Caesar remained in the hallway, his mind replaying the conversation over and over. Your words echoed in his head, each one like a punch to the gut. He knew you were right. He had treated you unfairly, choosing Sophia over you again and again.
Outside your door, Caesar stopped, his hand lifting to knock, but freezing inches from the wood. He wanted to talk to you, to apologize, to make things right, but the words stuck in his throat.
Evy:" What do you want now?"
*Caesar stumbled back, surprised by the door opening so swiftly. Your cold expression and confrontational tone sent a stab of guilt through him, serving as a harsh reminder of all the pain he'd caused you.*
"I... wanted to talk."
His voice was uncharacteristically soft, the sharp edge of arrogance completely absent. He took a hesitant step forward, his eyes searching your face for any sign of forgiveness that he knew he didn't deserve.
Caesar flinched at your sigh. It was a small action, but it was filled with so much disappointment and resignation. He knew he had caused you pain, that he had hurt you deeply, but hearing the sound of your weary exhale stabbed straight to his heart.
"Please," he pleaded, his voice strained and almost desperate. "Just let me talk to you. Just for a minute."
Evy:"Fine..."
Caesar's shoulders relaxed ever so slightly at your begrudging agreement. He had expected more resistance, more anger, but instead, there was just a weary acceptance. It was almost more painful to witness.
"Can... Can I come in?" he asked, gesturing toward your room.
Caesar hesitated for a moment, almost surprised by your tacit permission. He had expected further rejection, but instead, you just stood aside, allowing him entry into your space.
"Thank you," he murmured as he moved past you, the word sounding more like a prayer than a statement of gratitude.
He walked into your room, his eyes taking in the intimate setting, the space that was so uniquely yours, and felt an odd sense of discomfort mixed with longing.
She sat on the edge of the bed and gave him a nonchalant look
Evy:"Talk"
Caesar stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, torn between the desire to sit next to you on the bed and the fear of overstepping his already precarious boundaries. Eventually, he opted to stay standing, choosing to lean against the wall directly across from where you sat.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, his mind racing to find the right words. He knew he needed to apologize, but the words stuck in his throat, his pride and stubbornness making it near impossible to force them out.
Evy:"If you have nothing to say, then leave...!"
Caesar to bristled at your impatient tone, his jaw clenching in frustration. He wanted to snap back, to lash out at your stubbornness, but he knew he deserved it. He'd caused this, and he had no right to be angry.
"Damn it, would you just listen for a minute?"
The words came out more as a growl than a request, but there was a hint of pleading in his voice, as if begging you to hear him out despite everything.
Evy:"Hurry up"
Caesar's eyes narrowed, irritation flaring at your short response, but he pushed back his anger, forcing himself to remain somewhat level-headed.
"Fine," he snapped, the irritation not fully extinguished beneath the surface. "I... I need to apologize. I've hurt you. Over and over again. I've been a complete jackass, and I don't even deserve to be in your presence right now, let alone be heard out, but dammit, I need you to listen."
Evy:"I'm listening..."
Your short response was frustrating, but at least you hadn't told him to go away. Caesar took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves before he continued.
"I've been... unfair to you. I've taken you for granted, pushed you aside, and chosen Sophia over you time and again. It was a dick move, and there's no excuse for it."
Evy:"And?"
Caesar bristled at your dismissive response. Your lack of reaction was infuriating, like he wasn't getting through at all.
"And? What do you want me to say? I was a dick, and I'm sorry, damn it!"
He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, the anger and guilt building up inside of him making his words more forceful than they should be.
Evy:"If you had been honest with your feelings from the start. None of this would have happened..."
Caesar's jaw clenched as your words hit home. You were right. If he had just been honest from the start, if he had admitted his feelings upfront, none of this would have happened. But his damn pride had held him back, his stupid stubbornness preventing him from speaking up when it counted most.
He let out a frustrated huff, his eyes avoiding yours, unable to meet your accusatory gaze. "You think I don't know that?"
Evy:"Pathetically, yes"
Caesar's anger flared at your harsh words, the truth in them fueling his guilt and frustration.
"Damn it, I know I'm pathetic, alright?!" he snapped, his voice rising in anger. "I know I've been a coward, and I know I should have been honest from the start. But damn it, I... I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to acknowledge what I felt for you!"
Evy:"Why? Is it because your a heir of one of the richest family?"
Caesar's to be s shoulders tensed at your accusatory question. The truth hit a little too close to home, stirring up the insecurities and pressures that came with his status.
"Is that what you think? That I'm just a rich, spoiled heir who's afraid to face his feelings because of his damn family's reputation and wealth?"
Evy:"What do you want me to think?"
*Your blunt response struck a nerve, making him feel even more defensive and frustrated.*
"I don't know, alright?! I don't know what you think. I just.... ugh, dammit."
He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair again in agitation. His emotions were a mess, a tangled web of anger, guilt, and a touch of vulnerability he didn't want to acknowledge.
"Look, it's not that simple. Family expectations, responsibilities, reputation... it all adds up."
Evy:"Are you a five-year-old messing with the girl you like? Childish..."
Caesar's jaw clenched in anger, his pride and ego taking another hit. Being accused of acting like a child hit a nerve, and he bristled at the comparison.
"I'm not a damn child!" he snapped, his voice rising in frustration. "Do you think it's easy, alright? Being heir to a wealthy and influential family, having everyone's damn expectations on your shoulders, having to make choices that affect not just me, but countless others? It's goddamn hard, alright?!"
Evy:"Caesar, I understand how heavy expectations can be-we both come from wealthy families, after all. But you must realize... family duty and genuine love are not the same thing."
Caesar's expression softened slightly at your words. He knew you spoke from a place of understanding, that you too came from a wealthy background and faced the same kinds of pressures and expectations he did.
"I know they're different," he said, his voice quieter, almost a low grumble. "Logically, I know that. But damned if it doesn't make things complicated."
Evy:"Hmph! "
Caesar let out a sigh, your nonchalant response both frustrating and endearing. He clenched his fists at his sides, his mind warring between an overwhelming urge to shake you and kiss you senseless.
"Damn it, you're infuriating. You always have been. Why are you so calm about this?"
Evy:"It's better to face with the composure of an adult than to lash out like a child throwing a tantrum"
Caesar gritted his teeth, your calm and collected demeanor only serving to irritate him further. You were right, damn it, and he hated it. He hated that you were always the mature one, always the one with your emotions in check while he was a mess.
"You always have an answer for everything, don't you?" he said, his voice a frustrated growl. "Why are you so damn reasonable all the time?"
Evy:"Why don't try to be a grown up then?"
Caesar's eyes narrowed, your words hitting harder than they should have. He wanted to argue, to protest that he was grown up, that he was capable of handling his feelings like any adult. But the truth was, you were right again, and it pissed him off more than ever.
"Damn you," he muttered, his jaw clenched tight. "You always know how to get under my skin."
Her smirk, the arrogant and yet infuriatingly attractive twist of your lips, had Caesar's heart beating faster and his frustration and desire growing in equal measure. He wanted to wipe that damn smirk off your face with a kiss, to claim your lips in a rough, possessive gesture.
"Stop doing that," he ground out through clenched teeth.
Caesar's eyes followed the movement, watching as you casually and so effortlessly laid on the bed, a display of nonchalance that only fueled his frustration further. He wanted to pounce on you, to pin you down, to make you feel a fraction of the desire and need that was consuming him. But instead, he stood there, the tension between you like a taut wire ready to snap.
"You really know how to push my damn buttons," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and filled with barely restrained longing.
Evy:"Why don't try you to get some fresh air or open a window?"
Caesar's hands clenched into fists, his eyes locking on your form on the bed, the image of you sprawled out in such a tantalizing way almost too much to resist. Your nonchalant suggestion of 'fresh air' only made him feel more frustrated, like you were taunting him.
"Fresh air, huh?" he replied, his voice a low growl. "What, you think a breath of damn air is gonna calm me down? Right now? With you laid out on that bed like that?"
Evy:"What? Do you want to sleep with me and sing a lullaby for you?"
Caesar's jaw clenched, his body tensing at the mere suggestion. The images that flickered through his mind, of pinning you down, claiming you as his own, were a temptation so strong it was dangerous. His eyes darkened, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl.
"Don't tempt me, damn it," he gritted out, his restraint hanging by a thread. "You know damn well I want you, and I have for longer than I'm willing to admit."
Evy:"*Sigh* Come on"
The invitation was more than he could take. Caesar's self-control snapped like a damn twig. In an instant, he was by your side, pulling back the blanket and climbing onto the bed beside you. His body practically enveloped you, his presence so damn dominating in the tight space.
"Damn it, you drive me insane," he growled, his eyes fixed on you, the desire in his gaze undeniable. "You have no idea what you do to me, do you?"
Evy:"Better not try tonight anything tonight and sleep- "
Caesar huffed at your comment, but he knew damn well you were right. He was too on edge, his need for you too strong. He begrudgingly settled against you, his body pressing against yours in a possessive embrace, his voice a low grumble.
"Fine," he huffed. "We'll just sleep. But damn if it'll be easy."
Evy:"Hm?"
Caesar shifted behind you, his arms wrapping around your waist and pulling you close, his chest pressed against your back, the heat of his body seeping through his clothes. His face buried into the crook of your neck, inhaling deeply, the scent of you driving him damn near insane.
"You smell too good," he muttered, his voice rough with desire and frustration. "How the hell am I supposed to just sleep right now when you're this damn close and smelling so damn good."
Evy:"Then force yourself to sleep... or do you want me to sing you a lullaby?"
Caesar let out a scoff, a huff of laughter mingled with annoyance. The thought of you singing a damn lullaby was both adorable and infuriating. But the idea of forcing himself to sleep when you were this damn close was not appealing either. He nuzzled his face into your neck, his lips brushing against your skin, just a feather-light touch that made him shiver.
"Fine, fine," he grumbled. "Sing a damn lullaby then, smartass."
As your soft, soothing voice filled the room, Caesar's body relaxed against you despite his earlier frustrations. His arms tightened around you, his head resting on your shoulder, his breath warm against your neck. The tension in his body slowly melted away, your lullaby weaving a spell that he couldn't resist. His eyes flickered closed, a quiet sigh escaping his lips.
"Damn," he murmured, his voice soft and full of wonder, "That's actually working... you damn witch."
Evy:"Good night, my grumpy little kitten~"
Caesar huffed at the nickname, but he was too damn content to put up much of a fight. He nuzzled into your neck again, pressing a soft kiss against your skin, his arms holding you tighter. The lingering frustration had fully faded, replaced by a strange sense of peace and comfort.
"Shut it," he muttered, his voice a drowsy grumble. "Don't call me a damn kitten..."
When morning came, Caesar awoke with a groggy haze still clouding his mind. He groaned softly, the remnants of sleep making his thoughts sluggish. But the feeling of you in his arms, warm and so damn perfect, snapped him fully awake instantly.
His eyes opened lazily, his gaze fixing on your sleeping form for a moment, his heart skipping a beat. The memory of last night flooded back—the argument, the tension, the damn lullaby that had miraculously soothed him.
Caesar's groggy mind took a moment to process the sight of Jonah and Benjamin standing there, their dumbfounded looks on their faces. He blinked a few times, trying to clear the sleep from his eyes as he sat up in bed, his arms still wrapped around you protectively.
"The hell are you two gawping at?" he grumbled, his voice still rough with sleep.
Evy:"Caesar, quiet this early in the morning? Huh..."
Both Jonah and Benjamin were clearly caught off guard by the sight of Caesar waking up in your room, wrapped around you like a damn possessive octopus. Jonah's eyes widened, his jaw agape in surprise, while Benjamin looked like he'd just witnessed something surreal.
"Dude..." Jonah said, his voice a mix of disbelief and confusion.
"We came to check on..." Benjamin chimed in, his words trailing off as he tried to find a reasonable explanation for what they were seeing.
Evy:"Check on me for what? Last night?"
Jonah and Benjamin exchanged a look, both of them clearly still processing the sight before them. Jonah was the first to find his words, his eyes flickering between you and Caesar with a mix of confusion and suspicion.
"We heard you two arguing late last night," he explained, his tone cautious. "We just wanted to... make sure everything was alright..."
Evy:"How come I didn't hear the door creaking...?
Jonah and Benjamin shot each other another quick glance, their confusion growing. It was Benjamin who responded to your question, his voice a little sheepish.
"Well... we, uh, figured it was better to not disturb you if you were still..." he hesitated, his gaze darting to Caesar's possessive hold on you. "... busy."
Evy:"So, did you break down my door or climb through my window-just to avoid disturbing us?"
Jonah and Benjamin exchanged another look, their guilty expressions making it painfully clear that's exactly what they had done.
"Uh..." Jonah mumbled, running a hand through his hair sheepishly.
"Well..." Benjamin chimed in, his voice trailing off before he added quickly. "We might have... used the window..."
Evy:"*Sigh* seriously am I raising children?"
Jonah and Benjamin both looked appropriately sheepish as you questioned their actions, their faces a mixture of guilt and defensiveness. Jonah was the first to speak up, his voice somewhat defensive.
"Hey, we just... wanted to make sure neither of you had killed each other, alright? And besides, it wasn't hard to open the window. You should get it locked or something..."
Evy:"Why would you assume I'd resort to killing? And if I ever did become a criminal, it would only bring even greater disgrace to both our families."
Jonah and Benjamin exchanged another sheepish look, their discomfort growing at your question. They had clearly considered the possibility of you and Caesar duking it out. Benjamin chimed in, his voice hesitant.
"Well... you two were just arguing so loudly last night, and you've, uh, historically not exactly gotten along..."
*Jonah nodded in agreement, adding.*
"Yeah... we thought it best to, ah, make sure nothing, you know, physical happened between you two..."
Evy:"Benjamin "
Both Jonah and Benjamin watched as you untangled yourself from Caesar's embrace and stood up from the bed. And when you called Benjamin's name, their attention swung fully back to you.
"Yeah?" Benjamin responded, his voice a mix of curiosity and a hint of wariness.
Evy:"What time is it?"
Benjamin glanced down at his wrist, checking the time on his watch.
"Uh... just after 8," he replied, lifting his gaze back to you with a curious tilt of his head. "Why do you ask, though?"
Evy:"Aren't you supposed to have breakfast and go to work, already?"
Benjamin's eyes widened as he registered your words, realization dawning on him. His expression shifted from curiosity to slight panic as he remembered his responsibilities for the day.
"Oh, damn... Yeah, you're right. I have a meeting with some clients this morning..."
He looked to Jonah, silently asking for support, but Jonah just shot a glance towards Caesar, who was still sitting grouchily on the bed, glaring daggers at both of them.
Evy:"Hurry up before the client cancels your schedule!"
Benjamin nodded vigorously, quickly realizing the urgency of the situation. He shot you a grateful look, his tone almost frantic.
"Right! You're right. I should get going. Jonah, come on!"
Jonah gave you a nod, then a quick apologetic look at Caesar, before the two quickly scampered towards the door and hurried out, leaving you alone with Caesar again.
Evy:"So what happened to Sophia?"
The mention of Sophia's name made Caesar's expression darken further. He let out a huff, his jaw clenching for a moment before he finally spoke, his voice a grumble.
"What about her?"
Evy:"I was just curious... since I left my birthday party early "
Caesar's frown deepened at the reminder of your abrupt departure from the party the previous night. A flicker of guilt crossed his expression, but he quickly masked it, his tone growing defensive.
"She's fine. Still prancing around like a damn princess, just like always. Why do you care?"
Evy:"Like always?"
Caesar let out an exasperated huff, a mixture of annoyance and frustration evident in his expression. He leaned back against the headboard, his arms folded across his chest.
"Yes. Like always," he grumbled. "She's always playing the damn perfect princess, pretending everything is sunshine and rainbows, never showing a damn hint of any weakness. It's infuriating..."
Evy:"So you knew about her?"
Caesar let out a scoff, a hint of bitterness in his voice as he replied.
"Of course I knew about her act. It was so obvious it was almost pathetic. She always had this damn perfect image, always in those damn pretty dresses, with that bright bubbly smile, always talking about her charity work and her perfect life..."
He clenched his jaw before continuing.
"But it's all bullshit. It's all for show."
Evy:"Why did you play along with her then?"
Caesar's eyes narrowed, his defenses going up at your question. He let out a frustrated huff before finally responding, his voice a grumble.
"Because it's expected. Because everyone assumes I would want someone like her. Someone with a perfect image, someone from an equally powerful and influential family, someone who can help secure my position and my goddamn legacy."
He shook his head, his expression darkening.
"I was supposed to want her, so damn it, I played along."
Evy:"Is that what your parents want? If that were to be the case why are even got engaged in the place?"