chapter320

The darkness remained absolute, enveloping everything within Elysia’s sight. Not a single soul was visible in the gloom.

Elysia was on high alert, a cold wave of dread washing over her. She could hear a voice, yet the source remained invisible. In her panicked state, her mind conjured images of the supernatural—drifting shadows and ghastly figures.

"Who's there? Who's calling me?!" she cried out.

The silence that followed was heavy. Elysia tried to summon a surge of courage, her voice trembling but fierce. "Quit playing games! Show yourself, or I’ll scream for help!"

A pleasant, melodic male voice echoed again, sounding even closer this time. "Elysia... what a lovely name. It suits you perfectly. I like it."

Still, she saw no one. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her skin crawling with the sensation of being watched by an unseen predator. "Who are you?! Show yourself!"

The stranger ignored her demand, his tone remaining soft and conversational. "Are you afraid he’ll recognize your sons?"

Elysia froze, the air leaving her lungs. "What?!"

"I can help you," he offered, bypassing her shock.

"...Help with what?!"

"I can help you keep this secret forever. I can ensure he never discovers the truth about your children."

Something clicked in Elysia’s mind, and her pulse skyrocketed. "I have no secrets!"

"Oh? Isn't the child his as well? How is that not a secret?"

Elysia gasped, her eyes widening in pure horror. "You!!!"

The man let out a low, musical chuckle. "Curious how I know? That’s not important. What matters is that I am aware that your son is also his."

"You’re talking nonsense!" Elysia hissed, though her voice lacked conviction. "My children are mine alone. They have nothing to do with him!"

"You know the truth, Elysia. Six years ago, the airport lounge, room 101... a night that changed everything. Need I say more?"

Elysia’s heart thrashed in her chest like a trapped bird. Room 101. He knew. He actually knew the one truth she thought was buried forever.

"Who... who are you?!"

"It doesn't matter. Don’t be nervous. Although I know this secret, I have no intention of spilling it. I can help you guard it, ensuring he never finds out. Tell me, do you want my help?"

Elysia panted heavily, her mind buzzing with static. She had thought this secret was hers alone, shared only with the silent stars. To find a stranger holding it over her was terrifying.

After several deep breaths to steady herself, she managed to speak. "I want to know who you are!"

"That is irrelevant."

"How do you know about that night?!"

"That is also not important."

"Then... why? Why help me?!"

"Maybe... because you are beautiful, and I hate to see such beauty in distress," he mused. "Or maybe I simply like your name. Or perhaps... it’s for my darling."

"Your darling?"

"Yes, my most beloved... but never mind that. The reason isn't the priority. Just tell me, do you want my help?"

"What do you mean by 'help'?"

"Removing the problem, obviously."

His tone was so casual it made Elysia feel faint. "What did you just say?!"

He continued, his voice laced with a dark, calm certainty. "If he is no longer an obstacle, you will never have to worry about him discovering your secret, nor will you have to fight over custody. I can assist in making him disappear from your life forever. You need not fear him anymore; I will devise a perfect plan. You will be free, unnoticed by anyone, and you and your children can live without a single worry."

"No!" Elysia shouted, her morality clashing with her fear. "I don't want that! I won't be a part of anything like that, nor will I let you do it! Stay away from him—and stay away from me!"