Wishing You Were Him

Reality Strikes

Paul's POV

"Sir?", someone who got out from his car in the gasoline station caught my attention. 

""Aha! I'm right. Sir Rafael! Long time no see! How are you?" he excitedly tap my back after he went beside me. 

"S-sorry? Do I know you?" I asked. 

"Sir! It's Mike! Your former secretary in Del Rio Corp!"

"I'm still confused. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Okay. That was way long ago. You might not remember me now. But anyway, congrats on your engagement, sir! Hope we can hang out again, before you get married!"

"Look, I'm not whoever you're talking abou--"

"Miiiikkkkkeeee!"

"Sorry sir, that's my wife. I have to go. Maybe we can hang out soon. Here's my calling card, you can call me if you have time. Bye, sir!"

He hurriedly went back to his car and left without hearing what I had to say. Why does everyone is being weird today?! And who is Rafael? 

I ignored what was just happened and entered the convenience store. I picked up a bottle of soda and some noodles for my lunch. I went to the cashier and while waiting for him to scan my goods, I saw an unfamiliar face in the convex mirror. 

"Sir? It's $12..."

"Sir?", a cashier spoke louder to catch my attention. 

"Sorry. What is it again?"

"I said it's $12. For your goods.."

"Oh right. Here.", I'm still confused while handing him over the money and trying to keep my mind straight. 

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked blurtedly. 

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you know me?" I asked him that, knowing that he knows me cos I always buy the same goods at their store everyday. 

"Hm-mm nope. This is actually my first time seeing you here." 

I immediately went out from the store and ran back to my apartment. After I got home, I put on the three locks of my door and went to the bathroom. What I saw in the convenience store is exactly what I'm looking at my mirror right now. 

"Oh God."

I thoroughly look at my body and every details of my face and this is totally different. 

"What the f*ck is happening to me?! Why do I have a different body. Who is this?", I whispered to my confused self and then I remembered the woman from the road earlier and the guy from the gasoline station. I picked his calling card in my pocket. 

"Mike Gustavo.", that's his name. He's now working in somewhere called J.V.R Company. But he said he knows me? Rafael? That's right! That's the name he mentioned earlier. I need to figure out what's really happening to me. I need to know more about this Rafael. 

Okay, I need to go back to my senses. I need to think straight. I don't know what's happening, I don't have any explanation but I know this is crazy. While I was thinking what I need to do, someone knocked on my door. Sh*t! Who the f*ck is that? Nobody should see me here. 

"Pauuuullll!!!!", a woman shouted while continuously banging the door. F*ck! This is really insane. 

"Open the door, Pauuuullll.."

I calmed and tried to act normal. I opened the door just to realized it was Ms. Thursday. I almost forgot it's Thurday today. 

"Happy weeksarr--ry.", she shouted as soon as I opened the door while holding a cake and wearing a sexy and seducing dress with her cleavage out which like telling you I'm ready to fight. I can feel like her boobs is going to explode any time soon. 

Oh god. I can hear all the demons telling me to enjoy the party. But I can't...can we do this some other time, huh?

Her excitement suddenly turned to curiosity.

"Hey, I said who are you?!", I got back to my senses as she asked me one more time. I almost forgot that I have a bigger problem now. 

"O-oh..Paul is not here. He..went to the..the supermarket." 

"Then who are you? Why are you in his Paul's house?"

"Oh yea. Right. I'm..Paul's bestfriend."

"But he told me he is alone and he doesn't have any friends."

"Hm. Actually...I..I'm his childhood bestfriend..I just got back from London..maybe that's why he never mentioned me to anyone."

"Is that so? Hmm, okay. Well then, I will just wait for him here." she quickly went all the way inside and sat down in the sofa.

"No.. you can't be here!"

"Why? This is Paul's house. Not yours. And I'm his girlfriend. Okay?"

Yea, this is MY house and you're not my girlfriend, b*tch. 

"Yea...I know...He talks about you..a lot." urgghhh what am I saying.. I don't know what to say anymore. S*cks. I don't even know her name. 

"Really? Oh my god. How sweet. And what does he tells you?" she said with a wide smile on her face while waiting excitedly for a story. 

She doesn't really expecting me to tell her some stupid story right? 

"He..he said you're a lot different to any other girls he met before..and you're sweet and kind..You're very lovely."

"Hmm. I don't believe you...Paul is not that sweet...I know that. He has a lot of girls."

Oh yea don't believe me, it's not true anyway. 

"No..Actually...hmm..He just acts like he doesn't care about you, but he does..He really does..In fact, he is preparing a surprise for you right now.."

"Are you telling me the truth? He cares about me? But a lot of people say he's a casanova. And he never take girls seriously."

"But you are different...he said.. Hmm..Sa--, wait..Samantha right?"

Finally, got it. 

"Yes, how do you know my name?"

"Of course, you're the first woman he fell inlove with..He mentions you a lot. How could I not know that.."

"Oh my God, I'm really happy. I'm so touched. I didn't expect Paul to fall inlove with me and to care for me.."

Okay, now I hate the scene. I really hate dramas. 

"I really need to see him right now. I'm excited. I will wait for him here."

"No...!"

"But why? You said he has a surprise for me.."

"Yea...but..but not here...You know, this was actually a secret but I'll tell you anyway. He's preparing for a surprise for you which is not anymore obviously, cos you already know...and he asked me to tell you to go to...Beverly Park...cos..it's your weeksary? Right?"

"Oh really? Gosh. He remembered. He must be preparing to ask me to be his official girlfriend! Okay, I need to go there right now. As in right now..", she get her bag and walk towards the door. 

"Wait. Do I look okay today?", she asked while doing a gesture to show her outfit. 

"Hmmm..yea.". 

Actually no, but you're sizzling hot. 

"Really? Do you think he will like it? I prepared something delicious for him inside...", she said it in a playful voice and bit her lower lips while looking at me with her fierce eyes. 

Oh god..Stop teasing me. 

"Yea..of course..", that's if you will meet me today. Reserve that Samantha..

"Okay. Thanks pretty boy. Bye.", she kissed me on my cheeks then left my apartment.   

I closed the door and took a deep breath. Finally..she's gone. Okay, what now? 

I picked Mike's calling card again and began calling the number on it. It's ringing but no one's answering. I called his number multiple times but to no avail. What will I do now? 

How about the woman earlier? But I don't know where she lives..She would not talk to me either. For sure. She slapped me right? She must hate this guy so much. Right. She has no use. Okay, I need to think..Think..Think..

"Del Rio Corp." Right. Mike mentioned me about that. 

I hurriedly went out of my apartment and looked for the nearest internet cafe. I searched for the Del Rio Corp and was surprised of what I found. 

"Del Rio Corp, one of the oldest and largest conglomerate, was founded by George del Rio, the father of a business magnate, Rafael Del Rio who is now the President of the company. Rafael Del Rio owns 135 luxurious hotels in the country including 15 five-star and international hotels, 83 shopping malls inside and outside of the country, 67 department stores, 56 supermarkets and over 400 grocery stores. He also owns DBP, one of the largest bank worldwide, and real estate holdings.

Whoaaa. Who is this guy? He is one of the richest man alive. Can't believe he is me right now. Before, I was only dreaming of becoming ri--..Oh my god."

I was stopped as soon as I realized what I was about to say. That's right, I remember myself wishing in front of a well... But hell no, I never expected it to be real...I never believed in that. And I never expected it to be that way. What are you... This is insane. I need to find that guy. We need to go back to how it was. This is unacceptable. 

I wrote down the address of the company cos I don't know any other places where I could find him. 

"Man, this is my payment. Keep the change." I took a cab and went directly to their company. 

After a few hours, we finally arrived. I went out of the cab and slowly took my steps towards the entrance. 

"Goodafternoon, sir." everyone's bowing their heads to me and greeting me but staring at me from head to toe. I almost forgot I have his face. So I have his name. And Rafael is the owner of this company. But he's now wearing a pants, t-shirt and a rubber shoes. Sh*t! What am I thinking?

I immediately turned away and as I was about to call for a cab, someone called me from behind. 

"Rafael?"

"Oh God, it's you. Why are you here? You cancelled all your meetings for the whole day and I thought you will not be able to go to the office. And...." she looked at me from head to toe.

"What's with your outfit today? I never saw you wear something trashy like that...Haha. I thought you never liked weird things."

Trashy? Weird? Huh! 

"A-ahh..Ha-ha, yeah.. I guess it's not bad to try something new. Right?"

"Well...it's actually bad. Don't do that again, okay?"

"Oh..okay. If you said so."

"So where are you heading up to? Did you go to your office looking like that?"

"Ah, no. I was supposed to but I changed my mind. I want to go home."

 "Go home? But your car is in there." 

"A...ahh.. Well, I think I'm okay with taking a cab."

"A cab? Rafael, are you okay? You've never taken a cab, and you hate that. That's what you said."

Is he really that picky? My god. 

"Yea, of course. I hate that. But like what I've said. I just want to do everything differently this time."

"C'mon, stop your nonsense. You can be attacked by reporters out there. Remember, you're in a hot seat right now. There are a lot of paparazzi's.  Let me call your driver. Wait."

Whoaa. He even has a driver. What a lucky guy. No wonder he's so exaggerated. 

"He's on the way, let's wait for him at the parking."

I followed her way to the parking lot and waited for the driver there. 

"What's your name again?"

"What?!" 

"I mean...nevermind.."

"C'mon, Rafael. We've been together for 4 years! It's impossible for you to forget my name."

"So you're my girlfriend?", well he has a really bad taste though. 

"What?! Sir. Yuck. Why are you so weird today."

Oh, what a relief. Thank God you're not his girlfriend. It would be a really big problem. 

"Good. Cos you're not my type."

"I'm married sir with two kids, what's happening to you? You even went to my wedding. You wished us good luck in our marriage and you always tell me this, "you always inspires me with your love for your family, Emily. Always take care of them, okay?", right? So you clearly know you're not my type too."

Oh, so Emily. 

"Ha-ha well, I'm actually just making fun of you."

"Well, it's new. It's very seldom for you to smile and make jokes. Okay, your driver has finally arrived, sir. I'll go back to the office now."

"Okay, thanks Emily."

Whoaaa, Rolls Royce. Really can't imagine how rich he is, having this luxurious car that costs $500,000. 

I went inside the car and eventhough I don't know where we were heading, I need to go with the flow. I need to find out where he is and solve this as soon as possible. Maybe I can find clues in his house as to where he could possibly went to. 

We reached our destination and I saw a mansion in front of me. I went inside and looked around the mansion. It looks like nobody's here.

"Whoaa, this is insanely big. Is he living alone? Who the f*ck would live alone in a home like this"

I saw his big picture hanging on the wall and in one of the tables on the side are some of his childhood pictures with a man, that must be his father. Cos I saw it in the net. Then I looked at myself in the mirror above that table. I really am Rafael Del Rio. What-is-happening...

I went to the biggest room at the right side. This must be his room. There is another room inside that room and from there, I saw a lot of shoes, ties, polos, suits, etc. This room looks like a clothing shop in a mall. He must really be living a comfortable life..

I went back in his room and beside his king-sized bed, is a picture of him and a woman. This must be his mother. But why does he only has one picture of his mom and placed only in his room? 

Well, who cares? I'm only here to get my life back. 

I went back to the living room, and picked Mike's calling card from my pocket. I tried calling him again a few times, but still no success. 

I roamed over his house and looked for possible contacts, but it looks like this person is a lot more secretive than I thought. He doesn't even have any phone book inside the house nor a mobilephone or a telephone that I could search from. 

Maybe he's keeping it in his office. I need to get into his office and get a hold of him as soon as possible. It's getting late here anyway and I haven't eaten my lunch and dinner yet. 

Unfortunately, there's nothing in his refrigerator. What do I expect. He must be eating in different five-star restaurants everyday. Who would even choose to cook at home if you're this rich? 

I just ordered some pizza and a soda to fill in my tummy. After that, I took a bath and borrowed some clothes. Maybe it's not too bad if I spend my night here just this once, right? I travelled a lot of hours just to get here, might as well spend the night here. 

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"Rafael!"

I was suddenly woken up when I heard someone shouting from my sleep.

"It's almost noon and you're still sleeping? This is so not you, Rafael! Everybody's looking for you so I decided to come over here, and look what I've found. And why are you sleeping here in the living room? And your house is such a mess, why does it has so many trash here. And you ordered this pizza, and a soda? Seriously? This is totally not Rafael Del Rio!"

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, Emily!! Can you please shut up just a few seconds? You're hurting my ears! It's still morning and you're nagging as if you're the boss! You're so annoying!"

"Oh, sorry sir. I was carried away."

"I really don't know what kind of relationship you have with Rafael. Tss, you talk like his mom!"

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm taking a bath now."

After I took a bath and changed my clothes, I saw the living room all cleaned up. 

"Seriously, Rafael? You're wearing the same clothes as yesterday! Don't tell me you're planning to go to office with that outfit?", she suddenly appeared from behind carrying a suit and a shoes. 

"Here you go again. Are you sure you're just Rafael's employee?"

"Well, I remembered you saying that you want me to guide you, in everything that you do. Cos there's no one beside you to take care of you, and you think of me as a mom cos you never had one. So I just realized you already got used to me being so strict. Now, take off your clothes, and wear these."

"Do you really need to do all these? You're an employee, you should not go beyond that."

"Well, I know you are not used to me doing this and going here, but Rachelle is still on leave. So I'm taking over her duties for now."

"Who's Rachelle?"

"Can you please stop talking nonsense, Rafael. She is your secretary."

"If she's my secretary, then what are you?"

"Seriously?! You've been talking a lot of nonsense since yesterday. What's happening to you?"

"Okay, nevermind."

"Okay, so you're making fun of me again. Well then, I'll take a ride. I'm your super loyal assistant. Happy?"

"Yea..Thanks. Ha-ha. I'll just change my clothes."

I saw myself in the mirror, it's totally different. This outfit really suits him. I bet if I wear this on  my real self, I will really look like dumb. Haha. 

"You ready?" 

"Yea."

"Wait.", she walked towards me and fixed my tie. 

She really is a mother figure. I also never had one. How I wish I could have a...Oh.. No, I take it back. There should no more wish to come out from my mouth from now on. It's a serious matter. 

"Let's go?" 

"Yea."

We went in the car and while we're on our way, I suddenly felt hungry. 

"Rafael?"

"Hmm?"

"You're not listening to me. I've been talking here since we left your house. Did you even hear a single word I said?"

"A-ahh. Sorry."

"What do you want to eat?"

"How did you know?"

"Well, I heard your stomach complaining."

"Haha. Well, can I have a burger for today?"

"Seriously? It's unhealthy for you! And the last time I checked, you hate unhealthy foods!"

"Well, I guess, just for now."

"Hayyy. If that's what you want, sir."

We dropped by the drive-thru and ordered some burgers and fries. After that, we continued our way to the office while she continued talking about the meetings that I don't actually pay attention with. I have no plans in attending to a single one of them. When we reached our destination, a bunch of reporters bumped into us but they actually didn't mind. Looks like it is the usual scenario here. Feels like a superstar, huh. When we entered the office, every employees are bowing their heads when they see me. He really gets a lot of attention from every corner of this city. 

I entered my so-called office, and saw how organized his things are just like how his things at home. When Emily left, I checked his table to see if there are contacts here. I saw a phone book inside but when I was about to open it, someone knocked on the door. 

"Come in."

A woman entered the office and I saw a familiar face in front of me. That's right! She's the girl from Hansville. The one who cried in front of me and slapped me..But what is she to him? 

"Sir. I'm just here to hand in my resignation."

"Resignation?"

I took and read her letter. So, she is the Rachelle Mrs. Emily is talking about. She's his secretary, but why did she act like that? And now, she's resigning? 

"Why?"

"Well, I just want to take a break and find some time for myself."

"Yourself? Well, you already took your leave. Is that not enough?"

"Well, I need more than that."

"No."

"Pardon?"

"I said no. I need you here in the company, and you will not leave."

"Huh. Well, it's my right. I already handed you my resignation letter. My decision is final. I will leave after someone filled in my position. Excuse me."

She left after saying those lines. Why do I have the feeling that there's something going on between them? 

"Emily, come over here."

I finally experienced using a telephone in calling someone who is just outside the room. Haha. 

"Yes, sir? You called for me."

"Just think of this as making fun of you as well. But I need to know more about Rachelle."

"Sir? Why?"

"Just tell me something about Rachelle...and me."

"Well, she's been your secretary for 6 years. And you're so close and happy...back then."

"Back then?"

"She was your girlfriend. Which was only knew by the three of us. Cos it's a secret that should not be known outside. And now...you're engaged with somebody else.."

"Oh..O-okay. Thank you. You can leave now."

"No problem. But...can I also ask something?"

"What is it?"

"Are you--...taking illegal drugs?"

"Oh gosh. Can you leave now, Emily?"

"Okay, I'll leave now."

So the reason why she's so resentful is because of what he did. Haha what a playboy. No wonder you are me now. Cos we're no different. 

Okay, back to work. I looked at the contacts in his phonebook, but I can't see any useful contacts. They are all like business partners. Why is it this hard. Grr. 

As I was about to lose hope, I got a call from someone. It's Mike. We agreed to meet in a cafe store so I immediately left the office to get there. 

"Sir! You have a meeting at 1. Where are you going?"

"Cancel it!", I shouted as I leave the office. 

When I got there, I saw Mike raising his arm to catch my attention. 

"Hey sir! It's good to see you!"

"Yea, good to see you too."

"What do you want to order, sir? My treat."

"No, I'm fine. I'll just be quick. You were in Hansville last time, what were you doing there?"

"Sir? I don't know why you're asking but...we're on a honeymoon."

"Do you see me anywhere else aside from the gasoline station?"

"No...Why?"

"Look, it's hard to explain but, I need you to do me a favor."

"Sure, sir. Anything you want."

"Can you look for Rafael del Rio?"

"Huh?"

"Look for Rafael del Rio. The one with the same face as me."

"Sir? What are you talking about."

"Okay. I guess I have no choice. I know it's hard to believe me but you have to. Okay. I am not Rafael del Rio."

"Haha, then who are you?"

"I am Paul Smith."

"You know what sir, I don't know if you're drunk, you-re--"

"Listen. I want you to listen to me. I'm serious!" 

I picked out my picture from my wallet and showed it to him. 

"This is me. This is really my face. I just woke up one morning being Rafael del Rio. You understand me? This is really a serious matter and I want you to take it very seriously."

"Hey..Did you hear what I said?", I realized he's just staring at me. 

"Yea..I hear you. Hahahahhahaha.", he then burst into laughter. 

"Are you on drugs, sir?, he continued while laughing his ass off. 

I then hit him in the face to get his mind straight. I can noticed that he was surprised as he looks confused at me. 

"I told you to take this very seriously."

"You...are really not Rafael del Rio."

"See. I bet he doesn't just hit people but Paul does. Okay?"

"Yes, sorry. I didn't know it is actually serious. But...who are you?"

"You are my last resort right now. I'm Paul Smith and I don't know what's happening. If I were to tell this to anybody else, they will just laugh at me like you did. So you are the only one that I have right now so I need you to help me."

"But why me? How can I help you with that?"

"I need you to find Rafael for me."

"But how can I find Rafael? Do you even know what you're saying? And besides, you asked me if I saw Rafael anywhere else in Hansville aside from the gasoline station, that's true that I didn't. But I saw you. That Paul in the picture. Just like a few hours after I saw you. So I guess, it's not Rafael's face that you should be looking for, but for yours."

"Right. That's right. So are you trying to say that we've exchange bodies?"

"Well, I don't believe it. But looks like it's really what happened."

"Then go find me. I mean, Paul Smith. That's my picture."

"I can do that. But...for how much?"

"but...I don't have any money..."

"But Rafael does..."

"But it's not mine!"

"But I'm sure he'll agree with it as it would also a benefit for him. He'll get his life back, you'll get yours. 

Oh, I guess he's right.

"Okay. Deal. Just make sure to find him."

"Consider it done."

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