Lia took another sip of her peach iced tea, trying to focus on the hum of the café around her. She'd intended to bring Ry with her, but he was out delivering a new batch of orders with Isla. Probably for the best, she figured—it gave her time to clear her head. After her morning lectures, she'd headed here alone, killing time until her shift at the flower shop started at six. With the whole afternoon free, she thought it might help to relax, but her mind kept drifting back to the peculiar dynamics in Rhys and Jasmine's relationship. The two of them were supposedly engaged, but they treated each other more like distant acquaintances.
What exactly happened seven years ago to turn things so cold? she wondered, chewing her lip. Rhys didn't seem capable of forgiving Jasmine, no matter how many times she tried to explain her departure. Could there really be something else that happened, something deeper?
Lia sighed, stirring her tea absentmindedly, realizing how tangled up her mind had become in their history. Why am I even interested? This isn't my business. I'm there to be a tool, nothing more.
She shook her head, chuckling to herself. Maybe she was just bored. Another long sigh escaped her lips before she noticed someone settling into the seat across from her.
"You've sighed, like, a million times in the past half-hour. Want to share what's on your mind?"
Lia blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing as she looked up to see a familiar grin. Sandy, with that unmistakable mischievous glint in his eyes, winked at her.
"Sandy!" she gasped, feeling a mix of surprise and excitement. She hadn't seen him in weeks, and just as her mind had been looking for a distraction, here he was.
"When did you get back?" she asked, her voice breathy as a smile spread across her face. It had been a while since she'd felt this kind of thrill, and Sandy knew just how to bring it out of her.
"Just got back this morning," he replied, his eyes tracing her face, "and what a sight for sore eyes you are." He paused, tilting his head to give her that devilish look. "But why the long face? You look like you could use a little... cheering up."
Lia felt her cheeks heat up as she bit her lip, trying to hide her grin. Sandy leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"Want some comfort?" he murmured, eyebrows raised in playful suggestion.
Her gaze lingered on him, and she licked her lips. "Since you're offering... why not?"
Within moments, they were in his car, he pulled her car seat backwards before leaning close as he cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers. His hands slipped under her shirt, his touch warm against her skin. She kissed him back fervently, fingers entwined in his braided hair, pulling him even closer. His breath hitched as he whispered, "I missed you."
She broke away, breathless, a soft laugh escaping her. "Let's take this back to your place."
Sandy didn't need to be told twice. He adjusted her seat back into place, started the engine, and they sped off toward his apartment, the thrill of the unexpected encounter replacing every other thought in her mind.
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Later that evening, Lia was back at the flower shop, wrapping up a bouquet with a refreshed sense of energy. She flashed a cheerful smile at the customer, who returned it with a grateful nod before heading out. It was past nine, and though she felt physically drained, her earlier frustration had all but melted away.
She hummed quietly, gathering up leftover flower stalks and snipping them, too engrossed to notice someone entering the shop.
"Someone's in a good mood," a familiar voice teased.
Lia spun around, startled, her hands flying to her chest. "Ry! You scared me!"
Ry smirked, leaning against the counter. "Didn't hear the doorbell, huh? Just how distracted were you?"
Her cheeks flushed, and she stammered a little. "I... uh, just lost track of time."
Ry raised a sceptical eyebrow, his grin widening. "Well, judging by that rosy glow, I'd say you had quite the day."
She smirked, nudging him playfully. "Oh, shut up."
He snickered, leaning in closer. "So, what do you think of the whole... 'weird' family situation you're caught up in?"
Lia sighed, shaking her head as she tied up her apron. "Honestly? They're the strangest couple I've ever met. Did you know that Rhys apparently brought me in just to make his fiancée jealous? They've been engaged, but they treat each other like they're barely even friends."
Ry raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding. How's that supposed to work? And didn't you say she got shot or something?"
Lia's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Yes! She told him it happened seven years ago. Apparently, she was caught in some gunfight and had to leave the country for emergency surgery. Something about being flown abroad to survive."
Ry's face turned serious, a hint of worry creeping into his eyes. "Lia... you're not in any danger, are you? If there were guns involved, I mean, that's no joke."
She shook her head, smiling a little to reassure him. "No, it's fine. That was years ago, and besides, I'm barely at the house between school and work. I don't feel threatened at all."
Ry seemed unconvinced, his brow furrowing in thought. "Still, keep your guard up, yeah?"
She laughed, punching his arm lightly. "I'll be fine. Just don't go running to Mom and telling her about it, okay? She'll have a meltdown."
Ry chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You got it. My lips are sealed."
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Meanwhile, Rhys was deep in thought, clicking away on his computer in his study. The soft shuffle of footsteps alerted him, and he looked up to see Andy enter, head lowered.
"Padrino," Andy greeted him respectfully, standing in the doorway, his hands clasped.
Rhys studied him for a moment. "Tell me, Andy—does your paycheck come from me or my grandmother?"
Andy instantly knelt, bowing his head in contrition. "I know I overstepped, Padrino. I'll accept any punishment you see fit."
Rhys leaned back, gesturing for him to explain. "I'll hear your story first. Then we'll see about punishments."
Andy kept his head lowered. "As soon as we landed, I got a call from the old madam. She wanted me to go to the manor before you arrived... and she warned me not to let you know. She was... worried, and asked me to locate Jasmine. I wasn't aware she'd returned, but madam seemed to know."
A small, knowing smile crossed Rhys's face as Andy continued.
"Before we officially went to see her, I'd sent a few men to look for Jasmine. One of them found her location just before we arrived. The old madam had already arranged everything. She insisted Jasmine come with me, saying she'd only be safe if she was close to you."
Rhys felt a faint tug at his emotions, recalling the shock of seeing Jasmine after all those years. She'd stood outside his gate with Andy, offering him that same sweet, innocent smile, as if the past seven years hadn't happened. He hadn't said a word, letting her into the house silently, and she'd quickly asserted herself, slipping into her old role as if no time had passed.
But he knew Jasmine well enough to understand the reason behind her actions. She was jealous, yes. But it was more than that. She was testing him, seeing if she could regain control. Yet, despite his happiness at her jealousy, a simmering anger still lingered within him, unresolved.
"Tell me, Andy," Rhys said finally, his tone quiet but sharp, "where's the little cat?"
Andy looked up, surprised. "Padrino, she just finished her shift at the flower shop... though she was seen earlier today with a boy. An... eighteen-year-old. They went back to his house together. They... seem to be involved."
Rhys's eyes narrowed, but his expression remained calm. "I see," he replied simply. "You know what to do."
Andy's face paled, but he nodded. "Yes, Padrino."
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It was Saturday, and as usual, Lia woke up early, eager to escape the suffocating air that seemed to hover around Rhys's mansion. She would have rather spent her morning hanging out with Ry and Isla than sticking around. Her shift at the flower shop didn't start until late afternoon, so she had plenty of time. Sliding on a lilac tank top that highlighted her shoulder blades and a short black skater skirt, she slipped on her favorite platform sandals and tied up her braids. After adding a bit of light makeup, she took one last look in the mirror before heading out.
Just as she was reaching for the doorknob, a knock sounded. She hesitated. Nancy, the housekeeper, knocked in a curt, no-nonsense way. This was softer, more hesitant, yet with purpose. She already knew who it was.
Taking a steadying breath, she opened the door to see Jasmine standing there, her face a polite mask of neutrality. Lia gave her a smile, although her mind raced with questions. She'd been avoiding Jasmine since she overheard her and Rhys's tense conversation, and it seemed Jasmine had also been keeping her distance. But why the sudden visit now?
"Hi, Lia. Are you busy?" Jasmine asked, her tone warm but with an edge Lia couldn't miss.
"No, not really," Lia replied, maintaining her smile. Jasmine had the same polite smile plastered across her face, but Lia noticed the slight tension around her eyes. The mask didn't quite reach her gaze. This wasn't a casual visit; she was here with a purpose. So Lia simply stepped aside to let her in, pretending not to notice.
"Thanks. I actually made breakfast," Jasmine began, her voice lilting with a strange softness. "And I was hoping to have a quick word with you, if that's alright?"
Lia nodded, taking her cue to close the door as Jasmine walked over and, without asking, perched herself on the edge of Lia's bed. Jasmine's posture was casual, but Lia could tell she was doing this to establish dominance in her space, to make a point. Sitting on the bed as if she owned it was a move right out of the playbook her own family had often used to exert authority over her.
"Sure," Lia replied, standing near the door and folding her arms. She'd wait to see what game Jasmine was playing.
Jasmine looked down briefly, as if gathering her thoughts. "About the other day," she began, glancing back up at Lia, "I wanted to clear the air. Rhys can be…well, you know how he is. He acts so childish sometimes, always needing to prove a point." She gave a tight laugh. "I know why he brought you here and that it wasn't your choice. I mean, I can't imagine you'd voluntarily get tangled up in our issues. I've thought about it, and if you'd like, I could—"
A knock at the door interrupted them, and Lia went to answer, grateful for the distraction. There stood a man in a smart black suit, who looked at her with respect before giving a slight bow. "Miss Lia," he greeted her, his tone formal. He looked vaguely familiar, and then it clicked.
She had seen him that night when Rhys and Jasmine came home.
Lia turned, catching the faintest flicker of shock cross Jasmine's face before it quickly disappeared behind her mask.
"Andy?" Jasmine's voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
"Miss Jasmine," he said, bowing to her as well.
"What are you doing here?" Jasmine asked, her gaze hardening.
"Forgive the intrusion," Andy replied. "But the Master asked me to deliver a message to Miss Lia." He turned back to Lia. "Miss Lia, the Master extends his apologies for not spending time with you these past few weeks. He has invited you to join him this morning."
Lia frowned, glancing over at Jasmine, who was gripping the hem of her dress tightly, though her face remained calm. Her knuckles were white against the fabric, but that placid smile never faltered. It was unsettling how well Jasmine masked her emotions. 'Andy' the name sounded familiar. It was the same name She'd heard Jasmine and Rhys mention.
"Oh," Lia began, uncertain. "I'm not sure that's really necessary. I don't want to intrude—"
"Please, Miss Lia," Andy urged, his tone desperate. "If you don't come, it could…cause trouble. He's waiting downstairs."
Jasmine smiled, but it was more like a sharp flash of teeth than a friendly gesture. "You should go, Lia. Rhys has gone to great lengths to make this happen. We wouldn't want to disappoint him."
Feeling trapped, Lia forced a smile and nodded, following Andy out of the room. She pulled out her phone and texted Ry to let him know she couldn't make it to their planned outing. Emergency family time, apparently. I'll fill you in later.
Downstairs, Rhys sat at the breakfast table, looking both regal and annoyingly smug. His dark eyes were sharp as he watched her approach, and though his face remained impassive, something about his gaze made her feel exposed. Jasmine took her seat beside him, and Lia sat across from them, feeling like a third wheel on a very strange date.
The breakfast was excruciatingly quiet. Lia tried to eat without making eye contact, but every now and then, she could feel Rhys's gaze flicker over to her. Jasmine maintained her poised silence, her pleasant smile never wavering. Finally, the meal ended, and they all piled into the car, headed to an unknown destination.
After a tense drive, they arrived at a sprawling sports club, the kind of exclusive place that screamed old money and power. They were greeted by an attendant who introduced himself as Tolu and led Lia to a private locker room, where she found neatly folded sportswear in her exact size. She changed quickly, slipping on the socks and sports shoes provided, and followed Tolu out to the badminton courts.