10.1 - Egan

 "Mellie. Mellie!"

I was suddenly shaken to consciousness as soon as my soul was forced into a body of a twenty-two-year-old woman.

"Stupid girl, what are you daydreaming about?"

The two young women - both with stunning red curls and sea green eyes gave me a condescending expression. I disregarded the women sneer and half-listen to their insults.

"Mellie! Are you listening to me you fool?"

Mellie - at least I know my current body's name.

"Huh?"

Minutes passed by while the two women continued yapping. I was waiting for the usual flash of information, but nothing was entering my mind.

"The hell..." My eyes flicker away from the two annoying women to take in the current situation. "Bob?"

I could see that the current world was a modern one – similar to my own. The grand ball room with hundreds of people in suits and red-carpet dresses let me know there was an event going on. And judging by how sharp the men looked and how glamorous the women were, I could guess it was a very grand event.

"Let's just go sis. If people see us with her, they'll think we're related. "

"You're right. Let's go." The older of the two women snapped at me. "Don't you dare follow us you little wench."

Both women flipped their long curly hair, turned in their high stilettos, and strutted off - leaving me alone in the vast grand ballroom.

"Bob!"

Again, there was nothing but silence in my mind instead of the usual crazy-voice-in-my-head.

"Is this how you want to play?"

I smirked at the invisible force before making my way to the corner of the ballroom. Since I don't have any information on the current world, all I could do is observe it. That stupid Bob! Even if it's the final game, I won't lose.

"I won't lose!"

Nothing matters at this point. I might as well get into character... Well... As soon as I figure out what character I'm supposed to be.

10.2 - Egan

                It only took Mellie an hour to get the gist of the current situation. Standing quietly in the corner with a glass of white wine in one hand, Mellie watched the entire scene like a comedy reality show. She scanned faces in the crowd and listened only to conversation she thought was interesting. The soul within Mellie was a keen observer with good eyes for people. It was natural for her to see a person's traits - good or bad, by their posture, speech, and manners. For example, the two women whom she first opened her eyes too in the current world, were clearly the type of women who seek status and fortune - the lack-of-better-terms, gold-diggers. Just a minute of watching the two women integrating themselves into groups of men, flashing smiles and giggling like teenage girls - was clear indication of their goals. No genius thinking required there.

On the other hand, it took Mellie a little longer to single out the main characters in the room. It was a must for the main character to be the center focus of any story. And in the middle of the ballroom, standing tall and gorgeous was a man with dark blonde hair and dreamy blue eyes. Mellie refrain herself from rolling her eyes for not spotting the man sooner since everyone else in the entire room was looking his way. There wasn't a single woman in the room who wasn't captivated by him - especially when he flashed his movie-star smile.

"Oi, Egan!" The gorgeous blonde man spotted a familiar face from the entrance and grin. "You finally decided to appear?"

In that moment, a handsome man with dark hair and eyes entered the ballroom wearing gray tailored silk suit. One look and Mellie knew who the man was – Egan. Just like in every world, the man shared the same deep dark eyes. Observing the handsome man, Mellie was not surprised by all the admiration he was receiving from the crowd. Just like the gorgeous blonde man, the Egan had an immaculate characteristic of a superior man. And when two superior looking men stand together, it was unsurprising that every female in the room would stop and drool. Of course, none of the women were brave enough to go up to the two leading men.

"I spoke too soon..." Mellie laughed softly to herself as she sipped on her glass of wine while watching the two gold-diggers swagger their way to the leading men of the story.

The two red hair women boldly begin to join the conversation like they were long-time friends. Mellie, like many other speculators, was both amazed and amused by the women's blatant manner. Whether or not the two women were ignorant to see how the men were looking at them like clowns, Mellie had to admire the women's shamelessness. It was truly a level she cannot compare to.

"Ah!"

And right on cue, an accident occurred. A young female server just happened to walk nearby with a tray of horderves when one of the red hair women stepped back and bumped into her. The tray of horderves crashed into the ground and dirtied the red hair woman's shoes. Unlike everyone else in the room, Mellie watched without a hint of surprise when one of the red hair women slapped the female server across the face. While everyone watched the escalating scene, Mellie observed the very pretty female server with her even prettier eyes going wet in tears. Such looks obviously stirred the hearts of many people. Mellie's eyes went to the blonde man and saw how the man instantly stepped in to save the pretty female server. Curious with the dark hair man's reaction to the appearance of the white lotus flower, Mellie turned her attention to him.

What caught Mellie off guard was when she looked at him, the man's dark eyes were already focusing on her. Dark eyes locked on her with such intensity that Mellie unconsciously took a step back. What troubled her was that she wasn't sure if Egan and Mellie have already known each other in the current world. Where they close? What was their relationship? Do they even have a relationship? Hell, Mellie wasn't even sure who she was.

The handsome man was staring so intently at Mellie as if there was no one else in the world. Even his friend who was helping the pretty server noticed Egan's unexpected focus. Soon enough people around begin to wonder what and who Egan was staring at. When people follow his gaze and found the average looking woman with brown hair and eyes, they wondered if there was some sort of mistake. They all presumed the woman had offended the handsome man - which explain why he was so fixated.

10.3 - Egan

                Mellie was completely caught off guard and stood frozen as the handsome man suddenly made his away across the ballroom to her. The soul within her was not the sort to shy away from anything or anyone, but because Egan's dark eyes silently demanded that she stay were she was, Mellie couldn't move. When the man stood in front of her, his eyes was all on her while his hand took the glass of wine from her hand to set it on the round bar table next to her.

"Your name...?" Egan took hold of Mellie's cold small hand while asking in a low deep voice.

He doesn't know who she was? Confused, Mellie tried to withdraw her hand from his, but Egan kept hold of her hand and interlocked their fingers. He stepped closer, forcing her to look up to his face which held a lost yet helpful expression.

"Please tell me your name..."

Mellie couldn't understand why the man was looking at her so deeply – so lovingly, even though he didn't know who she was.

"I_"

"Mellie!"

Before Mellie could say another word, the same two red headed women shrieks. Mellie was forcefully pulled away from Egan when the two women pulled at her arm. Frowning, Mellie could only yank her arm back while watching one of the women giving her a warning glare while the other smiling sweetly at Egan – asking him how he knew her maid. Maid? Her? Even if the soul within Mellie didn't know who she was, she doubted she was anybody's maid. What kind of a maid would attend a grand event wearing designer dresses and shoes? Even if her dress was plain compared to many women there, it cost an arm and leg for the average person.

"Excuse me." Mellie shoved the woman away from Egan and shamelessly hug the man's arm. "Get away from my honey."

Not only the two women was stunned, everyone else watching dumbfounded. Meanwhile, the soul inside Mellie didn't care if she was acting out of character. The fact was, she didn't know what sort of person Mellie was supposed to be. But she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially since the handsome man came to her willingly.

"Darling," Mellie smiled up at Egan, flashing her dimples and bright eyes. "You found me."

Egan's heart that had been racing since he first saw Mellie now warmed and filled with indescribable joy. While Mellie hug his arm, he lifted his free hand to touch and stroke her soft smooth cheek, his thumb lingering at the deep dimple.

"Mellie, you wench, get away from_"

"Darling, they're scaring me..." Mellie pouted and leaned her face into Egan's arm.

Instantly, Egan wrapped his arm around her waist and held her against his tall strong body – shielding her from the two women's glares and shouts.

"Who are you?" Egan voice was calm while his dark eyes looked at the women sharply.

"We_" The younger of the two women wanted to pull Mellie away from Egan's arm, but the other placed a hand on her arm as if telling her to calm down.

"We're Mellie's sisters." The older women smile, changing her previous fierce expression to a softer tone. "Egan, as Mellie's older sister, I must ask you let her go. What you're doing is unappropriated?"

"That's right." The other women immediately backed her sister while glaring at Mellie. "Shameless girl, you've embarrassed our entire family with your scandalous act. We're taking you home right now."

With her face buried against Egan's strong chest, Mellie ignored her apparent "sisters" scolding while using her finger to circle above his heart. Egan was focused on the little woman within his arms and finally took hold of the playful hand and brought it up to his lips for a kiss. Seeing how Mellie was completely ignoring them and even flirting with Egan, the two women were seething with anger.

"You_" The older woman bit her tongue to calm her voice. "We're going home right now Mellie."

"Why should I?" Mellie's eyes finally flicker over to the two women. "I'm staying with my honey tonight."

"You can't." The other woman nearly shouted. "You slut_"

"Slut?" Mellie gave a soft laugh and glanced up and down the woman who breasts was about to pop out of the skin tight dress. "If you say so... you are the expert."

Startled by Mellie's witty comeback, the woman was embarrassed. Seeing the amused smile on Egan's face, the woman felt angrily with humiliation. Having enough of the situation, the two women resorted back to violence. But before they could touch Mellie, Egan already called for security. Mellie had observed and could see the event had been an exclusive one. It was obvious that only the wealthy and status were invited to attend. And while Mellie didn't know who she was or who the two red hear women were, she could guess that they are at least from an upper-class family. Watching the two women crying out to Egan that he can't do this and that they're from the Trace Family, Mellie noticed people expression. Some were mocking – others were amused.

"Mellie Trace?" Egan's questioning voice brought her attention back to him.

Looking up to his dark eyes, Mellie could only shrug softly. Mellie Trace – the soul inside her was just as lost as Egan was.

"Is that not your name?" Egan's arm tightened around her waist as he could see Mellie's hesitance.

"I..." Mellie look down for a moment before looking back up into Egan's handsome face. "Here, I am Mellie."

"Here?" Egan felt his heart stirring – there was a sense of panic deep within in. "Do you not belong here?"

Mellie was surprised by the question and wanted ask him what he meant when Egan suddenly grasp the side of his head. While one arm was still holding onto her, the other was gripping at his head that suddenly was attacked by pain.

"What's wrong?" Mellie could tell from Egan's furrow brows and tightly shut eyes that the man was hurting. "Egan?"

Strangely, just when Mellie said his name, the pain disappeared. Egan slowly opened his eyes to see the woman's concern eyes all on him while her hands were holding onto his cheeks.

"Egan?"

"Tell me your name... please..." Egan didn't know why but he knew Mellie wasn't truly her name.

Mellie's eyes flicker with surprised before she smiles softly.

"Is Egan your name?" Mellie asked gently.

Egan's eyes darken as if he tried to understand her question. But before he could comprehend the meaning behind her words, his mind once again was attacked – causing a sharp blinding pain.

"Egan..." Mellie called softly, keeping hold of his cheeks as she could see how the man was in pain once again with the way he shut his eyes. "My name is Mellie."

"Why won't you tell me your name?" Egan voice cracked softly as he couldn't opened his eyes due to the shrilling headache.

"I don't want to leave here, leave you just yet."

Hearing her response, Egan's mind cleared. Opening his eyes to see her dimple smiles, his heart and soul stirred. She didn't want to leave him?

"Is this a dream?" Egan asked softly – not knowing why he asked such a silly question.

"Maybe." Mellie laughed softly. "Do you want to wake up?"

"No." Egan could only hug her into his arms. "No."

Smiling against his chest and hearing the beating of his heart, Mellie closed her eyes. Her soul was troubled. She doesn't know how long before the game ends. And when they wake, will everything be truly, only a dream.

10.4 - Egan

"My-my, Egan, I didn't know you had it in you."

A voice spoke with laughter, breaking Egan and Mellie's sweet moment. In fact, the two had been so lost in their world that they did not noticed many others had been watching. Mellie didn't know who Egan really was in the current world; therefore, she didn't know many people interest in the man and his personal life.

"Michael Kayne." The gorgeous blonde man with blue eyes smiled at Mellie while holding a hand out to her.

Egan casually brushed Michael hand away while placing his hand around Mellie's shoulders. It was clear that the handshake was not welcomed. While Michael's brow rose with amusement, Mellie could only silently roll her eyes.

"I'm Mellie." Mellie gave a polite smile while returning the introduction.

Since she just arrived to the world and doesn't know the plot of the story, Mellie might as well observe and act accordingly. But then again, she already found her man so at least it saved her the trouble of plotting.

"Yes. Mellie Trace, right?" Michael continued to smile. "I didn't know the Trace has 3 daughters."

Mellie kept her usual polite smile not a bit bothered by the man's questioning statement. After all, Mellie wasn't sure if she was those two red heads sisters? At most, she was their half-sisters – but considering she have no resemblance to them whatsoever, she could be their step sister or adopted even. But then again, Mellie doesn't really care so smiles as if she didn't understand the underlining meaning behind Michael Kayne's words.

"So, you're Egan's girlfriend?" Michael asked Mellie but she knew the question was really for Egan.

"Yes." Mellie answered straightforwardly.

"How long have you've been together?" Michael wasn't the only one curious – many nearby eavesdroppers were as well. "I've been Egan's friend since we were toddlers. Not once did he mention having a girlfriend. I'm amazed he's able to keep you hidden."

"Egan's too possessive..." Mellie played coy and leaned into Egan's chest as she stares up into the man's handsome face. "Egan said I'm too cute and doesn't want others to look..."

Michael hit his laughter with a snort. It was clear to him that Mellie was pretending – but only because the woman was obvious about it.

"But being with Egan for so long, he didn't tell me you were his childhood friend, Mr. Kayne." Mellie's eyes widened innocently at Michael before looking at Egan and pouted. "I asked you before if you had any close friends... Is it because I'm not important so you didn't want to tell me?"

Michael watched with surprise as Egan smiles warmly at Mellie while keeping his arm securely around her shoulders to keep her from leaving his side.

"I'm possessive, remember?" Egan said softly. "And he's only a childhood acquaintance, not someone important for you to know."

"Oi!" Michael smirked at his friend's unabashed words.

On the other hand, Mellie could only laugh softly at Egan doting manner. It was Egan and Mellie first meeting – yet their souls recognized each other. Even though the man doesn't know who she was, he doesn't question his feelings for her. Was that courage? Or was it foolish? No matter what it was called, Mellie felt warm and happy.

"Mellie..." Egan suddenly touched her cheek.

Mellie didn't know the man was hiding her dimple smiles from Michael and everyone else.

"How long have you've been together?" Michael asked again – but this time, he wasn't joking like before.

Michael simply was surprised to see his childhood friend so enamored by anyone. His serious, stoic friend had always been indifferent to people. In the world of the wealthy and powerful, there are always beautiful and gorgeous women wanting Egan. And because Egan never responded, many thought the man was interested in men. Only Michael – Egan's childhood friend knew that the man was simply uninterested, women and men alike. It was like the man was bored – just moving through live as if waiting for it to end. Not once did Michael see interest in Egan's face. But here before Michael was a petite woman that barely pass as pretty, being held like she was everything to Egan. The way Egan looks at Mellie was more like possessive – it was love. Michael was shock because he didn't know Egan was capable of showing such an expression.

"How long?" Mellie didn't see the amazement or surprise in Michael's face – instead, her eyes were focused on Egan. "I've forgotten how long we've been together."

When Egan smiles softly, Michael's eyes nearly bulged out with shock. He wondered if the man was his childhood friend.

"Egan." Michael asked seriously, feeling concern suddenly. "Does your family know_"

"It doesn't matter." Egan cut Michael off.

Egan had purposely stopped Michael from exposing something important. Whether or not Egan felt it was important, Mellie could guess trouble is brewing in the near future. Since Michael mentioned Egan's family, Mellie predicted that the man's family probably be against him dating someone like her. That or they already have someone in mind for his future bride. Smirking inside at the cliché situation, Mellie outwardly showed a lost expression.

"Your family?" Mellie looked Egan with question eyes.

"Don't worry," Egan took hold of her hand and held it tight. "I can handle them."

Mellie gave a smile. At least the man didn't say nonsense things like his family will like her or that he'll convince his family to accept her. Instead, he knew it was his problem to deal with and not hers to endure.

"If you can't handle them, it's fine." Mellie gently patted the man's chest.

Whatever trouble comes her way, it's not like she can't deal with it herself.

"Let me know what I can do to help." On the other hand, Michael Kayne thought Mellie was acting brave for Egan and was worried for the couple.

While Mellie was amused with Michael's thought process, she was nonetheless impressed by the men's genuine friendship.

"Come, let's go introduce your little girlfriend to our people." Michael teased to lightened the mood. "After tonight, I'm sure everyone in the world would know that the Egan is taken."

Mellie eyebrow rose slightly with amusement. The whole world? What kind of man is Egan for the whole world to care about?

"No." Egan replied calmly before looking at Mellie with a soft smile. "Let's go."

Mellie replied with a nod.

"What? Wait, what do you mean no?" Michael asked. "Not only did you just arrive, everyone is wondering about you two. You can't just make your escape without_"

"Let's go." Egan ignored Michael's rant as he led Mellie away.

Mellie smiled playfully and did not forget to wave goodbye to the dumbfounded Michael Kayne.

10.5 - Egan

*WARNING: The following content HEAVILY contains sexual content that is unsuitable for children.*

Upon their exit, a black limousine could be seen waiting for them. The driver who stood waiting by the opened door, heard Egan order to take him home before helping Mellie into the car. And as soon as the door closed, leaving the couple to their privacy, Mellie pounced on Egan, wrapping her arms around the man's neck before she planted her lips up onto his. Egan, in turn, pull her onto his lap and held her as their lips and tongue moved wildly.

And because the two had been making out in the backseat of the limousine, Mellie didn't notice how far away from the city Egan's home was. When they arrived, Egan forced himself to end the kiss, took her hand, and rushed her inside before she could see the enormous mansion. Even when they entered through the front doors, the man did not bother to turn on any lights so Mellie could not see how spacious it was. Laughing softly, Mellie allowed Egan to rush her through multiple corridors before they reached what she knew was the man's bedroom.

"Don't you think this is a little too fast?"

Mellie had to tease when Egan had her pressed down on his bed.

"Is it?" Egan's dark eyes stared down onto hers as he swallowed heavily. "If you don't want to, we can_"

Mellie rolled her eyes at the man before yanking his tied hard, causing him to fall down onto her body. Her legs now exposed from the slit of her dress were pressed against his hips. Holding onto his necktie, Mellie smiled up at the man.

"Did I say I don't want to?" Mellie removed the man's tie before hooking her arms around his neck.

Egan couldn't resist Mellie seduction and dove in, taking her lips hungrily. It was crazy – ridiculous even. Egan did not know who Mellie was until that night at the ballroom. He never wanted or loved anyone for as long as he could remember. Then all of a sudden, he saw her and could only think that he finally found her. Had he been searching for her without realizing he was?

"Egan." Mellie gasped when the man suddenly buried his head against her neck to suck on her skin.

Egan's happy chuckle against her neck made her shiver. When the man tore her dress off her body, Mellie was surprised but giggled. Just as she could giggle more, the man pulled at his own clothes before pressing their naked body firmly against each other. Before she could say anything, Egan tilted his head to the side and sealed his lips tightly on hers - sucking and swallowing. And while the man fondled her breast with one hand, the hooked underneath one of her legs. Dark eyes stared into bright eyes as he avidly thrust himself to the hilt inside her. Breaking their hot kiss, Mellie let out a startled gasp as her petite frame body were held tight as Egan pull out completely before thrusting himself all back inside her. He was moving fervently in and out of her with unspoken hunger. The way he stared into her eyes let her know that he cannot control himself. He couldn't stop himself and she didn't want him to.

"Mellie..." Egan's voice was thick and hoarse with passion. "How could it be...?"

Mellie's eyes widened as the man moved incredibly deeper. The enormous bed was shaking to the man's intense movement while Mellie's sweet moan filled the room. How could it be that their bodies were connected so familiarly – as if they've done so many times before. Egan couldn't understand it but it could feel it. That Mellie had always been his.

"Mellie, lose yourself to me..." Egan buried his face into her exposed neck while his hands both held onto her legs, keeping them firmly on his hips.

When Mellie's moan louder, Egan nibbled his way up from her neck to her ear. Purposely letting her hear his deep low groan of pleasure, his hand never let go of her legs. Mellie's hips were moving uncontrollably – causing his rhythm to break. Pressing his entire weight down on the woman, he held her thighs securely on his hips while he plunged deeper and deeper.

"Egan." Mellie gasped out the intense pleasure.

She was suddenly afraid that the man would really consume her entire soul.

"N_ no more..." Mellie felt tears dripping from her eyes as the man continued to move harder and deeper.

Egan lifted his head from her neck and pressed his forehead against Mellie's forehead. Their eyes stared into each other while he mercilessly rode her.

"Egan..."

"Don't be afraid." Egan's smiles gently despite his fierce pounding. "Let me love you thoroughly..."

Then the man proceeds to thrust his tongue into her mouth and shake his hips viciously against Mellie. Seconds later, her womb was filled with the man's thick hot essence. Her cries were swallowed by the man as he grinds himself inside her while filling her completely.

"Mellie..." Egan locked himself inside her trembling body and kissed the spot under her right eye. "Stay with me..."

Completely boneless, Mellie could only stare into Egan's dark eyes. The man had completely devoured her – leaving nothing but his own mark inside her.

"Don't leave..."

The man spoke with a gentle smile that caused distress deeply within Mellie's heart and soul. After so many lifetimes, Mellie only now realized and admit that she had fallen. Unfortunately, she only knew and recognized his soulful eyes. She didn't know who he was and how long before everything ended.

"Don't leave..."

The man voice was deep and low, while his body again harden with passion against her.

"How can I leave?" Mellie wanted to smack the man never could control himself in bed. "You better take responsibility for me after what you just did."

Egan chuckles was soft and filled with tenderness while his hands stroke her trembling waist and legs. Mellie felt boneless as the man continued to nuzzle against her neck.

"No more." Mellie pushed weakly at his forearms.

Egan chuckled again before moving them to their side. Holding her close while pulling the blankets over their body, Egan smile as Mellie snuggled against him naturally.

"I want waffles for breakfast." Mellie said tiredly while her eyes were closed.

"Um." Egan's arm was secured around her shoulders, while his free hand held her hand against his heart. "Anything else?"

"Coffee..." Mellie muttered tiredly.

Egan smiles as he watched the woman fall asleep. After a long time, he pressed a soft kiss underneath her right eye.

Here in this world

Flower blooming, Spring everywhere

Egan whispered like a lullaby as his thumb caress her hand and watched her sleep peacefully. Those words he felt instinctively was not his own. Familiar bright eyes – sweet playful voice – and a lively beautiful figure dress in white and pink lingers like a dream. Egan stare at the slumbering beauty within his arms, afraid to close his eyes.

My Soul, there is a world

Far beyond the heavens

Egan repeated those words quietly, praying that he'll never wake up from this beautiful dream.