Chapter 34: Chapter 34

—The truth and lies

Present Era

Argus POV

If Anika is not in her body, then the Anika I believe who was good to me is just all lies?

Meaning, the one whom I sealed a kiss in the elevator wasn't her?

I can't express how I felt right now. I had no idea that two people can switch souls and live in another body. It's not fair for me to listen and help her. Why she had to lie and didn't tell me the truth? I can help her at that time she goes to Anika's body so that we can figure this out. Is Denise and Sebastian knew about this? I think they knew too that their boss is fake and Anika had a hard time in the past. I wonder how she manages to stay there for a month or what if she didn't survive even a week? I need to go and see Ariana again. I need to understand what was going on.

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Denise Pov

Why she hasn't been home? We need to ask her what happened. Sebastian told me that something occurred when Argus came outside to ask Anika and grab her going to the forest. He can't remember what did Argus do to him that he just stood there like he didn't say anything. What if Argus finds out that Anika is fake and she was in another era?

I'm still walking back and forth inside her mansion while waiting for Ariana.

"Denise, you're still here?" At last, she came.

I walked towards her to check if she was hurt or not.

"I'm glad you're not hurt. But where did you slept last night? We look at you at the party but Sebastian told me Argus took you somewhere. Is that true?" I asked her.

She looks troubled the way she moves her eyes on me. Her body trembled too. I saw cold sweats on her forehead. I think something just happened.

"I'm done. Argus found me, Denise. Tell me what to do? What if he will tell the board of directors? I can't go back if that happens and your boss too!" She said and I don't know what to do also.

I hold Ariana's hands to calm her. I look her in the eyes.

"Please relax. Why you're scared of him? If you want to come back to your husband and family we have to find Anika's real parents first." I told her.

She's been keeping secrets from us. I just found her diary inside her room. She was shocked when she heard about her mission. She holds my shoulders and grips them tightly.

"How do you know that? Did I tell you about it? Tell me, Denise!" Her voice sounded like Anika.

I feel like I was talking to the same person.

"I'm so sorry, Ariana. I didn't mean to. Why you lied to us? Don't you trust us? Or let's say you're in love with Argus Mateo, that's why you chose to trust him? That jerk!" I said trying to tell her about his secret but I didn't.

I took a deep breath. Maybe I'll ask her if she's willing to go back or not. No one knows about her secret except me, Sebastian, her auntie, and Argus. We can figure it out. We're happy that Anika was out of our lives. She is not allowed to come back here. Maybe it's her punishment to be in another person's body because of her evil attitude. Nobody loves her except her close friend John. We need to be careful with him or else everything will fall into pieces.

"What is your plan? I know Argus like you and----" she cut me out.

I was in the middle of our conversation when she cut me out.

"He doesn't love me. He loves Anika." She simply said.

"But you're Anika not Ariana!" I insisted.

She shook her head.

"No, I'm not what he wants. I can see it in his eyes. The moment I told him about me, he looks terrified." She added.

I chuckled. Argus Mateo is a very cunning and vengeful person I know. I know he has motives. I must tell Debora that Argus found the Sangria, I mean the fake Sangria.

I sat beside Ariana.

"Please, don't trust that guy. We can make it another way. What is your decision?" I asked her again.

She took a deep breath and cupped her face. She was tired I guess and don't know what to do too.

"I don't know. I must think about what is right. I don't want to betray Anika again. I feel like I'm no different from her."She said.

Ariana Pov as Ariana

What do I do? I need to follow what my heart wants. I'm afraid to make mistakes again but I am scared to become a slave again. I love it here and I want to stay here.

I was too clouded with many thoughts in my head and I didn't realize I fall asleep.

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" Ariana, wake up! I need you to explain to me!" I was troubled by the voice I heard from afar.

My eyes were tired to open but I managed to. I quickly got up to see Anika standing in front of me. Her eyes glared at me like she's going to kill me. I can see the anger on her face.

"Give me back my life! You filthy whore! I did everything for you! How can you betray me!" She keeps cursing me until I felt her hands gripping my neck.

My eyes widened in fear. I hold her hands to stop it.

" Please, I beg you--do--do-not kill--me!" I was pleading for her mercy

She wasn't listening to me. Her anger is in range. I saw Ergo beside her cursing at me too.

"I told you to finish your MISSION! You chose money and forget your husband. Give her life back, Ariana! Finally, Anika found your parents, your real parents!" Ergo told her.

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"AHHHH!!!!  Stop, Anika, stop!" I shouted and got up from my bed.

I opened my eyes to find Anika but she's not choking me. I was dreaming again. Did I?

Wait, she said my real parents. What does she mean by it?