Brazenness Tames the Workaholic Trash

XV

"Cale!" Athanasia called out. The redhead didn't look back but he stopped in his tracks.

"yes, Your Highness. I will see you later... I have matters to attend to." The cold tone shot through her heart. Cale used to talk to him normally and with warmth. He would look her straight in the eye. He would smile at her and laugh at her when it was funny. He would exchange ridiculous remarks and even ride on misunderstandings to the point it's hilarious.

"let's talk." She saw him flinch. He slowly turned around her but Cale is not raising his head to meet her gaze.

"can't you look at me?" she almost pleaded. Cale let out a sigh and looked at her for the first time after a week of ignoring her.

His reddish-brown eyes were devoid of emotions but she can see that deep sadness hidden inside.

No... don't look at me with sad eyes...

She can see his aching heart deep in that lost reddish brown.

She slowly approached but Cale steps back.

"what do you need, Your highness."

She felt like her heart is breaking apart. If he's gonna do this, he shouldn't have treated her that way. If he's going to ignore her this way, he should've just left her that day. If he's just going to make her cry, then why does he look miserable right now?

She was afraid that she'll be pacing back and forth in memories. She's afraid that the person who came into her life and gave her a chance to be happy would be nothing but a mere memory or hope.

She can't let him go.

"Athanasia..." she said, "Athy... that's what you've been calling me..."

She and he came into a vague relationship. She wants to clear it, after watching him like this.

Everyone respects him as the person who can wear such a scummy look but why does he look so lost now?

"Your Highness, if you're not asking me about some official concerns... I will see you later." Cale turns around. There's that pain again in her chest.

One step.

Two-step.

By the time Cale made his seventh step, Athanasia runs to him.

The brilliant man who leads his forces alone was cowering, backing away – unlike his usual self that steps forwards.

He treats the Rowoon emperor normally – but why can't he do the same to her.

"that is not the case, Your Hig –."

Athy grabs and turns him around. Her hands-on his collar. Her hands were trembling as she pushed him back. Clumsy Cale Henituse tripped on himself, after being pushed back. They stumbled back until Cale was lying on the ground, with Athanasia on top of him. He instinctively had his arms around her. Cale breathes and composed himself.

"are you alright?"

Her small frame was trembling. He couldn't make anything on her expression. She rose from his chest and sat on him, pinning him while holding his collar.

The floor is cold. But her hands were colder than that. He watched her every movement. He didn't say anything. She was heaving deeply like she was calming herself.

But the next words uttered by the girl shook his heart to the core.

"Why are you calling me that? You are the only one not allowed to call me that!" She screamed on top of her lung. Her tears traced her cheeks and fell on Cale's cheeks. The moment she looked at him, Cale's eyes widen. He felt that pang on his chest as he watched her cry herself out, "you are the only one who can't call me that!"