Chapter 28

Chapter 28

The cool night air brushed against my skin as I stood there, a small bag of clothes and belongings in hand. I chose to stay by the sea, the very place where Troy had brought me. As the sun began to rise, I couldn’t help but marvel at the way its light gently kissed the sky. But as I admired the dawn, tears welled up in my eyes, remembering the day Troy first brought me here.

Though I never fully understood Troy, I sensed that even if just for a moment, his feelings for me were genuine. He wouldn’t have shown me such beautiful places if he didn’t care for me, right?

Soon, the sun was high in the sky, its brightness stinging my skin. I stood up and began my search for a place to rent. Over the past month, I’ve learned so much here in Tyreese, and from Aleth and Mary as well. Sadly, I couldn’t say goodbye to them. But now it’s almost ten in the morning, and I still haven’t found an affordable apartment.

The money I saved from work isn’t enough for a down payment. What should I do? I’ve visited several apartments, but none are within my budget. I thought about going to Justin and Regine, but I’m worried my brother’s men might still be watching for me.

I also considered reaching out to Aleth and Mary, but doing so would bring me back into Troy’s hands, and I can’t let that happen. I distanced myself so that Troy wouldn’t get dragged into the life I was trying to leave behind. Our paths can’t cross again.

By the time it was nearly one in the afternoon, I decided to stop at a nearby eatery with cheap food. Just as I was about to enter, a woman bumped into me. I quickly stopped and apologized, “I’m sorry!” But I was taken aback when she just stared at me. Gritting my teeth, I reminded myself to stay calm. It’s just another hurdle, Eli.

After ordering some food, I found a table and began to eat. I was content until someone stopped in front of me. I blinked, looking up at the man. My heart skipped a beat, adrenaline rushing through me. Damn! For a moment, I thought it was Troy—those green eyes!

"Is this your wallet?" the man asked, holding up a white wallet. My eyes widened, and I quickly checked myself. It was mine! Did I drop it?

"Yes! Yes, it is! How did you find it? I didn't even realize I lost it!" I replied, confused, as I accepted the wallet from him.

"I noticed it near this table. I think it slipped from you before you sat down," he explained. I nodded, grateful, and stood up, extending my hand. "I'm Eli. Thank you so much for picking up my wallet," I said sincerely. He smiled and shook my hand. "No problem," he replied.

"Are you here to eat as well?" I asked. The man nodded. "Yes. That’s my food over there," he said, pointing to a tray on the other table. Noticing that he was alone, I decided to invite him over. "If you’d like, you can join me at my table. It seems we’re both dining solo," I suggested. He seemed surprised by my offer, but it was my way of showing gratitude.

"Are you sure?" he asked, and I nodded. In the end, we shared the table. He ate quietly, but I couldn’t help but keep glancing at him. Thoughts of Troy kept surfacing. He was almost as tall as Troy, and just as handsome. The difference was that this man had a serious, cold demeanor, while Troy was both mischievous and playful. Why was I thinking about Troy again? I sighed inwardly.

He must have felt my gaze because he looked up at me. Instead of looking away, I met his eyes. Those eyes... Troy’s green eyes were darker, while this man’s were lighter. But they reminded me so much of Troy’s.

"Is something wrong?" the man asked, bringing me back to reality. I shook my head and smiled.

"No, it’s nothing. I just… remembered someone," I said, taking a sip of my juice.

"I remember you too," he replied, making me look back at him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled. He tilted his head slightly. "Don’t you remember? We first met at the bookstore," he said. I thought for a moment, and then the memory came rushing back—the time I saw a book I wanted, only to find him picking it up!

"Y-You're right!" I exclaimed, still in disbelief. He chuckled at my reaction.

"I'm Zander. It's nice to meet you again, Eli," he introduced himself. I never imagined I’d run into him here. We were still in Tyreese, but this area was quite a distance from the town, so it was surprising that we crossed paths again.

"You're from the town, right? What brings you here?" he asked suddenly. I swallowed hard and looked away.

"I moved out of my parents' house. I’m planning to live here now," I lied. He nodded, seeming to accept my answer.

"Have you found a place to stay yet?" he asked curiously. I took a deep breath before responding.

"Actually, I'm still searching for an apartment," I admitted, feeling a bit weary.

"That's great news then! I have an apartment I can offer you!" he said enthusiastically. His words filled me with hope, and after we finished eating, we headed straight to the apartment he mentioned. He explained that both the down payment and rent were affordable, and since it fit my budget, I jumped at the opportunity.

"Thank you, Zander. If it weren't for you, I’d probably still be wandering the streets," I said as we toured the apartment. It had a small kitchen area and bathroom, and though the room was small, it felt cozy.

"You're welcome. How about work? Have you found a job here yet?" he asked.

"I'm planning to start looking tomorrow," I replied. "Do you have a resume?" he asked suddenly. I frowned slightly. "Yes, why?" I asked. He smiled.

"I work at a restaurant nearby. I can recommend you to my manager if you have a resume," he offered. My eyes widened in surprise.

"B-But… you've already helped me so much! I’m fine with the apartment, Zander. I can handle the job search on my own tomorrow," I insisted.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Eli. What if you can’t find a job tomorrow? How will you afford food or pay for the apartment?" Zander pressed. His words made me pause. He was right. I couldn't afford to be picky—I had to seize every chance that came my way because, from now on, I was on my own. Troy wasn’t here anymore to guide or help me.

Eventually, I agreed with Zander’s suggestion. He assured me that he would come by tomorrow to accompany me when I submitted my resume for the interview. After he left, I spent the rest of the day settling into the apartment. Once everything was clean, I took a shower. Exhausted, I collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep almost instantly. When I woke up, it was already late at night.

Luckily, I had bought some cup noodles earlier, so I had something to eat. As I ate, I couldn’t stop my thoughts from drifting to Troy. What was he doing now? Had he read my letter? Did he try to find me? Was he looking for me?

I knew I should stop thinking about him, but I couldn’t help it. My mind longed for him, and I knew it wasn’t just my mind—my heart did too.

That night, I unknowingly cried myself to sleep. The next morning, Zander’s knock woke me up. He informed me that I had passed the initial screening and just needed to attend the interview. Overjoyed, I quickly showered and got ready to head to the restaurant with Zander.

Everyone at the restaurant welcomed me warmly, including the manager, who was kind and approachable. After the interview, the manager told me I could start working the next day. I was so thrilled that I waited for Zander to finish his shift, promising to treat him to a coffee as a thank you.

So, after his shift, we went to a nearby coffee shop.

"Thank you so much, Zander," I said sincerely. He smiled in response.

"You're very welcome, Eli," he said with a warm smile.

"You know... I honestly thought you were cold and serious. I didn't realize you’re so warm and kind to everyone," I remarked. He laughed at my words. Earlier, I had observed how he interacted with his coworkers—laughing, joking, and being genuinely nice. It was clear why they liked him, especially the women. That’s where he differs from Troy.

Troy only acted nice when he was trying to flirt. Otherwise, he was aloof and often harsh when he had nothing to gain. The thought made me smile.

"You're smiling," he noted, catching me off guard. He looked at me intently. "You’re beautiful when you smile, Eli," he said sincerely. His words left me momentarily stunned, and I quickly looked away. He reminded me so much of Troy, and for a second, it felt like Troy was right in front of me.

"Are you done with your coffee? Shall we head home?" I suggested, hoping to avoid any awkwardness. He nodded quickly.

"I'll walk you back to your apartment, then," he offered. I didn’t refuse and let him accompany me.

For the past two days since I left Troy’s house, I’ve been working at the restaurant. I adapted quickly, and many people praised my work performance. Zander turned out to be a great mentor, teaching me everything I needed to know. Zander worked as a waiter, while I was assigned to the cashier.

But I can’t deny that every night before bed, I still find myself silently crying, missing the man I know I’ll never forget.

"You're spacing out again," Zander said, placing two plates of food on the table for our lunch.

"Maybe I'm just hungry," I replied, grabbing the utensils to start eating.

"Or... you’re missing someone?" he asked, hitting a nerve. His words left me speechless. I wasn’t sure if he was just guessing, or if it was obvious that I missed someone.

"I think I'm right—you’re missing someone. You’ve been out of it these past two days at work," Zander observed. I just laughed at his comment, knowing that if I denied it, I’d only come off as defensive.

"Stop it, Zander," I chuckled, taking a sip of my shake. But then I noticed Zander staring at me. I was caught off guard, especially when I realized he was staring at my lips. A strange nervousness washed over me. With Troy, I felt excitement, thrill, and sparks, but with Zander… it felt unsettling.

"There’s something on your lips," Zander said, reaching for a napkin to wipe them. But before he could, a strong hand grabbed his arm. My eyes widened as I saw Troy—he was furious.

My heart raced, my mind went blank, and my hands turned cold. It felt like the world around us had stopped. I could hear nothing but my own breathing, and a lump formed in my throat as I tried to swallow. Troy’s green eyes were blazing with anger, and I felt like I was about to be consumed by it.

In the blink of an eye, Zander was knocked to the ground by a powerful punch from Troy! John is also here! Troy and John… they were here! Oh, fuck!

Everyone in the restaurant gasped at what had just happened. People were staring, but I was still in shock, struggling to comprehend what was unfolding.

"I'm going to fucking kill you, Zander," Troy growled before dragging me out of the restaurant.

How... did he know Zander?

How did he find me?

"T-Troy..." I stammered, my voice trembling as I called his name.

"Shut up, Elisaria. I’m furious with you right now, and if we talk, it won’t just be words—I’ll end up cursing," his voice dripped with rage.

I felt a chill run through me. He called me by my real name. Did he figure out that Elisaria, the name I used in my letter, was my real name? And despite knowing how angry he was, why did I suddenly have this overwhelming urge to hug him tight?

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