In an instant, sorrow overwhelmed me. The joy I had felt earlier with Kael was now replaced by an equally intense sadness. It felt as though my blood was saturated with grief, circulating through my body before settling deep in my heart like a roaring hurricane-swift and relentless.
Vivienne and Kael had a special relationship. Wherever Kael appeared, Vivienne was never far behind. Though they had never publicly acknowledged their connection, everyone knew Vivienne was deeply infatuated with him. As for Kael? At the very least, he didn’t dislike her. Not long ago, they had been happily chatting at the boxing gym. So, when I slept with Kael that day, at least part of it was for my revenge. But now, was Kael doing the same to me for Vivienne’s sake?
Once I came to my senses, regret washed over me. Why had I allowed myself to be with him again? Was I some kind of slut, some kind of whore? The first time could be excused as a moment of impulse, but the second time? I couldn’t forgive my own recklessness. Yet, on some emotional level, I still craved him. The pheromones he exuded were intoxicating, like a drug that awakened my deepest desires. When he held me, when he entered me, I could feel the extraordinary heat radiating from his body. Even now, the marks he left on me lingered, a reminder of our intimacy.
But now, I was clear-headed. I realized everything Kael had done was just to get back at me for Vivienne. I felt trapped in an endless cycle of pain.
“It’s impossible, Kael. I can’t be your girlfriend,” I said firmly, pushing him away. Caught off guard, he stumbled back, and I quickly grabbed my clothes, only to find they were torn beyond repair from his earlier roughness. My hands clenched the tattered fabric, my emotions plummeting to their lowest point. I gripped the shreds tightly, as if that could somehow steady my frayed nerves.
I wasn’t a toy, not something to be passed between him and Vivienne! My eyes stung, and the world before me blurred. I wiped away the tears and adjusted my glasses. Damn it, when had I become so fragile? I shouldn’t be like this. After all, I had enjoyed myself in bed. Why couldn’t I treat Kael the same way-use him and discard him, just like he did with other girls? But the thought of him using me as a plaything, sleeping with me only to please Vivienne, made me sick.
“Why not? You like me, don’t you? You know our bodies fit together like they were just made that way,” Kael said, grabbing my arm, his voice tinged with urgency, as if afraid I’d leave.
“No!” I screamed, pulling away. I hadn’t expected him to use such strange words to seduce a girl. His large hands held me firmly, rendering me immobile. He stared into my eyes as if trying to etch me into his memory. His expression was heavy, as though my refusal would bring about the end of his world.
“You’re a playboy. You’ve slept with so many beautiful women, and now you’re telling me you want to date me?” I sneered, my tone laced with sarcasm. I wasn’t the type to dream of a prince rescuing a damsel in distress. Life had taught me that people were pragmatic. No one would choose a boring bookworm over a stunning, confident woman. In my experience, when I was bullied, I fought back on my own-no knight ever came to save me. Only beautiful girls were worthy of love. If Lucian could so easily be swayed by Vivienne, why wouldn’t Kael be the same? Damn it, men always went for the wild, promiscuous types.
“Seraph, I’m sure I like you. Let’s try,” Kael insisted, his gaze unwavering, his expression tense, as if worried I’d explode.
He was probably just infatuated with my body for the moment. Once he grew bored, he’d toss me aside. I knew this all too well. I wasn’t a naive girl anymore. I’d been fooled once, and I wasn’t about to play the fool again.
“Kael, I used you once, and you used me once. Now we’re even,” I said. I didn’t want to be his girlfriend. My rational mind told me to keep my distance. I admitted our bodies fit perfectly, and being with him felt good. But I knew it was a poison, a tempting candy I had to refuse. If I gave in, Vivienne would likely appear out of nowhere, laughing at me alongside Kael.
The thought was terrifying.
Vivienne had already stolen my boyfriend; now she wanted to team up with another man to humiliate me. I refused to become their clown.
Kael’s eyes filled with sorrow as he looked at me. “No, you feel it too, don’t you?” His grip tightened, causing a dull ache in my shoulder.
“Let me go!” I shouted.
“No, Seraph. Look into my eyes. You feel it too, don’t you, my girl?” But I couldn’t meet his gaze. His eyes were so bright, like the sun. He was radiant, someone who would draw attention wherever he went. I, on the other hand, was plain, unfashionable, and broke. We were from completely different worlds. Yet here he was, stubbornly holding me, cupping my face, and staring into my eyes. “Seraph, don’t reject me,” he pleaded, as if trying to force me into being his girlfriend.
“Why?” I felt like I was being pushed to the edge of a cliff and couldn’t help but yell.
“Why what?” Kael asked.
“Why should I be your girlfriend? Because we slept together?” I demanded. He had no answer.
Kael was driving me to the brink. Under his gaze, my heart raced, and my ears rang. My mind seemed to shut down. It made me think I must love him deeply. But we were from different worlds! He was a sports star, adored by countless women, while I had nothing.
I shoved him away and stepped back. “I’m leaving. But damn it, you ruined my clothes. How am I supposed to go anywhere like this?” I glared at the torn fabric in my hands, frustration bubbling up.
“Seraph, if you agree, I’ll get you clothes,” Kael said.
I shot him a look. Was he threatening me? But I wasn’t one to be intimidated. My voice turned icy. “Then I’ll walk out naked.”
Yes, I felt insane. I’d rather walk out naked than face Kael. Being seen by strangers seemed preferable to becoming a pawn in his and Vivienne’s game.
Kael hadn’t expected this. He sighed in defeat and opened his closet. When I saw the row of women’s clothes inside, I was stunned.
Look at this! So many beautiful outfits. Had he prepared them in advance, ready to dress every girl who came to his apartment? The irony wasn’t lost on me.
“Wear this. It suits you,” Kael said, handing me a T-shirt and jeans. They were my style, similar to the clothes he’d destroyed the day before. And the size? Perfectly mine. How thoughtful of him. Had he memorized sizes from all the women he’d been with?
I glared at him, quickly changed, and hurried to leave. Every second in that place felt like torture.
Before I left, Kael said, “Seraph, no matter what, think it over. I hope you’ll come back to me.”
But I rushed out as if fleeing from a demon. Outside, the cold wind tousled my hair, strands brushing against my neck, tickling me. I pushed them aside. My mood seemed to lighten slightly.
My phone buzzed with missed calls from Evelyn. I hadn’t returned all night. She must be worried sick.