The wind carried the rain away with its aggressive breath, lashing the city of Yuor with a heavy intensity that submerged the streets in vast channels of water. Colorful umbrellas adorned the festival, obstructing Cain's view amidst the passing crowd. He could barely see beyond the escort protecting Eilith from the water, and he moved with caution.
He was fulfilling his duty to watch over the Duke's precious granddaughter, but he found himself lost among the people, dazed by the cold that embraced him. Then, he heard a whispering voice intoning his name.
—It really is you, Cain.
The bold red lips that emitted that attractive voice belonged to a female figure who dared to block his path, stepping directly in his way. The solitary woman, standing right before him, summoned the darkest of his memories, turning the noisy environment tasteless in an instant.
Eilith had only distanced herself a little, but even from that distance, she could see a somber expression she had never known before on that man's usually serene face.
The silence stretched for a moment. Cain had lost himself in the beauty of that young woman with long red hair. The owner of the crystalline eyes that shone on their own was no illusion; unfortunately, she belonged to the festive surroundings, just like any of the other people passing around the Count's son.
—As popular with women as ever… is that beautiful girl your girlfriend?
Cain's voice got stuck in his throat, and his attempts to respond were consumed by memories he thought he had buried forever. He recognized that silky voice, and because of it, reality seemed to make no sense.
—You look very well—even more attractive than ten years ago.
—Layla…
Cain's body broke out of its paralysis when he finally managed to utter the lady's name.
—I didn't mean to interrupt you… I simply never thought I'd find you in this place.
Though he refused to adapt to the circumstances, he could not ignore the genuinely cynical comments coming from those perfect lips. If she was feigning ignorance, she deserved to be congratulated.
—You are quite brazen.
He suppressed the urge to silence her, for her voice was poisonous and had the deadly effect of unsettling his emotions. Layla knew it. Those dark eyes were a crystal reflecting the interior of that man. His instability was becoming evident: he was trapped in a sea of stormy feelings that were entirely her fault. She was the woman who had despised him when he considered her his everything—the reason he believed life had no meaning when she disappeared.
Layla smiled for a moment because, even if he looked at her with such harshness, she had no doubt about how strongly she remained in his thoughts, even if it was through his hatred. After all, she hadn't stopped thinking about him for all those years either—not for a single day. When she recognized him, she fought the impulse to run toward him; but when the young Eilith suddenly appeared, she was forced to step back.
—Please, do not look at me that way… I never wanted to cause you so much pain.
Cain felt she must be mocking him. His entire body ached, and he held all the frustration he was experiencing within his clenched fists.
—Are you alright, Cain…?
Eilith entered the chaotic scene, covering him with the black umbrella she took from the hands of one of her ladies. She would have preferred not to intervene, but seeing his face overshadowed by agony, she couldn't simply stand still and watch.
For many years, the rumor had circulated that the former heir of the Salieri earldom selfishly rejected all women who approached him. He developed a deep resentment that he ended up taking out on those unfortunate enough to be enchanted by his physical attractiveness. Layla knew perfectly well what had happened; that was why she could not feign composure now, as a girl like Eilith relegated her to the background, clinging to the arm of her ex-fiancé and flaunting their closeness.
Of course, Layla and Eilith were very different. Although the redhead's beauty had always been described as mystical, Eilith looked like a princess—like someone who could be the protagonist of beautiful stories full of happiness.
—Cain.
Layla addressed him again, her tone shifting to one of more compassion.
—Lui and I separated five years ago. I also lost my inheritance… and I left my parents' house.
As much as she wanted to close the distance between herself and the Count's son, Eilith's defensive gaze warned her that she would be irremediably pushed away. Furthermore, her words seemed to have no effect on the young man. Although he was actually deeply shocked, he forced himself not to think and simply allowed himself to be guided away by the blonde beauty.
—The rain is falling harder. We have to go.
A smiling Eilith said goodbye to Layla. She knew nothing, but she sensed she should avoid her and left her behind in that damp environment. As reckless and careless as ever, Layla remained in her place, watching only Cain's back.
♠♠♠♠♠♠