"You're taking this too far, Aria". This is dangerous, you barely know this man! How could you believe a stranger?" Aerisiel's voice was sharp with worry, her eyes fixed on her best friend.
Elanaria stood at the center of the room, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "No, I'm not taking it too far. I'm doing what I have to. I'll do anything just to be with him." Her voice was low but firm, laced with the kind of pain only someone in love could understand.
Aerisiel sighed, shaking her head. "You know me, I'll always support you. Just… please be careful. If anything happens, don't hesitate to let me know. I mean it, Aria."
Elanaria gave her a small smile and nodded. That was all she could do right now.
*****
Meanwhile, in Nolan's mansion...
"Why do you keep looking at the door? Are you expecting someone?" Jade raised a brow as he watched his friend fidget.
Nolan quickly looked away. "It's nothing." He picked up a paper from his desk and pretended to read. "Did I tell you? Andrea's around. She's already at the mansion."
Jade leaned forward. "Really? What are you planning to do?"
Nolan let out a bitter chuckle. "What else is there to do? You know how long my father and I have been chasing that contract. It's only valid if I marry her."
"So you're just going to throw away your feelings like that?" Jade asked.
Nolan looked up slowly. "What feelings?"
"You know what I mean. Don't lie to me. I know how you feel about Elanaria."
"You think so?"
"I don't think. I know."
Nolan leaned back in his chair. "She's not my type. Stop exaggerating."
Jade scoffed. "Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"
A pause.
"Jade, please… I don't have a choice."
Jade stood, disappointment etched across his face. "Fine. Just don't regret it later."
Moments after Jade left, a knock echoed from the door.
"Come in," Nolan said distractedly.
He looked up and froze.
"Andrea."
"Hi," she said with a wide smile.
Nolan gave a half-hearted nod.
She sat down gracefully, eyes scanning his face as if she hadn't seen him in years. "I came to see my man," she purred. "You didn't even come to check on me since you dropped me off at the mansion."
Nolan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. My man? What a joke, he thought.
Andrea rose from her seat and walked around his desk, placing her hand on his chair to turn it toward her.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his voice edged with warning.
"I miss you," she whispered and bent down, aiming for a kiss.
But just then…
The office door burst open.
Nolan turned.
There she stood.
Elanaria.
She was radiant even in her confusion, her eyes wide with disbelief as she took in the scene: Andrea leaning toward Nolan, her lips barely brushing his cheek.
"Elanaria..." Nolan's voice was filled with shock.
Andrea turned, curious who had interrupted, and her breath caught. The beauty of the girl in the doorway sparked immediate jealousy in her chest. She clenched her fists.
Tears welled in Elanaria's eyes.
Is he already with another woman? she thought.
Andrea broke the silence. "Who's she?"
No answer.
"Nolan. I asked, who is she?" she repeated, this time louder.
Nolan looked down. "Leave," he said quietly.
"What?" Andrea blinked.
"I said leave, Elanaria."
The words shattered her.
Without another word, Elanaria turned and rushed out of the office, tears already streaming down her cheeks. She didn't understand, why wouldn't he defend her? Why wouldn't he explain?
Behind her, Andrea turned back to Nolan. "You still didn't answer me."
"It doesn't matter," he muttered. "And next time, don't do what you just did."
Andrea shrugged, though her mind was spinning. Who is she? Why does she affect him so much? She was determined to find out.
"I want to go to the penthouse with you tonight," she said sweetly.
Nolan sighed. "Fine."
He stared at the paper in front of him, the words blurred. His chest ached. He buried himself in work to numb it.
****
Meanwhile, Elanaria stumbled outside. Humiliation burned hotter than her tears. She didn't know where to go, she couldn't return to the realm. Not while the replication already occupied her place.
"Hey," someone called.
She turned.
Brian.
He jogged up to her, concern in his gaze. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she collapsed into his arms, sobbing.
Startled, he stood frozen, unsure what to do. Slowly, his arms lifted as if to comfort her, but he let them fall.
Eventually, she stepped back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
"It's okay," Brian said. He glanced at his tear-stained shirt and smiled gently. "Did something happen?"
She nodded.
"But right now… I have no place to stay."
"I told you to call me if something happened. What if I hadn't run into you?"
"I didn't know how to reach you," she sniffled.
"Do you even remember my name?" he teased.
She looked down, embarrassed.
He chuckled. "It's Brian."
"Brian," she repeated softly.
"If you're okay with it, I'll take you to my place for now. And later, you can tell me everything."
"Okay," she said, and they left in his car.
****
Back at the Office...
"You did what?!" Jade asked.
"I sent her away," Nolan said quietly. "It's for the best."
"If you can lie to yourself, that's your choice. But don't try to lie to me, Nolan. Your mouth says one thing, but your eyes are saying something else."
"I'll be getting married in a few months if not weeks. Stop bringing her up."
"Fine. I'll respect your decision. Just don't come crying when it's too late."
As he left the office, Nolan gripped his pen so tightly it snapped.
***
Later, at Brian's place…
"So he just sent you away? No explanation?" Brian asked as Elanaria recounted everything.
She nodded slowly. "It's my fault. I should've asked what we were. If he even felt the same way."
"No. That's not your fault. He led you on. He gave you every reason to believe he felt something. That's on him."
Elanaria looked away. "I don't know what to do now."
"Give it time. Then go back and ask him. Face to face. It might not be what you think."
She nodded. "I will."
"Alright," Brian said, smiling. "Enough of that. What should I cook for you?"
"Cook?" she blinked.
"You look cute when you do that," he chuckled.
Elanaria blushed, hiding her face.
"I'll make something for you," he said and disappeared into the kitchen.
****
Back at the realm…
The queen stepped quietly into Elanaria's room. She walked to the bedside and gazed down at the girl lying there.
She sat beside her and gently stroked her hair. "I'm sorry, child. I know you're not ready… but it's for the best. Your father and I always make the right decisions for you."
She kissed her on the forehead, gave her one last look, and walked out.
As the door closed, the girl's eyes snapped open.
She smirked.
Then shut them again.
*****
Few Days Later…
Brian leaned casually against the car, twirling his keys as he watched Elanaria admire herself in the mirror. He had bought her a few trendy outfits recently and had even taken it upon himself to help her catch up with modern customs. She was still a little outdated, like someone from another world but he never asked why. He figured she'd tell him when she was ready.
"Do you think I look good in this?" Elanaria asked, turning to him with a gentle twirl.
She wore a white crop top under a sleek white leather jacket, paired with a matching high-waisted leather mini skirt. Her long hair fell in waves down her back, her lips tinted in soft rose. She looked breathtaking. Angelic, even.
Brian froze, eyes raking over her figure. His heart skipped.
"You're… you're f–" He swallowed, correcting himself quickly. "You look really good. Really, really good."
Elanaria smiled warmly, oblivious to the storm she stirred in him. "Thank you, Brian."
They stepped out of the apartment together and drove in comfortable silence. But Brian couldn't stop stealing glances at her. She was radiant, and it hurt knowing she was dressing up for another man. When they reached the building, she turned and waved sweetly.
"Call me if anything happens," Brian said, forcing a smile.
"I will," she promised.
As she walked through the company's front doors, heads turned. Conversations dropped. Gasps echoed. Elanaria moved gracefully, unfazed by the attention. She reached Nolan's office, her heart pounding. She reached for the knob but paused, remembering Brian's advice: "Don't open the door without knocking. You never know what you might walk into."
She knocked gently.
"Yes, come in," Nolan's voice called out, crisp and firm.
Elanaria opened the door and stepped inside. There he was, her Nolan, seated behind his desk, brows furrowed in concentration. The light from the window cast a soft glow over him. She chuckled quietly, remembering how carefree he looked that day at the mall.
Nolan's head jerked up at the sound of her voice. His eyes widened slightly, then darkened. Slowly, he stood up, taking in her outfit, her presence.
"Elanaria," he murmured, walking closer.
Without thinking, she stepped forward and hugged him. He froze for a moment, then slowly closed his eyes, breathing her in, sweet, like vanilla and soft rain. God, how he missed this.
But then… he pulled back.
"You shouldn't be here," he said, his tone suddenly distant as he returned to his chair.
Elanaria blinked. Just like that, the warmth in his eyes was gone. "Why?" she asked quietly. "Because of her?"
Elanaria stared at her, eyes unreadable.
"Fuck, little angel…" he muttered under his breath. "Did you really come dressed like that? Are you trying to tempt me?"
Elanaria frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about? I just… I just wanted to see you."
Nolan leaned back, arms crossed. "The last time I checked, there was nothing serious between us. You threw yourself at me, and I played along. That's all."
Her breath hitched. What?
"I have a fiancee," he added coldly. "And I won't let anything not even you, distract me from her. We're good together. As you saw the other day."
Tears blurred her vision. She couldn't believe the cruelty laced in his voice. She had kissed him, yes but he had kissed her first.
"You don't even care who I really am," she whispered. "Do you have any idea what I gave up to be here? How much I…" Her voice cracked. "I sacrificed for you."
Outside the door, Jade lingered silently. He clenched his jaw, having heard everything. "He's doing it again," he muttered to himself. "Pushing someone away without caring how much it'll hurt."
Back in the office, Elanaria wiped her tears and straightened.
"I'll leave now," she said, voice trembling. "Take care of yourself."
She paused at the door, hoping, begging, that he would stop her. Say anything. But Nolan remained cold, unmoving.
The door closed behind her.
Moments later, Nolan grabbed the trophy on his desk and hurled it at the wall. The sound of shattering glass echoed like a gunshot.
"Damn it!" he shouted. "Damn it all!"
He ran his fingers through his hair, grief gnawing at him.
I lost her.
The one person who made him smile. Who made him feel something. Who made him want to be better.
And he pushed her away.
****
Outside…
Elanaria ran through the building, tears cascading freely down her cheeks. Mae called her name, but she didn't stop. She turned into a quiet alley and sank to her knees, sobbing.
"Why are you crying like the world's ended when it hasn't even begun?"
The voice startled her. She looked up and groaned.
Her so called uncle stood there in his usual all-black outfit, watching her with a smirk.
"You're too weak," he said. "You could've handled that better. You're an angel. Hypnotize him. He'll fall to his knees for you."
"What are you, a devil?" she snapped. "I don't want love that's forced."
He shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just offering a shortcut."
Elanaria rolled her eyes. "I didn't ask."
He chuckled. "Sharp tongue. You remind me of my brother."
He vanished as quickly as he came. Elanaria stayed there for a moment longer, then stood and walked home.
***
Back at the Apartment…
Brian saw her red eyes the moment she stepped in.
"Did you… cry?" he asked softly.
She shook her head.
"But"
"I want to be alone," she whispered.
Brian stepped aside silently. Once she shut the door, his expression hardened. His fists clenched. "I'll kill him."
At Nolan's Penthouse…
Nolan had been under the shower for nearly an hour. Steam billowed around him as the water cascaded down his back. But it did nothing to drown the ache in his chest.
"I miss her," he whispered to himself.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Soft footsteps.
Andrea.
She had let herself in. And now, undressed except for her bra and panties, she stepped into the bathroom and pressed herself against him.
"What the hell are you doing, Andrea?" he said without turning.
"What does it look like?" she answered playfully, running her fingers down his back.
She was bold, bolder than ever before. When she learned who her fiance was, her initial reluctance turned to eager excitement. But his coldness terrified her.
And yet, here she was, letting the water soak through her clothes as she kissed him, touched him.
He didn't stop her.
But something was missing.
Later That Evening…
Brian and Elanaria strolled through the city under soft evening lights.
"Want to eat out tonight?" he asked.
"I'd love to," she smiled.
They entered a cozy restaurant. The food was delicious. Elanaria beamed with every bite, her face glowing.
Brian chuckled. "You really like it, huh?"
"I love it!" she replied, cheeks full.
He reached over and wiped sauce off the corner of her lips with his thumb. Elanaria paused at the gesture but said nothing. Suddenly she felt a chill ran down her spine… but when she turned, there was no one there.
They finished eating and stepped into the night. Rain had started to fall.
Brian took off his coat to cover her, but she laughed and ran into the rain barefoot.
"Come on!" she called out, dancing like a child.
Brian smiled and joined her. They stood together in the middle of the road, soaked and laughing.
Then, silence.
Brian leaned forward, slowly going in for a kiss.
Just before his lips met hers. BAM!
A fist connected with his jaw.
Brian stumbled back, dazed. Elanaria gasped.
"Are you okay?" she rushed to him.
He nodded.
She turned and her eyes widened.
"Nolan?"
His eyes blazed with fury, rain dripping down his face.
"This is who you are now? Letting just anyone touch you?"
Her fingers curled into tight fists. "I see."
"I'm so disappointed in you," he said.
She didn't flinch. "If that's what you think, so be it. Don't ever touch someone I care about again."
Brian came up beside her, brushing her hair back gently. "Let's go."
She nodded, not sparing Nolan another glance.
They walked away.
Nolan stood frozen in the rain, heart pounding with rage and regret.
How dare she.
But one thing was clear
He was not letting her go. Not now. Not ever.
>>>>
As soon as they got home, Elanaria stormed into her room and shut the door with a trembling hand. Her chest ached. The tears she'd been holding back spilled freely now. She collapsed onto the edge of her bed, sobbing into her palms.
It had taken everything in her to stand before Nolan again, to speak with strength, to hide the shaking of her heart. But seeing him again, hearing him speak with such coldness it shattered her all over again.
He shouldn't have hit Brian. That was wrong. And yet, despite everything, her heart still yearned for him. That was the part that hurt the most. Why was it so hard to forget him?
Why did she still love him?
Brian's Room
Brian paced his room like a lion trapped in a cage. His fists were clenched, his jaw tight.
How dare Nolan do that to her? How could he stand there, say those things to Elanaria, and hit him like it was nothing? And worst of all, make her cry?
"I swear, if I ever see him again…" Brian growled under his breath. "He won't get away with this. I promise."
He slammed his door shut behind him, fury burning in his chest.
The Next Day – Nolan's Office
Nolan stood behind his desk, arms crossed, his gaze locked with the man seated across from him, a man in his fifties with graying temples and sharp eyes. Tension thickened the air between them.
"Why are you wasting time with this?" the older man snapped. "I already signed the goddamn papers. Why isn't she with us yet? Don't tell me you're thinking of pushing her into another department."
Nolan's face remained unreadable. "You did sign the papers," he said coolly. "But instead of asking me or at least getting permission, you took matters into your own hands. That was a mistake."
The man narrowed his eyes. "What are you implying?"
"I don't care if you and my father shared some ancient bond," Nolan bit back. "You're old enough to know better. And you think you can waltz into my office and give orders? Think again."
The older man shot to his feet, snarling. "I'll find her myself. When I do, you won't have a say in it."
Nolan smirked, his tone laced with defiance. "Suit yourself."
The man stormed out, brushing past Jade, who was just entering.
"What was that about?" Jade asked, raising a brow.
Nolan sighed and loosened his tie slightly. "Just a freaked out old man here for Elanaria."
Jade blinked. "Wait, seriously? But it was his fault in the first place. He didn't ask questions, just signed off. So… what now?"
Nolan shrugged. "He said he'd find her. I told him to go ahead."
Jade frowned. "And what if he actually does find her?"
"Do I look like I care?" Nolan asked, straightening his cuffs. "I have things to do." With that, he grabbed his coat and walked out, leaving Jade deep in thought.
****
Elsewhere…
"She's has been around Nolan for a while?" Andrea asked coldly, her eyes fixed on the man standing before her.
"Yes," he replied. "Based on what I found, it looks like it."
"I see…" Andrea leaned back in her chair, twirling the glass in her hand slowly. Her lips curled into a cold smile. "So you want to take my Nolan, huh? Interesting…"
She paused. "It's kind of alarming. I can't find any detailed information about her. She's… blank."
She picked up her phone and made a call. After whispering something to the person on the other end, she hung up without another word.
A Few Days Later – At Home
"Do you think I should start working?" Elanaria asked Brian softly.
He glanced at her from the couch, surprised but pleased. "That would be nice. What kind of job are you thinking? I could help you out."
Elanaria shook her head gently. "No, Brian. You've done enough already. Let me try this one on my own."
"You sure?" he asked, concern in his voice.
She nodded with determination. "Yes. I'm sure."
Brian smiled, although something flickered in his eyes. "Alright then. Want to go watch a movie? You deserve a break."
Elanaria beamed, her face lighting up. "Really?"
"Yep," he said, standing up. "Go get dressed. But if you take too long, I'm leaving you behind."
"You dare not!" she laughed, playfully pointing a finger at him as she ran off to change.
He chuckled, but as soon as she disappeared down the hall, his smile faded.
Flashback
Brian had been walking home from the store when a man appeared suddenly behind him.
"What the… Who are you?" he'd asked, startled.
"You're forgetting your work here, Azrael," the man said ominously.
Brian's eyes widened.
"Don't ask questions. You're falling for her. And you don't even know what she truly is. Dangerous, don't you think?"
"Who are you?" Brian asked again.
The man smirked. "Claim her. Make her forget the human. Erase her memories. Then she's yours."
Before Brian could respond, the man vanished.
Brian stood frozen for several minutes, troubled by what he'd heard.
---
Present
"Should I just confess to her?" he muttered under his breath.
"Confess to who?" Elanaria asked, stepping into the room.
Brian looked up and couldn't hide his admiration. She was dressed in a soft cropped cardigan and wide-leg pants, simple yet effortlessly beautiful.
"You look… really good," he said, smiling.
She smiled back. "Thanks! So, who's the lucky lady you're crushing on? Is she pretty?"
He stared at her. "Yeah. She's very pretty."
She blushed a little, not catching the full weight of his words. "Let's go then!"
At the Cinema
"I still don't get why we couldn't just watch it at home," Nolan grumbled.
Andrea clung to his arm. "Because, babe, it's different when couples go to the cinema. It's cute."
Nolan rolled his eyes. "Fine."
Andrea giggled and ran off to get ready.
Later, as they arrived at the cinema, Nolan's eyes caught something that made his heart lurch.
There she was, Elanaria. Smiling. Laughing.
And beside her was him again. The guy with the nerve to touch what didn't belong to him.
They made eye contact. Nolan and Brian and a thick silence settled between them.
Nolan clenched his jaw and turned away, heading for the restroom.
"Excuse me, Elanaria," Brian said. "I'll be right back."
Elanaria pouted. "Hurry up! I don't want to miss the scary part."
Brian smiled. "I'll be quick."
He walked off, already knowing where he was headed.
In the Restroom
Nolan stood by the sink, hands on his hips, waiting. As soon as Brian entered, he turnee and Brian didn't hesitate.
His fist landed on Nolan's face, splitting his lip.
Nolan staggered back, touched the blood, and glared.
Before Brian could swing again, Nolan countered with a sharp punch to his stomach, making him double over.
"You're messing with the wrong person," Nolan hissed.
Brian straightened up. "If you dare show up in front of her again, if she cries because of you. I swear, Nolan, I'll kill you."
Nolan chuckled coldly. "And who the hell are you to threaten me?"
"She's had enough hurt from you. Stay away from her," Brian growled, voice low and dangerous. "If you ever make her cry again… I'll make you regret it."
He stormed out.
Nolan stood in silence, his eyes dark and furious.
"You just gave me more reason to go after her," he muttered. "No one dares me."
Back Outside
"What took you so long?" Elanaria asked, crossing her arms. "The movie already started!"
"Sorry," Brian said, straightening his shirt.
She looked him over, suspicious. "Why's your hair a mess? Did something happen?"
"Come on, let's go before we miss more," he said, brushing it off.
She frowned but followed him in.
Nolan reached Andrea, his expression unreadable.
"Let's go," he said, grabbing her hand.
"Huh? But the movie just started, I picked one I knew you'd like!" she protested.
"Andrea," he snapped. "I have something urgent to handle. I can't stay."
Her smile faded, but she nodded. "It's fine. I understand."
He said nothing more as they left the cinema.
Evening – The Next Day
Elanaria walked alone through a quiet street, exhaustion in her steps. She had spent the whole day looking for work, but nothing felt right. She didn't want to keep living off Brian's kindness forever.
He had done so much for her. Taught her, guided her… loved her, even if he hadn't said it out loud.
She just wanted to find her own way.
Lost in thought, she didn't notice the sleek, black SUV that pulled up beside her.
Before she could react, three large men dressed in black stepped out.
Her heart jumped. She turned to run, but one of them grabbed her by the arm. She kicked and struggled, but they were too strong.
"Let go of me!" she screamed.
Another black car screeched to a stop nearby, and a man in a gray suit stepped out. He looked to be in his 50s, his aura commanding, eyes sharp.
"Let go of her," he said calmly, but his voice carried weight.