Carlos POV
Three days had passed, and I found myself standing outside the Madrigal mansion. It looked mostly the same—clean, brighter somehow—but the air was heavy with old memories, the echoes of past pain still lingering.
I parked my bike, my eyes instinctively drifting to Elena's old room.
Yesterday, I finally learned the truth. She was alive, hidden away by Leo. She'd been in a coma for three years, and everyone thought she would never wake. Then, miraculously, she opened her eyes—and called my name.
That's why I was here.
But something felt wrong. The house was quiet, almost deserted. No guards at the gate. Then, an elderly man appeared.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I'm looking for Elena Madrigal," I said.
"Ms. Kim?" he frowned. "What do you need with her?"
"I… just want to talk to her," I admitted.
He sighed. "I'm afraid she doesn't live here anymore. She moved after what happened at the mansion. I'm the only one left watching over the place."
My heart sank. She moved? Where could she be?
"Do you know where she went?" I asked quickly.
He scratched his head. "I believe a woman named Dr. Lyra Cabisano took her. If I were you, that's where I'd start looking."
"Do you have an address?"
"Just a moment. Got a pen and paper?"
I ran back to my bike to grab them. He wrote down the address and handed it to me.
"She lives here now. Go find her."
I thanked him and left immediately. The distance didn't matter—I would go anywhere to see her.
Four hours later, my bike finally broke down.
"Of course!" I muttered in frustration.
No matter what I tried, it wouldn't start. Luckily, a nearby repair shop agreed to hold it overnight. I'd pick it up tomorrow.
I continued on foot and boarded a bus. As I entered, I bumped into someone—almost toppling over an elderly woman.
"Sorry!" I said quickly.
Then I saw her.
Elena.
She was walking away, her back to me.
"Excuse me!" I called, hopping off the bus and running after her.
But she vanished. I looked around—she was gone.
"Where did she go now?" I muttered.
Then I spotted her again, across the street. I ran, dodging traffic, but by the time I crossed, she had disappeared once more.
Frustration burned inside me. It felt like fate itself was keeping her away.
Hours passed as I searched, but there was no sign of her. And then I realized—my wallet was gone.
The man who bumped me earlier must have taken it.
"Unbelievable!" I shouted.
I called Jam and Jenna, but no one answered.
Then the rain started, light at first, then pouring. I sought shelter under a small waiting shed. Soon, someone else slipped under the roof. I ignored it—until I felt water dripping on my shoes.
I looked up.
There she was.
"Elena…" I breathed.
She turned sharply, stepping back when she saw me. Fear was written all over her face, and she gripped the umbrella tightly.
I took a step toward her—but she pointed it at me.
"Don't come closer!" she shouted.
"I won't hurt you," I said calmly.
"How can I trust that?" she asked, trembling. "Who are you? Do you even know me?"
"Elena… don't you recognize me?" I asked softly.
She froze.
"No," she said. "I don't know you."
It felt like a knife in my chest. She truly didn't remember me.
But I wouldn't give up.
I stepped closer—she recoiled immediately.
"Stop! I'll scream!"
I stopped.
"O-Okay… I'll stay here."
"Don't move!" she shouted again, keeping an eye on a passing jeep. She ran and climbed in, umbrella still raised.
I stayed in the rain, rooted to the spot.
To her, I was a stranger now.
And I had no idea how to begin winning back the woman I once loved.