CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 30
Michael walked silently towards Brent's room. Those he met, especially the women, smiled at him. After all, who wouldn't notice him since he's handsome? And women these days, swoon for this kind of face.

Upon reaching Brent's room, he first adjusted his coat. He had to be careful, especially since he felt something had changed in Brent. He had experienced those changes in his friend before he and Jia were harmed. And what confused him even more was something Brent would sometimes say, that if he repeated a question, Brent seemed to change. Or rather, he would return to the Brent he used to know. He didn't pay much attention to it, especially since Brent hadn't fully recovered yet.

Michael let out a deep sigh as he remembered the killing of the two.

Yes. The two siblings were killed, and until now, he still had no lead as to who orchestrated it against the siblings.

What puzzled him was that even D didn't know who was behind it all.

Michael shook his head before knocking on the door and entering. He found Brent busy with his illustration paper and pencil. Brent didn't even bother to look up at him.

Michael walked closer to his friend. "How are you, Brent?"

Brent didn't answer his question right away. He just kept drawing. And because Michael was close to him, he could see what Brent was drawing. It was a thin person with horns and a tail.

"It is not a human, Michael."

He was surprised—not by what Brent said, but by the name Brent used for him.

Michael? How did he know—

No. He was sure. Brent didn't know the truth. Maybe he just got confused when calling him. There's no way Brent would know about his true identity.

"W-what did you s-say again?"

"You ruined the balance, Michael." Brent placed the pencil he was holding beside him before looking at the window.

Because Brent's nape was exposed, Michael saw a small bruise on it. The truth was, Brent was shot in the nape, which caused his death. And if it weren't for D, he wouldn't have had another chance, just like Jia, who was also riddled with bullets.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Brent." At last, he gathered the courage to speak. He was intrigued by Brent. Even D couldn't bring himself to approach his friend. "You should rest first, and I'll be leaving soon. Jia is doing fine, and she can be discharged anytime soon—"

"Jia, this body, and you are the same, aren't you?"

He looked at his friend again. What did he mean by "this body"? The act of turning away that he was about to do didn't happen because of what Brent said.

"What are you talking about? I don't know what you're up to. And I certainly don't know what you're saying." He forced himself to be firm so he wouldn't stammer. Even he couldn't explain what was happening to his friend.

"All three of you are dead, Michael, am I right?"

His eyes widened at what he heard. Did Brent know what really happened to him and his sibling? Impossible! He knew D had erased that memory so the siblings could live peacefully. He didn't want them to remember what happened at the warehouse.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He was like a parrot just repeating what to say because he couldn't find the right words to talk to the man.

And what was puzzling him most? The words Brent used about himself. He was speaking as if he were someone else and not Brent himself.

"You have to stop what you're doing. There's still hope for you, Michael. It's not too late for you."

"I'm leaving—"

"Oh, Mr. Sandoval, you're here..."

What???!!!

Was he seeing this right?! Brent's previously serious face was now smiling at him. And judging by his reaction, it was as if he had just woken up from a deep sleep, even though the truth was he had been talking and talking earlier, and Michael couldn't even understand him.

"Did you go to your sister—are you okay, Mr. Sandoval?"

"H-huh? Ahh, yeah, yeah." Michael wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. Despite the cold air-conditioning in the room they were in, he was sweating.

"How is she? I talked to her earlier. But knowing her, I know if she's feeling anything, she won't tell me. She'd rather face problems alone than let me know."

"Is that so." He was stunned by the sudden change in Brent's mood. If he wasn't sure it was Brent earlier, now he was absolutely certain. Brent spoke softly and with emotion, especially when talking about his sister.

"I haven't thanked you yet, though I don't remember exactly what happened, I still want to thank you, especially since Officer Gary said you brought Jia and me here. And aside from that, thank you for taking care of both of us. I know you've taken on our hospital bills."

"It's nothing. I heard you were close to Michael, my twin, so I know he would do the same if he were alive."

"Hmm. I know. That's why the person behind all of this should be caught. They need to pay for their sin so Michael can rest in peace. But I still can't believe he's gone. Even Jia can't accept the truth that our friend is no longer here. It's been months, but until now, we still can't figure out who killed him. No matter how much they cover up what really happened, I know Michael didn't commit suicide. He was killed."

"How can you say that?"

"He was so excited about his new project. So who would be crazy enough to commit suicide when the hotel he worked hard for is opening in just a few days?"

You're right, Brent. You're right... He just didn't voice those words.