My New Love That Isn’t Fated - Episode 7

The Tenegro Library has three sections: the First, Second, and Third Stacks.

The First Stack is open to the public, and books can be borrowed from here.

The Second Stack holds valuable books, which can be accessed with permission.

The Third Stack contains ancient books written in old scripts that require special knowledge to read.

Lilia was assigned to the First Stack.

After her interview, she was given an explanation by the library’s manager, a distinguished man with a neatly styled silver hair and a prominent beard.

“The librarian in the First Stack just quit. This is a royal library, so the requirements for employment are strict. Even though the job isn’t well-paid, it offers good hours and no overtime, which is why we don’t get many applicants.”

“Is that so? It seems like such a wonderful job.”

“I’m glad you think so. Most people, given the choice, would probably go for a position at the royal castle or the Royal Research Institute instead.”

Despite the low pay, the advantage was that the working hours were short and there was no overtime, he said, winking playfully.

He was Christopher Dennis, the third son of Lord Dennis, who was in charge of managing the library on behalf of the royal family. However, in this place, status seemed irrelevant, and he laughed brightly as he spoke.

“Perfect timing, Josephine. This is Lilia, who will start tomorrow. Please take care of her.”

“Ah, great! I’m glad someone’s starting so soon. I was starting to worry. The previous one left because she got pregnant. Her husband told her it was too dangerous to climb ladders in the library… I think she was just being overly cautious.”

Christopher then guided Lilia from the interview room to the First Stack.

The sheer volume and size of the collection, the rows of books neatly organized on the shelves — it was overwhelming.

As Lilia marveled at the peaceful atmosphere, Christopher called out to a busy woman who was moving about, tending to the shelves.

The woman, named Josephine, had her bright blonde hair casually tied up in a bun. She was small and lovely, with beautiful blue eyes. Her cheerful voice echoed through the quiet library, and Christopher, laughing with a bit of embarrassment, told her, “Josephine, please be a little quieter.”

“Sorry, Director. I got too excited. Nice to meet you, Lilia. I’m Josephine Carne. I have a child, so I might need to take a break now and then. Please rely on me!”

“Of course,” Lilia replied, shaking her hand.

Though it was only their first day meeting, Lilia already felt a fondness for Christopher and Josephine. They were both adults, people who wouldn’t throw unkindness at her without reason. Here, there was nothing like what she’d felt back at the Griez family home.

There was no sense of aimlessness, loneliness, or humiliation.

Here, she felt a sense of relief, as though she could breathe easier without those heavy emotions weighing her down.

It was an hour’s walk from Lilia’s house to the Tenegro Library. She could use the shared carriage, but it was still within walking distance, so she left the Griez household after preparing herself.

Even with this new routine, Elad never seemed to notice the changes in Lilia.

A month passed, and Lilia started to feel increasingly down whenever she thought about returning to the Griez house.

She knew about Elad’s infidelity, but he still hadn’t brought up a separation. He didn’t talk to her about Louise’s situation either.

Some nights, when he returned Early, he would be in a foul mood. Though he didn’t become violent, he would order her around in a harsh tone.

Occasionally, Lilia would be sleeping in bed at dawn when Elad would forcefully wake her up. Then, he would try to embrace her. The strong smell of alcohol would make Lilia reject him, and he would sulk, eventually falling asleep in her bed.

—What is he thinking? There’s no love here.

—He whispers sweet things to another woman.

The sadness and frustration clouding her heart were hard to bear.

Since she enjoyed her work, the thought of returning to the Griez house only made her want to stay away even more.

She loved the library just before closing time. After everyone left, she would check that the building was empty.

Being in a vast space with only books and herself, she felt as if she were the only one in the world, a feeling that brought her immense peace.

Lilia would walk through the library, checking the spaces between the shelves, the reading sofas, and the study desks.

When Christopher, who always left last, said, “Good work today, Lilia,” and left the library, Lilia knew it was probably the last time someone would leave for the day. He opened the front door and quietly closed it behind him.

As the last light of day filtered through the library, an intense silence filled the space. The stained-glass windows in the marble hallway depicted beautiful angels and birds.

After seeing Christopher off, Lilia stood in the center of the library, stretching her arms out gracefully. Then, with one foot as her pivot, she spun a few times, stepping lightly like a ballerina.

She looked up at the ceiling, smiling.

When she was alone here, she felt like the main character of a story, as if she had taken center stage.

With light steps, she checked the library once more.

Then—she noticed a man still sitting by the window sofa.

The sunset bathed his black hair, making his pale skin seem to glow. His blue eyes were focused intently on the pages of a book.

He wore a white shirt and a black waistcoat, his jacket casually thrown over the sofa. Everything he wore was of fine quality. His long legs were crossed, with a thick book resting on his knee.

He looked to be in his late twenties. Lilia had seen him several times before—he was a man who often visited the library, staying until closing.

But it was the first time she had seen him stay this late.

Embarrassed, she realized she had been singing softly and dancing as she checked the library, not expecting anyone to be around. He seemed engrossed in his book, so he likely hadn’t noticed her.

Still, in the quiet library, her actions weren’t something to be proud of.

“…I’m sorry, but we’re closing now.”

She hesitated to speak, given how intently he was reading.

Yet, she had to lock up. She approached him gently, and the man looked up.