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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: "A Haunted Past"

"Hello, Ammy," William, who had earlier concealed his true emotions behind a forced smile, approached Amelia and extended his hand for a handshake.

Amelia furrowed her brow, displaying her displeasure openly. "Mr. Williams, I don't think we're on such intimate terms to use endearments," she remarked with a noticeable edge in her tone.

Through the frequent gatherings and social events hosted by both the Evans and Cromwell families, Amelia and William had ample opportunities to interact and get to know each other better.

These gatherings served as a platform for them to develop a deeper understanding of each other's personalities, values, and quirks.

Amelia, in particular, had gained valuable insights into William's character, allowing her to form a more comprehensive perception of who he was as a person.

"Come on, Bela, it's time to go. The Hunter Exam is approaching," Amelia informed her secretary, conveying the urgency of their departure.

Bela responded with a respectful "Yes, ma'am."

Amelia made a deliberate choice not to engage in introductions with William. Instead, she proceeded to navigate through the bustling crowd of media personnel, heading towards the VIP gate. 

The reporters and photographers were entirely engrossed in capturing every moment of Amelia's departure, leaving her free to move with a clear sense of purpose.

Amelia's decision not to initiate a conversation with William at that particular moment underscored her determination and single-minded focus on the imminent Hunter Exam. 

Amelia was acutely aware that engaging in a conversation with William held little benefit. She recognized that their history was far from harmonious, and any interaction between them would likely be laden with tension and past grievances.

Instead, she chose to prioritize her preparations for the upcoming Hunter Exam, emphasizing her commitment to personal growth and success, regardless of the presence of familiar but potentially contentious figures like William.

However, William's response to Amelia's decision was far from composed. He clenched his fists and ground his teeth in frustration.

While he acknowledged Amelia's background and the implications it held, it didn't make her actions any less infuriating to him.

The anger he felt was palpable, evident in the displeasure etched across his face. As he watched her depart without so much as an acknowledgment, he couldn't help but seethe inwardly. 

In the depths of his frustration, he silently swore to himself, 'This bitch, you will sure pay for this one day." William harbored deep resentment and a desire for retribution, unwilling to let this perceived slight go unaddressed.

"Sir, shall we also proceed?" inquired William's secretary, keenly aware of the frustration etched on his face.

William clenched his fists in frustration, the simmering anger evident in his expression. 

He seethed with resentment, acutely aware that, given Amelia's background, he couldn't afford to react impulsively. The tension between them weighed heavily on him.

"What else can we do if we're not going?" William responded, his voice laden with irritation. 

He took deliberate steps toward the VIP gate, his secretary and the other person following closely, as they navigated through the crowd of reporters.

The lingering presence of Amelia only deepened the unease that hung in the air, casting a palpable shadow over the day's events.

----

In present time:

Alex, who had been standing in a seemingly endless queue at Gate number two, couldn't help but become increasingly curious as he observed the gathering spectacle near the VIP entrance.

With a blend of anticipation and inquisitiveness, he navigated through the throng of people, his desire to discern the situation on the other side of the crowd growing stronger by the moment.

As Alex's eyes shifted from the commotion at the VIP gate to the figure standing behind William, a torrent of emotions welled up within him. 

Anger, resentment, and a deep sense of betrayal coursed through his veins like wildfire. The person before him was no stranger; he was the leader of the 'Valiant Vanguard', Robert Turner, a name that still sent shivers down Alex's spine, even in his current life.

In his previous existence, Alex had been a member of the 'Valiant Vanguard,' a close-knit group of hunters who had embarked on perilous missions together. 

They were bound by a bond forged in the crucible of danger and shared triumphs. Among them, their leader had been a figure of trust and inspiration.

A nagging doubt began to spark in Alex's mind, a question he couldn't ignore, 'was there any connection between his previous life's death and William Evans?' Alex delved deep into his memories, attempting to connect the dots and find any possible links.

He scoured his recollections, but nothing surfaced to suggest a connection between Robert, the man who had introduced him to his previous guild, and William Evans. But from today incident what can he see, they were looking some much closer.

Robert arrived at the Hunter Association in the same vehicle that had carried William. Alex clenched his fist with determination, realizing that he needed to unravel the truth.

In his previous life, when he had hit rock bottom, struggling to find a guild that would accept him, it had been Robert who had extended a helping hand.

Robert had introduced Alex to his guild, a pivotal moment that had set the course for his journey as a hunter. Through hard work and dedication, he made a name for himself within the guild and eventually crossed paths with Ellie.

As Alex pondered the possible connections or motives behind his untimely demise in that past life, he couldn't find any logical thread tying William Evans to his past experiences. It remained a mystery, one that gnawed at him but refused to yield any answers.

His mind churned with questions, but for now, the enigma of William Evans and his role in Alex's past life remained unsolved, leaving Alex to grapple with the uncertainty that surrounded their connection.

At a certain juncture in his previous life, Alex regarded Robert as a big brother figure who consistently offered his assistance whenever Alex was in need.

However, that trust had been shattered when the leader betrayed them all. In the pursuit of personal gain, he had made a fateful decision that had resulted in the downfall of their team and the loss of their comrades. 

Alex had paid a heavy price for that betrayal, one that had haunted him even after his awakening in this new life.

Now, as he stood in the midst of the bustling crowd, the wounds of the past were ripped open anew.

The sight of him standing beside William, seemingly unburdened by guilt or remorse, filled Alex with a burning rage.

His fists clenched involuntarily, and his jaw tightened as he struggled to contain his anger. The memories of his past life flooded back, and he silently vowed that one day, he would confront the man who had betrayed him and ensure that justice was served.

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