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Dave and Mirabel arrived in a cab. As soon as they stepped out, the car drove off into the night.
"Dave, thank you for today. I really had fun," Mirabel said softly, smiling.
Just as she was about to walk away, Dave caught her by the wrist and gently pulled her closer. His hand tilted her chin upward, and before she could react, his lips pressed against hers in a passionate kiss. Heat rushed through her body, making her knees weak. Mirabel kissed him back, lost in the moment.
From a distance, Rose was watching with narrowed eyes, fury simmering inside her. Bella tugged her arm.
"Stop staring. The boss is back. Let's move," Bella muttered, dragging her away.
Not far from them, Lucian had also seen everything. His jaw clenched, his eyes dark as the kiss burned into his mind.
Dave finally broke the kiss, leaning close to whisper in her ear, "Good night."
Her cheeks flushed red, her heart racing. "Good night," she murmured back, smiling shyly before they went their separate ways.
When Mirabel entered her room, Tracy was already there, grinning mischievously. She pounced on Mirabel, grabbing her hand.
"You're telling me everything tonight!"
Mirabel laughed nervously. "Alright, I'll tell you everything." She sighed, cheeks pink. "I think… I'm in love with Dave."
Tracy gasped dramatically. "So you two are officially together now?"
"Maybe," Mirabel admitted with a shy smile.
Lucian's POV
His blood boiled as the scene replayed in his head. With a snarl, he smashed the glass in his hand, shards cutting his palm. Why am I still thinking about that kiss? he cursed inwardly. Why does it even bother me?
Just then Daisy walked in.
"Lucy, I missed you," she said sweetly, reaching for him.
Lucian turned to her with a glare so sharp she instantly recoiled.
"Why are you here?" he asked coldly.
"Mother asked me to stay with you for a while."
He scoffed, his tone laced with venom. "Do not overstep your boundaries."
Daisy straightened, masking her fear with arrogance. "You can't do anything to me. I'll be back tomorrow." With that, she walked out.
Lucian grabbed another glass and hurled it against the wall, watching it shatter.
Why can't I get that girl out of my head?
---
The Next Morning
Mirabel woke early, dressing quickly to begin her chores. Together with Tracy, she headed to clean Lucian's room. On the way, she accidentally bumped into Daisy.
"I'm sorry," Mirabel apologized immediately.
Daisy's hand cracked across her face—once, then again.
"You filthy thing! Watch your steps. Bump into me again, and I'll ruin that pretty face of yours." She spat the words and walked away with a sneer. "Ugh, disgusting pig."
Mirabel stood frozen, her fist clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palm.
"Don't mind her," Tracy whispered, touching her arm. "That's Lucian's sister. She acts like she owns the world."
So the whole family is the same, Mirabel thought bitterly. Cruel and arrogant. Treating people like animals.
---
Raymond's POV
"Father, I'm back," Raymond announced as he entered the mansion. His eyes swept the hall. "Where's Mirabel?"
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