Chapter 3: Coldness and Warmth

The morning sunlight broke through the clouds, casting its glow over the vast courtyard of the estate. A thin mist lingered, and the air was thick with the earthy scent of damp grass and trees. Liora sat at the long dining table, cradling a cup of hot tea. Despite her seemingly relaxed posture, her occasional glances out the window betrayed the unease still stirring in her heart.

The attack from last night was still vivid in her memory. Kaelan’s calm and decisive demeanor had left her feeling conflicted. He seemed cold and emotionless, yet the way he had protected her was so resolute and fearless.

“What am I even thinking?” Liora muttered to herself, trying to dispel her wandering thoughts. She set her teacup down and decided to take a walk in the garden to clear her mind.

As soon as she pushed open the door, she spotted Kaelan standing under the shade of a tree not far away, his cold gaze fixed on her.

“You again.” Liora frowned, her tone laced with exasperation. “Are you planning to monitor even the time I spend breathing?”

“It’s my duty,” Kaelan replied icily, his tone as mechanical as a preset command. His gaze remained unwavering, so devoid of emotion that Liora began to doubt whether the man who had risked everything to protect her last night was merely a figment of her imagination.

“Duty?” Liora scoffed, slowly walking toward him. “Is that the only word you know?”

Kaelan didn’t answer, standing still like an unshakable statue.

Liora stepped closer, lifting her chin slightly with a hint of defiance. “A man like you… is it that you simply don’t have feelings?”

Kaelan finally moved. He lowered his head slightly to meet her gaze, his voice as calm and lifeless as still water. “Feelings are a weakness. I don’t have the luxury for them.”

His words caught Liora off guard. She had expected to pierce his armor, yet his indifference was even more impenetrable than she had imagined.

“Fine.” She snorted and turned to leave. “I hope you can keep up that attitude forever.”

---

That Afternoon

The sunlight glimmered on the garden fountain, the droplets scattering like tiny crystals. Liora, dressed in casual attire, resolved to temporarily cast Kaelan’s aloofness aside and immerse herself in a rare moment of leisure.

She wandered into a wooded area deep in the estate, her favorite place since childhood. A soft breeze rustled the leaves, their whispers filling the serene air. Closing her eyes, she let herself bask in the tranquility.

Just as she turned to leave, her foot slipped. A small stone hidden in the grass threw her off balance, and she began to fall backward.

“Ah!” Liora cried out, instinctively closing her eyes, bracing for the pain.

The expected impact never came. Instead, strong arms caught her firmly, breaking her fall.

Opening her eyes, Liora found herself staring into a familiar, stoic face—Kaelan’s. He had appeared behind her without a sound, holding her securely in his arms.

“Are you alright?” Kaelan asked, his voice as calm as ever, though it carried a faint hint of concern.

For a moment, Liora was stunned, her mind blank. She stared at his furrowed brows and the brief flicker of worry in his deep eyes. For the first time, she glimpsed a side of him she never expected.

“I… I’m fine,” she stammered, realizing she was still clutching his shirt. She quickly let go, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

Kaelan released her and stepped back, his expression returning to its usual cold demeanor. “Be more careful.”

But Liora wasn’t about to let it slide. She tilted her head and studied him with a curious glint in her eyes. “Were you… worried about me just now?”

Kaelan frowned but gave no answer, turning away as if to leave.

“Hey!” Liora called after him, catching up. “Don’t just walk away! Is that how you treat someone after saving them? Can’t I even ask a question?”

“I only did what I’m supposed to do,” Kaelan replied coldly, his pace unbroken.

Liora stood rooted to the spot, watching his retreating figure, her heart a swirl of emotions. She knew he was avoiding her, but the more he distanced himself, the more curious she became. What was he hiding?

---

Evening

Liora sat in her room, gazing out the window at the dimming sky. She couldn’t shake the memory of Kaelan’s arms around her—the strength, the safety, the fleeting sense that he wasn’t as cold and unfeeling as he seemed.

A soft knock at the door broke her reverie. When she opened it, a maid stood outside with a tray carrying a cup of hot tea and a small plate of pastries.

“Miss, these were sent by Mr. Kaelan,” the maid said politely.

“Kaelan?” Liora blinked in surprise. “Why?”

“He thought you might still be shaken from today and asked me to prepare something to help calm your nerves,” the maid explained before leaving.

Liora stood at the door, staring at the tray. Picking up the tea, she took a small sip, feeling its warmth spread through her.

Kaelan wasn’t as cold as he claimed. His icy demeanor was a facade, concealing someone who knew how to care in his own quiet way.

“What kind of person are you, really?” Liora murmured, a small smile curving her lips.