eyes met Mira’s, his glare was so venomous she immediately looked away.
Outside, Mira finally broke down.
"I never wanted this marriage either! I should be angry, right? But why can’t I be? Why do I keep forcing myself? Wake up, Mira!"
Each memory was a whirlwind of emotions—hope, heartbreak, resignation.
And then, in a mirror, I saw her face.
Mine.
I woke up drenched in sweat. Maxson was slumped beside my bed, fast asleep, his head resting on his arms.
A damp cloth lay on my forehead.
I had a fever...
And he stayed with me?
Carefully, I got up and draped a blanket over him before checking the calendar.
Friday.
Wait—what?
The last thing I remembered was Wednesday. Had I really been unconscious for an entire day?
The dreams—no, Mira’s memories—were still vivid. I didn’t know if I should confront Captain Chen now, especially on his wedding day. But if those memories were real...
I’m furious.
Furious for Mira. At first, she seemed so strong, so resilient. But now I see—she was just hiding her pain.
"She was starting to fall in love with him," I whispered.
Clenching my fists, I pushed the thought aside. I was starving, and I owed Maxson thanks.
Downstairs, I asked the kitchen to prepare food—his favorites, not mine—and set the table.
Maxson, now in the living room, raised a brow when he saw the spread.
"What got into you?" he teased.
"You took care of me, didn’t you?"
He stiffened, avoiding my gaze. "I was just... a little worried. You didn’t wake up yesterday, and then you had a fever. Are you better now?"
"Not really, Sire. But I don’t want to sleep again. It’ll just make things worse."
"Tsk. Stop calling me Sire. Your debt’s cleared. Besides, you only say it to annoy me."
He’s not wrong.
"I won’t ask about your dreams," he added, smirking. "But next time, don’t grip my hand so tight. I couldn’t leave your room."
My face burned. That’s why he stayed?
"S-sorry," I mumbled.
He blinked, then burst out laughing. "You can apologize?!"
I rolled my eyes but smiled.
Turns out, Maxson has that side to him too.