The sun was setting over Elite University, turning the sky golden. Liv took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air filled with the smell of trees and flowers. The university was huge, with a beautiful lake, tall trees where monkeys played, and even elephants wandering in the distance. She had chosen this place to heal, to find peace in nature.
For the past year, Liv had been struggling with a high-functioning schizophrenia. She often heard voices and had sleep paralysis, but lived a pretty normal daily life alone in her room. Her doctor advised her to spend time in a calm place, away from too much noise and stress. That's why she decided to study at Elite University, a private university in a small village called Tapesia. The fees were high and only elites could afford it.
She wasn't alone—her boyfriend Marvin had joined the university with her in early 2021. They had been together since high school. Marvin was a rich kid from a small town three hours away from the city she lived in. They started dating when Liv was just 14 and Marvin being just 15.
He was a basketball star, the youngest MVP in his town, and everyone admired him. Even though he wasn't very good looking as Liv, people were drawn to him because he was cool, quiet, and nonchalant. As soon as he joined the university, he became famous for his outstanding skill in basketball and cool personality. But none of that mattered to Liv. They were the perfect couple—the intelligent, popular and talented girl with blonde hair and the athletic, mysterious boy even boys admire. Everyone saw them as the university's power couple.
But everything started to change on March 25th, 2021.
That evening, Liv went to the local market with her best friend and roommate, Diya. Diya was the top student in their class and knew the local language well. Liv didn't think she needed to learn it—until that night.
As they walked through the market, something caught Liv's eye. A small, old sign read 'PALMISTRY.' She didn't know why, but she felt drawn to it. Before she knew it, she and Diya stepped inside a tiny, dimly lit room.
An old man sat there, cross-legged, surrounded by the smell of burning incense, he was a fortune teller! His eyes were dark and serious as he looked at Liv. Without speaking, he motioned for her to give him her hand. Curious but unsure, Liv placed her left hand in his.
The moment he touched her palm, his expression changed. "There is something troubling your mind," he said in the local language. "You are very smart, but your mind is not at peace."
Diya froze. How did he know?
Liv frowned. "What is he saying?" she asked, but Diya didn't answer right away.
The old man continued. "Your career will be successful. You will do great things."
Diya's fingers tightened around Liv's wrist.
"Diya, tell me what he's saying," Liv urged.
Then, the man spoke again, his voice softer. "But your love life…" He paused, then shook his head. "There are two men in your life."
Diya's eyes widened. "What?"
"One has been with you for a long time. The other will come soon."
Liv felt her heart beat faster. She didn't know what to say as Diya quickly translated the words. Then, the man whispered something that made Liv's whole body freeze.
"They are both born in January."
Liv's stomach dropped.
Marvin was born on January 23rd.
She had never believed in things like fortune-telling or magic. But as she listened to the old man's words, a strange feeling settled inside her.
He further warned her that these two would vie for her heart, and the one she ultimately chose would become her husband, for there were no other men destined for her life. With a chilling whisper, he added, "Choose wisely."
Liv and Diya's minds churned with unease as they made their way back to their hostel room.
As one man had been with her for a long time, but the other one, was yet to come—