Eclipsed Love

Chapter 2: Beyond the Shadows

The next day was filled with the usual military drills and discussions. But my mind kept drifting back to Elias. His warm smile felt like a break from the strictness at home.

I catch myself looking at him, like really looking, especially when the sunlight plays in his hair. I can't help but notice how his shoulders look strong, and a face that's, you know, rugged and charming. His skin has this warm light brown color, especially when the sun's out.

His eyes, also, stole the spotlight. They seemed to hold a million stories, changing like marbles with the light. There was an inexplicable pull, a desire to unravel more.

"Catherine, you can leave if you're done with the drills," Daniel's stern voice snapped me back, catching me observing Elias.

"What is he doing here?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"..." Daniel paused, "Father hired him for the weapons and materials for training" he answered coldly

"That's unlike you, cat. You were never interested in our family's business, hmm, or maybe it was that guy who got you interested" Ethan smirked, reading me like a book

"You have great prospect candidates for future spouses, and he is not one of them" Daniel coldly added.

"I asked because he wasn't one of us but he was able to enter the training ground when father hates outsiders entering the training grounds, and I wasn't even thinking of getting married" I left before they said something more and ruined my day.

Resting in the shade of a tree, a bit far from the training ground but close enough to hear the noises, Elias appeared with a friendly smile, greeting me casually.

"Good morning, Miss Catherine," he said, breaking through the invisible barrier I'd built around myself.

"Good morning," I replied, surprised that he found me.

He chuckled, "Mind if I join you?"

And just like that, Elias treated me like any other woman—no special treatment, no intimidation. It was a simple interaction, yet it triggered something inside me. For the first time, I felt a sense of ease, and strangely, we started talking like old friends. Elias shared stories of his travels, painting a picture of a world far from my disciplined life.

In those moments, I saw a different world through Elias—a world of simplicity and peace. His easygoing nature felt like an escape from my family's expectations and the challenges posed by Adrian Everett, the notorious mafia figure.

As the day went on, Elias became a comforting presence. His stories offered a break from my family's demands.

"Why did you become a mercenary?" I began, curiosity coloring my words.

He looked into the distance, hazel eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. A brief pause hung in the air before he spoke, I felt his voice carrying a weight of unspoken sadness.

"Life has its reasons, Miss Catherine. Sometimes, the path chosen is not the one initially we want. Circumstances shape us in ways we can't always control."

His response was vague, leaving a shroud of mystery around his past. I sensed a hidden sorrow behind his eyes, a story he might be reluctant to share. I respected his privacy but couldn't shake the feeling that Elias carried burdens beyond the tales he chose to tell.

After a reflective moment, Elias shifted the conversation, turning the spotlight to me.

"And what about you, Miss Catherine? What do you aspire to become?"