Lost Once, Redeemed Twice

Chapter 5 - Find her!

CURY'S POV

When I was there in the cliff, I saw someone sitting on a rock. I felt tense seeing her. I felt guilty and hurt by just looking at her. I don't know. I don't know why. I haven't even looked at her face yet. It took me full five minutes to stare at her back and for her to notice me standing behind. She's wearing a cap and a hoodie.

When she turned her head, she saw me. I wasn't able to see her face properly, but when her hoodie fell back. I saw her face clear enough.

She looks at me dumbfounded. She even rubbed her eyes and I looked at her confused because she's familiar. When I suddenly remember that I saw her in the bar.

'That's why she looked familiar. She's that woman who beat the guy at the bar.' I thought, but I was still confused by the way she looked at me. I didn't clearly see her face at the bar because it was dark, but now, it's clearer than the day. She's hot and gorgeous with her brown eyes, full lips, cute nose and diamond-shaped face.

When I looked at her eyes, I could see sadness, pain and anger. She looked lost. I want to ask her why she is looking at me like that but I don't know why I can't say anything. I was frozen in place, I remained rooted on my spot. I can't move. I wanted to talk but whenever I opened my mouth, no words came out so I close it again.

Suddenly, I saw her tears flowing freely. She cried. Seeing her cry made my heart shatter into pieces. I am hurting but I didn't show it because, basically, I don't know her. She kept opening and closing her mouth like I did earlier, as if she wanted to say something, but nothing came out. We stared at each other for minutes when she wiped her tears.

She stared at me for another minute as if memorizing my face, because I could see how her eyes wandered, then she walked away, which made me bewildered. I wanted to go after her but I'm torn between 'why do I need to go after her' and 'why do I feel this way?'. I was only able to move when I saw her drive off. I kept debating with myself about what to do and I ended up running after her, but I saw her car far away from the cliff. I was devastated and I felt something missing within me which was really confusing.

After what happened, I decided to go home.

While driving, I talked to my private investigator to investigate that woman, everything about her. I remembered her from the news I read yesterday so I told my investigator about it, including her description.

After the call, Jordan name appeared on my cellphone screen.

"Mr. Anderson, Mr James is already waiting at the bar. He told me that he can't reach you so, instead, he informed me about it." I almost forgot the meeting I had with Mr. James.

"Oh I'm sorry. I almost forgot the meeting. Thank you for informing me, Jordan. Meet me at the lobby and we'll go together." I ended the call and drove faster. I arrived a while later and changed my outfit into smart casual ones. I chose a white shirt and topped it with a button-down light blue v-neck complemented with black dress pants. I was about to get my watch when I saw a bracelet in my drawer.

A scene in my mind popped up.

"Ry, I have something for you!" A girl appeared out of nowhere and showed me a bracelet. It was a bracelet made of colorful plastic beads on an elastic thread with a name on it.

"Stella." I read out loud. This memory is clear.

"Wow! Where did you get this?" I asked in a cheerful voice. Even though I was young, I knew that the bracelet was cheap.

"I was walking outside earlier when I saw a man selling these bracelets. He said that they could be customised, so I bought two. See this?" She showed another bracelet with a different set of colors along with my name on it.

"I'm gonna use this one and you'll be using this one." Showing alternately her left and right hand. "I don't want to give this to you (with my name in it) because I'm afraid that what if one day you'll forget me? At least when you see this, you'll remember me." She said, pouting, but smiled after.

The memory ended.

I took the bracelet and examined it. It's cute and adjustable.

"Stella" I read as I caressed the beads with her name. Seeing the time, I put it again in my drawer and locked it.

With that, I exited my condo and went out. I found Jordan talking with one of the employees of the hotel but he immediately followed as soon as he saw me.

"Good evening Mr. Anderson. Mr. James is already at the bar for 30 minutes now. I called him earlier and he told me that he'd wait for you." He said while opening the car door.

I just replied in a hum.

After 10 minutes, we arrived at the bar.

"This way please." Jordan guided me to a VIP room. Jordan knew I was suffocating in a closed room, so he chose a room with windows. I tapped his shoulders and he nodded understandingly.

"Good evening Mr. James. I'm very sorry for being late. I hope you haven't changed your mind yet?" I said as I walked inside.

"Hahaha. Good evening Mr. Anderson. Of course not. How would I? Mr. Anderson is a joker." He said nervously.

"Hmmm. This meeting will be quick because I still have some things to do after, so let's begin. I also won't be taking much of your time. Jordan, give him a copy of the plans."

I was planning on an airline innovation. It was a project that uses advanced technology to provide people with comfort like, at home a vibe, and Mr. James wanted to invest. We discussed the details and explained everything to him.

The meeting ended quickly. Mr. James loved the idea and invested right away.

I immediately went home after. I felt tired of everything so I needed a good sleep but I was restless and sleepless, rather that night because her face kept on showing whenever I closed my eyes. I felt hurt whenever I saw her face, when I saw how she cried. When I also saw anger in her eyes, I felt guilty and I really wanted to talk to her for me to enlighten about everything but I don't know who she is and what her role is, in my life.

___

When I woke up the next morning, my private investigator sent all the information he gathered. In those articles, she is known as Queen Ella. My investigator has a hard time gathering her personal information and I don't know why. Maybe someone powerful was blocking it. The information gathered is only based on articles and news. There are even no videos about her of which I conclude that she's really a highly valued person. There is only minimal information to be read.

"The badass Queen has returned. Yesterday, she fought a man harassing a lady in a bar...." I read another article but it only stated all the good things about her, praising her for her heroic stunts. I found a magazine article about her, modelling a famous clothing brand. I can't help but admire her simplicity and hotness.

"What the f**k am I doing again?" I whispered to myself after a minute, staring at her pictures, but I couldn't help to stare at it again for another minute until I felt contented.

Six days have passed since that encounter with her happened and I never saw her again after. I only stared at her pictures and reread all her information for me to be familiar with her. I also went to the cliff every day but I never had the chance to see her again. I wanted to talk to her to clear out everything because I think there was something happened between us in the past that I don't remember yet. However, I don't think I will be seeing her soon. My investigator can't even get any more information about her.

I just found out recently that she established her own company but I didn't know what and where her company is. Where is it based? All her information vanished. The private investigators I hired only found the name of her company at the last minute; CS Hotel and Resto.

"So, she's a business woman, huh!" I said out loud.

In one article, I saw the same man she was with in the bar. He's Cain, a business man.

I also tried investigating him but haven't really found helpful ones.

"Why are you so secretive? Is there someone you're trying to hide from?"

"Are you that high-valued person that even I can't get any information from you?"

"Who are you really, woman?"

My thoughts flooded my mind but a memory suddenly showed.

"Ry, catch me if you can!" I was startled by the sudden voice and blurry scene playing in my head.

I remained calm after a second and tried focusing.

"You think I can't catch you? Run!" We end up running and laughing as I ran after her.

It took me a minute to remember the scene and it ended shortly after, but it's a good sign. My memories kept on coming back.

'That's a good sign. Thank you God! I hope I remember everything sooner.' I murmured.

I have kept a journal in my cabinet where I used to write everything I remember for me to easily put the scenes together. As of now, I can only remember my childhood and that scene when I was 15.

Ring! Ring!

My mother is calling.

"Hey son. I just want to check on you. I was on rest today with your dad. I miss you already. How are you doing so far?" My mom asked as soon as I received her call.

"Mom. I'm doing good. It's stressful but I can manage. Besides, I'm an adult now, mom. Stop babying me. I'm not your 15-year-old son anymore." I replied in a soft tone. "How about you two? Are you okay there? How are you doing?" I added.

She rolled her eyes and laughed. "You're always my baby, Cury. Well, it's stressful but we still managed to rest. Your dad is in his office again. You know, working." I laughed at how she said it because she sounded annoyed.

"It's okay mom. You've known dad for 45 years now. Aren't you used to his busy and restless rest?"

"I don't have a choice, Cury. I love him." She replied sadly, "but anyway, about your memories. How are you coping? Have you remembered anything yet?" I saw sudden nervousness in her voice after she asked the question.

"Well, now mom, I remembered something. I think it happened when I was 15." I said, remembering the scene earlier.

"Mom. Can I ask you a question? I was really curious about this when a sudden scene played on my mind earlier." I saw her somewhat shocked but she quickly covered it with her smile.

"Sure son. What is it?"

"Earlier, when I was looking at a magazine with a woman modeling in it, a sudden scene played on my mind. A girl was playing with me. We were running and laughing around the house. I know it's our house because I saw our family picture in the background even if it's blurry. Do you have any idea who that girl is?" I am really getting curious about that girl.

"That girl is our family friend's daughter. She's Stella." My mom replied sadly. "Her parents passed away five years ago and I don't have any news about her anymore." she added.

"I'm sorry mom. You must've missed your friend. Anyway, I need to go, mom. I have something to catch up with. I'll call you later." We bid goodbye and ended the call.

I just remembered that tonight is the masquerade party. Jordan also called to remind me of the party.

"Thank you for the reminder, Jordan. I'll be ready in minutes."

I was the guest speaker at that event. It was the opening of one of our counterpart hotels in the US.

Jordan arrived at my office an hour later. "Mr. Anderson, you still have 30 minutes before the event starts. Do you need anything more?"

"No. He doesn't need anything. He's a one-woman man." Jordan laughed at Garret's silly jokes. It's annoying.

"What does 'anything' have to do with a one-woman man?" I asked, confused.

"Bro. Don't you know that 'anything' can mean everything?" I was even more confused.

"Forget about it. You're too slow, man. You need a warm up." I frowned.

"What are you trying to say? Be specific."

"Nothing. Let's go on, Jordan. Our boss needs a 'warm up'." He said, emphasizing the warm up which I just shrugged, The two talked as if I wasn't there.

As we enter the venue, all eyes are on us, specifically me. Compliments and gossip are everywhere, as well as cameras.

"Mr. Anderson is so handsome."

"Yeah. He's hot, you must say."

"That's true. But they said that he already has a girlfriend, but I don't know if it's true."

"It's not true. I haven't seen him with a woman even before." And the gossip went on and on.

"Tsk tsk tsk man. Those women are having second thoughts if you're really a man. Why don't you find a worthy woman and show them?" Garret said, shaking his head.

"I have Iris and I don't care about other people's opinion." I quickly replied, annoyed.

"Iris?" He said thinking.

"Hmm.Yeah I remember her. You haven't even introduced her properly to us. Kevin and Chandler are waiting, you know. And I was just curious. Why don't you introduce her to the public?" He added as we walked to the table where our friends sat.

"You're too nosy. Go away!"

He tapped me on my shoulder as he shook his head, smiling. Chandler and Kevin stood up to do the bro hug.

"Bro"

"Man"

Then Garret continued. "No, I won't. Do you want me to introduce you to women I know?" I was about to answer when two people caught my attention.

I wasn't able to see their faces but they looked familiar. They were dancing.

"Who are you staring at?" I was startled by Chandler, the owner of the hotel.

"He's jealous of that woman", pointing at the person I was staring at, "with a man." Garret said jokingly.

"What? Do you know her?" Asked Kevin. "That woman is the owner of CS Hotel and Resto. I don't remember her name, but she's gorgeous. I have seen her once, but man, I can't get my mind off her." Chandler is the one speaking.

"How did you know? They're wearing a mask." I asked, although I somehow felt he was correct.

Chand replied, "we met earlier. She greeted me so as the man beside her. Her voice is enchanting."

He's daydreaming. Garret nudged him and said, "have you forgotten that you already have a girlfriend?"

"I was just admiring her bro. I love my girlfriend, you know that," he said defensively.

"I also saw her but only on TV. She appeared once on TV but I haven't seen her in person." Curious as always, Kevin said.

"She was once a guest at our resort. That was the first time I met her face to face."

The conversation went on and on but I was glued to her back. She's talking with a man when she suddenly looks around as if sensing someone staring at her. Our eyes met but she quickly averted her gaze and whispered something into the man's ear. It was an intimate gesture and I felt irritated.

The man held her waist and they walked away. I was about to stand up when Kevin talked.

"Where are you going bro? We still have plenty of time to party. Are you already bored? Do you miss your girlfriend?" They laugh.

"Calm down Cury. She isn't going anywhere."

I was suddenly brought to reality.

'Why do I want to follow her? He's right. I already have a girlfriend but I was still interested in another woman. That's cheating!' With that, I slowly sat down again and the event went smoothly.

After 3 hours, the event ended.

Garret stood first and said, "Finally, it's over. Do you have anything to do today?" We shook our heads.

"Great! Let's head out. We need a warm up." Chandler and Kevin laugh while I frown.

"Don't mind, mister one-woman man. He's clueless." He teases.

"Annoying" I said in a whisper as I walked past them.

They were laughing as they ran after me.

We ended up in one of the famous bars in the city an hour later.

Kevin booked the VIP room.

Kevin and Chandler are my college friends, who I didn't know existed not until they showed up at my office a year ago to catch up. I didn't believe them at first. I even called the security to chase them out but they showed me the pictures of us. They said that they knew what happened to me when I vanished 4 years ago. Since then, we have been inseparable again. Before I was able to introduce Garret, they already recognised each other. They said that Garret was Chandler's assistant before but he was able to build his own company after.

"He was my best assistant before but he founded his own company, so he resigned. I offered him a bigger salary but he refused. I was broken hearted at that time, when he left me." Garret hit Chandler playfully.

"You're gay?" Garret's eyes went wide.

"Yes, before." Replied Chandler and we all laughed.

I was thankful to have these friends despite those unexpected happenings.

"When are you planning to take Iris with you?" Kevin seriously asked, changing the topic and they expectantly looked at me.

"Maybe next week. I'm too busy this week." They all nodded in sync.

"Why are you all too nosy about my love life? Find yours!" I said, drinking a glass of Jack Daniel's.

"Calm down man. We're just curious. You've been together for a year yet you haven't introduced her properly to us."

"I am confused." I blurted out f the blue.

"Confused about?" They asked together, all ears.

"I don't know. I love Iris but I don't know why I still felt empty." They were taken aback by my sudden confession.

"That's a serious issue, man. When you told us you already had a girlfriend a year ago, I was surprised. I thought you were still together with Stella." It's my turn to be surprised.

"Don't you know Stella? She was your girlfriend for four years before you were diagnosed with a tumor." Added Chandler.

My heart is racing at the mention of her name. The name sounds familiar.

'Stella is the name I saw on the bracelet and her family was our family's friend, as mom mentioned.'

'our family friend's daughter'

There, I bid them goodbye and walked out. I heard them shouting my name but I didn't mind. I'll just talk to them when I get a good news.

I was thinking of her my whole drive until I got home. I slumped on the sofa and stared at the ceiling.

'Stella' I repeatedly said.

I didn't know when I fell asleep in that position.

_____

"I'm asking if you can be my girlfriend." I felt nervous while looking at her.

"What? Of course, yes!" She replied.

With that, we kissed for the first time and the fireworks exploded in the sky, making the surroundings more romantic.

"I love you, my Stella."

"I love you too, Ry." She replied and I sealed our love again with another kiss.

_____

I was woken up by my alarm in what I felt like a fairytale dream. I touched my lips when I remembered the kiss and it felt real, but I felt heavy in my chest at the same time. I even have tears in my eyes.

"Stella, I remember you now. Wait for me!" I said, wiping my tears, and I called my investigators.

"I need you to find a woman named Stella Matthews. Gather everything about her. Give me the information by tomorrow morning."