-
Mirabel slipped into the kitchen, her face calm, her steps light. Bella was already there, humming as she chopped vegetables.
The moment Bella's eyes landed on her, they narrowed.
"What are you doing here?" Bella barked.
Mirabel didn't answer. Instead, she quietly reached for the rolling pin.
Bella's expression shifted from anger to unease.
"Wha… what are you doing with that… rolling stick?" her voice trembled.
Mirabel tilted her head, smiling sweetly as she stepped closer.
"Relax. I just want to bake some cake."
Minutes later, Bella lay unconscious on the cold kitchen floor. Mirabel dusted off her hands, her smile unfading, and began preparing dinner as though nothing had happened. By the time she finished and wrapped the food neatly, her face wore the mask of innocence once again.
Unbeknownst to her, Lucian had been watching from the shadows. He didn't move, didn't stop her — only smiled to himself, his fascination deepening. She's darker than I thought…
A sudden call snapped him from his thoughts, and he turned away to answer it.
---
In her room, Mirabel placed the wrapped food on the table. Tracy peeked curiously.
"Is that for me?"
"No," Mirabel replied softly, "it's for Dave. We're having dinner together tonight. But you can join us."
When Dave arrived, Mirabel greeted him warmly, hugging him before guiding him to the table. They ate, laughed, and spoke like old friends.
After a while, Tracy rose from her seat with a knowing smile.
"I'll leave you two. Enjoy your night."
---
🔸 Lucian's POV 🔸
Lucian stepped outside, still thinking of what he'd seen. A gleaming white Lamborghini caught his eye in the driveway. His brows furrowed.
"Who the hell is this?"
The owner emerged, tall, broad-shouldered, his raven-black hair falling perfectly over his brow. He carried himself with effortless charm, dressed like he owned the world.
Lucian's eyes narrowed. "Daniel…"
Daniel smirked. "Miss me?"
Lucian's expression stayed cold. "Why are you here?"
"Big problem," Daniel said, feigning concern. "A spider infestation. Might take weeks to clear. Guess I'll be crashing here for a while."
Lucian scoffed. "You could've stayed at a hotel."
Daniel leaned closer. "You know I prefer your place."
Before Lucian could respond, Daisy came running with a squeal. "Daniel!" She threw her arms around him, eyes glittering like a lovesick child.
Daniel patted her head casually. "At least someone's happy to see me." His gaze flicked briefly to Lucian, a sly grin tugging his lips.
Lucian sighed and waved. "Fine. Stay."
Daisy clung to Daniel, gushing. "I missed you so much, Dan."
He broke the hug smoothly, tossing his car keys to a guard. Madam Kira quickly ordered Celine to escort Daniel to a guest room, while other maids hauled his luggage.
---
Later that night, boredom gnawed at Daniel until a soft knock came.
"Who is it?"
"It's me… Daisy."
He opened the door wearing only a singlet and trousers. Daisy's breath caught at the sight.
"What are you doing here?" Daniel asked flatly.
She stammered. "I-I was thinking… maybe we could… go for a walk?"
Daniel smirked. "Fine. Give me a minute."
They strolled together, Daisy glowing beside him. Halfway, Tracy accidentally bumped into Daniel. Their eyes locked — for a long, dangerous fifteen seconds.
Daisy's blood boiled with jealousy, though she forced herself to stay quiet.
Tracy lowered her head quickly. "I'm sorry, sir." She bowed to Daisy as well before hurrying off.
Daniel's gaze lingered long after. "Who was she?"
"Just one of our maids," Daisy replied tightly.
Daniel hummed in thought but said nothing more.
---
Meanwhile, Dave twisted and turned in his bed. His dreams carried him to a surreal vision: a girl with skin pale as snow, long lashes framing dark eyes, her light-brown hair flowing past her waist. She stood in a meadow, butterflies swarming around her like guardians. Her white gown shimmered like a princess's dress.
He reached for her… but she vanished.
Dave woke with a jolt, heart pounding. "Why am I always thinking about her?" he muttered. Stress gnawed at him until he lit a cigarette, the smoke curling into the midnight air. Only when the last ember died did he collapse back into uneasy sleep.
---
🔸 Morning 🔸
A sharp knock jolted him awake. He dragged himself to the door and opened it… only to freeze in shock.
Tracy stood there. And beside her — Madam Kira.
His eyes widened.
---