PROLOGUE
I AM THALI
I could still remember how I lived the last seven years of my life. How could I not? The years seemed so painfully slow to me that every single memory was retained so clearly. Maybe it was also because I couldn’t see that my other senses were heightened. But thinking about all of it now, it all seems useless. The seven years I endured to live turned to waste in an instant.
What was the point living during those miserable years when I’ll only end up like this? When I’ll only end up dying in the end?
I knew of course that I would die eventually… But I didn’t think I’d actually die so soon…
And I would have accepted my death if it was due to an illness or accident. But no. I didn’t die for such reasons.
I was killed…
I died because I was murdered.
How cruel.
I barely managed to go on after the tragedy. What was the point of surviving then if I was only going to be killed in the end. I should have just died back then… The heavens should have just taken me along with my parents in that accident. I would have been happier then…
Whoever killed me must be rejoicing right now thinking they’ve finally gotten rid of me…
Yes, you’ve gotten rid of me… But not completely.
Because I am still here…
And you will never know it.
How I ended up in this situation, I do not know anymore. But I can only think of one reason. I can only think of one reason why the heavens decided to give me this second chance.
It’s to solve the mystery of my own murder.
But I have no idea how I am supposed to start.
All my life, I have been a good person. Never in my twenty four years of existence have I offended anyone. I have never done anything to be hated. So to find my killer will be a tough mission.
But it’s different now. I can see now…
The darkness that consumed my world for a long time has gone. Light has shone upon me. And that’s why I am given hope… I am given hope that somehow I will be able to do it.
I looked at the mirror I am holding again. The person I am seeing is unfamiliar to me… Is this person really me now?
“We are still not sure why she’s experiencing it now, the scans do not show anything. No abnormalities in her brain function. But since it was a traumatic accident, it’s not impossible to have an after effect like amnesia.”
I looked at the doctor and then to the people with us in the room. I wanted to speak up but decided against it. It’s not like I could tell them anything. No one would believe me. They might even think I went nuts because of that ‘accident’.
“We’ll continue monitoring her condition. That’s why she has to stay here for a week or two so she can also undergo rehabilitation.”
I’ve gotten so used to the hospital that it didn’t bother me anymore that I am staying here for two more weeks. Actually staying here was actually better for me. It gives me more time to plan out everything.
“But while she’s undergoing rehabilitation, it would help her too if someone will assist and help her so she could get her memories faster.”
Doctor, I don’t think that’s possible anymore. I don’t have such memories…
“I’ll help her… I’ll stay by her side and help her get her memories back...”
My attention turned to the man beside me. He was staring at me with gentle and loving eyes that I had to look away inadvertently. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to him or the attention he’s giving me. I don’t know how to tell him but it really makes me uncomfortable being around him.
“That would really help her alot, Sebastian.” The doctor commented. Then he turned to the woman standing beside him. “I also suggest that she continues to rest for some time after she is discharged so she could recuperate. I know she has a schedule to follow, being a top actress, but her health is more important. She has retrograde amnesia and it’s dangerous if she pushes herself too much. She could lose all her memories.”
“We understand, doctor. I’ll make sure to keep that in mind.”
After that short talk, the doctor bid his goodbye and left my room along with Shane, ‘my manager’. I was left in the room with the man named Sebastian, who also calls himself ‘Basty’. I tried to not to meet his gaze while he continued to stare at me. I flinched when he took my hand in his and gently held it. I fought the urge to pull it away from his grasp.
I couldn’t really do that no matter how uncomfortable I am. He’s the only one, aside from Shane, who could tell me about ‘my life’ before the ‘accident’. If I am to live this life, I have to know just who I am living as.
“I’m sorry if I wasn’t there for you… I’m sorry for leaving… If I was there, maybe this wouldn’t have happened to you…”
‘Basty’ looked so pained as he said the words. I couldn’t help but feel more awkward as he suddenly got emotional towards me. This is really difficult for me because I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“I promise I will not leave you again… I’ll stay by your side, Ally. I’ll be here to help you. We’ll get your memories back.”
I sighed internally before nodding gently. I might as well play along.
“I- I’d like to rest now...” I told him hesitantly.
He gave me a kind smile before standing up and helping me lay down on the bed properly. He stared at my face again before dropping a kiss on my forehead, making me shut my eyes. I have never been this intimate with a man before. How am I supposed to get used to this?
“Get lots of rest. I’ll be back later tonight.” I just nodded again.
He walked towards the door of my room, finally about to leave. He looked back at me one last time before he left completely. I heaved a huge sigh as soon as he was gone.
I stared blankly at the ceiling.
How can I retrieve my memories when they’re not mine to retrieve. I didn’t lose any memories. My memories are intact. But of course they didn’t know that… They would all think that way because that was the only logical explanation to all of this.
Who in the world would believe when I say I am not who they think I am?
Yes…
I am not Ally. I am not Alida Simone Gotiangco. I am not the actress who got into a car accident a month ago.
I am Maria Talitha Singson De Rivera.
I am the heiress of the De Rivera family.
I am the blind heiress who was killed a month ago.
I am Thali, and for some reason I transmigrated into this body.
I am the heiress… who lives again.