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Chapter 10: "Who Are You?"
"I thought you would stay and refuse to leave," Androsen said without looking at her.
Pilea sent him a quick glance before looking ahead.
"I've already thought it through," she replied calmly.
"What?"
Androsen stopped in his tracks. So did Pilea. She turned to him, looking straight into his eyes.
She inhaled deeply, trying to muster all the courage she had.
"I've decided not to run away."
Her eyes shimmered like crystals, filled with a resolve he couldn't quite fathom.
"And I won't resist pointlessly anymore," she continued softly.
"But I hope you won't take away my freedom."
Androsen just stared at her, their gazes locked.
"After I graduate," she said, "I'll look for another opportunity to take Sam with me. But for now, let me stay with him."
Androsen's face revealed nothing. Then, a faint smirk touched his lips.
"Alright," he said simply.
---
That night, the stars shone brightly in the calm sky.
Androsen stood by the balcony, staring at the stars quietly. They stirred no emotion in him.
Kinsley stood nearby, leaning casually against the railing, his cool aura as sharp as always.
"So, you even helped her brother," he said teasingly. "Don't tell me you've fallen for Cinderella."
Androsen didn't reply.
Kinsley chuckled. "Come on, admit it."
"Shut up," Androsen said coldly.
"Just find out who told Pilea's brother about her situation."
Kinsley sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright. I'll look into it. I've got nothing better to do anyway."
---
The next morning, as Pilea walked through the school gates, she could feel everyone's eyes on her.
Two girls whispered nearby, their voices loud enough for her to hear.
"I heard Lord Androsen took her in and now got bored of her," one sneered.
"So why does she still dare to show her face here?" the other hissed. "Let's give her a lesson she won't forget."
Pilea ignored them and kept walking — for Sam's sake, she would endure everything.
Suddenly, something hard struck her cheek. The pain burned sharply.
She winced, holding her face, her eyes flashing toward the girls.
One of them chuckled. "You should see your face right now."
"Why are you staring?" the other scoffed. "Have you forgotten? Everyone knows anyone can bully you."
Pilea's voice was steady. "Then don't take it too far."
The first girl glared at her, raising her hand again.
But this time, Pilea caught it firmly. Her eyes darkened, her aura shifting.
"If you dare slap me again," she warned, "I'll retaliate."
The girl froze, shocked by Pilea's sudden strength. Then she chuckled mockingly. "Retaliate?"
Before Pilea could move, the other girl grabbed her arms tightly.
"You've got guts," the first sneered. "To even think of touching me." She gripped Pilea's face harshly.
"How should I punish that pretty skin of yours, huh?"
Pilea squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the next blow—
But it never came.
When she opened them, a boy stood there, holding the girl's wrist mid-air.
It was the class president.
The girl scowled. "Who are you?"
He smirked slightly. "Lucin. Member of the disciplinary committee."
Though his features were calm and angelic, his eyes were dark and cold enough to freeze the air.
"Please, fellow students," he said, voice low but firm, "don't cause trouble during break."
The other girl quickly released Pilea and the two ran off, trembling.
Pilea looked down shyly. "Th-thank you," she murmured, her voice flustered.
Lucin smiled gently. "Ah, your wound…" he said, noticing the redness on her cheek.
Before she could protest, he gently took her by the hand.
"Come on," he said softly.
And Pilea followed quietly.
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