"Well, someone asked him before," Eli said, lowering his voice slightly, "and he just casually answered that if you control a female, you'll eventually control her male too."
A faint chill ran through the air after that.
"We didn't really take him seriously after that," Eli continued with a shrug, though there was a hint of unease behind it. "We just treated him like some kind of beast… someone obsessed with playing with people's emotions for his own amusement."
He glanced at Viola, his expression turning more serious.
"He's harmless— to beast that is. But honestly, I'd suggest you don't get swayed by anything he says. You definitely shouldn't trust him."
Viola nodded slowly.
"I understand. Thank you for telling me, Eli."
She tried to sound calm, reassuring even.
"You don't need to worry. We barely talked, and I don't think he's that interested in us anyway."
She paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting.
I don't even have a 'male' to begin with…
If anything, she felt like that snake's interest wasn't about control at all.
He's more interested in seeing what happens to me.
That thought lingered, heavy and unsettling.
But what exactly is he waiting for…?
She added that silently in her mind.
Elizabeth looked like she wanted to say something more, her lips parting slightly as if she had been holding onto a thought—
But before she could speak, Ezekiel's voice called out from downstairs.
"I made something for you two."
The moment those words reached her ears, Elizabeth completely forgot whatever she was about to say. Her eyes lit up as she immediately flew toward the dining area without hesitation.
Viola couldn't help but watch in amusement.
That scene was unexpectedly funny.
Elizabeth really was simple-minded when it came to food. It made Viola forget how she used to be when they first met.
Smiling faintly, Viola followed after her.
As she reached the dining area, she saw Ezekiel setting the dishes on the table.
But what truly caught her attention wasn't the food.
It was him.
For a brief moment, her thoughts completely stopped.
Her heartbeat spiked as if something inside her had been struck.
He—he was wearing a cute apron.
She froze.
I… I don't even know why, but…
It felt like all the blood in her body rushed straight to her head.
Seeing him like this, casually preparing food, wearing something so soft and domestic… it stirred something warm and unfamiliar inside her chest.
Seeing a man like this every morning… wouldn't that feel like absolute bliss…?
He looks so cute…
Kyaah—
Of course, all of that chaos existed only inside Viola's head.
On the outside, she remained completely composed, her expression calm and unreadable.
"I hope you had a good rest."
Ezekiel greeted her gently, pulling out a chair for her.
Viola accepted the gesture and sat down.
"Thank you."
After that, Ezekiel removed his apron.
Viola watched the motion quietly… and for some reason, felt a small wave of disappointment.
I wanted to see it a little longer…
Her shoulders slumped ever so slightly as she turned her attention to the food.
Pasta and mashed potatoes.
Simple, but comforting.
She took a bite.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Oh my… this is really good."
She couldn't hide the sincerity in her voice.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth had already finished her plate at an unbelievable speed and immediately shifted her focus to the mashed potatoes.
"Hey, is there more?"
"Yes," Ezekiel replied calmly. "Just tell me if you want more."
He took his seat as well, and once again, that quiet warmth settled between them.
It was comfortable and peaceful.
After the meal, Viola insisted on washing the dishes since Ezekiel had cooked. He agreed, though he still stayed beside her to help.
As they worked side by side, the soft sound of running water filled the silence.
Ezekiel decided to speak first.
"Why do you live alone in such a big house, Viola?"
She blinked, slightly caught off guard by her own name being used.
"Well… my family doesn't live in this city. They're back in our hometown in the countryside. I talk to them on the phone from time to time, so… it's alright."
"I see."
Ezekiel nodded, but didn't ask anything further.
It was as if he had already used up his courage just asking that one question.
Viola noticed.
A small smile formed on her lips as she glanced at him.
Then, she spoke again.
"What about you, Ezekiel? I know your situation… but before all that, did you ever live with someone else? Like… a girlfriend?"
Ezekiel immediately shook his head.
"No. I've never had one."
He hesitated slightly before continuing.
"I didn't think it was a good idea to date back then. My situation wasn't good. I had too much work, and I wasn't financially stable. I felt like… I would just become a burden if I got into a relationship."
Viola felt a small pang in her chest.
She regretted asking.
It might have brought back unpleasant memories for him.
But at the same time—
His first answer echoed in her mind.
He's never had one…
A strange sense of relief bloomed inside her.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Goodness… what am I thinking…?
Feeling relieved about that… I'm such a terrible person.
In her imagination, she dramatically stabbed herself in the head for even thinking such a thing.
Then Ezekiel spoke again.
"Oh, Viola… there's actually something I want to ask you."
Her thoughts were abruptly cut off.
"Oh… what is it?"
Ezekiel looked at her, a bit hesitant but sincere.
"You said I saved you before, right? And after that, you visited my mother and helped us…"
He paused, searching for the right words.
"But why did you keep helping us for years?"
His gaze softened, filled with genuine confusion.
"You didn't have to trouble yourself like that. You even gave money… even though we're not related."
He looked straight at her.
"A simple thank you would've been enough… so why did you go that far?"