Chapter 59

KATELYN.

The strong and refreshing breeze carried the dry leaves, a sign that autumn was approaching once again. I found myself sitting on the bench where Eligor and I used to have lunch, where we chatted and often teased each other.

I often find myself seated in the very spot where he once sat, using it as my refuge while I while away the hours with nothing but thoughts of him on my mind. Gazing at the overcast sky above, I am irresistibly drawn to wonder, "How is he doing now?"

Today marked the last day of my teaching career at this school; I had decided to take a break and establish a small café back in our hometown of Brentwood. It had been two years since Mom was discharged from the mental facility, and together with Dad, we made the decision to build the café near a tourist spot, so we could be a close-knit family and take better care of Mom.

With my family whole and my parents' relationship restored, I couldn't help but reflect on the tremendous changes in my life. I felt more at ease, able to talk to others without lowering my head and avoiding eye contact—especially with men, who used to intimidate me.

In the past, I couldn't approach any man, make eye contact, or feel at ease when I was around them, but that was all in the past. Now, I could interact with them confidently, even though each one had a different personality and way of treating me. I had stopped judging them based solely on their gender; I learned to see them as equals.

My life had become lighter, and my interactions with other people who wanted to enter my life were more pleasant. I had torn down the imposing wall I had built to keep people away, and Eligor was the reason behind this profound transformation.

"Kate! Let's go!" Aimee called from a short distance away, obviously in a hurry to leave.

I got up from my seat, but before I left the back garden of the school for the last time, I gazed at it and smiled. "We'll meet again, Eli," I whispered to myself before rushing towards Aimee.

"They're done fixing up, so let's go. Have you said goodbye to your favorite garden?" Aimee asked, and I nodded, linking my arm with hers.

"I'm going to miss this school so much. I have so many memories from the years I taught here," I replied, noticing her pouting. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away, not wanting to show me.

"I won't have anyone here to confide in. Who will I tell about my fights with Charles? And why do you have to leave just when I'm pregnant and you'll soon have a nephew or niece?" She asked, looking down at her baby bump.

Her pregnancy was quite noticeable now. Aimee and Charles got married last year, and Aimee became pregnant just five months after the wedding. They were very excited about having a child, and I couldn't blame them. After all, we were getting older, and soon our ages would no longer be in our favor.

I could only think that Charles lost his job, which was why even with the pregnancy, Aimee had to continue teaching, and I knew it was stressful for her.

"You know I need to take care of my parents too, girl. Besides, didn't you say Charles was looking for a new job again? If he gets one, you should stop teaching for a while and focus on your baby. You shouldn't stress yourself," I replied, and she rested her head on my shoulder as we walked towards the parking lot.

"Sigh, when will you get married? I want to see my best friend in a white gown," she said, and I forced a smile.

Truthfully, I had no idea when that would happen. I didn't know if I needed to see the man I loved again, and I didn't know when Eligor would come back to me.

"It's been four years since Eligor went abroad, right? But you still have a connection even though it's a long-distance relationship?" Aimee asked, and I simply nodded.

The truth was, it had been four years since Eli said goodbye and left to join the council to become mortal and live with me. But during those years, I hadn't seen or spoken to him even once. I couldn't even find his shadow; I could only see him in my dreams, dreams that my imagination, as a lucid dreamer, conjured.

At first, I could still communicate with Loraine, asking about Eligor's whereabouts or how he was doing, as I grew impatient waiting for him, missing him terribly. But as time went on, I couldn't get any information, and Loraine, being an immortal, couldn't reach him either.

In the first few months after Eli disappeared, I used to receive updates from Loraine, saying that Eli was just busy dealing with various matters that needed fixing. However, as time passed, even Loraine stopped getting any news about Eli. I even tried asking Loraine to find Eligor, but she said she couldn't interfere with the matters between Eligor and their council.

According to Loraine, there seemed to be an order given to Eligor, which led to his disappearance. I didn't know whether to believe Loraine, but that was all I had to hold onto. I didn't want to entertain the thought that he might have left with someone else or that he might have realized his immortality was wasted on being with me.

I kept thinking that maybe he had a change of heart and thought everything he worked for would be wasted if he chose me.

But the biggest concern in my mind is the possibility that he may never return because he was imprisoned again or, worst-case scenario, no! We shouldn't entertain such thoughts.

I sighed and caught Aimee looking at me with curiosity. We saw our co-teachers waiting for us as we approached the parking lot.

"Hurry up! I reserved a table for 8 PM!" Aimee and I rushed and hopped into the van.

Today was my last day at the school, and as the senior teacher, they organized a small farewell party for me. We sat at a large table filled with grilled beef and various yakiniku.

"Are you heading straight to Brentwood tomorrow? Or are you leaving later?" one of my co-teachers asked, and Gadreel handed me a glass of beer with a smile.

"I'm leaving later, so I can't drink now, sir Park," I replied, putting on my most plastic smile in front of him.

"Do you want me to drop you off at the train terminal?" Gadreel asked, and I shook my head, causing my co-teachers, who loved gossip, to exchange glances.

"Oh, Mr. Park, we know you're already engaged to Mr. Cross and aren't you courting someone else too? What was her name again?" Mrs. Hans asked.

"Loraine," I replied, and Gadreel chuckled, the same smile I often see when Loraine's name is mentioned.

"I'll do it when she becomes my girlfriend," he replied briefly, and I smiled and continued eating.

Ever since Eligor disappeared, everyone's memory of Loraine was erased. It was as if Loraine's work in this place was done, and the only reason she didn't come to school was to check on what Eligor was up to. So when she completed her mission, the memories of the people she interacted with, except for Gadreel, Aimee, and me, were also erased, thanks to the dream catcher we possessed.

Honestly, I find their relationship amusing. Gadreel has finally found his match, a woman who won't back down from his sexual desires and can give him the pleasure he seeks. The same goes for Loraine; she has never encountered a mortal who is so eager to explore a different level of sexual experiences.

In a way, they suit each other, but they often argue in person because Gadreel can be too boastful, which Loraine dislikes the most.

I really don't know how they manage to stay together; I mean, they're not officially in a relationship or anything. As far as I know, Loraine sees them as friends with benefits, but Gadreel wants to take it to the next level, so he keeps pursuing Loraine.

But being a succubus, I think Loraine might struggle with this, especially Gadreel. He doesn't know if Loraine can give up her immortality just for him, and if I were Loraine, I would hesitate to risk my life for a cheating womanizer like him.

The party ended, and one by one, we said our goodbyes and went home. Charles picked up Aimee and shared the news that she got the job she wanted. Meanwhile, I saw Gadreel happily talking on the phone with Loraine, and as for me—I drove back to my apartment alone.

With a heavy sigh of relief, I finally entered my apartment, tossing my belongings on the couch before collapsing onto the bed. Gazing up at the ceiling, I found myself once again lost in thought, waiting for Eligor to appear in this very room.

No matter how much waiting I do, I know this day will pass just like any other, and tomorrow will come, leaving me alone again without him by my side. Unbeknownst to me, tears were slowly streaming down my face as I felt the loneliness engulf me once more.

Truth be told, I no longer want to return to this apartment. Every time I step inside, memories of him flood my mind – memories of all the things we did here, the moments we shared, and the memories we created together. It feels like being haunted by our past whenever I come home, reminding me that he is no longer here.

Each time I return, I'm overwhelmed by the feeling of being alone, without anyone to accompany me, without him by my side. That's why I desperately want to return to my parent's place, where I can at least distract myself from this sorrow and focus on my work.

Though I'm reluctant to leave this place, fearing he might come looking for me here, wondering where I've gone, and perhaps, not finding me. My mind is cluttered with so many thoughts, sometimes making me want to stay still and not think at all.

I wish to lock myself in this room and stop thinking about him, but how can I do that when he occupies my mind and heart every day, every minute, every second?

"Where are you, Eli?" I whisper, embracing myself as I lie curled up.

For four years, I have waited for him, hoping he would return if I opened my eyes wide enough. Yet, for four long years, he has kept me hanging, never coming back to my side, still making me wait.

Every night, my body craves him; he alone can ignite my entire being. So, what will I do if he never comes back to me? What will I do if he has forgotten about me and never intends to return?

"Eli... please... come back," I sob uncontrollably, unable to hold back my tears.

Night after night, this is my routine when I return to this apartment, as my tears eventually lull me to sleep.

Before I knew it, I drifted off, and my alarm clock rang loudly.

Glancing outside, it was still early morning – time to leave this apartment and head back to our old house in Brentwood.

I quickly freshened up and decided to drive for a few hours rather than take the train, leaving my car behind.

I do not know when or if I'll ever return to this place. I left a letter in my room, just in case he returns and decides to find me – he'll know where to look.

Taking a deep breath, I started the car's engine, looking at the road ahead as the sun slowly rose on the horizon.

"I can do this. I'll keep waiting for you, Eli."