Chapter 16

Ellie resolved that her personal connection with Cal would exist only at Nyx. She made up her mind, but her thoughts and feelings were not completely clear.

If she were her old self, she wouldn’t have let anything like this happen—or if it did, she would have cut off all ties at Nyx. But she didn’t realize that with Cal, she was thinking differently, giving herself leeway without even knowing it.

She wanted him. Not because he was handsome, not just because their intimacy was so satisfying, but simply because Cal himself was someone she desired. He was so gentle, so warm toward her.

Cal definitely liked her. Even without words, she could tell by his feelings. The warmth in his gaze always held affection. Knowing this made it harder for her, because it was a feeling she couldn’t return.

But Ellie steeled herself. She hadn’t asked, but he was surely a young master from a good family. Just the car from before suggested it, and he might even be a noble from the North.

Even as a commoner, she wouldn’t dare hope, but a noble? From the North, no less…

‘Goodbye, Ellie. I’ve enjoyed our time together. Now I’ll return to the North and marry, of course, a precious lady who suits me and my family. You and I are simply on different levels.’

Ellie quickly shook her head at the sudden fantasy. No matter what, Cal wasn’t that kind of person. Even if he said goodbye, he would do it with respect.

‘Goodbye, Ellie. I’ve enjoyed our time together. Sadly, this is where our connection ends. I hope you meet someone good, Ellie.’

Ellie shook her head again. What use was politeness in saying goodbye? Wishing her luck—what was the point?

‘No. Cal and I aren’t even that close. There’s no reason for a dramatic farewell.’

By day, coworkers; by night, partners. Returning to a clean relationship—nothing more, nothing less—was best. To do that, Ellie tried to drive him out of the large space he’d made in her heart.

It wasn’t easy.

***

After a week spent shut indoors, including the weekend, Ellie finally went to work. Leaving home that morning, she was startled.

“Ellie!”

Cal, with a face grown gaunt and shadowed, blocked her way. The flawless skin now had dark circles, and his cheekbones stood out, making him look pitiful. Ellie was shocked not only at seeing him unexpectedly, but also at how much his appearance had deteriorated—her heart sank.

“Ca… Mr. Calix.”

She almost called him Cal, but quickly corrected herself.

“Ellie, why….”

Cal was angry that her way of calling him had changed, but now wasn’t the time for anger. He needed to know what she’d been thinking during the week apart, and if it was related to that changed name.

“Ellie, look at me.”

Cal bent to try to meet Ellie’s eyes, and when that didn’t work, he dropped to one knee.

“Ca—what, what are you doing…!”

Suddenly looking down at him, Ellie tried to step back, but Cal was holding both her hands and she couldn’t move far. Cal pulled Ellie’s hands around his waist, clinging to her.

“Ellie, please….”

“Mr. Calix, don’t do this.”

Ellie spoke as calmly as she could. Seeing his face made her want to soften, but she forced herself to stay strong.

“Please, Ellie….”

Cal’s blue eyes were full of tears, as if he might cry any moment. Ellie tried to avoid those eyes, but his gaze held her fast.

“I did something wrong, didn’t I?”

Cal’s plea made Ellie uncomfortable. She felt sorry for him, claiming fault when he hadn’t done anything wrong, but she was determined.

“Mr. Calix, please stand up.”

“Ellie, why won’t you call me Cal?”

“That’s personal… No, that’s not the point right now.”

Ellie tried to get Cal to stand, but even gaunt, he was still a large man and she couldn’t move him. As they struggled, someone approached from behind.

“Ahem, may I get by?”

Ellie turned in surprise. A neighbor from the apartment was watching curiously.

Only then did Ellie realize they were in front of her apartment, and it was morning rush hour, with many people passing by.

“Oh, ah, sorry!”

Ellie quickly stepped aside, and Cal followed her. After finally standing up, Ellie put on a stern expression.

“Let go, Mr. Calix.”

Cal still held her waist, so Ellie spoke coldly. The sadness on his handsome face was so striking that she fixed her eyes on his chest to avoid looking at him.

Cal hesitated, then released her. Finally free, Ellie stepped back and spoke again.

“Let’s meet at Nyx. We’ll talk then.”

Ellie turned and walked toward the library. She could feel Cal following, but didn’t say anything. Cal quietly trailed behind.

***

“Miss Elysia, welcome. You look half your usual self. And Mr. Calix, what happened to your face?”

Everyone Ellie met at work worried about her appearance. Then, seeing Cal behind her, they were doubly surprised. When a senior asked what happened over the weekend, Cal only smiled.

Ellie glanced at Cal behind her. He smiled, but the shadows under his eyes and his uneven smile were obvious. Ellie looked away, determined not to let herself weaken.

All day, Ellie kept strictly professional with Cal, calling him Mr. Calix.

“Mr. Calix, please organize the returned books.”

“Mr. Calix, sort the donated books by classification.”

“Mr. Calix, let me know when you finish the overdue list.”

Mr. Calix. Mr. Calix.

Every time Ellie called him Mr. Calix instead of Cal, his shoulders drooped, but Ellie kept her resolve.

‘Pull yourself together, Elysia Nord! It’s obvious. Just because you want something doesn’t mean you can have it.’

But the big man who followed her everywhere was hard to ignore. Even when she tried not to look, she could feel his gaze. Ellie had to work hard to pretend nothing was wrong.