27/10/2025
FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DEVIL
CHAPTER 1: SWEET STALKER
Tears welled up in Ashley's eyes as she watched the sun slowly sink beneath the white sand beach of Boracay. Two years ago, she had stood in the same spot, holding hands with her boyfriend, Daniel Wong, who tragically died in a car accident that same year.
The memory of that day still haunted her. She could still hear the crash, feel the pain, and remember the darkness before falling into a three-month coma. When she woke up, Daniel was already gone - buried without her even saying goodbye.
As Ashley sat silently on the sand, lost in her grief, a gentle voice broke her thoughts.
"Miss, are you alright?"
Startled, she turned around - and her heart skipped a beat. The man standing behind her looked exactly like Daniel.
"Would you mind if I sit beside you?" he asked softly.
Still stunned, Ashley just nodded, trying to hide her confusion.
The waves grew louder in the silence that followed.
The man offered her a bottle of water. "Here, you look like you need this."
"Oh no, thank you. I'm fine," she replied awkwardly.
"It's okay," he said with a faint smile. "I've been watching you from over there." He pointed to a nearby café. "You seemed upset. You don't have to tell me why, but... if you want to, I'm all ears."
Ashley hesitated, then said, "Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course," he replied.
"I don't usually talk to strangers... but you look so much like my ex-boyfriend. Maybe that's why I said yes."
"I'm Gelo," he said, smiling. "A surgeon from Manila. Needed a break from the hospital stress."
Ashley managed a weak smile. "Honestly, Gelo... I thought you were my ex. I wanted to believe it."
Gelo frowned gently. "Why impossible?"
She looked down. "He died. Two years ago. We had an accident... I was in a coma for months. When I woke up, he was gone."
"I'm sorry," Gelo said softly. "That must've been painful. But... you survived. You're still here. That's something to celebrate, right?"
The sound of the waves filled the quiet between them again.
"Hmm," Gelo said after a moment, "I know this might sound weird, but... would you join me for dinner tonight? I'm traveling alone and could use some company."
Ashley blinked, caught off guard. "What? Uh... I don't think so. We just met. Sorry, I didn't mean to drag you into my drama."
"It's okay," he said, smiling. "Here's my number. If you change your mind, call or text me. I'd love to spend my Boracay trip with you."
Back in her hotel room, Ashley couldn't stop thinking about him. The resemblance to Daniel was uncanny - the same fair skin, chiseled face, and gentle voice. The only difference? Daniel wore glasses.
Her phone buzzed - it was Trisha, her best friend.
"Hey, Ash! Just checking on you. You've been quiet lately."
Ashley sighed. "I met someone today... who looks exactly like Daniel."
"What?! Girl, maybe you're just tired - or hungry! Remember, you went there to move on."
"I know," Ashley said quietly. "But for a moment... it felt like he was right beside me again."
"Listen, it's been two years. Maybe this is your sign to open your heart again. But don't forget - he's not Daniel, okay?"
Ashley laughed softly. "Yeah... you're right. I'll grab dinner and just enjoy my vacation."
She went to a cozy café and ordered an Iced Americano and her and Daniel's favorite - Chicken Pesto Pasta. Memories flooded back, and her eyes grew misty again.
Then, out of nowhere - Gelo appeared, holding his own coffee and plate of pasta.
"Hey, fancy seeing you here," he said, grinning. "Mind if I sit?"
Ashley glanced around - every table was full. "Sure," she said shyly.
"Wow, we ordered the same thing!" he laughed. "I swear I didn't copy. I just love Chicken Pesto Pasta."
Ashley smiled. "It's fine. It was also my ex's favorite."
"Daniel?" he asked.
"Yeah..." she said softly.
"So, you're from?"
"Lucena City. I'm a nurse there."
"Ah, a nurse! I've been to Balesin before, but not Lucena. Maybe one day I'll go - since you're there."
Ashley chuckled. "Balesin? I could never afford that. I even had to save up just to come to Boracay."
"Then next time, it's my treat," he said with a wink.
Ashley laughed. "Are you serious?"
"Maybe," he replied playfully. "So, what are your plans here?"
"Honestly? Just to be alone. I wanted to try solo traveling."
"Then let's make it fun together," he offered.
By the end of their dinner, Ashley found herself smiling - really smiling - for the first time in years.
The next morning, they explored Boracay together: taking an E-trike tour, eating street food, and laughing at everything. Later, as they soared high above the sea on a parasailing ride, Gelo shouted,
"Are you happy, Ashley?"
Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the engagement ring Daniel gave her two years ago.
"Thank you, Gelo," she whispered.
"What?" he yelled over the wind.
"I said thank you! I'm happy!" she shouted back.
Gelo smiled and gave her a thumbs up.
As the sun set, they walked along the beach, side by side - two souls drawn together by fate, or maybe... something darker waiting to unfold.
He looks like her dead lover. He feels like fate. But when secrets unfold, Ashley learns... she didn't just fall for a...
