
Damon had a business trip planned, and Lia was set to accompany him on their journey to Japan. As they boarded the plane, Damon took his seat, only to find himself uncomfortably positioned next to a woman who seemed quite determined to engage him in conversation.
Flirtatious Passenger: "So, what brings you to Japan? Business or pleasure?" Damon, trying to maintain politeness: "It's a business trip."
However, the woman persisted in her attempts to strike up a more personal conversation, making Damon increasingly uneasy. Deciding he needed a change, Damon looked around the business-class cabin for an alternative seat.
Damon (to himself): "This is not ideal, but I can't endure this for the entire flight."
Spotting an available seat next to Lia, Damon seized the opportunity to escape the persistent passenger. With a polite excuse, he moved to the empty seat next to Lia.
Damon, feigning nonc


Damon: "Rachel, I need those documents for the meeting today. Where are they?"
Lia, lost in her thoughts, momentarily spaced out.
Damon, growing impatient: "Rachel, did you hear me? I asked for the documents."
Lia, caught off guard: "Oh, yes, Mr. Damon. I'll get them right away."
Distracted by her internal turmoil, Lia struggled to focus on the task at hand. Damon, now visibly frustrated, demanded the documents once more.
Damon: "Rachel, this is crucial. I need those documents now!"
Lia, flustered and attempting to recover: "I'm sorry, Mr. Damon. I'll get them right away."
As Lia rushed to retrieve the documents, Damon's irritation escalated. In his agitated state, he made a rash decision.
Damon: "Actually, Rachel, forget it. If you can't handle a simple task, I don't see the point of having you around. Take the day off. ”
With that he walked off.
In her unexpected day off, Lia ran into



"Thanks for the ride," Lia expressed with gratitude as she stepped out of Jacob's car.
Jacob nodded with a friendly smile. "Anytime. If you need a ride again or anything else, just let me know."
Lia returned the smile, appreciative of the gesture. "Will do, Jacob. Have a good night!"
As Jacob drove away, Lia stood for a moment, taking in the quiet night and thinking Jacob and Damon  had been good friends for many years. They studied in the same university abroad.
Unlike Damon, who was rigid and cold, Jacob was a sweetheart. They were both so different.
The chilly air nipped at Lia, while walking home. After all, she was in her Rachel persona, a character without a home since Rachel, by design, didn't exist. 
The walk was long, and the surroundings were quiet and dark. It took about 20 minutes, and during that time, Lia couldn't shake off the feeling of a lingering shadow. 
At first, sh

Damon had a business trip planned, and Lia was set to accompany him on their journey to Japan. As they boarded the plane, Damon took his seat, only to find himself uncomfortably positioned next to a woman who seemed quite determined to engage him in conversation.
Flirtatious Passenger: "So, what brings you to Japan? Business or pleasure?" Damon, trying to maintain politeness: "It's a business trip."
However, the woman persisted in her attempts to strike up a more personal conversation, making Damon increasingly uneasy. Deciding he needed a change, Damon looked around the business-class cabin for an alternative seat.
Damon (to himself): "This is not ideal, but I can't endure this for the entire flight."
Spotting an available seat next to Lia, Damon seized the opportunity to escape the persistent passenger. With a polite excuse, he moved to the empty seat next to Lia.
Damon, feigning nonchalance: "Mind if I take this seat? It seems there's a bit too much chatter on the other side."

12. Echoes of Sorrow