Chapter 19

Chapter 19

In the short time that Troy and I have been together, I've noticed some changes in him. Even though he still manages to annoy me, he also knows how to comfort me. It's strange how quickly our relationship has evolved, especially now that we're not just living under the same roof. We've transitioned from being housemates to lovers, and it's a new dynamic that I'm still adjusting to.

“I still couldn't believe that you and Troy are in a relationship!" Aleth said excitedly as we packed the products here at the shop. "That's why you don't talk much whenever Engineer is here. You want someone else!” Mary concluded. I couldn't help but smile at their chattering. It felt good to have their support and discussion about my love life.

"By the way, with your beauty Troy is sure to fall in love with you too!" Aleth giggled. I chuckled at her statement. Troy falling for me? Well... I could say that given the nights that we were entangled with his sheets. My cheeks heated. Damn it! Stop thinking about it, Eli!

Aleth and Mary continued talking about that until I saw Engr. Nath was about to approach the shop but when he saw me, he changed his way. I know. It's obvious that he's avoiding me. Is it bad? Should I talk to him?

When lunchtime arrived, Troy and I sat down to eat together. Lost in thought, I couldn't help but scan the room for Engineer Nath, only to be interrupted by Troy's question. "Are you searching for someone?" he asked. He had been observing me and asked if I was looking for someone.

"I'm looking for Engr. Nath," I honestly said. He raised an eyebrow and put down the utensils he was holding. Is he mad again? I didn't want to lie to him so I told the truth! "What about him now?" he asked raising a brow. I snorted. "I want to talk to him. I noticed that he's avoiding me—”

"What's the point? You don't have to talk to him anymore. His emotions are not your responsibility," he stated. I stared at him, shocked by his lack of empathy. I knew he was arrogant, but I never realized he could be so heartless. And to think he's just a commoner. I pondered if my brother, Alpha Phoenix, shared the same attitude. No, my brother is much kinder! Why am I even comparing Troy to my brother? My brother is an Alpha King, ruling the Urzua Kingdom, while Troy is just a commoner!

"I still want to apologize to him," I murmured, continuing with my meal. After lunch, Troy headed to the site and I crossed paths with Engr. Nath. We locked eyes, and I made up my mind to speak to him now.

"Engineer," I called out, causing him to halt. He turned towards me, and I asked, "Can we have a conversation?" He smiled and nodded, so I led him to the cafeteria, which was almost empty due to work hours.

"I'm sorry about the incident the other day," I apologized sincerely. He let out a heavy sigh, smiling at me with a hint of loneliness in his eyes. "It's okay. I've moved past that, Eli," he responded. I nodded, and a silence fell between us.

"By the way, how do you know Troy?" he inquired suddenly, catching me off guard. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I couldn't reveal my identity as a werewolf princess from the Urzua Kingdom, who happened to meet Troy after getting caught in a trap, right?

"I'm his new neighbor... that's how we met," I fibbed. He accepted my explanation with a nod before adding, "I don't want to meddle in your relationship with him, but I feel the need to caution you..." I felt apprehensive about his warning. Was he going to talk about Troy being a player?

"Warn me about what?" I inquired anxiously. He took a deep breath before confessing, "I heard that Troy is searching for someone here, and he's only temporarily stationed. In truth, his work here is contractual, and he may leave once it's done." I was taken aback by this revelation. I had expected him to speak ill of Troy, not reveal his temporary status and his search for someone.

"When does his contract end, then?" I queried, feeling a bit confused.

"Two months from now, he will be leaving his job," he responded. I closed my eyes tightly at the thought. That's why, as I work, I constantly think about everything Engr. Nath said. Troy hasn't mentioned anything to me about his upcoming departure. In fact, he hasn't shared much about his life or family with me at all. While I do share some things with him, I hold back on revealing all the details or the truth.

Who could Troy be searching for? Where will he go once his contract ends? And then... will he leave me too? The mere thought of Troy leaving me causes a pain in my chest. What is happening to me? What if Troy actually leaves? But I did not flee from the Urzua kingdom just for Troy, right? I came here to be independent and not to fall for someone like Troy.

Troy and I walked home together. While he cooked, I couldn't help but watch him. Even though he is so close to me, I feel like he's still so distant. So much has happened between us, yet I still feel like I don't know him very well.

"I know I'm handsome, but I belong to you, so stop staring at me," he snapped me back to reality with his words. I rolled my eyes at him and he caught me in the act, causing him to chuckle.

"You're shameless," I retorted. He chuckled at my response. Despite my inner turmoil, he still managed to lighten my mood. How is it that he can do that? In all my life, I have never encountered someone who could ease my emotions like he does. Not even my ladies-in-waiting, my brother, or my friends could make me feel this way. So why does Troy make it seem so effortless?

"Why are you staring at me, then?" he asked as he stirred the food in the pan. I smiled and approached him, hugging him from behind. He towered over me, his waist barely reachable by my hand. His height almost reached his shoulders.

"Well, I'm not hungry anymore. I'm feeling horny now," he joked, causing me to playfully slap his back in response.

"Stop ruining the moment all the time!" I exclaimed. He chuckled loudly, prompting me to smile too. I rested my head on his back, feeling his warmth and safety, wishing we could stay like this forever.

"I don't want to go back," I sighed after a while of silence, hugging him tightly. I felt him pause at my words. "Go back where?" he inquired. I didn't want to return to a place where he wasn't with me, where I was a princess in a palace. I just wanted to stay with him.

"What about you? Do you want to go back to where you're from?" I asked, avoiding his question and recalling a conversation with a girl at the grocery store. "Someday," he replied, breaking my heart. Does that mean he'll leave me? I clung to him, afraid of losing him, as he expressed a desire to return one day.