Chapter 9

Roselyn's POV

“What? Roselyn? How could you have misplaced your suitcase with another person's? You are still yet to get over this habit of losing your things, huh?” Evelyn scolded as we rummaged through the suitcase.

“We might be able to find a lead to the owner of the suitcase, but how come this person has the same type of suitcase like you?” She questioned.

“I wonder the same,” I replied, still rummaging through the suitcase. “Maybe we just happen to have similar taste in luggage.”

“That is likely the case. Keep looking inside the bag for any information we could use to identify him such as a name, phone number, business card, or address. Recent receipts, tickets, or any paperwork with contact details can also be of help in reaching out to this person” She initiated.

“That's exactly what I'm doing” I answered, and just then, I pulled out a gigantic book from the suitcase. ‘Principles of Constitutional Law’ The caption read.

“I think I have a clue as to who the owner of this suitcase is, Evelyn. He or she must be affiliated with law” I expressed.

“Then this person could either be a law student or a legal practitioner” Evelyn summarized, grabbing the gigantic volume of book as she turned through the pages, searching for the person's name which wasn't written there.”

“How could he or she not even write their name on their book? What if it's stolen or misplaced like the situation we are in now, how will he or she be able to recover the book?” She questioned, scratching her hair in frustration.

“I guess this person loves living like a ghost because how can we not find even one identification information in his suitcase?” Evelyn asked after we had rummaged through the luggage for a while.

“Let’s just put the person's things back into the suitcase. I'll just inform the bus driver or the bus company's lost-and-found department about the bag switch. And provide my contact information and details about the bag I took mistakenly to them and hopefully, the owner contacts us and returns my bag” I communicated.

“Sure, you should do that first thing tomorrow morning. For now, let's dive into this freshly pickled chicken ribs I have just ordered for us with this red wine, all in celebration of your return home” She replied, her tone joyful.

“That we will do of course, but first I need to take a shower and I would have to borrow one of your clothes since I don't have mine with me thanks to the exchange of my bag with that person”

“Sure, that wouldn't be a problem. Run along at once!” She answered as I immediately made my way to the bathroom.

After we were done eating the chicken ribs and gulping it down with the wine, I inquired of my parents from her.

“They're fine, Roselyn. But occasionally misses you. Your mother, especially who keeps wondering if you're doing well all by yourself in Riverton. You are going to pay them a visit too, right?” She asked.

“Of course, Evelyn, I will, but then… I'm nervous… and I feel so ashamed to face them. I feel like I've caused them so much pain, making them suffer for what they know nothing about just because they're my parents” I answered, feeling somber.

“It's understandable why you feel that way, Roselyn. But seeing them is something you shouldn't avoid. You will only make them keep worrying about you by doing so. No matter what has happened, they're still your parents, and you can't underestimate the love of a parent for their child”.

“There is no way they wouldn't warmly welcome you back as their daughter. As I mentioned previously, they miss you and are annoyed that you left without letting them know a thing about it.”

“They also want to share and be a part of your struggles and sufferings as their daughter, and you know you had nothing to do with the scandal and were simply framed. Time has a way to heal wounds, so it's all in the past now. No one is still criticizing them for it, and they've been doing fine ever since” She related.

“Alright, thank you so much, Evelyn. I feel a lot better and relieved now” I genuinely appreciated it.

“It's nothing, dear, what are friends for?” She asked as we shared a laugh about it.

*** *** ***

“Right, here is the contact of the person you exchanged your luggage with. He dropped his number with us in case you come looking for it” The Bus driver said to me after I reached out to him concerning the stuff.

“Alright, but why didn't this person drop the bag with you? It would have been better that way. I would have just picked up the bag, keeping the person's” I inquired.

“Well, I asked the person to go back with it as I do not have a place to keep the bag, pending the time you two come to claim it. So just contact the person with the number I've given you!” He instructed, going his way.

So I quickly copied the person's number into my phone, calling the number at once.

“Hello, am I speaking with the passenger I had exchanged my suitcase bag with on the public bus?” I asked as soon as the person picked the call.

“What color of suitcase is that, and what is the name of the bus we supposedly entered together?” He probed. Wanting to make sure I wasn't a fraud.

After accurately answering his questions, he demanded for where I was. “I'm just right in front of the bus stop we joined the public bus” I answered.

“Alright, wait for me there. I'm close and will be joining you shortly with your suitcase. I hope you are with mine too, huh?” He asked.

“Yeah, I mean… why not when it's because of it am here” I answered, bewildered at his question.

“Very well then, we will meet soon!” He answered, ending the call.

Shortly after, my phone rang, his voice coming through as I picked the call, smooth and a bit familiar: “Turn around, Miss. I’m right behind you.”

At once, I slowly turned, only to freeze in place. Standing there, mere steps away, was Ivan—the one person I never expected to

see again. The very student I was entangled in a scandal with.