Love in a Forbidden World

The night air was eerily still. The moonlight spilled over the cliffside where Cathan stood, the very place where—once upon a time—he was Elvin, and where he had last seen Scarlett before their cruel separation.

Cathan gazed around, eyes stinging.

And then—

His tears fell.

From behind him, the old lady emerged, her silhouette glowing under the moonlight.

>"So, Cathan… who are you going to choose?"

Cathan turned, startled, voice shaking.

>"I… I can't. How could I possibly make such a choice…?"

The old lady stepped closer, her voice calm yet unwavering.

>"You were never meant to exist in the human world. I've been watching you since the moment you were reborn into your new family… as Mike's elder brother."

Cathan's brows furrowed.

>"Ma'am, I really don't understand any of this. How can I not be Mike's brother? What are you talking about?"

The old lady gave him a look both solemn and sad.

>"That's what I wish to understand too, Cathan. The day you vanished from the human realm in your past life, I spared Scarlett's life—because of your sacrifice. Two years from now, she's destined to complete her mission and disappear as well. But now… you're interfering."

Cathan's eyes filled with desperation.

>"Please, I beg you. Save Mike. He's just a kid… He always helped you with the chores at your grocery store—remember?"

The old lady smiled faintly at the memory.

>"He truly is a good boy, Cathan. But… don't you want to know why your parents died? And why Mike is now facing death?"

Cathan took a step back.

>"My parents? What do you mean… what do you know about them?"

The old woman's voice dropped low.

>"This human world has a system—a law of balance. But you, Cathan… you broke that system. I don't know how, but your soul was never meant to be reborn. That's why… everyone around you began to vanish."

Cathan's breath caught.

>"You… you mean… my parents died because of me…?"

The old lady gave a quiet nod.

His knees gave way beneath him. He dropped to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

>"The clock is ticking, Cathan."

He wiped his tears, steadying his breath.

>"If I was never supposed to be here… then I'll disappear. No one should suffer because of me."

But the old lady shook her head.

>"You can't just vanish. Your fate is too entangled now. Every human has a destiny written at birth—but yours is… different. If you choose to save Mike, you meddle with the mortal realm. The consequence will be grave. Your brother… will live a miserable life."

Cathan's eyes widened in dread.

>"No! I can't let that happen! I'd rather disappear myself!"

The old woman stared into his eyes.

>"So… have you made your decision?"

Cathan said nothing. His body trembled, eyes cast down.

>"I accept your silence as your answer."

With a snap of her fingers—

FLASH!

He was suddenly teleported.

Hotel Alma – Main Lobby

Scarlett came running toward him, breathless.

>"Cathan! What's happening? Why are we here? We were supposed to save—"

He pulled her into a tight embrace.

>"Scarlett… it's time."

The grand doors of the hotel slowly creaked open.

Scarlett turned in horror—

Mike stood at the entrance… but now, as a spirit.

>"No…"

Mike stepped forward, confusion and wonder in his expression.

>"Brother? You… you can see me?"

Cathan nodded tearfully, and Mike ran into his arms.

>"When I was falling off that cliff… I thought I'd never get to say goodbye. But now I can. Brother, thank you… for everything. I was so happy to be your little brother."

>"I'm sorry, Mike… I failed you."

Mike shook his head with a warm smile.

>"No, brother. You didn't. I'm proud of you. I know Mom and Dad would be too. When I meet them, I'll tell them everything you did for me."

They hugged again, both sobbing.

Scarlett turned away, wiping her tears.

>"Miss… please take care of my brother."

Scarlett stroked his hair gently.

>"You're a good kid, Mike."

Mike gives a warm smile.

>"If I get a next life… I want to be your elder brother. So I can take care of you… the way you always did for me."

Cathan could barely nod, overcome with emotion.

Scarlett turned to a staff member nearby.

>"Take him to the VIP room. Let him rest. His afterlife journey begins tomorrow."

The staff nodded as Mike gave a final, glowing smile and followed him into the inner halls of the Hotel.

Cathan collapsed onto the floor.

Scarlett knelt and embraced him.

They cried in silence.

Later — Scarlett's Chamber

Scarlett entered quietly, only to find Daren already waiting for her.

>"Master… when did you arrive?"

>"Scarlett… are you okay?"

She looked away.

>"I… I don't know."

>"It wasn't your fault."

>"But I couldn't save him…"

>"You were never meant to. It's his fate."

>"I know, but still—"

Daren let's out a sigh.

>"You love him, don't you?"

Scarlett froze.

A long silence followed.

Daren's eyes saddened.

>"You don't have to answer. I already know. I just hope… you won't be hurt again."

>"Again? What do you mean, Master?"

Daren avoiding her gaze.

>"There are some things you're not meant to know."

Scarlett frown as she steps forward.

>"You're hiding something from me… all of you are."

Daren clenched his fist.

>"It's better that way, Scarlett. You've suffered enough."

>"If you know something, please tell me… Why can't I see Cathan's lifeline?"

Daren gently took her hand, his eyes soft.

>"You know I would never let anyone hurt you. Please trust me."

Scarlett look at him. Her eyes filled with questions.

>"No… I have to know the truth."

His voice suddenly hardened.

>"It's useless now! If you keep pushing, everything will fall apart. Let things stay as they are—or you'll suffer too."

Scarlett eyes well up.

>"I don't care. I can't watch Cathan suffer."

Daren abruptly let go of her hand.

She realized then—

She'd said too much.

>"So it's true. You've truly fallen for him."

Scarlett looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

Daren turn away coldly.

>"Then be ready, Scarlett… because your world is about to crumble."

In a flash of wind and light, Daren vanished.

Scarlett stood frozen in her chamber…

Her heart sinking into silence.

To be continued…