Chapter 52: Separation

“...”

Being relentlessly provoked and threatened by Velak was a scenario Fletcher had never imagined. Unfortunately, all he could do now was swallow his pride. If he threw harsh words to anger the young man, who knew how he might further humiliate him?

“Rest a bit longer, then head out. I need to rest for a while,” Velak said casually, finding an excuse to send Fletcher away.

Fletcher was eager to leave, so despite his legs still trembling weakly, he gritted his teeth, stood up, and walked out slowly.

The door closed behind him.

Velak closed his eyes, his chest rising and falling deeply with each breath.

It felt exhilarating.

To trample underfoot this arrogant old man—such a sensation was priceless.

Whatever retaliation Fletcher might unleash next, Velak accepted it all. His fear of Fletcher had completely vanished. This bully who relied on his influence no longer dared to boss him around.

“Phew.” Velak exhaled a long breath, as if the heavy burden on his shoulders visibly eased.

What had just happened gave him a new perspective on survival rules in Lazerin. Sometimes, one need not endure so silently. A bolder approach, though risky, could resolve matters swiftly and cleanly.

Velak approached the bed, feeling the breeze and an unprecedented ease.

Indeed, being true to oneself was the most relaxing state.

“Velak...” he murmured his own name softly.

He would always be himself.

...

At eight in the evening, Velak, along with the Carmine family, greeted Elizabeth at the doorstep.

“Mr. Carmine, Mrs. Melar...” Elizabeth came alone, wearing a white sheer off-shoulder dress. She first greeted Carmine and Melar, then looked toward Velak. “Chris.”

“Good evening, Elizabeth,” Velak responded with the same calm and composed demeanor as the day before. “Come in.”

The group moved to the dining room. Tonight’s dinner was far more sumptuous than usual. Elizabeth sat opposite Velak, who, following Carmine’s arrangement, remained silent and let Carmine speak first.

“This should be our first meeting,” Carmine said kindly, engaging Elizabeth warmly. “But I’ve heard Chris mention you countless times. If the opportunity arises, we’ll come to see your performance.”

“Thank you, Mr. Carmine,” Elizabeth nodded gently, her voice soft. “It’s an honor to perform for everyone.”

After some polite exchanges, Carmine shifted to the main topic. “However, I only recently learned from Chris about your relationship. You’re outstanding, but Chris is not suitable for you. Chris has realized this himself.”

Velak hadn’t expected Carmine to be so blunt. Such matters were usually better handled by Mrs. Melar. When Carmine looked at him, Velak promptly continued in the same rough, straightforward style: “Elizabeth, I haven’t seen you for a while because I’ve been thinking. I... no longer love you. I hope we won’t keep in contact anymore.”

“You could have told me this clearly last night,” Elizabeth replied immediately after Velak’s words.

“He didn’t know how to bring it up last night. After discussing with me, he agreed to this meeting tonight,” Carmine explained for Velak. “Revealing this won’t benefit either of you. Your career is on the rise, and Chris is about to be betrothed. I am here personally to settle this matter today.”

Despite Carmine’s sternness, Elizabeth’s expression remained unchanged. “I want to hear it from Chris.”

“My father’s words are my own,” Velak said.

“Then why didn’t you tell me yourself?” Elizabeth stared straight at Velak.

Velak feigned guilt, his face apologetic, eyes shifting nervously. “I know this is cruel to you. I know you love me deeply... so I didn’t know how to say it directly.”

“But inviting me here and saying it in front of your whole family is even crueler,” Elizabeth said coldly. Though this was the Thomas household—the top financial dynasty in Lazerin—she refused to abase herself. Matters of the heart stirred her indignation.

“Our intention wasn’t to embarrass you, but to clear this up today,” Carmine, who had maintained courtesy earlier, now revealed his disdain for the girl of humble origins engaged in a disreputable profession. When Elizabeth stood her ground and spoke firmly, Carmine, harboring bottled-up resentment, grew more arrogant and contemptuous. “Do you intend to cling to Chris? It will do you no good.”

“If he doesn’t love me anymore, then there’s no reason to cling,” Elizabeth replied.

The atmosphere at the table grew awkward. Carmine’s harshness silenced everyone; no one dared touch their utensils.

“Kalerman, take Julia to her room,” Carmine ordered.

“Yes, Father.” Kalerman rose, leading a flustered Julia out of the dining room.

“Do you have conditions? Do you want money before leaving Chris?” Carmine looked at Elizabeth sharply.

Velak felt anger on Elizabeth’s behalf. She was the most innocent party—just arrived and told to part ways with Chris, then immediately suspected of staying for money.

“I don’t need money,” Elizabeth’s emotions stirred. “Please don’t malign me. I haven’t heard from Chris for a month. When we met last night, he only said some strange things. Today, you invited me here just to tell me directly there’s no chance between us anymore. I’m staying not to ask for anything, but to get an explanation—to hear it from Chris himself.”

“Chris, speak,” Carmine commanded.

Velak pitied Elizabeth, another person looked down upon by the aristocratic Carmine. “I... I’ve said it—Elizabeth, I no longer love you. I will follow my father’s arrangements.”

“Alright, I agree,” Elizabeth nodded. “Anything else?”

“No,” Carmine was somewhat surprised by her decisiveness, though it suited his plans.

“I can leave now and never see or contact Chris again,” Elizabeth promised. “But I have one request.”

“Speak. How much?” Carmine squinted, convinced he saw through her.

“I want to speak privately with him for a few last words,” Elizabeth said.