eighteen

As I stepped into the unfamiliar restaurant, I couldn't help but notice there is no one but us and the curious gazes from the other waiters.It seemed that my dress had caught their attention. Spotting John across the room, I made my way towards him. His eyes met mine, and I could sense his appreciation for the outfit I had chosen. Joining him at the table, he couldn't help but compliment me, saying that the dress perfectly suited my blue eyes. His words caused a warm blush to spread across my cheeks, and I gratefully replied with a sincere "thank you."

We sat in comfortable silence as we savored our meal, enjoying the exquisite flavors that the fancy restaurant had to offer. Glancing around, I realized that we were the only ones present in the establishment. It was an unexpected and somewhat surreal experience to have the entire restaurant to ourselves, with no waiters or other guests in sight. Even the people who brought the food had left.

Once our plates were empty, John broke the silence and began to engage in conversation. His words carried a sense of anticipation, as if he had something important or meaningful to share.

"Can you tell me what's going on with your aunt and you?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes. I looked at him, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. "I don't know why she locked me up," I replied honestly. "This is the first time she's ever done something like this."i was telling the truth. Not even in the future she didn't hit me or locked me.

John's expression turned even more concerned upon hearing my response. "I'm sorry to hear that, Elenore," he said softly. "It's troubling that your aunt would suddenly isolate you like this. Is there anything that might have triggered such behavior? Maybe it has something to do with your proposal to me?"

I paused, meeting his gaze. Initially, I had considered denying it, but I knew he would see through my lie. "Perhaps," I admitted reluctantly. John continued, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "Elenore, why did you propose to me? What is your plan? Is not the fist time you are playing me." He smirk." I know you love Gabriel so muchh that you could ruin me. But I didn't like the joke I play my part but really like it."

I quickly raised my hand to stop him. "I am not in love with Gabriel," I asserted, my voice firm. John let out a laugh, clearly skeptical. "You expect me to believe that you don't love Gabriel?" he questioned, a hint of playfulness in his tone. I knew this would sound crazy, considering I had loved Gabriel. I had even died for him at the age of 18 in the future. But I couldn't reveal that to John.

"I'm telling the truth, John" I insisted, hoping he would trust me. He studied my face intently and then spoke softly, still unsure. "Elenore, this isn't a joke. I know you've liked Gabriel since you fist saw him and now, because of what you said to provoke him, you proposed to me. So what's your deal my lady.."

"I understand why you might think that, John," I replied, my voice tinged with sadness. "But I assure you, my proposal to you was not an attempt to make Gabriel jealous or to play a joke on him. There's something much bigger at play here, something I haven't been able to fully explain."

John's expression softened as he listened, his concern evident. "Elenore, I don't like you but we have history I'm not monster that I will let someone hurt you. Can you tell me your plan. "

But I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I felt trapped, unable to reveal the truth to him. "John, I can't say anything about this," I admitted, my voice filled with frustration and helplessness.

John's frustration grew as he tried to make sense of my behavior. "I see. But why? ," he said, his voice tinged with exasperation. "You're not yelling at me like a spoiled kid, you're not fighting back, and you're treating the maid like a human being. And yesterday, you jumped off the balcony a little weird who spoiled brat like you . Now your maid handed me a letter. Weel I just want to know what is going on , you are in my hotel. You can see I'm just helping"

The room seemed to spin as his words echoed in my ears. The dizziness overwhelmed me. The truth was heavy on my shoulders, but I knew I couldn't reveal it. İ don't want people to look at me like I'm crazy. And I know he is hating me from the start.

"I... I can't explain it right now," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "There are things happening that I can't fully understand myself."

"Hmm, the food is delicious isn't it?. But please don't ruin my meal, Elenore. I brought you here, and I can send you back just as easily.its up to you not too tell me or not"

I stared at him, fighting the urge to cry. I knew he hated me, and the thought of being sent back filled me with dread. Taking another steadying breath, I braced myself.

The air between us was thick with tension. I could feel John's eyes boring into me, judging my every move. All I wanted was to run and hide, to escape this oppressive situation. But I knew that would only anger him further.

Slowly, cautiously, I met his gaze. There was a glint in his eye that sent a shiver down my spine. I knew I had to tread carefully, lest I provoke his wrath. With measured words, I replied, my voice betraying the fear I felt inside.

"John," I began, my voice trembling slightly, "I know what I'm about to say sounds unbelievable, but I saw future or came " His eyes widened in astonishment, and a moment of silence hung between us as he processed my words. He stated smirk. But I continued, my voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination, "In the future, Gabriel and Alice conspired to ruin my reputation, and they succeeded. It led me to a point where I felt so trapped and hopeless that I took my own life. Their plan was set in motion just yesterday. Three years from now, when I turn 18, they will ruin me and i kill myself.I understand how absurd this all sounds," I said, my voice quivering. "That's why I proposed to you. " I know he is not going to believe but his face is just shocked? I didn't understand why?

Tears streamed down my face, staining my dress, as I recalled the pain and desperation that had led me to this moment. John's expression reflected a range of emotions, from shock to concern.

"Wait....., what? Okay,..... I see" John said, his voice filled with concern as he looked at me.

"You're saying that in three years, when you turn 18, something significant happens?" John asked, seeking confirmation. I nodded again, my heart pounding in my chest.

But then he said something that confused me. "Elenore, you are 18 right now," he stated firmly. I stared at him, my confusion evident. Was he playing a cruel joke on me? "John, I know you won't believe this, began, my voice trembling, "John You're 18, but I'm not."

John interrupted my words, his expression serious. " What age do you believe you are right now?"

I looked at him with a mixture of concern and disbelief. "John, I remember my age. I know I'm 15, and you're 18. Stop making fun of me,I'm try to tell you a serious thing's" I pleaded, tears streaming down my face.

John's voice softened as he tried to explain further. "Elenore, I need you to listen carefully. I am 21 years old, and you are 18. Three years ago, I attended your 15th birthday. Please, try to remember."

Dizziness washed over me as his words sank in. I couldn't comprehend what he was saying.

"No, it can't be. if I was 18, I was supposed to marry Gabriel, right?but Im not. So stop this lying to face" I exclaimed, desperately clinging to the fragments of my previous reality.

But as I spoke, darkness began to cloud my vision. I felt a sharp pain in my head, and blood started to trickle from my nose and mouth. Panic surged through me, and then everything went black.

I found myself lying on the floor, my surroundings blurry. John was kneeling beside me. The room spun around me, and I struggled to piece together the shattered fragments of my memories.