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Chapter 10 - chapter 9– The Two in Silence

Ella was wearing a stunning pink three-piece outfit. A hint of kohl lined her eyes, soft pink lipstick on her lips. Her hair was loose, flowing gently in the breeze. The salwar had delicate embroidery, and the scarf rested softly around her neck—altogether, she looked like a princess.

People around were staring just to get a glimpse of her. Even Raphael, who was standing in front of the store, couldn't take his eyes off her. His face held a look of awed wonder.

— Raphael (with a soft smile):

"You... you look just like a fairy today, Ella."

Ella smiled shyly and replied—

— Ella:

"When you say it, it actually feels like I might be one!"

— Raphael (with seriousness in his eyes):

"You have no idea how special you are…"

Then for a moment, silence fell. As if they were separated from the chaos of the world—just the two of them, in a world of their own.

Raphael held the door open; Ella stepped inside. The warm, soft light of the café surrounded them—they sat at a corner table.

After the waiter brought their coffee, Raphael spoke softly—

— Raphael:

"Ella, I've been thinking a lot lately… You've changed. You don't laugh like you used to, you don't speak the same way. I can feel something's going on."

Ella paused, picked up her coffee cup, and looked into Raphael's eyes—

— Ella:

"You're someone who understands, even when I don't say anything… To be honest, I'm confused. It feels like a war is raging inside me. No one gets it… I'm fighting alone."

Raphael gently placed his hand on hers—

— Raphael:

"You're not alone, Ella. I'm here. And if you ever feel like you've lost everything—remember me. I'll be beside you. No expectations, no conditions."

Ella stayed quiet for a while, tears began to form in her eyes. She turned her face away, trying to hide them.

— Ella (softly):

"You know, even in moments like this—so gentle—there's so much hidden beneath. I want to believe that you won't hurt me. Because there's not much left inside me anymore."

Raphael bit his lip and said—

— Raphael:

"I can't promise I'll be perfect. But I'll never treat your feelings like a game."

A light breeze entered through the café's window. Ella raised her eyes toward Raphael.

— Ella:

"Let's just be us today. No politics, no fear—just the two of us."

Raphael smiled softly and nodded—

— Raphael:

"Just you and me."

And then they sat there—Ella and Raphael—at the corner table of the café. Outside, the sun slowly set. Orange light filtered through the window and fell on Ella's hair, which moved gently with the breeze. Raphael's eyes were fixated on those strands of hair.

— Raphael (in a gentle voice):

"Having you beside me like this… feels like time could stop."

Ella smiled faintly, but behind that smile was a flood of hidden emotion.

— Ella (softly):

"If time could stop, that would be nice… I could forget a few truths. A few people, a few memories…"

Raphael understood—Ella was still carrying the weight of her past. He leaned forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.

— Raphael:

"I can't bring back what you lost… But I want to be here to make what's ahead something beautiful."

His words made Ella's chest tremble. Slowly, she turned toward him, eyes shimmering with tears.

— Ella:

"You know… I'm afraid to believe again. But even then—you're the only one who makes me feel like I can dream again."

Raphael took her hand in his—gently, as if not to break it.

Scene cut:

They step outside. Evening lights glow in front of the café. Shadows spread along the street.

Raphael suddenly stops and says—

— Raphael:

"Let's walk for a while today… no destination, just being beside each other."

Ella says nothing, just nods. Slowly, they begin to walk into the dimming twilight… as if walking toward a new beginning.

Raphael gently holds Ella's hand. His eyes show a calmness, but also deep emotion.

Her hand is cold, but at his touch, she shivers slightly.

— Raphael (softly):

"This hand… it has endured a lot, hasn't it?"

Ella remains silent for a moment, her eyes lowered. Then, very softly, she nods.

— Ella:

"Yes… a lot. Some pain, some betrayal, and a few untold stories."

Raphael then holds her hand with both of his—like he's trying to comfort her.

— Raphael:

"I know I can't erase all your pain. But if you let me, I'll stay by your side… as long as you want me to."

Ella looks at Raphael now. Her eyes glisten with tears, but there's a growing trust in them too.

— Ella (with a soft smile):

"You know, very few people hold your hand like they never intend to let go."

— Raphael (gently):

"I won't let go, Ella."

At that moment, the headlights of a black Mercedes flash in the distance—lighting up the area.

The car slowly comes to a halt.

Inside the vehicle sits Adriss, his face shadowed by darkness, but his eyes burn—with anger, suspicion, and unspoken pain.

He watches Ella and Raphael holding hands from afar. His lips tremble slightly, as if suppressed emotions are about to burst.

— Adriss (whispers to himself):

"You… you were mine. And now like this…"

His fingers tighten on the steering wheel—it begins to shake in his grip.

Here's the English translation of your beautifully written scene, with cinematic pacing, emotion, and clear character dynamics. I've preserved the tone and intent as closely as possible:

---

[Scene: Inside the Car]

The car's interior light flickers once, revealing Adris's face dimly.

In his eyes—an eerie red glint. Perhaps bitter rage… or a dark decision.

Adris (cold voice):

"Ending you would be easier than losing you..."

Then, Ela slowly steps toward him. In the soft streetlight, Adris's eyes gleam strangely. He speaks again, his tone icy—

Adris:

"You're braver than I thought, meeting someone like Raphael?"

Ela doesn't flinch. She responds firmly—

Ela:

"Whom I meet is my right. Who are you to question me?"

Adris lets out a small, destructive laugh. He steps closer, standing just inches from her face.

Adris (slow, deep tone):

"You don't get it. I'm not playing games with you. You are mine…"

Ela's anger rises. She tightens her voice—

Ela:

"I'm not anyone's possession. I'm not yours. I belong to no one."

For a brief second, Adris's face shows pain—but he quickly composes himself.

Adris (lowering his gaze):

"Then don't do this to me, Ela... Everything I've done—it was all for you."

A heavy atmosphere builds between them—tension, distance, and tangled emotions.

Ela fights back her tears and speaks with resolve—

Ela:

"I want you to stay away from me, Adris. I can't take this anymore. You only bring darkness into my life. I want peace."

Adris pauses. All his arrogance seems to crumble. He tries to hide the emotions pooling in his eyes.

Adris (softly):

"Do you really think I ever meant to hurt you?"

Ela (locking eyes with him):

"Your love suffocates me, Adris. You want control over everything… but I'm a human, not a puppet."

Suddenly, silence wraps around them.

From a distance, Raphael watches.

He realizes Ela has endured more than he imagined.

Adris lowers his gaze. He says nothing more.

Step by step, he walks away—his face still heavy with pain, but now filled with a deeper understanding.

He knows it now—he has truly lost Ela.

Ela slowly turns, wipes her tears, and gives Raphael a faint smile.

Ela:

"Let's go home."

[Scene: Ela and Raphael walking down the street]

The night air is cool. Leaves rustle gently, as if listening to their hearts.

Raphael (softly):

"You did the right thing, you know? Walking away from him… that took real courage."

Ela:

"Not courage, Raphael… It was a battle for myself. I thought I'd fall apart. But now I know—if I lose myself, no one else can save me."

Raphael pauses, looking at her warmly.

Raphael:

"I'm here, Ela. Always by your side."

Ela (smiling faintly):

"I know. But this time, I've learned to protect myself. I want you not as a crutch… but as a friend."

Raphael (gentle smile):

"I love you as a friend, Ela. When you smile, the world feels a little quieter."

[Scene: Ela arrives home]

Her mother opens the door, concern in her eyes but calm on her face.

Mother:

"Are you alright, my dear?"

Ela (weary tone):

"I understood so much today, Ma—about self-respect, love, and boundaries."

Mother (placing a hand on Ela's head):

"You're my daughter. You'll make it. Don't shed a single tear for those who don't value you."

Ela:

"Ma, today I really want to start living again."

[Scene: College Library]

Ela sits quietly in a corner, a little annoyed. Suddenly, a shadow falls over her desk.

She looks up to see a boy with glasses, holding an old, thick book.

Saiful (gently):

"Have you read this? 'The Philosophy of Shadows'—it's been getting a lot of research attention lately."

Ela (startled):

"Wasn't that book banned in many places?"

Saiful:

"Truth can't be hidden forever, Ela. I know who you've been involved with… and how dangerous he is."

Ela (wide-eyed):

"Who… who are you?"

Saiful (smiling slightly):

"Just a reader… who stumbled into the story. But to save you, I need your help."

Ela tries to joke—

But Saiful replies with quiet sincerity:

Saiful:

"I'm not joking, Ela. I just want you to know the truth… the one buried in the pages of this book."

Ela (trembling with anger):

"You think I'm tangled in secret conspiracies? My life has turned into a nightmare, and you're standing here speaking in riddles?"

Saiful (firmly):

"There's a reason behind that nightmare. One you don't know yet. But I do—because I've read it: your name, your past… even the ancient Shadow Contract."

Ela (rising in shock):

"Where… where did you find my name?"

Saiful (with conviction):

"Because you're the protagonist, Ela. But how this story ends—that's up to you."

Ela begins to smile faintly.

But it's a smile tinged with sorrow.

Ela:

"You think I'll give up that easily? Your mysteries, your secrets—I've learned to face them."

Saiful (locking eyes):

"That's why I said—you're not alone. I'm with you."

Ela's smile becomes a symbol of strength.

She knows: this time, her battle won't be fought alone.

[Several Years Later]

Ela works hard, grows in knowledge and strength.

Eventually, she earns a scholarship to a prestigious university in Korea.

The news makes her truly smile—for the first time in a long time.

A new chapter has begun… one that leads her toward her dreams and away from the chains of the past.

[Scene: First Day in Korean University]

Ela thought her life would now revolve around peace and study.

But from the very first class, she noticed many of the boys watching her.

One of them, Jinho, was honest and kind.

But some of his friends showed too much interest, making Ela uncomfortable.

At first, she tried to avoid them. But day by day, the pressure increased.

[One day in the lab]

Jinho came and stood beside her—shy, but sincere.

Jinho:

"You're new here, Ela. I can help you out, if you need."

Ela (a little surprised):

"Yes… thanks. I might need it."

This small friendship brought a little comfort to Ela.

But not everyone around had good intentions—

And that would soon bring new challenges.

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