Carlos' POV
I found myself staring into nothing, unable to make sense of why Elena still hadn't shown up. It had already been a week—seven long days without a single trace of her. Where was she? Why couldn't I feel her presence anymore? My gaze drifted to the ring on my finger—it didn't look the same as before.
Had something happened to her?
"Hey!"
"Damn it!" I snapped when Jam suddenly tapped me from behind. He dropped beside me, laughing like it was the funniest thing in the world.
"You look like you're drowning in your thoughts," he teased.
I ignored him. "Did you get it?" I asked instead.
He grinned and handed me a brown envelope.
"Yes, sir."
I opened it and found several photographs—Elena, dressed in a wedding gown. The wedding that never happened. I had asked Jam to dig into her past, especially everything surrounding that day. I would've done it myself, but the doctor still hadn't cleared me to leave the hospital.
"Did you know," Jam began, "Elena was actually forced to marry Dr. Smith's business partner? Not Leo—the man she was supposed to marry."
I looked up at him. "Why?"
"Because Leo was a spy. Just like us. He was working the Madrigal case too. His motive was personal—he believed they were involved in his sister's death. So he got close to them, pretended to be on their side… and somewhere along the way, he fell for Elena—the youngest Madrigal. They were together, even planned to get married. But Eron found out Leo was a cop and ordered him killed. It didn't work. Instead, they forced Elena into another marriage. But here's the twist—on the day of her wedding, Leo came back to take her away. He didn't know the police were already on his tail. A firefight broke out… and in the end, the youngest Madrigal died."
Jam paused. "The strange part? They never found her body."
I stared at him, unmoved.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" he asked.
I sighed. "Why would I read that? You just told me everything."
He scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry, got carried away. Still, you should read it—might be something I missed—"
I smacked him lightly with the envelope.
"Get lost already!"
He laughed and moved away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
No body… How is that even possible?
"Carlos!"
I quickly hid the envelope as I heard the voice. Jessy. She walked up to me, concern written all over her face.
"Are you feeling better?" she asked.
I shook my head. "The doctor still won't let me leave. Says it's too soon."
My eyes dropped to the plastic bag she was holding.
"What's that?"
"Oh, just some fruit. It's good for you," she said with a smile.
I reached for it, but she pulled it back slightly. "I'll carry it."
"You sure? Isn't it heavy?"
She just smiled and shook her head. "Come on. It's hot out here. Let's go back to your room."
Once inside, I sat on the bed while she searched through the cabinet.
"I didn't bring a knife. Do you have one?"
"Yeah, there."
"What for?" I asked.
"I'll peel an apple for you."
"You don't have to—I can do it—"
"Nope. Stay put. I've got this."
As she carefully peeled the apple, she suddenly spoke.
"Who's Elena?"
I froze. "Why?"
"You kept saying her name when you were unconscious," she said softly. "I figured… she must be someone important."
I took a deep breath.
"Who is she to you?" she asked again.
"She's my…" I hesitated, then smiled faintly. "She's my wife."
Shock flashed across her face.
"Your… wife? You're married?"
Her gaze fell on the ring on my finger. "So that's why…"
Silence settled between us.
"You know, Jessy," I said gently, "you'll find someone too. Don't be afraid to fall in love."
She looked at me, forcing a small smile.
"You think so?"
"Of course. You're smart, you're beautiful. Someone's going to love you."
"…Is it done?" I asked, breaking the moment.
"Oh—yeah." She handed me the sliced apple. "Here."
"It's sweet. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
---
Another week passed, and finally, I was discharged from the hospital. Jenna and Jam were waiting for me in the parking lot—I told them not to come up since I could manage on my own.
"Where are you? Don't tell me you slipped and fell," Jam complained over the phone.
"I'm on my way. I'm in the elevator."
The call ended just as the doors opened.
And then I saw her.
A woman had just stepped out—and something about her back felt painfully familiar.
My chest tightened. I stepped out quickly and followed her. She stopped, talking on her phone. When I caught a glimpse of her profile—
"Elena…" I whispered.
She turned toward me.
Our eyes met.
But then she looked away—like I was nothing. Like she didn't know me at all.
I walked closer, my hand trembling as I reached out and tapped her lightly. She finished her call first.
"Is there something you need?" she asked.
I couldn't speak.
A moment ago, her reflection on the floor had no shadow. Now… it did. She looked alive.
"Sir?" she prompted.
"Ms. Kim, are you still there?" a voice echoed faintly from her phone.
"I'll be there," she replied before ending the call.
She faced me again, waiting—but I still couldn't form a single word.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going," she said, then turned and walked away.
I stayed rooted where I stood, my legs weak.
Was that really Elena?
If it was…
how is she alive?