Chapter 2. A Stranger Wearing His Face
607 Words
Elena remained on the cold ground long after Adrian walked away.
Her chest tightened painfully as tears slipped silently down her cheeks. The same eyes that once looked at her with warmth had turned completely cold.
He truly didn’t remember her.
Not their songs.
Not their promises.
Not her.
“Elena!”
Bianca’s furious voice shattered the moment.
“What are you doing outside?” she hissed while yanking Elena up harshly by the arm. “Have you gone mad? Do you want the De Luca family to see you looking like this?”
“I—I’m sorry…”
Bianca glared at her tear-stained face in disgust.
“Pathetic girl.”
Inside the mansion, laughter and expensive wine filled the dining room. Elena quietly stood behind the kitchen entrance holding trays while Sofia entertained the guests with fake sweetness.
Mr. De Luca suddenly smiled proudly.
“Our son has finally agreed to marry. We want the engagement announced as soon as possible.”
Sofia nearly blushed to death from excitement.
Meanwhile Adrian sat silently beside his father, lazily sipping wine without interest.
“Elena!” a servant whispered urgently. “Take this dessert to the guests.”
Elena nodded nervously and carried the tray carefully into the dining room.
The moment she entered, Sofia’s smile disappeared.
Bianca immediately stood up.
“Why is she here?” she snapped.
“She’s just serving dessert,” Elena whispered softly.
“Then hurry up and leave.”
Elena lowered her eyes and began placing the plates one by one.
But as she reached Adrian, her hands trembled slightly.
Up close, he looked even more different.
Older.
Sharper.
Dangerous.
The sweet boy who used to write songs for her was gone.
“Your hand is shaking.”
His deep voice suddenly made her freeze.
Elena slowly looked up.
Adrian’s cold eyes were fixed directly on her face now.
For a second… something strange flickered in his expression.
Confusion.
Like he had seen her somewhere before.
But it disappeared instantly.
“You’re making the wine spill,” he said flatly.
“I’m sorry, sir.”
Sir.
The word nearly broke her heart.
Adrian looked away without another glance.
Sofia quickly wrapped her arm around his.
“Please ignore the servants,” she laughed softly. “Some people don’t know their place.”
Elena quietly bit her lower lip and walked away before her tears could fall again.
Later that night, the engagement discussion finally ended.
As the De Luca family prepared to leave, Elena stood alone in the backyard hanging washed clothes beneath the cold night breeze.
She stared at the moon silently, trying to stop herself from crying.
“You still cry the same way.”
Her breath caught instantly.
Elena turned around quickly.
Adrian stood a few feet away, one hand inside his pocket.
Her heartbeat became uneven.
“Sir…?”
His sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
“Have we met before?”
The question sent hope rushing through her chest.
Before Elena could answer, Sofia suddenly appeared behind him.
“Adrian!” she called sweetly before glaring at Elena. “Why are you talking to a maid?”
Maid.
Again.
Adrian glanced between them.
“She looked familiar.”
Sofia laughed nervously.
“How could someone like her know you?”
Elena’s chest tightened painfully.
Someone like her.
Adrian said nothing after that.
He simply walked away with Sofia beside him, leaving Elena standing alone in the darkness once again.
But unknown to everyone…
That night, Adrian dreamed of a girl singing beneath the rain.
And for the first time in years, a forgotten melody echoed inside his heart.
- Writer
