I immediately took two steps back, feeling deeply embarrassed.
“I’m sorry, I really disturbed you today,” I stammered, my face burning with awkwardness.
Magnus and I had only met twice, yet tonight, we had shared moments of unexpected intimacy.
“It’s fine, relax, Seraphina. We’re friends, and it’s natural to help each other. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me,” Magnus said with a warm smile.
His eyes were deep and gentle, and when I met his gaze, it felt as though he was holding me with his look alone.
God, I had never met a man so tender. My heart raced a little faster.
“Thank you so much. You’re a really good friend,” I replied, smiling as I wiped my face with a tissue.
I must have looked like a mess.
“It’s normal to feel down after a breakup. Letting it out helps you move on faster,” Magnus reassured me.
“I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have brought it up,” he added, frowning slightly.
“No, no, you’re kind. You’ve helped me move forward,” I quickly said.
Earlier, I had been like a stormy sky, heavy and on the verge of collapse.
But now, after crying my heart out, I felt as refreshed as the air after a downpour.
It was true-venting my emotions had worked.
I felt like no obstacle was too big to overcome now.
Even if there were challenges ahead, I could stride right through them.
Magnus studied me, likely noticing my calmer demeanor. He sighed in relief. “We’re friends. Helping each other is normal. You don’t always have to thank me.”
“Thank you… Oh, no, I did it again,” I laughed.
Magnus chuckled too.
“But I think I should head back now,” I said, glancing at my watch. It was already past eight in the evening. Time had slipped away unnoticed.
“Let me walk you home.”
“No, no, it’s not far from here.”
I had checked my phone earlier-it was only about three or four kilometers. I could easily take the bus or even walk.
I was still amazed that I had run all the way here earlier. I couldn’t believe I had that much stamina.
Magnus offered to drive me, but I worried it might lead to misunderstandings.
He respected my decision and walked me to the apartment building. I waved goodbye.
“You helped me with my wound and treated me to such a great dinner. I’m really happy. Meeting you made these hours so enjoyable.”
“If you ever feel bored, come find me,” Magnus said with a smile. “Oh, and I didn’t finish earlier-most people at the club are easy to get along with. Just leave Kael alone, and you’ll be fine.”
I found it strange that Magnus had warned me about Kael twice.
Did he dislike him too?
I kept my tone polite. “I understand. Thanks for the reminder.”
“You’re saying thank you again.”
“Haha, it’s just my habit. I talk like this with Evelyn too.”
He made a gesture somewhere between a shrug and a head shake. As I turned to leave, I suddenly remembered something.
“If you’re free, I’d like to treat you to a meal sometime.”
“Really? I’d love that,” Magnus replied, clearly pleased.
“Hey, Seraphina,” he called out, stepping closer.
“Yes?”
He reached out and gently touched my hair.
I froze, surprised by his directness.
Then, he held his hand in front of me. “Look, a leaf fell on your head.”
I glanced up and found Magnus looking back at me.
He smiled and lowered his hand.
“Thank you…”
“Thank you for always being so polite,” Magnus interrupted, sounding amused. “Go on, it’s not safe for a girl to be out alone too late.”
Just then, a bus arrived. I hopped on, paid the fare, and took a seat at the back.
I gazed out the window at the passing scenery. Pedestrians hurried by, and the colorful lights of the shops along the street looked beautiful.
A boutique displayed a giant teddy bear facing the sidewalk.
Earlier, my mood had been so dark that I hadn’t noticed any of this.
It was true-the scenery was the same, but my perspective had changed.
What had once felt unfamiliar and frightening now seemed full of interesting details.
The world was lovely, even if some people weren’t.
I thought of Kael and Vivienne.
If they really saw me as their plaything, I wouldn’t mind disrupting their peaceful lives.
Things couldn’t get much worse anyway.
But my feelings about Kael were complicated.
Every time I saw him, my body reacted in ways I couldn’t control.
Yet my rational mind told me to keep my distance from a man like him.
Magnus, on the other hand, seemed like the perfect partner-gentlemanly, thoughtful, and a doctor.
But there was something odd about him. Why would someone like him want to be friends with me?
He even said I was special!
At the party, there had been so many people, so many beautiful girls.
Why had he noticed me?
Still, he didn’t seem like the type to toy with me.
He was different from other guys.
Soon, the bus stopped near my apartment.
I got off and walked toward the building.
Passing a bakery, I went in and bought a slice of cheesecake and a blueberry mousse-Evelyn’s favorites.
She’d be thrilled when she saw them.
We needed to celebrate today-I had just started a new part-time job.
But as I left the bakery, I suddenly felt like someone was watching me.
It was a strange, indescribable sensation. My hair stood on end, and my scalp tightened.
Cold sweat broke out on my forehead.
This intense physical reaction filled me with fear.
I couldn’t explain it, but I was certain someone was following me.
And it felt like someone I should be terrified of.
Or maybe my subconscious sensed something wrong.
Who was it?
Vivienne?
Had she not found me and was now staking out my apartment?
I turned around abruptly, but there were only a few pedestrians-couples, an elderly person with a child, and some individuals walking alone.
None of them seemed to be watching me. I didn’t feel afraid of them.
Who, then?
I paused for a moment, scanning the street carefully, trying to spot the person.
Who was it?
A cold breeze swept past, and I shivered uncontrollably.
My instincts screamed at me to run.
So I turned and hurried away without looking back.