Love after Death (S1)

Chapter 26: Redemption & Second Chances

EIGHT YEARS EARLIER

Michael's POV

"Get him out of there!"

"He's refusing, Dad. He doesn't even want to see me or Mom." Michael's voice carried frustration over the phone. "His life in prison is in danger. He was stabbed by inmates..."

"Let him suffer then."

"Dad..."

"His wish is to make his life miserable... let him."

"But he's in danger there," Michael argued.

"Can you convince him to leave that place?"

"No." Michael hung his head, unable to answer.

The Devilla family's doctor had no choice but to accept the decision of his brother and father. He wanted Liam free, truly. But Liam preferred to endure suffering rather than accept help, even if it meant risking his life.

Now, Liam lay unconscious from his injuries. Bruises and cuts marred his face, his stab wound covered by a white bandage. One full day had passed with his eyes closed, and anyone who saw him would barely recognize the person he had been.

Can you imagine being in his place? Losing loved ones, suffering betrayal and physical pain, and carrying the weight of guilt? Could you still hold on to life, or would you let it unravel before your eyes?

PRESENT TIME

I'm Michael Devilla, 29 years old, and there's a side of me that no one knows. A side shaped by tragedy, love, and the complicated bond with my brother.

Life works in strange ways-what you least expect often becomes your reality. The tragedy between Liam and Monique left scars that went beyond grief. Monique's death shattered our family; Mom nearly lost hope, and Liam... Liam became someone unrecognizable.

He was the boy driven by love, by ambition, by purpose-but all of that crumbled. After Monique, he shut himself off, refusing help, refusing hope. And as his brother, I felt everything he felt.

Miguel, the young boy injured in the accident, remained a secret from Liam. We knew revealing the truth would only crush him further. A year had passed since Liam left Dad's company, and nothing I tried seemed to reach him.

I found him sitting on the side of the street, knees hugged to his chest. The cold breeze didn't faze him. Darkness seemed like light in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" I asked, stepping closer.

"For all these years, I've been just a piece of paper on a pad... no one would care if I were thrown away," he said, his voice heavy with despair. "No one would mourn me, because there's always someone else. Michael... I know this pain won't last forever... but if I continue like this, I'll be gone... maybe no matter what I choose, I'm gone already."

I swallowed hard. "What happened to Miguel?" I tried to shift the conversation.

He mirrored my question. "Yeah... what happened to Miguel? He was the boy in the car, right? The result of my-your so-called clumsiness. Why do I have to go through this? Everyone blames me... even people who don't know me."

"You kn-" I started.

"That's the thing. It was an accident, but why am I the one being blamed?"

"I can't answer that... you made the wrong choices back then. I can't fix that."

"You don't understand how I feel," he snapped, bitterness in his tone.

I fell silent, letting a long sigh escape. "If you think I don't understand... you're wrong. I'm a doctor, Liam. Every patient has their perspective. Some want to end their lives, some cling to the few days they have. My job is to help, to keep faith in them, no matter what."

"Don't talk to me like that, Michael... we're not in the same field."

"Exactly why I'm trying to help you understand me. You are my brother. It hurts me to hear that I don't understand your pain." I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"All I want is to live happily... a normal life. I hate disappointment," he murmured.

"We're not blaming you... we just want you to reflect on your choices."

"Miguel knows the truth already... but he was so mad at me. What should I do, Michael?"

I felt my heart lift slightly hearing him ask for advice. "Everything will eventually come out. You just have to prove yourself-show him through your actions, not words. You two shared a bond; you know how to reach him."

He paused, staring at the darkness, then smirked faintly.

"Should I start courting him?"

I froze. "Courting... like a friend?"

"Yes," he said.

"Then yes. But if you mean courting like... a lover... are you telling me you're gay?" I asked, half-amused, half-serious.

He sighed and looked away. "Not yet," he said. Then he stood, brushed off his shorts, and walked to his car. "Thanks for tonight, Michael... see you around!"

I muttered after him. "What the hell, Liam..."

Liam's POV

All I want now is for Miguel to know that I regret everything. Michael's advice gave me purpose, a plan. I headed to my condo, heart pounding with nervous excitement.

I stopped in front of a flower shop and smiled at my reflection in the car mirror.

"I'll make you forgive me, kid. You shouldn't feel that way about me..."

Inside, I asked for a suggestion. "Red roses," the shopkeeper smiled. "They'll help show your affection."

I grinned. "I'll take a bouquet... and I'll come back three times a week."

He chuckled. "You're in love with a lucky boy, sir."

I smiled. "Not yet... but soon."

The Next Day

I arrived at Miguel's school early, holding the bouquet. I hid in the shadows, watching him approach his locker. My heart raced. Nervousness and joy collided as I slipped the roses inside.

He opened the locker, saw the flowers, and smiled. Relief and excitement washed over me.

One more step remained-I needed to re-enroll in the same course as Miguel. Side by side, we'd navigate this new chapter together. No force, no rush. Just a chance to fix the past and move forward.

I watched him, my chest tightening with anticipation, as the first step of redemption began.

To be Continued...