Chapter 1
It's been five years since I passed away.
Gabriel Holmes now holds the highest accolades in the film industry, shattering records and captivating the entertainment world with his success. Few know that I once deeply hurt him. Today, he stands at the pinnacle of his career, perhaps hoping I'll regret my decisions. What he doesn't realize is that I've been gone for years.
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The day after Gabriel snagged his prestigious award, he attended our college reunion. Amidst the clinking of wine glasses and the rich aroma of coffee, everyone subtly praised the celebrated actor with countless fans. This was my first glimpse of Gabriel in five years. Gone was the brashness of youth; he had evolved into a refined and striking man. Seeing his unforgettable face stirred a bittersweet longing in me. Over the years, I had often imagined our reunion, yet despite my incorporeal state, I still felt the quickening of my heartbeat.
“It's been a long time, Gabriel.” Naturally, Gabriel couldn't hear me. He sat there, looking uninterested, as he interacted with old acquaintances. The conversation at the table drifted towards gossip.
"Gabriel, the rumor is you're about to get hitched with your girlfriend. Be sure to invite all your old college buddies to the wedding!"
Our college professor, Noor Hudson, added. “Indeed, planning to settle down now that you're famous? Your relationship with Tiana was the talk of the school back then.” At the mention of this, the table fell silent. A flicker of disdain crossed Gabriel’s face, unnoticed by the professor. She glanced around, searching for me.
“Gabriel, why isn't Tiana here today?” Someone tried to explain, “Professor, Gabriel and Tiana broke up right after graduation...”
Before they could finish, Gabriel cut in. With a faint smile, he said, “Professor, Tiana already married the rich guy she started seeing.”
“We're not connected anymore; she's married to someone else now.”
Someone else piped up, “I heard the millionaire is older than her dad.”
"Tsk tsk, never judge a book by its cover. Tiana turned out to be that sort of person.”
Another added mockingly, “Bet she regrets it now. I always thought Tiana was just after the cash.”
I watched calmly as they speculated and spun stories about my life. The Gabriel who once loved and fiercely defended me was now indifferent, as if they were discussing someone completely unrelated. I thought I could handle it, accept it. But seeing Gabriel’s detachment hurt me, a pain like being gnawed on by a swarm of insects. Their conversation abruptly halted by a voice filled with anger.
“You're all mistaken! My daughter Tiana wasn't just after money.”