Unraveling a Stranger’s Life

Physical therapy was a nightmare.

Or maybe it was because Shane's body was too weak to even move.

Anna gritted her teeth, forcing herself through each session. Every muscle in Shane's body ached from disuse, and after just a few minutes of stretching and basic exercises, her limbs felt like lead.

But she pushed through.

She had to.

It wasn't her body, but if she was going to be stuck in it, she needed it to function properly.

More than anything, she needed to get out of this hospital.

Since discovering she had been in a coma for over a month, Anna had been desperate for answers. What had happened to her real body? Was she still alive? Was she still going to work?

Most importantly—was someone else living her life?

The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine.

It would be a disaster if someone was, because Anna Lopez's life was far different from Shane Tiu's.

Yet, she was helpless. The doctors were always watching her, carefully monitoring her recovery. Mr. Jing, ever so attentive, barely left her side. She couldn't even ask about Anna Lopez without raising suspicion.

She was trapped.

And worst of all, the doctors hadn't told her anything about Shane's condition yet.

Shane had cancer. At least, that was what Anna remembered. But now… she wasn't so sure.

She didn't feel sick. Weak, yes—but it wasn't the kind of weakness that came from illness. It felt more like the atrophy of unused muscles, not the slow decay of a terminal disease.

Could it be possible that Shane's cancer was gone?

Or was it simply lying dormant, waiting to resurface?

Anna didn't know. But for now, her focus was regaining Shane's core strength—if she was stuck in this body, she needed it to work properly.

After hours of grueling therapy, she finally returned to her room. Her body was sore, exhaustion clinging to her like a heavy blanket, but it was manageable compared to yesterday.

"I'll have to go out for a couple of hours, but I'll be back. Do you need anything?" Mr. Jing asked, standing by the door.

Anna shook her head. She still wasn't used to being treated like this—like someone important.

She wanted to ask him to look for Anna Lopez. To find out if she was still alive.

But she stayed silent.

Mr. Jing gave her a small nod before stepping out.

The moment the door closed, Anna's gaze landed on a pink backpack sitting in the corner of the room.

Shane's things.

Mr. Jing had told her about it yesterday—that it held all of Shane's notes, gadgets, and personal belongings. She hadn't touched it then.

Because it wasn't her stuff.

But now, curiosity burned in her chest.

If she was living Shane's life, then she needed to know everything about it.

Slowly, she walked over and picked up the bag. It was surprisingly heavy, the material soft yet firm under her fingers. The design was simple and elegant, without any visible branding. Expensive. Definitely not something Anna could ever afford.

She unzipped it.

Inside, she found Shane's life.

A latest model smartphone, sleek and untouched. A high-end iPad and a MacBook, both pristine.

Notebooks, pens, and a few documents.

And then, at the bottom of the bag—a leather-bound notebook.

Her breath caught as she pulled it out.

The cover was smooth, expensive-feeling. And engraved at the front, in delicate cursive—

Shane Tiu.

Anna stared at the name.

Something about it sent a chill down her spine.

With hesitant fingers, she opened the notebook.

And as she began reading, she realized—this might hold the answers she had been looking for.

Before Anna could turn a single page of Shane's leather notebook, the door slammed open.

The sudden noise made her jolt, heart pounding.

A woman entered—elegant, imposing, and unfamiliar.

Or at least, she was unfamiliar to Anna.

Shane's body, however, recognized her instantly.

A cold shiver ran down Anna's spine, her fingers tightening around the notebook. She didn't know why, but an overwhelming sense of fear coiled deep in her chest, as if her body remembered something her mind didn't.

Who is she?

"So it's true. You're awake."

The woman's voice was sharp, assessing, as if she wasn't happy about it.

Anna took her in—layered accessories, a designer outfit that screamed luxury, and a face that looked unnaturally smooth. It didn't take much to guess that she was someone who regularly visited plastic surgeons to maintain her youthful appearance.

Despite the perfectly styled hair and expensive clothes, there was something unsettling about her.

Anna didn't need Shane's memories to know—this woman was bad news.

But even if Anna didn't recognize her, Shane's body did.

Her chest tightened, her hands grew cold, and an instinctive fear made her feel like she was backed into a corner.

She wanted to ask who the woman was, but she couldn't risk exposing herself.

Instead, she forced herself to stay composed.

The woman's gaze swept over her, lips curling slightly as she stepped further into the room.

"It looks like you're doing better," she said, voice laced with something almost… disappointed.

Then she scoffed. "How long are you planning to stay here? You're wasting money. Do you really need to be in the most expensive room in the hospital?"

Anna clenched her jaw.

There was no warmth in the woman's voice. No concern.

Just resentment.

Anna remained silent, observing. If she responded too quickly, she might say something that didn't match how Shane would act.

The woman crossed her arms, tapping her manicured nails against her bracelet. "You must be enjoying this, huh? Playing weak, making people worry about you. How pathetic."

What?

Anna's stomach churned.

She didn't know Shane's full story yet, but one thing was clear—this woman despised her.

She clutched the leather notebook tighter, forcing herself to stay calm.

Whoever this woman was, she was here for a reason.

And Anna was going to find out why.