Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 452

A glass of water tipped over, spilling across the table.

Fanny coughed for quite a while before she finally caught her breath.

Wide-eyed with shock, she stared at the “elf” before her, then whipped her head around to look at Ruby, as if trying to confirm she hadn’t just imagined what she’d heard.

Even Ruby couldn’t quite keep her lips from twitching.

The “elf,” seemingly startled by their strange reactions, shrank in on himself, looking even more timid—but he didn’t move away.

“I... I...” He wrung his hands together, fingertips digging into his own skin. Despite how nervous he was, he forced himself to look up at them and stammered, “Can I... come home with you?”

At this point, Fanny’s expression had gone beyond shock—it was practically horror.

She stared straight at Ruby, her astonished gaze practically shouting, “Since when did you have this kind of magic?”

What was this—some mysterious stranger instantly enchanted by Ruby on the train, begging to follow her home?

Even with Fanny’s usual composure, she couldn’t help but feel as if she’d stepped into a dream.

Ruby gave an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but we don’t know each other.”

“But I know you!”

The “elf’s” eyes shone, as if terrified Ruby wouldn’t believe him. He dashed back to his seat.

When he returned, he was clutching an elegant leather satchel.

Ruby’s eyes narrowed as she spotted it.

At first, she’d assumed this was just another elaborate scam. But the moment she saw that bag, her suspicions vanished.

It was a vintage piece, a classic from a bygone era—one that only appeared in the highest circles of society. She’d once seen a write-up about it on her grandmother’s bookshelf.

“Look!” he said.

His English was halting, but his gaze was bright and sincere.

Ruby instinctively glanced at the hand he extended.

Nestled in his palm was a photograph labeled “Mr. Blake.”

The moment Ruby took in the photo’s contents, her pupils contracted.

She shot upright, grabbing the stranger’s arm. “Where did you get this photo?”

“Ow—you’re hurting me.”

He winced, pain flickering across his face.

Ruby realized how out of control she was, quickly stepped back, and let go of him.

“Sorry.”

“It’s alright!”

“I’m Landon. You probably don’t remember me, but—your name is Ruby, isn’t it?”

Landon’s eyes were clear and earnest.

Landon.

It really was him—her idol, right here in the flesh.

She stared at Landon, struggling to reconcile the shy, awkward “elf” before her with the brilliant pianist she’d seen command the stage.

Funny how she and Hayley had first met at a grand concert, bonded over their shared love for the piano, and become fast friends. That concert had been part of Landon’s world tour. After Hayley disappeared for a few minutes, she’d returned with Landon’s autograph for Fanny.

And now, here was her idol, standing barely three feet away.

“You... Landon, your grandfather knew Ruby’s grandmother?” Fanny asked, pointing from Landon to Ruby, feeling the world tip beneath her feet.

“I remember you,” Landon said, giving Fanny a friendly smile.

“You remember me?” Fanny repeated, eyes wide.

“Uh-huh,” Landon replied, blinking, but clearly not planning to elaborate.

A delicate, inexplicable tension settled between the three of them.

Luckily, at that moment, the train finally arrived at their station, breaking the awkward spell.

Ruby and Fanny stood, gathering their things, but Landon followed close behind, never straying more than a few steps away.

Even as they exited the station, Landon kept exactly three paces behind them.

Ruby finally turned to face him. “Look, maybe our grandparents knew each other, but you and I are complete strangers. Are you planning to follow us forever?”