My Time

Chapter 6

"Denver... went missing after you passed away."

Thiago's voice was low. Careful. Like each word carried weight, he didn't want to drop. "I didn't take great care of him," he added, his gaze fixed somewhere far from me. "I'm sorry."

For a moment, everything went quiet.

Missing.

Not jailed.

Not yet.

My heart, which had been breathing itself for the worst, loosened, just a little.

So I'm not too late.

I inhaled slowly, steadying myself.

Good. That means I still have time. I can fix this.

I reached out and grabbed his hand before he could sink deeper into whatever guilt he was drowning in.

"It's okay," I said firmly, squeezing his hand. "Now that I'm back, we'll find him."

He looked at me, startled.

"I'm capable," I continued, softening my tone. "So relax your mind, okay?"

For a second, he just stared at me, then he smiled. Not the polished smile he used for business. not the controlled one he wore in public.

but a wide, genuine smile.

"Okay..."

And just like that, the tension in his shoulder eased.

Meanwhile, mine tightened because while he was finally able to breathe... I was the one holding everything together.

The future Nova showed me Denver's downfall, but it hasn't happened yet. Which means the clock is ticking. I need to find him.

Fast.

Maybe I should start with Liam's younger brother. In the original story, that incident connects them.

No.

Why am I complicating things?

"Nova," I thought instinctively, "Can you..."

No, Aiza. You can't rely on Nova for everything.

This is your brother. Find him yourself.

"Can you show me the room I'll be sleeping in?" I asked out loud.

Thiago nodded immediately. "Of course."

~~~~~~

The room he showed me was... extravagant!

Bigger than my old one.

Cleaner.

Neater.

"Home sweet home," I muttered, walking in.

I dropped myself onto the bed without another thought.

Soft.

Too soft.

Comfortable.

Too comfortable.

And before I knew it,

Darkness took over.

~~~~~~

12:05 AM

"Not... so sweet home."

I stared at the ceiling. Wide awake. Again. "I can't sleep!" I groaned, turning to the side for what felt like the hundredth time. "This is torture."

"I believe your insomnia is acting up," Nova said calmly.

"Yeah, no s**t, Sherlock---" I paused, rubbing my face. "I mean no joke." I sighed. "Sorry. That came out harsher than I meant."

"It's alright," Nova replied. "Your condition is understandable."

I rolled onto my back again.

"You can ask me questions," Nova suggested. "It might help as a distraction."

"Questions, huh."

I stared at the ceiling, thinking. "What was the plot for Thiago again?"

A hologram flickered into view above me.

Images.

Scened.

Informations.

"Liam and Ava broke up due to a minor disagreement," Nova explained. "To provoke jealousy, Ava intentionally grew closer to Thiago."

My expression darkened. Of course she did.

"Due to Thiago's influence," Nova continued, "Ava received opportunities to star in high-rating films. Meanwhile, Liam persistently attempts to win her back, but Ava maintains distance."

I slowly sat up. My face twisted in irritation.

Desperate much, Ava? Using my brother as a tool?

My grop tightened on the blanket.

Unbelievable.

A notification sound broke my thoughts. I reached for my phone.

"Today's trending topic," Nova added, "was supposed to focus on Ava and Thiago. However, it has shifted."

"Shifted?"

"It is now about you and Thiago," Nova said. "Due to a lack of identification, you are referred to as 'the mysterious woman"

I blinked. "Huh..." A slow smile formed. "I guess that's progress."

Less spotlight on Ava.

More confusion.

More room for me to move.

"I'm going out for some fresh air,"

I got up and walked towards the balcony, the glass door slid open, and cool night air immediately wrapped around me. I stepped outside, took a deep breath, then stretched.

"This feels good."

The sky was clear. Stars scattered across it like tiny lights.

For a moment, everything felt quiet. Peaceful. Like the world wasn't trying to collapse in on itself.

I leaned against the railing, letting the breeze calm my thoughts.

I'll find you, Denver.

No matter what.

After a few minutes, the tension in my body slowly faded. My eyelids grew heavy.

"Finally."

I went back inside. And this time, sleep came.

~~~~~~

Morning.

When I woke up, sunlight streamed softly through the curtains. I stretched lazily before getting up. I took a quick shower. Simple clothes, nothing fancy.

By the time I went downstairs, the smell of food greeted me. Jamie was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, while Thiago was already seated.

"What happened to you, Ms. Aiza?" Jamie asked, glancing at me.

I guess she noticed the dark circles under my eyes.

"Aiza's insomnia is acting up," Thiago said casually before I could even answer.

I paused.

"Excuse me?"

"You were tossing and turning last night," he added.

I narrowed my eyes. "When were you watching me sleep?"

"I wasn't," he said quickly. "I could literally hear it last night because our rooms are just next to each other." He explained.

"Can't you ask the person who bought our villa to sell it back?" I asked, changing the topic.

"I'll ask him for you today, Ms. Aiza," Jamie offered.

I brightened instantly. "Thank you, Jiji! Is it okay if I call you Jiji?"

She blinked. "Yes, Ms."

"Drop the 'Ms.'" I said, smiling. "Just call me Aiza. Or Ayi."

"Yes, Ms---" she stopped herself. "Ayi."

Cute.

"Hey, not fair," Thiago complained, pouting. "You always get mad when we call you that."

"Bleh," I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Jamie, did you already see the article---"

"I was about to tell her not to worry about it," I cut him off quickly.

He froze. "You already know?" he asked carefully.

"How would I not?" I replied. "Out of ten videos, seven are about you and Avan, and the other three are about her and Liam."

He looked slightly uncomfortable. "Well... Liam and Ava are just a loveteam for promotion," he explained. "It's fake. Liam forced her."

I tilted my head. "Is that what Ava told you?"

He lowered his head. I sighed internally.

Of course it is.

"No wonder you're acting like this," I muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing."

I leaned back slightly. "Is there a possibility they actually dated before?"

"Impossible!" he said immediately. "Don't believe nonsense online."

I stared at him.

This boy... is going to give me a headache.

"Mr. Xu," Jamie interrupted, "you'll be late. You still have to finish a meeting from yesterday."

"Oh, right," he said, standing up. "Jamie, stay and take care of my sister."

"Of course."

"Sis, I'll go now."

"Yeah, yeah. Take care."

Once he left, I immediately turned to Jamie. "Jamiieee..."

She looked at me. "No."

"You don't even know what I'm going to ask!"

"I already know."

I grabbed her hand. "Take me to his meeting."

"No."

"I'll sit quietly!"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

I leaned closer. "Jiji..."

She looked away. I hugged her arm. "Pleeease?"

She sighed. "Okay, okay. I'll take you."

"Yes!"

~~~~~~~

At the Company.

By the time we arrived, the meeting had already started. Jamie quickly grabbed a chair and placed it at the back of the room.

"You can sit here," she whispered.

I nodded and sat down. From where I was, Thiago couldn't see me, but I could see him clearly.

"He really has grown up," I murmured, a small smile forming.

He looked confident. Focused, commanding, Nothing like the boy I remembered. I listened quietly as the meeting continued. Numbers, reports, discussions.

It was... impressive.

"I heard Mr. Xu left before the meeting ended yesterday."

My attention shifted to the two employees whispering nearby.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I wonder if he'll do it again today."

"It's for Ava," another voice said.

I leaned slightly closer.

"I heard he cleared an entire mall just to take her shopping."

My expression darkened.

"He's really into her, huh?"

I clenched my fists. So it's not just rumors. He's neglecting work... For her...

I slowly leaned back in my chair.

Calm.

Stay calm.

I'm trying to stay calm, even though I was already planning something.

Just wait until this meeting ends.

I glanced at Thiago. Still focused, still serious, still acting like a proper CEO.

I crossed my arms. "You're dead."

Not literally. But emotionally? mentally?

Little brother, discipline is coming. And this time...

I won't hold back.