“Are you sure this is the place, Elene?”

“Yes. He said it would be at the top of this building. Just control your steam while we’re in the jet, Elysia. We don’t want any… accidents.”

Azazel of course steps in with a annoy face. Getting ready to argue, he looks to my eyes. Of course I don't go back in front of him.

“I still don’t agree with you bringing that thing along. It’s not too late to take it off”

“No! You can’t take Violet!”

“Violet?” Azazel raises an eyebrow, looking confused.

“I named my steam Violet.”

“But… it’s red.”

“And? Violet sounds pretty!”

“But then why did we push all this problem further?” Azazel exclaimed with a loud tone

Before Azazel can argue further, Elene gestures upward. “The jet is here!”

A sleek black jet descends gracefully, and its door opens to reveal a man dressed impeccably in a cream tuxedo, complete with a tie. His green hair is slicked back, giving him the air of a classic businessman. He looks like someone who stepped right out of a glossy magazine.

As we board, the man—Elene’s supposed husband—greets us with a smooth voice. “Sup, guys. Enjoying the reckless days of youth?”

“Sure…” I mutter, unsure how to respond.

“Darling, no more questions, please,” Elene says, her voice sweet but firm.

The man instantly falls silent, like a puppy obeying its master. He seems completely smitten, ready to hang on her every word. I almost feel sorry for him—being used like this. It’s like he’s a dog… of a dog.

----------------------------------------

“I guess we’ve arrived,” Elene announces with a loud tone as we reach the house.

My place of course still the same as always except for the crack on that floor, from that battle of Asaul and Elene.

“Maria’s still asleep. Can you drop her off at her place, Elene?”

“I don’t know where she lives,”

“Hmm, just leave her at the store where we first met. But be careful, please.”

I can see Elene nodding and without wasting she takes Maria with her, Im preoccupied if my steam actually permanently drugged her, well for now it looks like she is sleeping so for now no worries I guess. Now the next problem.

“And you, Azazel?” I ask, turning to him with a raised brow.

“I don’t have much time left,” he mutters, his voice low but steady. “But I guess it’s time for me to go. The only reason Asaul keeps coming for you is obviously because of your involvement with me. It’s better if I leave.”

“Oh, selfish acts, huh?” I jab him lightly with a playful smirk.

He hums dismissively, barely sparing me a glance, his tone as detached as ever. “Think whatever you want. But don’t flatter yourself—I don’t think you’re worth saving. I’m just going to hell to gather information about him.”

Before I can respond, he pivots sharply and strides away, his silhouette fading into the dimly lit streets. The faint echo of his footsteps lingers, leaving a weight in the air that’s hard to shake.

“Well…” I mumble, suddenly feeling the weight of everything that’s happened. “Now I’m unemployed again. And hungry. And I don’t have the key to my apartment…”

A neighbor, an older lady in her seventies, stops me as I’m unlocking my door.

“Elysia! Where have you been?” she exclaims, her voice full of curiosity and just a touch of scolding.

“Haha, I was at a family reunion,” I reply with a forced laugh, trying to keep the conversation light.

She narrows her eyes, clearly not satisfied with my vague answer. “Family reunion? You’ve been gone for days!”

Before I can respond, she launches into a series of probing questions—where I went, who I saw, what I ate. It’s suffocating. I manage a polite smile, but the discomfort creeps in quickly. Finally, I make an excuse to escape.

“Well, I’d love to chat more, but I really need to head downtown. Errands, you know.”

She doesn’t seem convinced, but I wave goodbye and hurry down the street before she can stop me.

As I walk through downtown, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to see Joseph’s name flashing on the screen. Of course, now he calls. He didn’t answer me before, so I let it ring a few times—just to make us even—before finally picking up.

“Hello, Joseph.”

“Elysia… my sweet lady. What happened to you?” His voice is smooth, but there’s a strange edge to it, like always.

“Oh, nothing. Just had a family reunion,” I reply, keeping my tone casual.

“But I call you with 5 different cell phones and none of them did not even receive a hint about your phone line”

“I forgot to pay the phone, I am not a rich person, Joseph”

“Ah, I’m sorry, didn't mean that way. By my part I really can’t blame you, I didn’t answer your calls. I’ve been dealing with family problems myself too,” he says, sounding oddly apologetic.

“I never said anything about problems…” I mutter, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t worry, Elysia,” he says, ignoring my remark. “I won’t pry into your personal life. Trust is important, after all.”

There it is—his trademark weirdness. I forgot how strange he could be sometimes.

“Thanks… I guess. So, do you want to hang out now?”

“Of course! I’ll bring Sebastian along.”

“Wait—” I start to protest, but he hangs up before I can finish.

I stare at my phone, groaning in frustration. “I don’t want your butler to come…” I murmur to myself, already dreading what’s to come.

----------------------------------------

As I walk through the bustling downtown streets, lost in thought, I feel a light tap on my shoulder. Startled, I turn to see a man standing behind me—a man with striking blue hair that gleams like the ocean under sunlight, a single yellow eye that seems to pierce right through me, and a fashion sense that could only be described as… wild.

He’s wearing mustard-yellow pants that somehow don’t look ridiculous, a crisp white shirt under a sleek blue jacket, and a collection of silver earrings glinting in the sunlight. His smile is dazzling—practically model-like—and exudes a confidence that immediately puts me on edge.

“Hello,” he says in a voice so smooth it could melt butter.

I blink, caught off guard by his sudden presence. “Uh… hi?”

He steps closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “I saw you walking by, and I couldn’t help myself. Someone as radiant as you shouldn’t be wandering alone.”

My eyebrows furrow. “Radiant? I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m just… going to grab a coffee.”

He chuckles, a rich sound that seems to tangle itself around my thoughts. “No mistake. You shine in a way that’s impossible to miss.” His words seem to flow like honey, and for a brief moment, I feel a strange warmth creeping into my chest—like I’m being drawn toward him without even realizing it.

I shake my head, trying to snap myself out of whatever this is. “Look, I don’t know what you’re trying to sell, but I’m not interested.”

He places a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Sell? No, no. I’d never cheapen something as beautiful as this moment. I simply wanted to admire you—and maybe get to know you better.”

“That’s… kind of creepy,” I mutter, though I can feel my cheeks heating up. His charm is annoyingly effective, like he’s some kind of walking romance novel protagonist.

“I assure you, I mean no harm,” he says, his tone softening just enough to disarm me further. “In fact, I’m harmless. Unless, of course, you’d prefer a little danger in your life.” He winks, and it’s infuriatingly smooth.

I cross my arms, trying to put some distance between us emotionally, if not physically. “Okay, look—this is getting weird. I don’t even know your name, and you’re acting like we’re in a rom-com.”

He smiles wider, a glint of mischief in his golden eye. “You’re right. Where are my manners? My name is Lysander. And you?”

Against my better judgment, I answer. “Elysia.”

“Elysia…” He says my name like it’s a secret he’s been waiting to uncover, and I hate how it makes my stomach flutter. “A beautiful name for a beautiful soul.”

I groan, rolling my eyes. “Do you rehearse these lines in the mirror, or are you naturally this… unbearable?”

“Unbearable? That hurts,” he says, though his grin remains unshaken. “But I’ll take it as a challenge to win you over. After all, you deserve someone who truly sees you.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Uh-huh. And what’s your angle, exactly? Why are you trying so hard?”

His yellow eye seems to glow faintly as he leans in ever so slightly. “Because, Elysia, there’s something about you that’s irresistible.”

“What is wrong…” I whisper to myself, feeling an unusual warmth creeping into my cheeks. My head feels light, and my thoughts are a mess. Why can’t I think straight?

Before I can pull myself together, his hand gently touches my chin, tilting it up so I’m looking directly into those mesmerizing golden eyes.

What—what is this? I can’t move. It’s like I’m frozen in place, completely drawn in by his flawless face. His eyes, glowing faintly, are impossibly beautiful, like they’re pulling me into a dream.

His breath smells like mint, crisp and intoxicating. And he’s leaning closer. Too close. My heart races as I realize—he’s slowly moving toward my lips.

No, wait—

“Excuse me,” a deep voice cuts through the haze. Suddenly, Lysander is yanked backward by the shoulder.

Sebastian.

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Sebastian, Joseph’s ever-dutiful butler, stands between us, his sharp gaze fixed on Lysander. “I apologize for interrupting, but the miss here is taken, young man.” His voice is firm, polite, and a little menacing.

Lysander chuckles softly, seemingly unfazed. “Taken, you say? She did not say something to me” His tone drips with amusement as if he doesn’t care at all.

Joseph steps forward, his brow raised in disbelief. “Elysia, it seems you’re not wasting time these days.”

“No, he—” I stammer, my face burning. I can’t even find the words to explain what just happened. What did just happen?

----------------------------------------

In Joseph’s car, his intense stare makes me feel like I’m in trouble—like he’s silently judging me, sizing me up, maybe even thinking I’m an easy girl.

“So, how’ve you been, Joseph?” I ask, desperate to break the tension.

He leans back, still studying me. “Well, I’ve been handling a few things. But you seem... busy.”

“No! I swear! It’s not what you think. You believe me, right?”

His eyes soften just slightly, his expression shifting. “I understand. We’re nothing—yet. But I’m willing.”

“Willing to what?” I ask cautiously.

“To commit to one girl,” he says with a quiet intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

God, I like Joseph, but I know where this is heading.

“Let’s try again,” he says softly, reaching for my hand. His touch is warm, sincere, but not overbearing. He looks directly into my eyes, not forcing anything—just waiting for a sign, respecting my boundaries.

I take a deep breath, my heart doing a strange flip. “Oh? And who’s the lucky one?”

“Of course, it’s you, my beautiful flower.”

I laugh nervously. “I’d like to try that, I really would. But my brain’s a mess right now. I’m looking for a job, and it’s just... a lot.”

“You lost your job? Why?”

“Well... I had an important meeting. I couldn’t make it back in time, and they fired me.”

Joseph frowns, his brows knitting together. “So, if you got your job back... would we be together?”

I blink at him, unsure of what to say. “I guess... yeah. I wouldn’t have anything else to worry about. You know, paying bills and all that isn’t exactly easy.”

He nods, then suddenly pulls out his phone. “Elysia, don’t worry. By tomorrow, you’ll have your job back. Give me a second.”

I watch, stunned, as he dials a number.

“Old man, I need a favor,” he says casually. “Do you know the company—” He pauses and glances at me.

“Textiles Tern,” I whisper.

“Textiles Tern,” he repeats smoothly. “Do you know it?” He listens for a moment, then continues. “It’s just that my girlfriend was unfairly fired. She needs her job back. I’m sure you can pull some strings, right?”

He grins as he hangs up. “Thanks, Dad. I knew I could count on you.”

Turning back to me, he says confidently, “It’s solved. Now, where were we?”

“Wait I thought you had some family problems”

“Ahh yes, but dont worry, my old man is making amends for cheating out my mother”

“What-”

“Yes, he found a younger woman. Surprising, right?—wait, I’m not like that, I swear! I inherited my mother’s loyalty!”

“I hope so. So… what if we grab something to eat?”

“Sure. Sebastian, what’s the farthest and most expensive restaurant in the county?”

“That would be the Gold Jaw Fish Restaurant, my lord.”

“Then it’s decided! To celebrate our day as a couple, we’ll go there!”

“Umm—”

I didn’t even declare anything, but I guess I just did. Joseph has money, he’s handsome, he has it all. And yet… something feels like it’s missing. I can’t quite figure out what.

“Sure, let’s have fun together.”

----------------------------------------

“Wow, this restaurant is massive and… so fancy.”

“You think so? It’s not bad. I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.”

“Lord Joseph—”

“Sebastian, for the last time, no ‘Lord.’”

“Mr. Joseph, please, don’t act so nonchalant. For Ms. Elysia, this is a big deal.” I can hear Sebastian whisper, even though he’s trying hard to keep his voice low.

“Are the couple ready to order?” the waiter asks with a professional smile.

“Sure—” My smile falters the moment I recognize him. Asaúl. Standing there as our waiter, his innocent grin sends chills racing through my body.

“Yes, for my part, I’ll take the most expensive and most popular dish on the menu,” Joseph begins confidently. “For my butler, give him each item on this menu. And for my girlfriend, she’ll have… a salad.”

“Excuse me?” I say, blinking.

“Elysia, you need to take care of yourself. Besides, I bet the salads here are premium, right? Waiter?” Joseph turns to Asaúl with a winning smile.

“Of course, sir. They’re exquisite,” Asaúl replies smoothly, though I can see the mischief brewing in his eyes.

“But I want meat, Joseph,” I insist, narrowing my eyes.

“Elysia…” Joseph sighs dramatically, as if I’ve requested something scandalous. “Waiter, get her the soy sauce meat dish—the most expensive one. Happy now?”

I bite my lip, feeling both annoyed and slightly amused. Typical Joseph.

“You know, we’re offering a special dessert for special couples,” Asaúl says, his voice just a touch too cheerful.

“Oh yeah? Well, we are a special couple,” Joseph declares proudly, puffing his chest a little.

“I don’t doubt that, Mr. Customer,” Asaúl says, his grin widening. “But… I can see it in the lady’s eyes. You’ve barely started dating, am I wrong?”

I freeze, my face heating up. Asaúl always has a way of hitting the mark.

“You have a good eye, waiter,” Joseph admits, chuckling. “But Elysia is such a good woman, I trust her with my eyes closed.”

“Hmm, then how about a little game?” Asaúl suggests, pulling something from his apron pocket.

“Oh no. No, no, no games!” I exclaim, my voice rising slightly in panic. I know Asaúl well enough to know his games are never simple.

“Elysia, we’re a great couple. Don’t you think we can handle a little fun?” Joseph says, looking entirely too relaxed.

Before I can protest further, Asaúl flags down another waiter to take our order and then slides into the booth next to us, a set of dice in his hand and a devilish gleam in his eye.

“Let’s see how strong this ‘special couple’ really is,” Asaúl says, rolling the dice onto the table with a practiced flick of his wrist.

I groan internally. This is going to be a disaster.

“How about we make things interesting?” Asaúl suggests, his tone mischievous as always.

“I’m already regretting this,” I mutter under my breath.

Joseph, as confident as ever, leans back in his chair, completely unfazed. “What are you thinking, Waiter? I’m all for a little competition.”

Asaúl grins wider, the kind that makes my stomach churn. “Asaul is fine. It is just a simple game. We roll these dice three times. Whoever gets the highest total wins. But…” His grin grows wicked. “What are we betting?”

----------------------------------------

"Bet?" I ask warily.

"Of course!" Asaúl says. "A game without stakes is just a waste of time."

Joseph nods. "Fine by me. I’ll bet my phone."

"Your phone?" I ask, incredulous.

He shrugs. "It’s not like I have anything to lose. I’ll win anyway."

I shoot him a look. "That’s... reckless."

"Reckless is fun," he teases with a wink.

Asaúl turns his attention to me, his gaze gleaming with mischief. "And what about you, Elysia?"

"I don’t have anything like a phone to bet," I say quickly, trying to wriggle out of this madness.

"Oh, don’t sell yourself short," Asaúl replies smoothly. "How about... a kiss?"

My cheeks flame instantly. "What?! No!"

"Oh? Have you two not kissed yet?" Asaúl leans in, mock surprise dripping from his tone.

Joseph coughs awkwardly, looking anywhere but at me. "Uh... well..."

Asaúl pounces on the awkwardness. "Perfect! If Elysia loses, she gives Joseph her first kiss. Just a little peck, nothing too scandalous." He gives an exaggerated wink. "What do you think?"

"Absolutely not!" I exclaim, horrified.

"Come on, Elysia," Joseph says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It’s just a game."

I glare at him. "Easy for you to say! You’re not the one betting something... personal!"

Asaúl claps his hands, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "It’s settled then! Elysia bets her kiss, Joseph bets his phone, and I..." He pauses dramatically, gesturing to himself, "will treat myself to free dessert if you guys win. Fair deal?"

I groan. This is ridiculous. But backing out now will only give Asaúl more ammunition to tease me with.

"Fine!" I huff. "Let’s just get this over with."

----------------------------------------

Asaúl hands the dice to Joseph first. "The gentleman starts."

Joseph takes the dice, shaking them confidently. With a flick of his wrist, he rolls. The dice clatter against the table, landing on a 5 and a 6.

"Eleven," Asaúl announces. "Strong start!"

Joseph smirks, crossing his arms. "Easy."

I pick up the dice next, my hands slightly shaky. "Okay, here goes."

I roll, and the dice bounce before landing on a 4 and a 3.

"Seven," Asaúl says, his grin growing.

I groan. "Great. Just great."

Asaúl takes his turn, rolling casually. The dice land on a 6 and a 6.

"Twelve," he says with a mock bow. "As expected."

I narrow my eyes at him. Something about that roll seems... too perfect.

----------------------------------------

Joseph rolls again, scoring an 8 this time.

"Not bad," Asaúl says.

When it’s my turn, I manage a 9, finally beating Joseph’s roll. But Asaúl once again rolls a flawless 12.

I stare at him. "Are those dice rigged?"

"Rigged?" Asaúl feigns innocence. " I’m hurt! These are just ordinary dice."

"You’re cheating," I accuse.

"Or," Asaúl says, his grin sharp as ever, "you’re just not lucky."

----------------------------------------

The last round starts, and Joseph rolls another 11. He looks smug, leaning back in his chair. "That should seal it."

When my turn comes, I feel the pressure mounting. I roll... a 5 and a 2.

"Seven again," Asaúl announces, his tone gleeful.

"Of course," I mutter under my breath.

Asaúl take his final roll, giving the dice an almost theatrical shake before letting them fall. Predictably, they land on another pair of sixes.

"Twelve!" he declares. "And that makes me the winner!"

----------------------------------------

I slump in my chair. "Unbelievable. You totally cheated."

"Cheated or not, a bet is a bet," Asaúl says, his grin practically splitting his face. "Now, let’s settle this."

He turns to Joseph, plucking the phone from his hand. "This is mine now. Thanks, buddy."

Joseph sighs but doesn’t protest.

"And Elysia..." Asaúl’s gaze shifts to me, his grin almost devilish. "Time to pay up."

I turn to Joseph, my cheeks flaming. "This is so stupid," I mutter.

He smiles gently, leaning forward. "We don’t have to if you’re not comfortable—"

"Just shut up," I say, mortified. Before I can lose my nerve, I lean in forward.

I can do this. It’s just a kiss—nothing big. Right? So why is my face burning up like I’m sitting next to a bonfire? My heart is racing, my legs feel like jelly, and yet, I can’t seem to get any closer.

“Hurry up! I’ve got things to do, lovebirds!” Asaúl teases with a smirk, leaning back like he’s watching his favorite drama unfold.

“Just wait a second!” I snap, my voice more panicked than I intend.

Taking a shaky breath, I turn toward Joseph. He’s sitting there, quiet, but the way he’s looking at me—kind, patient, and just a little amused—only makes it worse. I force myself to focus.

With a surge of courage, I close my eyes tightly and grab his shoulders for support, gripping them as if I’m clinging to the edge of a cliff. I can’t do this while looking at him—no way. My cheeks feel like they’re on fire, and I’m positive I look ridiculous, but there’s no turning back now.

I inch forward, feeling the space between us disappear, millimeter by millimeter. My heart’s pounding so loudly I’m sure he can hear it.

“You’re overthinking this,” Joseph says softly, his voice carrying just a hint of a chuckle.

“Shut up,” I mutter, my voice barely above a whisper.

As I get closer, I feel his breath against my face, warm and steady, and I think I might actually explode from the sheer awkwardness of it all. Then, without even realizing it, our lips brush for the briefest moment.

It’s just a little kiss, but it feels like everything stops—the teasing, the smirks, even Asaúl’s annoying commentary.

I pull back so quickly it’s like I’ve touched a hot stove. My face is absolutely burning, and I keep my eyes glued to the floor, refusing to meet Joseph’s gaze.

“There,” I mumble, crossing my arms defensively. “Happy?”

Joseph looks a little stunned, his ears turning red. "Uh... yeah. Sure."

I blink at him, my embarrassment quickly turning into irritation. "Yeah, sure? Is that all you can say?" I snap, my voice rising with a mix of rage and mortification.

His eyes widen, and he opens his mouth to respond, but I don’t give him the chance.

“Unbelievable,” I mutter, pushing my chair back with enough force to make it scrape loudly against the floor. Ignoring Asaúl’s cackling in the background, I grab my bag and march toward the door, my face burning hotter with every step.

"Wait, Elysia!" Joseph calls after me, but I don’t look back.

Asaúl claps his hands, laughing. "That was worth it! You two are adorable."

The cold night air hits me as I step outside, but it does little to cool the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Embarrassment, rage, and—worst of all—this stupid fluttering feeling in my chest.

I stomp down the sidewalk, muttering under my breath. "Yeah, sure. Of all the things he could’ve said... Ugh!"