Chapter 197


    She was about to call out for Elio when suddenly, everything went dark, and a twinkling starry sky


    appeared in the darkness.


    This must be Elio’s doing, using virtual imaging technology.


    It looked so beautiful.


    “Come here.” Elio beckoned from the edge of the sofa. She slowly walked over, noticing he was holding


    a box in his hand.


    Before she could reach out, Elio already lifted the lid off the box. Inside was the uniform Fate wore


    during his first championship, even signed by him.


    “Seeing you’re down in the dumps, I thought I’d cheer you up with a gift. Did it work?”


    Astrid took the uniform, feeling less excited about it now that she knew the man in front of her was her


    idol.


    After all, this guy was like her own personal shadow, quickly shattering the idealized image of her idol.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Facing Elio’s expectant gaze, Astrid said, “Elio, there’s something I have to tell you.”


    “Say it!”


    “I knew you were Fate a long time ago.”


    Elio fell silent.


    It was a long silence.


    Finally, he murmured, “Well, that makes things easier.”


    “What?”


    Astrid was at a loss for his meaning.


    Suddenly, Elio put down the box andy back on the sofa. “Come on then.”


    Astrid was baffled by his strange behavior. “What?”


    “What do you think?” Elio casually ced his hands behind his head with a yful glint in his eyes.


    “Your idol is right before you; don’t you want to get closer to him?”


    What an outrageous statement!


    Astrid was livid, throwing the uniform at Elio’s face. “You’re disgusting, Elio! What on earth is going on


    in that head of yours?”


    “You.” Elio removed the uniform from his face, his eyes full of emotion. “All I think about is you.”


    His sudden confession left Astrid stunned.


    Under the dim light, his intense gaze seemed to engulf her.


    “I know you have a lot of secrets, but I won’t pry. Everyone has secrets. If I love you, I’ll ept


    everything about you.”


    “I hate seeing you upset over things, and I want to protect you and shield you from the world. But I


    know that you don’t need to be sheltered.”


    “All I want is the chance to be there for you…”


    The sound of the door cut off Elio’s words.


    Then it opened, and Jon and Colton appeared.


    “Star, are you asleep yet?” Jon switched on the light and took a few steps forward, turning around to


    see Elio and Astrid.


    “Oh my! Nathan was right!” Jon pulled Colton in. “No wonder Nathan told me to keep an eye out. If I


    hadn’te, there would’ve been trouble!”


    Elio wanted to explode. He hadn’t expected Nathan to be so persistent, even sending people over to


    interrupt after he’d left. The mood was just right; judging by Astrid’s reaction, she was moved.


    These two had a knack for bad timing!