Past and Present: Intertwined

Chapter 6

Vincenzo's POV

"That's how I got here. And I really didn't lie to you about me being killed." Paolo sighed, with a downcast look in his eyes.

'I sympathize with my brother but I cannot forgive him now, not yet.' I thought to myself

Emilia came back from her room just in time. I think that she was only waiting for us to finish the conversation so she could come over.

"Good, now that you have talked it out. We should all take a rest and continue this conversation tomorrow." she declared

"You need to give time for yourselves to digest what happened, especially you." she added and looked at me at the end of her sentence.

"Okay let's stop, for now, you should rest Vince. If you still have questions you can always ask me." Paolo said while looking at me

"Thank you, brother," I replied and he smiled

"Paolo, it is already late, so it is best if you should stay here. There is an additional guest room here in my house, so stay for the night." Emilia announced, giving no time for refusal.

"I guess... I will just stay here." Paolo agreed almost immediately.

Paolo, Emilia, and I went to our respective rooms to sleep. And I guess this will be a long night without sleep for me.

...

Three years later...

My brother's company became very successful and they even opened various branches of it all across the country. I am so happy that Paolo managed to achieve his dreams and become successful in his chosen profession.

Three years have passed since I went to the future and met my brother. And it still feels unreal, knowing that there is a possibility that I will stay here forever and not have a chance of going back to my time. There is also this idea in my head, 'What if I suddenly go back in the past, without even bidding a proper goodbye to them.'

After contemplating that night, I soon forgave my brother. I understand that what happened before, was not entirely his fault. While today is a joyful occasion for the two of them, knowing that they will get married and live a happy life together, I am also satisfied. But there is still a part of me that wished, 'Maybe, just maybe, Emilia will choose me and love me. Just like how he loved my brother.'

Of course, I keep those feelings and thoughts tightly to myself, never to be known by either of them. I started preparing for the wedding, but Emilia suddenly asked for me, saying that we both needed to talk.

"Vincenzo, you're here.. There is something that I want to tell you so that I don't regret it." she said calmly but her eyes showed so many emotions.

"What do you want to talk about, Emilia?" I asked

"Remember when you said before that you liked me? I am so happy because my feelings got reciprocated but at the same time, I am sad because I can't say to you that I also love you." she hurriedly uttered, and it was a lie if I said that I didn't get shocked.

"B-b-but today is your wedding day! How can you suddenly say this to me?" I replied not knowing how to react.

"As I said earlier, I just don't want to regret that I didn't tell you my feelings. Don't worry, I will still marry your brother and I will learn to love him. That's why I did this, I want to cut off my feelings for you." she explained sadly

"I don't know what to say about that, but still... I love you, for the last time." I said to her with a small smile.

The wedding ceremony started and it went well. It is such a joyous occasion for everyone and I can proudly say that my brother's feelings for Emilia are so genuine. I know that the time will come when Emilia will love Paolo as much as he loves her. 

When we arrived at Paolo's house, or should I say their home. I went to the bathroom to wash my hands and fix my hair. When I looked in the mirror, I felt an inexplicable but familiar feeling. I slowly moved my hand closer to the mirror in an attempt to touch it.

To my surprise, my hand went through, just like what happened in my room inside the palace, before I went to this time. I looked around the bathroom, and thank goodness, I saw a piece of paper and a pen. I started writing a letter to the newlyweds and finished it by saying goodbye.

I put the piece of paper and pen beside the sink, where a table is placed, and then I slowly entered the mirror until I got fully engulfed in it.