Chapter 173. Elara Valcourt (2)
Elara’s green eyes shimmered with crocodile tears, her voice soft and pleading. "I didn’t start those rumors, Leonhardt. My friends—they care about me, they acted on their own to protect me." She stepped closer, her fingers lightly touching Leo’s collar, her auburn hair glowing in the moonlight.
Leo leaned back, his crimson eyes narrowing, keeping his distance. She pouted, her tone playful. "Can’t we go back to how things were? You remember our deal, don’t you? It still stands."
Leo’s jaw tightened, and he gently but firmly pushed her hands away, his voice cold but calm. "I don’t recall any deal, Elara. After the bandit attack, I forgot useless memories. Let’s keep it simple: you live your life, I live mine."
He turned to leave, but her voice stopped him, sharp and mocking. "Rin Valarune, isn’t it?"
He froze, his back to her, as she continued, her tone full of jealousy. "You moved on to her so quickly. I thought you were back to me while defending me when you humiliated her in front of everyone. I waited for you to come back to me, but you didn’t. Are you really that hung up on her?"
His voice was low, a quiet warning, still facing away. "Leave Rin out of this."
Elara’s voice grew louder, filled with scorn. "What’s so special about her? I’m more beautiful, more refined, and my reputation outshines hers."
He turned slightly, his crimson eyes glinting with a bitter smirk. "She doesn’t try to ruin my life."
Elara paused, her act slipping. "Ruin your life? I told you, I liked you. My friends were just protecting me."