Today was a busy day for me. Aside from cleaning, I also had to help set up the exhibition hall. People were paying to come and see the event, so it was essential to create the right atmosphere and give them the best experience possible.
While I was arranging things inside the venue, however, Rebecca pulled me aside and said, “Seraphina, this is very important. After the match begins, make sure you sit in the front row during the match and cheer for Kael!”
I immediately refused. “I can’t do that…” I was trying hard to distance myself from the rumors about Kael and me. Sitting in the front row during the match, with so many people watching, would only fuel their suspicions. I hated the feeling of being scrutinized-it made me restless.
“It’s fine, Seraphina,” Rebecca insisted. “Every girl dreams of being close to Kael, but they can’t. They’ll definitely envy you.”
“But I don’t need that kind of envy,” I replied firmly.
“No, Rebecca, I don’t need to sit up front. Give that opportunity to someone else who wants it.” After saying that, I turned away to avoid further discussion and started arranging chairs and decorating them with ribbons.
Because of the large crowd, two additional rows of chairs were added, bringing the front seats even closer to the ring. These became VVIP spots, offering a clear view of every move the fighters made. Cheers from these seats would be heard loud and clear.
But I thought only someone like Vivienne deserved to sit there. Rebecca wanted to give me special treatment because of Kael, and I disliked such privileges.
Even though Kael and I had shared a meaningful moment the night before, clearing up many misunderstandings, I still believed it was best to keep my distance. Until I fully accepted him, I didn’t want to get too close.
With so many people watching, every move I made would feel like a performance on stage, and that made me uncomfortable. I’ve been living a pretty low-key life, and I certainly didn’t want to be treated like an exhibit in a zoo.
Seeing my determination, Rebecca didn’t press further. “Are you sure, Seraphina? You’d rather stay on the sidelines working than sit in the audience cheering for Kael?”
“I’m sure, Rebecca. I’m not interested in boxing matches. I just want to do my job. I think that’s why I was hired in the first place-because I’m not a fan of boxing.”
I knew the members of the Eagle Club had many devoted fans, especially Kael’s. But for safety and smooth operations, the club preferred to hire part-timers who weren’t that passionate about boxing. That’s why I had been chosen-I had presented myself as someone who was indifferent to Kael and only needed the job for the money.
Rebecca sighed and smiled. “Seraphina, you’re an incredibly smart girl.”
It was the first time someone had called me smart, but I didn’t feel particularly pleased. I smiled back at her and got back to work, cleaning the venue and arranging chairs. These tasks were relatively easy for me. Working hard and earning money helped ease my mental burden.
I was kept busy all morning, setting up the exhibition hall, cleaning inside and out, and tidying up the training rooms and lounges.
At lunchtime, Kael approached me. “Seraphina, how about we grab lunch together?”
My first instinct was to refuse. But before I could respond, he added, “I’m fighting tomorrow, and honestly, I’m a little nervous.”
“You’re nervous? Every match you’ve fought has been a landslide victory!” I was surprised.
Kael was a legend at the Eagle Club. He always crushed his opponents effortlessly. I didn’t understand why he’d be nervous. Besides, he was a werewolf. With his enhanced physical abilities, he could easily overpower any human opponent, even without using his werewolf powers.
“It’s different, Seraphina,” he said. “You might think I win easily, but I give it my everything every time. You think because I’m not human, it’s effortless, but without using my werewolf abilities, I’m no different from any other human.”
I was taken aback. Kael had clearly read my mind.
Was it really the same? I thought about his incredible healing ability, which not only mended his own wounds but also those of others. That seemed completely different to me. If he used that in the ring to heal instantly, how could he compare to an ordinary human?
“We get hurt just like humans do,” Kael continued. “And we can’t heal instantly either. If your opponent sees through your tricks, things could get messy. The only advantage I have is slightly better stamina, but it’s not as exaggerated as you think. So, Seraphina, will you have lunch with me?”
There was a pleading tone in his voice. His deep brown eyes were filled with sadness and desperation.
At that moment, I softened. Rationally, I should have stayed cold and detached, keeping my distance. But when I looked into his eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything harsh.
“Let’s do dinner instead. Lunch is too crowded,” I suggested.
Kael, unlike Magnus, was a star. Wherever he went, people watched him. I was also under scrutiny lately. If I were seen with Kael again, we’d undoubtedly become the center of attention on social media.
But as soon as I said it, I regretted it. I had promised to keep my distance, yet I couldn’t muster the resolve to reject him.
Kael’s face lit up with a smile. “Alright, Seraphina. I’ll come find you later.”
“Can you call ahead instead?” I frowned. I wasn’t fond of him showing up unannounced.