Whatever means to survive

Chapter 8

"Huh...?" The man's eyes widen with confusion "I'm sorry, my love. I didn't quite hear what you said." He nervously laughed.

"You're right, let's sit down?" I said and he happily gestured for me to sit on the old sofa.

Eric was running a little bookstore in the center of the town square. Due to his angelic features, people from all walks of life flocked to his store just to catch a glimpse of him.

'I can't deny that I, too, was drawn to his beauty. His personality was the cherry on top. He was bubbly and kind, especially towards Safforina. Sadly, it was the dark magic doing its work.'

"Eric... We need to break up." I looked at him, waiting for his response.

"W.. why..?" He fumbled with his words and gazed at me with eyes that were on the brink of tears.

"My father has found out about us," I tried my best to look like I, too, was crying. "He threatened to send me away to a distant relative in another empire if I didn't stop this relationship... He told me that he would drive you out of your business, love." Now the tears were falling and I got up to hug him.

'Wow, his muscles are so hard!'

"I can't have you living in the streets, love! I just can't!" My face was buried in his neck, sobbing.

'I wonder what his perfume is, he smells like a man who just got out of a 30-minute shower!'

"But, I can't! I can't let you go! I would rather live in the slums than have you leave me!" His voice cracked as tears streamed down his face. He clutched my shoulders tightly, his eyes locking onto mine as if trying to convey his desperation through them.

"I'm sorry, love, but I can't...," I pretended to cry. "I hate this! I hate the social hierarchy. If only I were a commoner or you were a noble, then our love wouldn't be torn apart!"

I thought to myself, 'Wow, I'm such a good actress.'

"I'll never forget you, Eric," I whispered, pulling away from him. "You'll always be in my heart."

"No, please... Let's find a way." He cried, "I love you... More than my own life, Safforina..." He whispered as I walked away to the door.

With a relieved heart, I strolled away from the bookstore, leaving Eric behind. As I stepped out into the street, I couldn't help but wonder if I had made the right decision. But it was too late to turn back now.

'I hope he figures out he's the lost prince on his own and quickly loses his feelings for me...

I'm sure the influence of dark magic will gradually disappear since I won't be there to cast the spell on him... So, that's a good sign... Right?"