Elena's POV
"Elena… Elena…"
I woke to the sound of a familiar voice calling my name over and over. I frowned as I realized I was inside a church again. I sat up abruptly and looked around. The space was empty—except for me, and the man walking slowly toward me.
I couldn't move as he drew closer. His face was painfully clear. Too clear. And yet I knew that when I woke up, I wouldn't remember what he looked like at all.
He reached out and cupped my face. Only then did I realize that tears were already streaming down my cheeks.
"I'm sorry… forgive me, Elena," he said suddenly.
I grabbed his hand tightly. "What do you mean?" I asked.
"Forgive me for not fighting for you. Forgive me, Elena," he continued. Then he let go of my face and turned away.
"No. Don't leave. Wait—don't go!" I shouted. I tried to run after him, but hands suddenly wrapped around my body, holding me back, preventing me from moving.
"No. Come back! Come back! Please!"
I jolted awake in the living room of Carlos's house. My hand flew to my face—it was wet with tears. My knees felt weak, so I let myself sink down onto the floor.
The sadness in my chest was overwhelming. Crushing. There were no words that could describe the pain I felt.
Before I realized it, I was already sobbing uncontrollably.
---
Carlos's POV
I woke up abruptly to the sound of a woman crying. Every hair on my body stood on end. I grabbed my phone and checked the time—three in the morning.
What the hell? Was I being haunted again?
The crying grew louder, tightening the knot in my chest. I swallowed hard, debating whether to get up. Was that Elena? Had I done something again to upset her? I couldn't remember anything.
I slowly opened the door and turned on my phone's flashlight, walking carefully toward the living room. My throat went dry when I saw a long-haired woman sitting in the middle of the room, crying.
Sh*t. Was that Elena? Should I go closer? This was terrifying.
"Elena?" I called out. "Hey… miss?" I tried again, quietly.
She didn't respond. She just kept crying.
I moved closer, step by careful step. Was she sleepwalking? What was she doing out here at this hour? And why was she crying like that?
I gathered my courage and reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. Thankfully, she noticed me. She looked up, and I froze.
Her eyes were gentle—but filled with pain and tears.
"Wh-what happened?" she asked softly.
I crouched down to her level. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and without thinking, I wiped them away with my hands. Even I was surprised by what I did, but I ignored it. When she started crying again, I pulled her into an embrace.
Neither of us spoke. We stayed that way for long minutes before I finally pulled back.
"Are you okay now?" I asked.
She stiffened and looked at me.
"Why…" she stared straight into my eyes. "Why does it feel like—"
Her eyes widened suddenly. She stood up and stepped away from me. I stood as well, confused.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
She shook her head, then ran toward the door and slipped outside. I stood there, stunned, unsure whether to follow her.
What just happened?
I shook my head and returned to my room.
---
The next morning, Elena followed me to work in silence. She didn't say a word. She simply stood beside me, waiting. I had no idea if I had said something wrong the night before that caused her to act this way.
"Sir!" we all saluted as our chief entered. He returned the salute.
"Follow me," he ordered, heading into his office. We exchanged glances and followed.
"Congratulations, Santiago. You are now part of Team B," the chief began.
I forced a smile.
"Now—our team has received a tip about a newly established illegal gambling den run by a syndicate. According to our intel, they've started selling illegal drugs to their guests. Your goal is to infiltrate the place and gather evidence. I'll need four people for this operation. Luis, you'll lead the team. Bring Vergo and Fable with you."
"Sir… what about Santiago?" Jam asked.
The chief looked at me seriously.
"Include him as well. That's all. Dismissed."
Outside the room, Luis clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Welcome to my team," he said with a grin.
I simply smiled back.
---
That afternoon, I was on the station's rooftop, catching some air, when Jam joined me.
"Hey, man… your ex—uh, I mean Jessy," he said.
"What about her now?" I asked flatly.
"Turns out she's the chief's niece," he said, instantly catching my attention. I turned toward him.
"I heard she just got back from the US. Still single, apparently. You might still have a chance."
I shook my head. "Your face has a chance," I shot back.
"Oh come on. I know your heart skipped a beat when you saw her again. Just admit it," he teased, elbowing me playfully.
I laughed and shook my head. "You're hopeless."
I stopped laughing when I noticed Elena standing nearby, staring at me again.
"Hey—go back," I told Jam.
He looked at me. "I just got here—"
I shoved him lightly. "Just go."
He scratched his head and walked away. As soon as he left, I approached Elena. She was scowling.
"You'll get ugly if you keep that up," I joked.
"What's your problem? You've been quiet all day—" I stopped when she suddenly spoke.
"Do you still like her?" she asked.
I frowned. "Huh?"
"Because if you do…" She didn't finish her sentence. She just started crying again.
Now I was annoyed. What was she thinking?
"Can you stop imagining things?" I snapped. "If you want her, then fight for her. Don't do what you did to me," she said through her tears.
It felt like her words came from somewhere deeper—something buried.
"Elena…" I called out, stepping toward her.
But she vanished.
"Elena?" I called again. "Hey! Where are you?" "Elena!"
I called her name several times, but it was as if she had never been there at all.
What was really happening to her?
---
Someone Else's POV
I held the photograph of one of the most important women in my life.
It had been three years since she passed away.
I missed her. More than I ever allowed myself to admit. I carried countless regrets since losing her.
"I'm sorry for everything… Elena."