NOAH
When I left her room… I didn't recognize myself.
I was smiling.
For no reason.
That smile felt foreign to me… almost out of place.
What did I just do? Did I go too far?
I stopped by the door for a few seconds, like some invisible thread was still pulling me back inside.
One night.
That's all it took to turn everything upside down.
My mind argued with me—it's just a moment… it'll pass…
I walked down the stairs slowly. I could feel my steps, but my thoughts were somewhere else… with her.
Her eyes. Her voice. The way she tried to look strong.
I entered my office and shut the door loudly, as if that would somehow help me escape all of this.
I dropped into the chair and leaned my head back, staring at the ceiling.
"Let it go…" I told myself.
But I couldn't.
There was one truth I couldn't even admit out loud to myself:
I want a reason for her to stay.
Is that selfish?
Yes.
Will I still do it?
…Yes.
I closed my eyes, and memories of childhood came rushing back.
Little Elise.
Blonde hair. Green eyes. Always crying. Her small hands gripping my shirt.
And now…
She's the woman sitting upstairs, trying not to fall apart.
"Damn it… is this my fault? If I hadn't forgotten back then…"
Now she's here. In my house.
And this… feels more like fate than coincidence.
Maybe it's too late…
But I can still save her.
I took a deep breath.
Then another thought hit me.
What if she leaves?
That scene replayed in my head—
The rain. That man. Her screams. The way she was shaking…
"She can't leave…" I muttered quietly.
I couldn't just watch her walk out of my life again—
for the second time.
Then I realized… Elise doesn't have any clothes.
I left the office and went to the kitchen. Eva was there.
"Eva, I need a favor."
"I'm listening," she smiled.
"Can you buy clothes and other essentials for Elise?"
Her smile widened.
"So… she's staying for a while," she said, clearly pleased.
I didn't answer.
Because… I didn't fully know the answer myself.
But I was sure of one thing—
I'll do anything to make sure she doesn't leave.
"I'll be leaving the city for a few days," I added. "I have some business at one of the company branches. Until I get back… take care of her."
I paused.
"And don't let her leave," I said firmly.
Eva looked at me quietly.
"And one more thing," I added, "don't tell her anything about my past."
"Noah…"
"No questions," I cut her off.
I couldn't let her find out everything.
Not yet.