Ch 23: I want some answers- Part 2

Selene wanted answers about what was going on. She felt like she knew most of what was going on, but it did not seem to be enough.

But deep down, she had a feeling that Ethan wasn't going to give her any, so she would have to be the one to pry these answers out of Ethan's mouth.

The way he carried himself, the casual indifference in his golden eyes, told her that he did not consider her as much.

He had already turned to leave, his sword now cleaned of the monster's dark blood, as if the attack had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Selene clenched her jaw, frustration and confusion swirling inside her.

Was he seriously going to just walk away after something like that? Should she do something about it?

A normal person would have asked her if she was okay. A normal person would have at least acknowledged the sheer impossibility of what had just happened.

But Ethan Park was anything but normal. He had long ago passed any conventional definition of 'normal' so now it was impossible to judge him using that lens.

Ethan Park likely wanted to leave her behind, but Selene refused to be left behind this time. She took a step forward and followed after the male. She was not going to let him out of her sight.

Ethan immediately noticed. He turned his head slightly, and when his gaze met hers, amusement flickered in his expression.

"You're free to follow me if you want, but do be careful. Following me is not an easy task and you might get hurt in the process. It would be safer to keep your distance from me." 

He said lazily, as if this was all some kind of joke to him, but Selene already knew that. He might not remember, but he had already hurt Selene once.

A second time won't be difficult for him to do either.

Selene's irritation grew, but she swallowed her pride.

She needed answers.

So she followed him.

The walk was silent, the only sounds coming from their footsteps against the pavement.

Selene had so many questions, but something told her Ethan wouldn't answer them—not unless he wanted to.

After a few minutes, he led her into a small, cozy café. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mixing with the sweetness of pastries. The place wasn't crowded, just a few customers scattered around.

The moment they stepped inside, a waiter approached them with a bright, friendly smile.

"Would you like a couple's table? We have a special discount for people who came to check this place out for the first time." 

The waiter asked politely and his gaze looked intently at the pair in front of him.

Selene immediately recoiled as soon as she heard the waiter. There was no way she could allow that to happen.

"Absolutely not!" 

She said without thinking, disgust clear in her tone.

Ethan let out a soft chuckle and placed a hand over his chest, feigning offense. 

"Ouch. That really stings, Selene. You wound me. After all that we went through, this is how you repay me? Why did I even try that hard for you?"

His teasing tone only made her scowl deepen. He was just acting around, but his tone sounded genuine enough to make the waiter second-guess their relationship. And it did not sit well with Selene.

The waiter, now caught in the middle of their awkward exchange, glanced between them with an uncertain expression, unsure if he should say something.

Before he could, another voice rang out from across the room.

"Ethan! Finally! You managed to make it here. Do you know how long you made me wait?"

Selene turned toward the source of the voice.

At a corner table sat a woman with striking blue hair, her gaze locked onto Ethan as she waved at him with an air of familiarity.

Without hesitation, Ethan started walking toward her.

Selene hesitated for a brief moment before following.

Her curiosity got the better of her.

Who was this woman?

As they approached, Ethan wasted no time with introductions. He gestured lazily at the blue-haired woman and said.

"This leech here is Zara. She decided to stick to me, and now I can't get rid of her."

Zara gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest in mock outrage.

"How dare you, you black-hearted charcoal!" 

She shot back, glaring at him.

Ethan only smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction.

Selene watched their exchange with narrowed eyes, already trying to piece things together.

Zara turned her attention to Selene, and in that instant, Selene felt as though she was being thoroughly examined.

There was something sharp about Zara's gaze, as if she was sizing her up, trying to determine if she was a threat or not.

Then, after a few seconds of silence, Zara smiled sweetly and said.

"I'm his girlfriend of convenience."

Selene froze.

Girlfriend?

That didn't make sense.

She had never heard of Ethan having a girlfriend, not in the past or the future.

And considering how famous he was, she would have definitely known about it.

Which could only mean one thing.

Zara… didn't survive.

The realization sent a chill down Selene's spine.

She must have made a face because Zara frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Do you have brain damage or something?" 

She asked bluntly.

Before Selene could respond, Ethan cut in smoothly.

"Zara. Don't ask such rude questions." 

He said in a warning tone, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. 

Zara huffed, crossing her arms. 

"Fine, fine. But seriously, what's going on?"

Ethan ignored her and instead turned to Selene.

"Sit down. This is going to take a while to explain" 

He said, motioning to the empty chair across from Zara. 

Selene hesitated, but in the end, she pulled out the chair and sat down.

She didn't know what Ethan was about to say.

But she was sure of one thing.

She needed to hear it.