Chapter 50: Why Is She Here?

As Alia was lost in thought, the car suddenly came to an abrupt stop. The door opened, letting in fresh air tinged with a damp chill.

"We're here. This is the main site for the expansion project," Marcellus's voice broke through her reverie. He stood outside the car, extending a hand to help her out.

Alia lifted her head and froze momentarily at the sight before her. The land was clearly abandoned, overgrown with weeds and low vegetation that formed a thin green carpet across the ground. The place was eerily desolate, as if untouched by human presence for years. In the distance, scattered gravestones peeked out from the wild growth, their surfaces weathered and scarred by time. Twisted old trees lined the edges of the graveyard, their gnarled shadows cast by the setting sun creating strange, fragmented patterns on the ground, as if silently narrating the history of this forsaken place.

The air carried a faint scent of damp earth mixed with an indescribable mustiness, a smell that seemed to whisper of the past. Alia felt an inexplicable heaviness pressing on her chest, as though unseen eyes from the graveyard's shadows were watching her.

"Still near a graveyard?" Alia asked quietly, pushing aside her unease as she frowned slightly.

"That's right." Marcellus nodded, his gaze resting on the land with a hint of hesitation—and even unease—in his voice. "This area has always been near a graveyard. During the last expansion, we discovered some treasures in a similar location. That's why we chose this southeastern corner of the city again, hoping to both expand the city and uncover something new."

He gestured toward the graveyard, adding, "Of course, we'll be careful not to encroach on the graves themselves. Those are sacred resting places, and no matter what, we won't disturb them."

Alia followed his gaze. The gravestones weren't neatly arranged, yet there was an implicit order to their placement. The vegetation around them seemed lusher than in the surrounding area.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her thoughts and trying to keep her expression neutral. Then, she moved toward the land slated for redevelopment.

As she prepared to take a step forward, Marcellus suddenly grasped her hand. His warm, strong grip stopped her in her tracks. His deep, tender gaze seemed to reach into her soul. In a low voice filled with affection and concern, he said, "Livia, if you don't want to go further, if you don't want to face this, you don't have to. Sometimes, knowing less—or losing certain memories—isn't a punishment. It might be a blessing. I promise you, no matter what happens or what the future holds, I will protect you and love you forever."

His words sent a jolt through Alia's heart. She could feel the sincerity in his gaze and voice—a genuine concern untainted by ulterior motives. For a moment, she was moved, but her thoughts quickly snapped back to reality. She knew that no matter how true Marcellus's love for her might be in this moment, she couldn't stop. She wasn't Livia, and her mission wasn't to avoid the past but to uncover the truths buried in 'her' memory. These memories weren't just Livia's—they were intertwined with her identity as Alia.

"Whatever Marcellus's intentions, whatever he does in the future," Alia told herself, "at least at this moment, his feelings for me are real."

Still, Alia knew that recovering these memories might not only bring answers but also greater pain. She had already sensed that the truth might be more than she could bear. Yet she had no choice. Finding the truth was her most important goal.

Raising her head, Alia met Marcellus's gaze with a soft yet resolute expression. Her voice carried both apology and determination as she said, "No matter what, I want to see it for myself. These memories are a part of me. If I can't reclaim them, I may never be whole again."

Marcellus's brow furrowed deeply. He opened his mouth as if to persuade her once more but ultimately let out a long sigh. He gently released her hand, his eyes filled with helplessness and a trace of pain. "Alright. If that's your decision, I'll go with you. Just…" He hesitated, as though holding back something, before adding in a low voice, "If anything feels wrong, promise me you'll tell me."

Alia offered him a small smile and nodded lightly. Though she knew his protection couldn't shield her from the truths she sought, his presence and promise brought her an unexpected sense of warmth.

The two continued along the weed-covered path toward the site. Marcellus's hand returned to her wrist, a subtle gesture of support, while Alia's gaze remained fixed ahead, her mind clouded with anticipation and unease.

As they walked, Alia's eyes casually swept across the distance. Suddenly, a familiar figure came into view. The tall, slender form, the slightly bowed head, and the hurried, uneasy stride—it was Elias.

Her heart skipped a beat. She had been thinking about how to orchestrate an "accidental" encounter with him, but here he was, in the flesh. A faint smile tugged at her lips.

The atmosphere froze in an instant.

Elias, who was usually so carefree and nonchalant, now looked utterly different. His eyes burned with suppressed fury and unease. Ignoring Alia entirely, he strode forward and grabbed Marcellus's arm, his voice rising in a rare outburst of anger.

"Why is she here?!" Elias practically shouted. "Didn't we agree you wouldn't bring her? Have you forgotten what you promised me?!"