He held me tightly, as if trying to merge me into his body. My face was pressed against his chest, making it hard to breathe. At first, I panicked, but the familiar scent of his ocean-inspired cologne hit me, and I instantly realized who it was. Lucian. We had been together for half a year, and I couldn’t forget his scent. He had caught me.
“Let me go!” I pushed against him, trying to break free. But Lucian refused to release me, clutching me as if afraid I’d escape. “No, Seraph. This time, I won’t let you go,” he said firmly.
“Lucian, we’re over. Please, let me go. You should be with Vivienne. Weren’t you two having fun?” I sneered, then remembered the self-defense moves Kael had taught me. I drove my elbow hard into Lucian’s ribs. This time, I used all my strength. He grunted in pain and finally let go. I stepped back, putting a safe distance between us.
Lucian bent over, clearly in pain. “Seraph, you’re so cruel.”
“You should’ve expected this when you betrayed me,” I said coldly.
It took him a moment to straighten up. “Seraph, I was wrong. I’ll do anything if you’ll just come back to me.”
I looked at his haggard face. It seemed the end of our relationship had hurt him more than it had hurt me. Strangely, that gave me a sense of satisfaction. “Lucian, I won’t be with you. The moment you betrayed me, there was no going back,” I said with a cold laugh.
“Is it because you’re with Kael now?” he asked.
I hesitated, then said, “Yes. You’ve seen it yourself. I’m with him.”
“You’re lying. You already clarified everything. I saw your post!” he shouted.
“That was to throw them off. I just didn’t want to be bothered. Lucian, we’re done. Can’t we just part ways peacefully? Don’t make me think worse of you.”
His deep eyes were filled with pain, staring at me unblinkingly. In that moment, he seemed different from the Lucian I once knew. I couldn’t quite place it, but since our breakup, he had grown darker, more brooding. Now, he seemed on the verge of destroying himself-and maybe me, too.
My body tensed, fists clenched at my sides. If he dared to cross the line again, I’d make him regret it. Thankfully, he didn’t move. Instead, he said, “I don’t believe it, Seraph. Kael’s a playboy. He’s been with so many women. You’d rather be with him than me?”
“We’re not just together. We’ve slept together. And honestly, his body and skills are a thousand times better than yours. You have no idea how many times I’ve climaxed in one night…” I deliberately provoked him, knowing no man would take kindly to having his prowess questioned. It was a blow to their pride, and I aimed right for Lucian’s weak spot.
Watching his face pale, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. I just wanted him to face reality and stop clinging to me. There was no future for us.
Lucian staggered as if struck, barely able to stand. His lips trembled as he muttered, “It’s not true, Seraph. You’re lying, aren’t you?”
“Lucian, the day you slept with Vivienne, I went to Kael,” I said, forcing a smile. I needed him to see that I was the one who had won. I could feel how fragile he was now, like a leaf in the wind. Despite his strong build, he swayed unsteadily, his eyes reddening. For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt. But then I remembered his betrayal, Vivienne’s mocking laughter. I couldn’t afford to soften. He had hurt me too deeply.
I pushed the door open and walked out, only to find Kael standing around the corner. How long had he been there? I hadn’t noticed him at all. His deep brown eyes locked onto mine, a hint of amusement in them.
“Seraphina, so you’re finally willing to acknowledge our relationship?” he said, clearly pleased.
I wasn’t happy, though. I’d only said those things to cut ties with Lucian. I hadn’t meant for Kael to hear them. “I just wanted him to stop bothering me. That’s all,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Alright, Seraphina, I believe you. I have a match the day after tomorrow. I hope you’ll come and cheer for me.”
“I’ll be there-for work,” I said, making it clear I wasn’t going for him. I needed to find a new job, one that would keep me away from Kael and Lucian. These were people I didn’t want to be around anymore, people who made my life awkward.
Still, my words seemed to please Kael. “Good, Seraphina. As long as you’re there, I’ll win.”
“When have you ever lost?” I shot back. It was true-Kael’s matches were always thrilling. He never underestimated his opponents, and every fight was intense. Sometimes, to make it worth the audience’s time, he’d even let the match drag on, trading blows instead of ending it quickly. That’s why his matches always sold out.
Kael handed me two tickets. “Bring a friend.”
I sighed, looking at the tickets. Before I could say anything, Kael’s expression turned serious. I thought I was imagining it, but then a gust of wind swept past me, and Kael was gone.