Chapter 58

Chapter 58
Rigella Andrea's POV

It’s a beautiful place I’m walking in right now. It feels like a paradise I’ve never seen before. The air is fresh, with a gentle fragrance that must be coming from the colorful flowers all around me. I can’t quite figure out… where is this place?

Even my clothes are strange. I used to wear all black, but now I’m in a long-sleeved white dress that fits me perfectly. I have white flats on my feet. I don’t know how I look exactly, but I’m sure I look beautiful—like someone from a dream, if a mirror were here to show me.

I have no idea where I am, but I’m enjoying every second of it. It’s as if I was meant to be here. This is the peace I needed—a place that feels both serene and surreal. After everything that happened earlier, all I want is rest. This place is my refuge.

I don’t want to be in chaos again. I’m so tired of it. And now that it’s all over... maybe it’s time for me to rest.

I never thought it would be this difficult to be Andrea Steinfields. I admit, I miss who I used to be. I miss Rigella—the girl who was vulnerable when it came to love but still had the strength to face all her battles.

Yes, Andrea and Rigella share similarities. But Rigella was… different. Special. Despite the years of pain, she always found the courage to stand back up—for love, for family, for herself.

I loved that version of me. I miss the way I smiled through my pain so my son and everyone around me would believe I was okay. I miss the tears I cried every night, the pain I endured, and the prayers I offered for Ivan and my son. I miss trying so hard to earn Ivan’s love, even when he treated me like a disease.

All those moments—however painful—made me strong. That wasn’t desperation or self-pity. That was me doing what I thought was necessary to endure the pain and keep going. To chase the one thing I longed for: Ivan’s love.

I had every right. I’m only human. I didn’t care what anyone said. Even if the world thought we were happy, I cried freely. Tears were my only outlet.

But ever since I became Andrea Steinfields, I changed. I became numb without realizing it. Consumed by a quiet rage that made me do things I never imagined. I became cold, ruthless to anyone who stood in my way.

Rigella vanished. Along with the name change came a total transformation of my soul. And it all happened because of the pain Rigella could no longer carry.

Still, despite all these thoughts, I smiled. I noticed a flower nearby, blooming and changing color. Maybe I should do the same. I want to return to who I once was—because I don’t like who I’ve become. Sure, I don’t hurt easily, but I also don’t feel. I’ve gone numb.

I want to be Rigella again. I want to feel pain—because through that pain came strength. But maybe, just maybe, this time the pain will pass and be replaced by the happiness and peace I’ve always wished for.

I kept walking, but then I stopped. I heard a familiar voice humming a familiar tune. Oh no… could it be?

My lips quivered with unexpected emotion. Even though my legs felt like stone, I forced myself forward toward the sound. My hands trembled. Please… let it be him.

As I got closer, the voice became clearer—no longer humming, but singing:

> “You said it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like shooting stars
I'm at the edge of my emotions,
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love, and I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time in my only life…”

I quickened my pace. It couldn’t be anyone else. It had to be her.

I stopped abruptly.

There she was, leaning against a radiant tree with lush green leaves that glowed gently. She smiled as she sang, her eyes fixed on the sky.

Like me, she wore a white dress, but she was barefoot. She held a flower in one hand, another tucked behind her ear.

She looked absolutely… adorable.

“Ate…” The word escaped me.

Ate Rina stopped singing but kept smiling. She turned toward me, her eyes warm. I was frozen, crying silently, overwhelmed.

She walked toward me. Her face radiated a joy and peace I’d never seen before. She was truly happy now. Thank God.

“Andrea,” she said when she reached me. Her smile widened. “Welcome to my paradise.”

I couldn’t speak. I shut my eyes tightly and threw myself into her arms. I clung to her and cried into her shoulder. Thank the gods, I saw her again. The one who helped me stand when I couldn’t.

She laughed gently and hugged me back. I bit my lip, trying not to sob—but I failed. My sobs escaped loudly, and Ate laughed again, just like she did when we were kids. She always laughed first, then gave me advice.

I missed everything about her—her laugh, her scent, her smile. I missed her so much. If only I had been stronger… maybe I wouldn’t have lost her.

After minutes of crying, we remained in each other’s arms. She stroked my hair and back.

“Let go and face me, Andrea. Let’s talk,” she whispered.

We pulled apart slightly. She wiped my tears with her hand.

“Don’t cry, little sister,” she said gently. “We don’t have much time.”

I stepped back a little and looked around again. “Where am I? Where are we? Why can I see and talk to you?”

Her mysterious smile deepened.

“You’re in my paradise, Andrea. You’re in heaven,” Ate said.

My eyes widened in shock. I gasped. She wasn’t lying.

“You mean… I’m dead?” I muttered, suddenly remembering—I was shot. Seymour shot me.

Ate chuckled. “No! Of course not. You’re not dead. God just allowed you to visit me. He said your unwavering faith deserves a reward. That’s this. But your time is limited, so speak freely while you’re here.”

“But… I can go back, right? My children, Ate…” I looked down and was shocked to see the ground had turned transparent. Below, I saw my children standing by my hospital bed—my body lying unconscious.

“Don’t worry, Andrea. You’ll go back. This is just a visit,” Ate reassured me. “So… do you want to ask anything?”

I looked at her, hesitant. “Why did you sacrifice yourself for me?”

“Because I love you, Andrea,” she said without pause. “And I needed peace. That was the only way I knew to help us all.”

“But you disappeared because of that, Ate. You shouldn’t have—” A sharp pain hit my chest.

She smiled. “It was my choice. And you’re doing well now. You’re strong.”

I took a deep breath. “You worked with Ivan, didn’t you?”

She nodded. “Yes. We both wanted to protect you, so we worked together. That man loves you so much, Andrea. He would die for you.”

Sadness flickered in her voice, and I frowned.

I looked down again. Roxanne and Darlyn were beside my hospital bed. But… Ivan wasn’t.

“Where’s Ivan?” I whispered.

“If you want to know the answer… choose to return,” Ate said softly.

I nodded. “Okay… but wait—have you seen Mom and Dad? Kuya Ryan? How are they?”

Ate smiled. “They’re fine. Watching us now. They wanted to see you, but I was chosen to speak with you. They do have a message.”

“What is it?” I asked, holding back tears.

“They said: Be happy with what you have. Don’t give up. And they love you dearly. You were the only princess of their lives.” Ate’s tears fell as she hugged me again.

“And… thank you for fighting for us. You’re our pride, Andrea. You survived what we couldn’t. You are our hero.”

I cried again.

“I’ve accepted your loss, Ate. It still hurts… but I’m coping. Because I know you wouldn’t want me to be sad.”

She smiled. “That’s right. Now… don’t you want to go back and find Ivan?”

I bit my lip and nodded. “Yes. Until we meet again, Ate.”

“You’ll see me again, Andrea. But first, wake up and live.”

And with that—