My Time

Chapter 2

"Nova, can you tell me where Thiago's company is?"

A faint glow flickered in front of me. Within seconds, a holographic map appeared in the air. Roads, buildings, and pathways formed a clean route that is far more detailed than any navigation app I've used.

"This is the route to Thiago's company," Nova said. "It's a short walk from here, but I could teleport you there."

I stared at the map and then shook my head.

"Don't bother," I replied. "There are people outside. If I suddenly disappear into thin air, I might start a whole new problem. I'm trying to fix the future, not become an urban legend."

"Understood," Nova answered calmly. "Manual travel it is."

The hologram shifted, adjusting itself to follow my movement as I started walking.

The moment I stepped onto the street, a breeze brushed against my skin. I paused for a moment, taking it in.

Fresh air. Real air.

After everything that happened... the accident, the void, the revelation. I didn't realize how much I missed something simple.

"I'm... really back," I whispered.

The stretched far, familiar yet slightly different. Buildings I remembered were still here, but new ones stand between them. Some are sleek, modern, or slightly out of place. Shop had change their names, there are advertisement boards, and the crown here carries a different energy than before.

But despite all that... It still felt like home.

I followed Nova's route, letting my feet carry me forward while my mind wandered.

Eleven years. That was how long I'd been gone.

Eleven years of birthdays missed. Unheard arguments. Moments I would never get back.

I clenched my fist slightly.

Not this time.

"This is it."

Thiago's company.

It was exactly what I expected. Yet, seeing it in person still left an impression on me. The structure is above everything around it. Its exterior reflects the sky like a mirror. The entrance is wide, guarded, and intimidating.

"Of course he'd choose something flashy," I muttered. "That's Thiago after all."

"Based on the narrative," Nova said, "Thiago Dalil Xu is known for his dominant and overpowering presence. His company reflects that."

"Yeah, yeah. He's just overdoing it, if you ask me."

I walked forward anyway. The moment I approached the entrance, two security guards stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

"Ma'am, only employees are allowed inside."

I crossed my arms.

"The CEO here is my brother."

"Mr. Xu?" They didn't even hesitate. "Don't be delusional, ma'am. Now and then, a girl who'd say they're his lover. Now, brother?"

A beat of silence, then I scoffed.

"Delusional?" I repeated, one eyebrow up. "You're calling me delusional?"

The audacity.

I let out a sarcastic laugh, shaking my head. "We'll see about that."

Before they could react, I moved. Quick and low, I slipped under the arm of the guard blocking me and darted forward.

"Hey--!"

Too late.

I ran straight into the building, my steps echoing against the polished floor. My eyes immediately locked onto the elevators.

Target acquired.

"Stop her!" One of the guards shouted behind me.

No thanks.

I sprinted faster, ignoring the startled looks of employees that are nearby. Just as I reached the elevator, the doors slid open.

Perfect timing.

I slipped inside and hit the close button repeatedly. The doors shut just as the guards reached it.

"Ha..."

I leaned back against the wall, letting out a breath of relief. "That was easier than expected."

Nova's voice chimed in. "That stunt had a 73% chance of success."

"Only 73%? You could've told me that earlier."

"I calculated it in real time."

"Of course you did."

A glow appeared near the panel, and a number flashed.

10.

I glanced at it. "That's his floor?"

"Yes."

I pressed the button. The elevator chimed as it began to rise. And just like that... The tension settled in.

My reflection stared back at me from the metallic walls. My expression was calm, but my thoughts were anything but, nervous, excited, and angry, all at once.

Would he recognize me?

He didn't even recognize my voice earlier.

Would he laugh it off?

Call security?

or...

Would he look at me like a stranger?

The elevator slowed

Ding

The doors slid open, and chaos greeted me.

The entire floor was busy with activities. Employees moved quickly from one place to another, carrying documents, speaking in hushed but urgent tones. The phone rang. Keyboards clicked. Conversations overlapped.

It was kind of... overwhelming.

I took a deep breath and then stepped out.

No one stopped me.

No one even looked at me.

"I feel like I'm invisible," I murmured.

"They are preoccupied," Nova explained. "Your presence is not their priority right now."

"Good. Let's keep it that way."

A glowing path appeared in front of me.

Nova's path.

"Follow this. It leads directly to Thiago's office."

"Got it."

I moved forward, blending in as much as possible. Left. Right. Straight. Another turn. The floor was bigger than I expected. Without Nova, I would've been lost within minutes.

"I owe you one," I whispered.

"No acknowledgment necessary."

Still.

"Thank you."

Silence followed, but somehow, it felt like Nova understood. After a few more turns, I stopped in front of a large door.

Thiago's office.

My heart skipped a beat.

This was it.

I stared at the door for a second, gathering myself, then I pushed it open. hard.

"Thiago Dalil Xu."

The room fell silent. He looked up. Our eyes met, and for the first time since I returned... he froze?

His expression cracked, eyes widening in pure shock. He stood up abruptly from his chair, as if his body moved before his mind could catch up.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

I walked toward him. Step by step. Slow. Deliberate. His gaze never left mine. Confusion. Disbelief. Something deeper.

Good.

Before he could say a word

I reached out.

And grabbed his ear. Hard.

"Ow?!"

"You're really asking for a beating, huh?!" I snapped, twisting slightly.

His entire body stiffened. "A-ah---wait---what?!"

I leaned closer, glaring at him. "You hang up on me?" I continued, my voice sharp. "On me?!"

"I don't even---who---?!"

"Oh, now you don't know?" I scoffed. "Should I remind you how you used to cry when you couldn't find your socks?!"

"What...?"

"And who was it that stayed up all night helping you with your homework, huh?!"

His eyes widened further. Recognition flickered. "No way..."

I released his ear, but only so I could flick his forehead.

"Idiot."

He stared at me, stunned. "Aiza?"

I crossed my arms.

"Took you long enough."

Silence filled the room. Heavy. Unreal.

"You're dead,"

I smirked slightly. "Yeah," I replied. "And yet here I am."

He took a step back, running a hand through his hair. "This doesn't make sense..."

"Tell me about it."

Another pause, then his expression was slight, as if trying to regain control.

"...If this is some kind of joke---"

Before he could finish, I smacked his arm.

"Does that feel like a joke to you?"

"No...ouch..."

"Good."

I exhaled slowly, my expression softening just a little. "Listen carefully, Thiago," I said, my tone serious now. "I don't have time to explain everything yet."

Hiz gazed sharpened.

"But what I can tell you..." I stepped closer. "...is that you keep going what you're doing right now." My eyes locked onto his, "You're going to lose everything.

The air shifted. The weight of words settled between us. And for the first time.

He didn't have an immediate answer.