Chapter 14: Who Are You Talking About?

"Do you have something you want to tell me?" Alia asked, her tone calm but probing, as if testing Elias's true intentions.

Elias fixed his gaze on her, his expression unwavering.

"That depends on whether you're willing to trust me. Perhaps I can help you uncover the truth."

His words carried a weight of intrigue, a mix of an extended hand and a veiled implication that he held crucial information. This made Alia more acutely aware that Elias was far more complex than he seemed. He was not merely a flirtatious, carefree nobleman—there was a depth to him, as well as a plan. Whatever their history as Livia and Elias, it had threads that extended far beyond mere private affection. Elias must have his own schemes and goals.

This realization lit a fire within Alia. She knew she couldn't fully trust him, but outright rejecting him might close a valuable lead. For now, she needed to tread carefully.

"Even if that's true, I've lost my memory, I don't know what I am able to do." Alia replied, feigning resignation.

Elias chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a blend of pity and certainty.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you," he said, as if it were an unshakable promise. He paused, his voice lowering to something more cryptic. "Perhaps you've forgotten my other identity as well. No matter—once you've completed your recovery and mastered your training here, I'll take you to a place where everything will become clear."

His words deepened the furrow in Alia's brow. She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fine." Though a part of her resisted, she knew she needed a way forward, and Elias seemed to be the most useful piece on the board for now.

"And who exactly are you implying would want to harm me? Who are you talking about?" Alia asked, her voice steady, her question a deliberate probe into his motives.

Elias's expression grew serious, and he spoke deliberately:

"I have my suspicions, but I don't want to make claims before I'm certain. However, I promise that when I take you to that place, I'll reveal everything I know and who I suspect."

Alia's eyes narrowed, her tone laced with mockery.

"Is that so? All your certainty from earlier was just baiting, wasn't it?"

Elias didn't flinch at her sharp remark. Instead, he gave her a sheepish smile, his gaze softening as though the sight of her slight anger amused him. A strange emotion flickered in his eyes—nostalgia, maybe even regret. For a fleeting moment, he seemed lost in thought before recovering his usual carefree demeanor.

"I am sorry," he said, his voice unexpectedly solemn. "But I swear, I'll find the truth. And more than that, I'll prove to you who truly loves you."

Before Alia could respond, Elias stepped closer, reaching out to lightly clasp her hand.

Alia didn't immediately pull away, but her face remained cold. After a moment, she slowly withdrew her hand from his grasp, her voice firm and unyielding.

"For now, you should leave."

Elias paused, clearly caught off guard by the abrupt dismissal. Blinking, he broke into a small smile and took the rejection in stride.

"Don't worry. I'll wait for you," he said lightly, turning on his heel and walking away with a measured confidence, as if satisfied with the day's progress.

As Alia watched him retreat, she stood rooted in place, gazing down at her hand. The warmth from his touch lingered faintly, stirring an odd unease in her chest. It felt like a stone tossed into a still lake, ripples spreading across her calm facade.

Unconsciously clenching her fists, she tried to dispel the lingering sensation, though she couldn't quite shake it.

"What is he planning…" she murmured under her breath, her eyes fixed in the direction Elias had disappeared.

Every word of his felt like a calculated probe, yet there was an inexplicable sincerity beneath the surface. The contradiction left her both skeptical and slightly shaken. She couldn't trust anyone blindly—not now—but Elias's peculiar mix of concern and determination was hard to ignore.

With a quiet sigh, Alia tilted her head back, closing her eyes briefly to compose herself.

"No matter what he says, I'll rely on myself," she whispered, her voice firm with newfound resolve.

Brushing away her thoughts, she turned to the training equipment in front of her. Tightening her fists, she muttered,

"First, I need to rebuild my strength."

Just as she was about to begin, a steady, heavy rhythm of footsteps sounded from behind her.

Her brow furrowed, irritation flickering in her tone. "You again? Didn't I tell you to leave—"

The voice that answered wasn't the playful tone of Elias. It was a deep, commanding baritone, laced with authority.

"Again? Leaving? Who are you talking about?"

The familiar voice made Alia's entire body stiffen. She whirled around, her heart skipping a beat as she locked eyes with the tall, imposing figure before her.

It wasn't Elias standing there—it was her husband, Marcellus.