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"Western Eagle University," I whispered, feeling the cold shiver of triumph slowly creeping closer. It was as if every letter of its name carried with it a memory— and a scar.
It’s good to be back.
It’s good to be here again.
After so many years, I am finally back in the place where the game began. Same ambiance. Same place. Nothing has changed— just like before. But I guess... there’s one thing that did change— the people. Some had grown older and more mature, while others had climbed their way to power, earning wealth, fame, and influence.
I smirked.
At last, I’ll see again the people who played a huge role in the reason why I came back. The people I once called friends… and now, mere pawns in a game where I hold the reins.
“Are you ready, Sean?”
I turned toward the driver’s seat where Marl was. My brows furrowed at his question, but a secret smile still tugged at my lips.
Am I truly ready?
Yes, of course.
Spending five years in the States was more than enough. I bled, struggled, and worked my ass off for this. For almost five years, they lived in peace despite all their sins against me— but now, it’s my turn. My turn to collect what’s mine. My turn to make them pay.
“What do you think?” I shook my head and glanced again at the three words carved at the top of the wall— words that, for them, symbolized honor, but for me… a reminder of betrayal.
The five-story building of Agila—the old and primary structure of Western Eagle University—towered before us like a silent witness to everything that happened years ago. At the entrance, the grand staircase, designed in ancient Spanish architecture, screamed power and authority.
The moss on the brick walls looked like scars that would never fade. And the towering round columns surrounding it stood like sentinels, guarding its silence from anyone who dared to break it.
But I’m not here to break the peace.
I’m here to burn it to the ground.
“I’m ready,” I declared firmly. “I’m ready to face them again, Marl. I’ve wasted enough years.”
“If that’s what you want… I’ll trust you, Sean,” he sighed. “But if ever you need my help… don’t hesitate to call me.”
“If I need you. But this time… let me do this. I can handle it on my own,” I said, meeting his gaze through the rearview mirror.
He nodded, with no choice but to agree. After all, he had been a witness to every wound I endured back then— and to every step I took to become who I am now.
And just as he always said… he would do everything for me. Even if it cost him his life. That’s why I hope this time, he’ll let me finish this the way I want.
He stepped out of the car, shaking his head, and walked around to open the backseat door for me. A few seconds later, I was greeted by a man who looked like a living Adonis.
Wearing his crisp white tuxedo, Marl offered his hand to help me out. He looked sharp, almost princely, in his suit. He flashed a dazzling smile as he grabbed my hand and hooked it on his arm.
If I were another woman, I might have fallen for this man long ago.
“Thank you.” I smiled and tiptoed to plant a peck on his cheek.
A grin curved on Marl’s lips, and he seemed to enjoy it, his cheeks flushing red. “It’s my pleasure, Sean. Good luck.”
I nodded at him, then turned toward the grand staircase. I lifted my gaze to the full moon above the building— like a masterpiece staring back at me, giving both mystery and warning. As if it was telling me that countless stories were still hidden here, and I… I was about to add another chapter.
At the entrance of the function hall, blinding flashes of cameras instantly greeted me.
The moment I stepped inside, the spotlight hit me—as though it had been waiting just for me.
Everyone gasped and froze. I caught the whispers, the confusion, the sharp inhales as I walked down the extravagant red carpet. Eyes followed me—some curious, some judgmental, most unprepared. Or maybe they thought I was an actress they weren’t expecting to see.
Confidence surged through me, fueled by the rapid, pounding beat of the live band’s music.
“Is that Engineer Sean Lee?” A playful baritone pierced through the noise.
“I think so…”
“B-But what is she doing here?”
“We don’t know,” another answered. “But damn, bros! She’s so hot and freaking gorgeous!”
I heard a hiss from one of them. “We’re lucky if she’s still single, David.”
A playful laugh echoed after.
Their laughter was like a swarm of flies buzzing in my ears.
I rolled my eyes and brushed it off. Yes, I’d lived in the States—a liberated country—but some men never learn when to shut up.
I’m not here for them.
Not tonight.
So, I let it pass.
As I walked, I caught sight of female socialites shrinking in insecurity as I stole the center of attention. I used to hate this kind of spotlight… but seeing the envy in their eyes made me want to bask in it a little longer.
Maybe I should come here every day if this is always the scene.
“Is that… A-Akemi?” a whisper cut through, clear to me even with the loud music.
My eyes darted toward a nearby table draped in royal blue silk. Dean.
Beside her, Rose—dressed in blinding sequins—turned after spotting me. “W-What is she doing here? I-Is she even invited?”
Of course, it was them. Former friends who now looked like strangers, clueless about the meaning of loyalty. No matter how expensive their dresses, the stench of betrayal still clung to them.
Pathetic.
I once believed that if you sowed kindness, you’d reap the same.
But I was wrong.
I was kind to all of them. I stepped on no one. But look at these bitches now—glaring at me with disgust, as if I were some murderer.
Still, I lifted my chin and smiled sweetly as I moved forward, showing them I was powerful now.
A few more steps and I saw their table.
I stopped.
Now, I’m too close.
Too close… to finally carry out my plans for all of you.
I smirked as the thought flickered in my mind. The three of them froze, staring at me with shock, disbelief painted on their faces.
“Y-You…” Ryu muttered, almost in a daze.
Yes, it was him. I memorized every line, every sharp angle of that face. He’d changed physically—more muscles, a black beard framing his jaw, his hair longer than before—but those eyes…
Those hooded brown eyes still carried the same dominance, the same cruelty. The same ones that once made me bow my head in fear.
But not anymore.
Our eyes locked. I saw the silent question in his stare. Will you run to me? Hug me? Pretend nothing happened?
Well, he’s wrong.
Maybe I’d hug him—right before stabbing him in the back.
“T-This isn’t real. This isn’t happening!”
El Sandra’s shrill voice cut through, sharp and venomous. My dear cousin—still beautiful, still toxic.
In her sheer green mermaid dress, she was clearly aiming to own the night. But I pity you, El Sandra. You can’t win when I’m here.
Her deep-set brown eyes burned with desperation, her brows arching high in shock. I saw the cracks in her illusion, melting away like ice in the desert under my gaze.
I shook my head slowly, mocking her, then turned to the man beside her—Ren. In his black tuxedo and thick glasses, he looked less shocked than the rest.
No… not shock.
A flicker of surprise, maybe.
The gleam of joy in his hooded gray eyes told me he knew something. And suddenly, I remembered another pair of eyes from that night—intense, unflinching.
Could it have been him?
Was that his role in the game?
“I’m back,” I said lightly, but my voice was laced with steel.
I stepped closer. They gasped, leaning back like mice cornered by a starving cat.
I’m back.
Yes, I’m back.
I’m back for my revenge.
So you better be smart in playing… because this game is far more dangerous— and far more thrilling—than hers ever was.
