"This was a tradition in our family, sweetheart. Bryan had done this when he asked me to marry him. If we were to tell Tazanna about this, she would surely come along. But that is not how this tradition goes."
Those were the words of Tazanna's mother before we flew to France. I had never heard of this tradition from Tazanna herself, but I assumed that it was kept a secret from the rest of the family. That's how I remember the past. So why is it suddenly changing? What does the issue of her father have to do with my death? That was all the reason why the gods had sent me back to earth: for Tazanna to know the truth about how I died. I could not tell her that I was as stunned as she was by this news. She would have asked for more had I told her that I knew something about this.
"You seem to be in deep thought." A voice disrupted me; it was my sister. She sat in front of my desk as she handed me a folder. "As much as I do not want to disturb you, you've got to know about this. Not only is it work, but also about Mr. Yera — Taz's father." My hands opened the folder as they flipped through the pages. I had entrusted this issue to Piper, but I think this is not something that could easily be taken care of. Considering that Tazanna's father is one of the most popular artists in the industry — we are an entertainment company, and he is one of our artists — it can be hard for this rumor to die down quickly. This was the reason why she called me the second an article about Mr. Yera was released online. The articles have all gone worse; people were suspecting Mr. Yera of committing adultery. This was not the first time he was seen with another woman, and he had been a huge playboy back in the day.
"Is the social media team doing their job properly? Why are they not taking these down as soon as they get out? They know we've got to protect Mr. Yera!"
"Felix, you know better than anyone how people use the internet. What is left for us to do is hold a press conference for her father. That's how we can get out of this issue. I'm sure Tazanna is dying to know the truth about this, too."
"Has Polly West's agency said anything about this?" Piper shakes her head. "Are they seriously not going to release any statement regarding this issue? Do they not care for their artist?"
"This is not the time to think of others, Felix. Bryan Yera is our artist; he is our priority. Are we going to end this pointless rumor or not?" I nod my head, looking back down at the pieces of paper that are scattered on my desk table as my eyes turn back to my sister.
"We'll hold a press conference for Mr. Yera tomorrow. Gather as many reporters as you can and spread the news all over the country. You can also try talking with Polly West herself to confirm that this was all just a fake. I want this to reach Tazanna immediately. This is all I can do for her at this time." The last sentence was a whisper. Piper grabbed the papers across the table and then exited my office. My fingers dug into my hair. Tazanna must have seen the articles going around the internet by now. If she has not seen it herself, perhaps she has heard it from her employees' conversations. Rumors spread like wildfire; Tazanna must have snapped at one employee today. I wanted to call and ask how she is, but that would be really stupid, no? Of course, she wouldn't be okay.
"Are you regretting it?" A voice echoed inside the office. My head turned to the side; there was a man standing by the door. His arms are crossed, and he was wearing a white button-up polo and khaki pants. I don't think I know this man, though. How did he even get himself inside my office? My secretary would have informed me if I had any visitors. "That expression on your face... I like it."
"Who are you?" He smirked. I could have sworn that I had never seen his face before, or perhaps I had but could not remember when and where. The man in the white polo took a step forward as his eyes landed on the unlocked tablet that was resting on my office table. "How'd you get in here? Did my secretary let you in?"
"Oh, no. I let myself in. I take it that you don't know me." He sits on the chair and says, "But that isn't a surprise. My name is Zebin. I have come to guard you and help you out with your mission."
"Mission? Does this have to do with the reason for my coming back down here?"
"Oh, everything that has happened — and what will happen — all comes down to the cause of your death, and your Tazanna must know all about it. Aren't you both questioning yourselves right now? Why has the past changed, and why are things suddenly unraveling?" It is as if he has read my mind. I suppose he was brought here by the gods, the ones that sent me back down to earth. "First off, I'm not human, although you may already know that by now. If unsure still, I can perform a little bit of magic. Would you—"
I shook my head aggressively. "No, no, please. I've already seen enough." Zebin's lips curl up to form a smile. "I do know you are not human. But I have not heard from any of them that they're going to send you to me. Are you... an angel?"
"That's flattering. However, who I am is not as important as the life of your woman, right?" I flinched. For Zebin to say a thing like that, he really must have been sent down by the gods. There is not a single reason for me to doubt him any more. Hopefully, he isn't here to harm Tazanna in any way.