Elena’s POV
“You’re looking for an apartinent neachere?” Haruki inquired. I was surprised that he bothered to engage in conversation at all, considering ha previously closed off donor
He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the edge of the table, his gaze direct and surprisingly intense. “For how long? is just for the duran of the internship al Legacy!”
I nodded. “Just six months, really,” I said, keeping my e casual. He nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtfu
if Burning something a rin his mind..
Just then, the waiter returned to our table, skillfully navigating the crowded space, and served our food with a practiced flourish the plates, piled high with fragrant shawanna, crispy lies and a georious salail, created a momentary diversion, and we begin to eat.
I’d quickly forgotten that Haruki had asked me something, my attention completely captured by the satisfying meal my stomach had been so desperately
Clavine
Edevoured the first few bites, my hunger overpowering my anxieties.
“Like it?” Malakai asked, a wide, friendly grin on his face as he watched me eat with gusto, I smiled back, a genuine curve of my lips this time, and enthusiastically, my mouth full
I noticed Haruki’s gaze drift towards the clear window that looked out onto the bustling Maxcester City street. His brow furrowed slightly as he observed something outside. Then, he turned back to me, his frown still subtly present, and asked, “I hope you don’t mind my asking are you Elena Kovalyov Histone was polite but direct, and I stiffened a fetle, my senses immediately on high alert, though I managed a small nod.
“Married to Nikolai Vetrov, right?” He glanced out the window again, his gaze lingering for a moment, then shifted back to Malakal a silent question in his
Malakai, who had been happily munching on his fries, glanced at me and nodded, confirming Haruki’s inquiry. “Yeah, you were out of the country for past year, so you probably weren’t that up–to–date on all the latest Velhaven society news…” Malakai said, his tone light, attempting to downplay the rather scandalous nature of my public persona
“Mhm…I see,” Haruki replied, his gaze flicking towards the window one more time before he turned his attention fully back to me. “Mrs. Elena..
“You can just call me Elena, please, interjected, offering a small smile. He nodded, a hint of a smile touching his own lips this time.
“Elena…are you aware that there are people following you?” He asked, his voice low and serious. I paused, my eyes instinctively darting towards the window, I scanned the busy street, my gare searching for anything out of the ordinary, but I didn’t see anything particularly suspicious.
But I sighed inwardly. This wasn’t exactly surprising news. “Now I am,” I said, placing my hall–eaten shawarma, back down on the plate. My appetite had suddenly vanished, replaced by a familiar wave of irritation. I reached for a napkin and wiped my mouth, trying to appear more composed than I felt.
“They don’t seem to be threatening. I’m assuming they’re just security guards sent by your husband,” Haruki continued, picking up his own sandwich and taking a bite. He seemed remarkably unfazed by the revelation, treating it as a mere observation of an everyday occurrence. “I was just letting you know since you seemed to be unaware, and well, stalking someone is generally considered illegal, even if they are your spouse.”
I nodded slowly, a wry smile touching my lips. “No. They probably aren’t threatening. Just…incredibly annoying
enting situation? “Thope you don’t mind my asking…“Haruki began again, his gaze direct, “why don’t you just ask your husband for help with Surely someone with his resources could easily find you a suitable place.” He asked, and quirked a bron, a sharp retort immediately forming on my tongue. Of course, I minded him asking such personal questions. Why was this virtual stranger suddenly so invested in my marital affairs?
contemplated what to say for a long moment, carefully choosing my words. I certainly wasn’t about to divulge the intimate details of my contractual marriage and impending divorce to a casual acquaintance. Finally, I settled on a carefully constructed half–truth, “it’s a little complicated between us right now, so I’m spending some time apart,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.
“I see,” Haruki replied, his gaze thoughtful. I apologize for asking such a personal question.” He seemed to genuinely regret overstepping. “Do you have
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Chapter 112
any specific area of Marcester City you’re focur
a little weirded out by the sheen amount of questions this
I mean, he didn’t look creepy, not at all. Quite the opposite, actually intense gaze. And he was also bindeniably polite in the way he spe
“I was just planning to head back to Velhaven for today and come back here the
suitable for me it would be a little embarrassing to admit that i had traveled all the way to Marcester City Anyone with experience in apartment hunting would probably laugh at my name
“Oh… do you have any specific requirements or something you’re looking for?” Malakai was the
ack this Gew
I tilted my head, considering his question. “Nothing too extravagant, honestly I just care abou not a huge fan of too many guests. And I really don’t appreciate people coming over to party every much to ask if I’m going to be getting a shared space, but I’d really prefer it to be relatively quiet and peacef
a lot, and I’m defi
Malakal’s brow quirked opwards as he exchanged a quick glance with Haruki. They seemed to be comm of understanding that I couldn’t quite decipher. Then, they both turned back to me, and Malakal spoke first, your potential flatmate. Do you mind if it’s a boy?” He asked, and I was completely taken aback by the unexpected
“A guy? Well, yeah, obviously I’d mind. Staying w
with an unknown grown man is going to b
“No, no, not a grown man, Malakai interjected quickly, shaking his head with a reassuring smile” mean a high school boy asked, and 1 blinked, utterly bewildered by the oddly specific question
I nodded slowly, my mind struggling to process this bizane proposition. “I understand. However, wouldn’t that be a little strange
to mention, teenage boys are generally more prone to making their surroundings… less than pristine”
that this one,” Malakai insisted, shaking his head with a knowing air. “He is incredibly quiet Clean, almost to a fault. Likes to keep to himse Stays at home all day except for school, and he can oven cook for himself” He spoke with an earnestness that was almost comical
“Are…you serious?” I asked, my voice laced with disbelief. “I mean, like… genuinely? I don’t understand what you’re saying I looked from Malakato Haruki, hoping for some clarification, some sign that this wasn’t some elaborate prank.
