Eleonora.
Upon hearing the witchâs name, Park Noah was able to grasp the situation. The blond stranger across her was related to Eleonora Asil. She scanned the man from head to toe, lifting her âfunnyâ glasses.
To think that a man as handsome as he was involved in Eleonoraâs lifeâ¦
The man tilted his head and patted the empty seat beside him, âWhat are you looking at, Ellie? Come and sit down.â
ââ¦.â
âWhat are you doing? Come on.â
Park Noah tried to recall the witchâs memories for the manâs identity but it was almost impossible. All she was certain about was the witch was close enough with this man to be called by a nickname.
Whether it was because of immense anxiety filling her nerves or simply because she did not belong to the body she possessed, Park Noah could not find any memory of him no matter how desperately she rummaged through her mind.
Was he an ally or an enemy?
âAre you sure youâre going to break up with me? If thatâs the case, Iâm a little upset, too. Iâve kept your neck safe a few times, havenât I?â
There seemed to be no malice in his words, but his gentle eyes did not seem pleased either. Park Noahâs intuition warned her. Meanwhile, the stranger had fixed his eyes on her.
What measure should she take at the moment?
One, pretend to be Eleonora Asil and agree to whatever he says. But I donât know his personality or his job, including his name, so heâll figure it out. Reject.
Second, not Eleanora, but Park Noah. Simply confess like what she did to Kyle Leonard.
âYou have to answer back, Ellie.â
While she was immersed in her thoughts, the manâs patience seemed to have thinned. Then, he extended his arm towards her. Naturally, Park Noah frowned. She thought, âAm I a dog that places my paw on someoneâs palm?â
ââ¦.!â
But before she could express her displease, her body was suddenly pulled forward. In a blink of an eye, she had lost her balance and collapsed on top of the man.
He removed the glasses, which had been covering her eyes, while his hands were wrapped around her waist.
âWhat, whatâ¦â
âHow long are you going to ignore me, Eleonora. You know best that I donât have a lot of patience, right?â
Park Noah barely supported herself as her arms pressed against the back of the seat. The manâs grip on her waist tightened, pulling her closer. What appeared like an angel a while ago transformed into a sly beast from the underground.
âLong time no see, Ellie.â
Heâs crazy. Heâs crazy.
Park Noah quickly rejected the second idea and resorted to the last one: pretend to be Eleonora Asil who is suffering from amnesia.
She took a deep breath and faked a smile, âSorry, who are you?â
The man stiffened. Park Noah continued her act, gritting her teeth. âWhoâs the one who broke into anotherâs room?â
The best part of her amnesia pretense was she could act however and still likely remain unsuspected. The crude in her leaped in joy.
âIâm already tired, and youâre getting on my nerves.â
ââ¦.â
âLet go of me, will you?â
The manâs gaze deepened. He cupped Park Noahâs face, muttering under his breath. âThat canât beâ¦â
âIs it polite in any country to speak informally upon first encounters? Even more so when you are an intruder. Who are you? How old even are you?â
The answer came after a short pause.
âYour friend, your lover, your lifeâs savior, and the man who knows you best in the world. Probably more than Kyle Leonard.â
The man smiled softly but he flinched at the investigatorâs name he unconsciously muttered. âWe were good partners, werenât we?â
His hand trailed above her waist, staring intently at Park Noah. She could only glance below and see their bodies close together as an arm dangerously wrapped itself around her back.
ââ¦How?â
Is it okay for Eleonora to sleep with one or ten people? Itâs not even in my wildest dreams.
âSo what⦠Ugh.â As soon as Park Noah responded dryly, a strong hand gently pressed the middle of her waist. A chill erupted in her spine. Unfortunately, Eleonora Asilâs body seemed to be quite sensitive. Or was the body merely reacting because of a familiar touch?
Or just because heâs a player?
Either way, it wasnât very pleasant for Park Noah to be trapped in the current situation. As she felt his hand inching down, she immediately slapped his arm away.
âThereâs quite a lot Iâve forgotten, but I canât even remember it, so it must have been pretty bad, you.â
âYou wonât be able to say that once you experience it.â
âWhy should I do something unpleasant with you in this small room?â
âIf you say you donât know me, wouldnât that be the most efficient way to refresh your memory? Human instincts tell you more than your mind does.â
The man smirked, unbothered by Park Noahâs protest. At that moment, Park Noah knew what kind he was â a typical âpretty trash.â