"Lucca?" I uttered, quickly covering my mouth as I realized what I had just said. I shouldn't have called him in the first place, but the word slipped out so naturally.
I caught his attention. He stared at me with a frown, as if I had committed a grave mistake just by saying his name.
I turned around, ready to escape, but his voice stopped me.
"Calling me out of nowhere, then walking away?" he asked.
My feet froze. I turned back to face him.
I forced a smile. "Good evening," I greeted him formally.
"Why are you here?" he asked, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.
"Just… catching some air," I replied.
"Catching some air? You just got out of the hospital," he said.
His words confused me. How did he know I was discharged this morning? Did Dominic tell him? But Dominic said he couldn't even contact Lucca, so how did he know?
"How did you know?" I asked.
"Dominic's my friend," he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm, as if I were supposed to already know that.
I nodded and fell silent, staring at his blank, emotionless face. I wanted to leave, but something about his gaze kept my feet rooted in place.
"I'll go now," I said.
"No. Get in the car. I'll take you home," he said in a firm, authoritative voice.
"You don't have to. I can manage."
"If your friends find out about this, what do you think their reaction will be?" he said, his tone turning threatening.
That left me speechless. He really knew how to corner people.
And just like that, I found myself inside his car, with him driving me home. I had planned to enjoy the night alone, but it turned gloomy instead. It was my fault, too. I called his name and got his attention. If I hadn't, I would still be in the park, enjoying the scenery.
The car stopped in front of our house. I quietly observed him, his eyes fixed straight ahead, not even glancing my way.
"Thank you," I said softly.
I wanted to tell him everything, to thank him for bringing me to the hospital, for paying my bills, and for taking me home now, even though I didn't want to. But I held back. I didn't want him telling Mira and Dominic that I had been stubborn, so I just went along with it.
He didn't respond, not even a simple acknowledgment.
I continued, "Thank you for helping me… three times. I still owe you. If you ever need me to repay you, just come to me and tell me."
I wasn't just talking about money. I meant help, any help. Though judging by how he carried himself, he didn't seem like someone who would ever ask for it.
I opened the car door and stepped out, closing it gently before heading toward the gate.
Just as I reached for it, I heard his car door open.
I turned back. Lucca was already outside, staring at me for a few seconds before speaking.
"Three times, right?" he asked.
"Pardon?" I replied.
"I helped you three times, right?"
I nodded.
He nodded as well. "Can you really help me?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, now completely curious.
"You'll understand what I mean when the time comes," he said.
Then he turned away, got back into his car, and drove off, leaving me standing there, confused and curious.
You'll understand what I mean when the time comes.
Why would he say that? Why leave me hanging like that?
It was like a cassette, playing over and over in my head. I couldn't fall asleep early because I kept wondering why he said that and what he meant by it. I didn't get the chance to ask him since he just turned away and didn't give me time to speak. Maybe Dominic can help me find Lucca tomorrow so I can meet him and ask a few questions.
Lucca's POV
It was early in the morning when I woke up from a nightmare, a nightmare that appears almost every day. A nightmare that reminds me that my death is near.
Knowing I only have a few months left, I can't even sleep properly at night. My thoughts are always about death.
Yes… I am afraid to die. Who wouldn't be?
That's why I'm eager to get the ring as soon as possible, to live for eternity.
I had my usual breakfast: wheat bread with egg and mayo, and a banana smoothie. After eating, I went to the clinic to meet Dr. Keith. When I arrived, I saw him stepping out toward his car.
"Oh, Lucca. You're early today," he said, as if mocking me.
I glared at him in response and walked alongside him.
"You're here to ask for a higher dosage, right?" Dr. Keith said, already knowing my intention.
"But I can't give you more, and you know that," he continued.
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because I don't want you to rely on it too much. The higher the dosage, the more dependent you become. How can you get better that way? I told you, open up to me and let's do the therapy."
I didn't respond.
We went inside his office. He put on his white coat and arranged his things while I sat in the chair in front of his desk.
Something caught my eye on his table, a familiar photo of a fragile-looking woman. Without asking for permission, I picked up the file and read it. It confirmed my suspicion.
"You know her?" Dr. Keith asked as he sat down.
"She's your patient?" I asked.
"Yeah. She's like you—nonchalant, emotionless, mysterious. But unlike you, she's a bit more cooperative."
I frowned.
Dr. Keith laughed at my reaction. "How do you know her?"
"Dominic's friend."
He nodded. "I thought she was your girlfriend."
"Tsk."
"Well, anyway…" Dr. Keith took the file from me and placed it back in the folder. "I shouldn't disclose a patient's record. That's a sin in our field."
I kept staring at the folder even after he put it away.
"So… my answer is still no. I won't give you an additional dosage," he said.
"I know you won't."
"Then why are you here?"
"I'm just bored," I said.
He laughed loudly. "This isn't a bar, dude. It's a clinic."
"I know."
"Don't you have friends to talk to so you won't get bored?" Dr. Keith asked. "I might even have patients waiting outside."
"But you know I'm the most generous patient you have. I pay well," I said.
He smiled. "Yeah. But aren't you tired of coming here so often when you don't even want therapy? You don't even want to be treated."
"Because you'll never understand my situation," I said.
"Try me," he challenged.
He looked at me with sincerity. I knew Dr. Keith meant well, but I just couldn't accept that someone like him could help me with my emotions.
I sighed deeply and stood up. "I'll come back when I'm ready," I said, turning my back on him.
I opened the door, but before leaving, I paused and looked at him again.
"Your patient, Seraphina, don't accept her payments for her sessions. I'll cover them," I said, then left his office.
I went to the parking area and got into my car.
I don't know why, but Seraphina kept bothering my thoughts. I know she has the ring, but there's something about her that I can't explain.
I didn't visit her in the hospital because her behavior annoyed me. I already offered to help, but she kept refusing, insisting it was her debt to repay.
I didn't want her to think I cared about her; I don't. We're not friends. We're strangers in everyone's eyes.
And yet… something kept pulling me toward her.
Maybe it's fate, binding us together so I can easily get the ring.
When she called my name last night, I was surprised and annoyed. She had just been discharged from the hospital, and she was already out? Who in their right mind would do that?
But when I saw her, thin and fragile, I couldn't help but feel a hint of pity.
She needs someone to protect her.
But I won't volunteer myself. I don't want to.
Still, Dominic keeps reminding me that if I want the ring, I have to get close to her…
Closer than before.
beep beep
I snapped back to reality when I heard the car behind me honk. The light had already turned green, which meant it was time to go. I sped off and headed to the bookstore I owned. Maybe I'd spend half the day reading a book. I wasn't in the mood to work, I didn't want to deal with people right now.
Seraphina's POV
Since I wasn't going to work today, I decided to spend my time at the bookstore where I usually buy books. Even though I still had unread ones at home, I felt like buying another. Maybe as a gift to myself for getting better.
I got off the bus and walked until I reached the bookstore. The staff greeted me as I entered, and I glanced around. There were no customers yet, probably because it was still early.
I went straight to the third floor, planning to buy a fiction book. I hummed softly as I browsed through the shelves, enjoying the quiet. I liked moments like this, being alone, with no one around to interrupt me.
"Why are you so noisy?"
The book I was holding fell to the floor. Startled, I realized I wasn't alone. I walked toward the corner where the voice came from, and my eyes widened when I saw Lucca sitting near the window. He was hidden behind tall shelves, making him almost impossible to notice.
He looked at me, slightly surprised, probably not expecting it to be me.
"I'm sorry for interrupting you," I said. I wanted to turn away, but my feet froze.
He stared at me, his gaze scanning me from head to toe. Then he closed the book he was reading and stood up.
"Are you following me?" he asked, his expression curious.
"What? No! I didn't even know you were here," I replied truthfully.
He narrowed his eyes, clearly not believing me. I sighed and turned my back on him.
My cheeks felt warm, and I suddenly felt uncomfortable.
But as I started to walk away, I stopped and turned back again. He was still watching me, and that made me blush even more.
I didn't know why I looked back. Maybe it was curiosity.
"What did you mean yesterday?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?" he replied, raising one eyebrow.
"When you said… 'when the time comes…'" I began, but he already understood.
"And it's not the time yet," he answered.
"Why do you make people overthink?" I asked, not really expecting an answer.
"Because I like it when people think deeply," he replied.
If he hadn't saved me, paid my hospital bills, and been Dominic's friend, I wouldn't even be talking to him. He was mysterious… and dangerous. Being around him made me feel unsafe.
"Recommend me a fiction book," he suddenly said.
"Huh?"
"Are you deaf?" he snapped, sounding annoyed.
I frowned. He was so impatient. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I owed him.
"You can ask nicely. I'm still going to help you," I said, which seemed to surprise him.
"What do you prefer?" I asked.
"Anything," he answered.
I sighed and went to the shelves. After browsing, I picked five books that I thought might suit him. I returned and placed them on the table.
He examined them one by one.
"These stories are dark," he said.
"Don't you like dark stories?" I asked.
He looked at me with amusement. "Why do you think I would like this genre?"
"Because it fits your personality," I replied.
Why am I even having this conversation?
He crossed his arms and stared at me. His deep hazel-brown eyes made me shiver. I didn't like being looked at that way, especially by him.
"Do you need anything else?" I asked, trying not to sound nervous. I wanted to leave.
"Get whatever books you want. It's on me," he said, picking one of the books and opening it.
"I can buy my own book," I replied.
He closed the book and frowned at me. Oh no.
"But thank you," I quickly added, bowing my head before turning away.
I walked back to the shelves, trying to distract myself. I avoided looking in his direction, focusing instead on the books.
Soon, I found myself getting interested. As I read the synopses, I couldn't help but smile.
"This one looks interesting… but this one too," I murmured.
Which one should I choose?
"I'll buy you next time," I said softly to the other book, as if it could hear me.
I went downstairs without looking back and headed to the cashier. I took out my wallet.
"I remember you," the cashier said.
I smiled. "I come here often."
"You were the one who got the free books during the opening, right?"
"Yeah," I said.
I placed a 500 bill on the counter, but a familiar voice behind me made me freeze.
"Didn't I tell you it's my treat?" Lucca said, his voice firm and authoritative.
"Include this," he added, placing another book on the counter—the one I had wanted but didn't choose.
"Lucca, you don't have to—"
He glared at me, and I immediately stopped talking.
The cashier watched us with a knowing smile, but I ignored it.
"Here, ma'am," she said, handing me the paper bag.
"Thank you," I replied.
Lucca left first. As I was about to follow, the cashier spoke again.
"Sir Lucca is the owner of this bookstore," she said. "And he was the one who told me to say there was a promo during the opening, just so you could get the books for free. There wasn't actually any promo."
I froze.
"I… didn't know that. Thank you for telling me," I said before leaving.
Outside, Lucca's car was still there. I decided to walk in the opposite direction toward the pedestrian lane.
"Get in."
I turned. Lucca had rolled down his window, looking at me.
I stared at him, unsure whether to accept.
"Don't make me wait," he said.
I wanted to refuse, but his gaze made it impossible.
Without arguing, I got into his car and fastened my seatbelt.
"You don't have to take me home," I said.
"Who told you I was taking you home?" he replied.