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MIRABEL POV – Next Morning
She coughed softly, "chem!!" and both Mirabel and Dave quickly pulled apart when Tracy came in.
"Oh, sorry to interrupt, but you have to take your medicine." Tracy placed the cup down with a sly smile.
Dave stood, brushing Mirabel's cheek one last time.
"I'll be going now… see you later."
When he left, Tracy jumped straight onto the bed beside her.
"Girl, I've got gist for you!" she teased.
Mirabel tilted her head. "What is it?"
Tracy leaned close, grinning. "Hmmm… okay, so last night when you were unconscious, I brought your medicine for you to drink. Guess what? Dave collected it and drank it himself."
Mirabel's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Chill, babe, let me land." Tracy giggled. "After drinking it, he stored it in his mouth and then kissed you."
Mirabel's jaw dropped, her hand flying to her lips. "He… kissed me?" she whispered, cheeks heating pink.
Tracy clapped her hands. "Babe, you're in love!"
Mirabel's blush deepened. "I can't believe this…" she muttered.
"Anyway," Tracy said, softening, "did someone bully you? If you ever need help, come to me."
Mirabel smiled faintly and nodded.
Suddenly she asked, "What's the time?"
"It's already 10:30," Tracy replied.
Mirabel leapt from bed. "I need to clean the medicine room!" She bathed quickly and dressed. Her long, waist-length hair cascaded like silk down to the tip of her butt. "Ugh, my hair is so painful, I can't even pack it," she hissed at her reflection.
"Don't forget your medicine!" Tracy called.
Mirabel drank it in one gulp, waved goodbye, and rushed out.
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LUCIAN POV
Mirabel entered his chamber, kneeling. "I… I came to clean your room, sir."
"Stand," Lucian commanded.
She obeyed instantly. He stared, captivated by the way her long hair spilled freely down her back. She looks like an angel, he thought, his fingers itching to touch her.
"Your hair…" he murmured.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, quickly attempting to pack it up.
"Stop." His voice cut sharp.
Her heart pounded. What is he going to do this time?
He stepped closer, brushing her hands away so her hair fell like a dark waterfall. His hand slid through the strands, then down to her waist, pulling her closer. His lips grazed her neck before capturing her mouth. His tongue slid past her lips, demanding, claiming.
Her mind screamed no — she already had someone who made her happy. But her body trembled at his touch. With sudden strength, she pushed him away. "I'm sorry," she gasped.
Lucian's eyes darkened. "Continue your work."
"Yes, sir." She bowed quickly, finished cleaning, and escaped.
But Lucian followed, unseen.
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BACK TO MIRABEL
She found Dave just as Rose approached him. Without hesitation, Mirabel ran into his arms and kissed him deeply. Dave, surprised, kissed her back.
"Thank you for last night," she murmured sweetly, loud enough for Rose to hear. "You made me feel so much better."
Rose froze, her face twisting. Mirabel turned to her, smiling devilishly, then leaned in and kissed Dave again, longer, harder. Rose stormed away in fury.
"Lunch tonight?" Mirabel asked innocently, brushing Dave's lips with a quick peck.
"Yes," he smiled.
"Good." She walked off with a sway in her hips.
Lucian, hidden in the shadows, watched everything — his blood boiling with rage.
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STORAGE ROOM
Rose slipped into the storage room, tears streaming. Mirabel followed silently, shutting and locking the door behind her.
"Crybaby," Mirabel sneered. "Why are you crying?"
"What are you doing here?!" Rose shouted.
Mirabel grabbed her by the hair and yanked hard. Rose screamed.
"Feel the pain I feel. Don't you ever cross my path again. Stay away from Dave, or you'll face my wrath."
She slapped Rose three times across the face. Rose, trembling, spat through her tears. "You'll pay for this!"
Mirabel's smile turned cruel. She picked up a spade lying nearby and swung it down hard. The room filled with the sound of metal striking flesh again and again until Rose lay faint and unmoving on the floor.
Breathing heavily, Mirabel dropped the spade, straightened her clothes, and opened the door with an innocent expression — as if nothing had happened.
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