The atmosphere between Cain and Anika seemed tainted with a mixture of coldness and, from Anika's perspective, a hint of romance. She smiled at the man standing in front of her.
"Mind if I help?" Anika asked again, anticipation evident in her voice.
Cain looked at her with a calm but expressionless face. He did not bother replying. Instead, he nonchalantly shook her hand off his arm and walked away.
Anika watched his retreating figure with a smirk.
"First time seeing someone who can resist my charm," she murmured to herself. "And for that, I'll grant you special attention."
With that, she walked back toward her gate.
Once Cain entered the house again, he found Tara standing beside the glass doors that overlooked the garden. Her figure against the dim light looked lonely and lost in thought.
He gently closed the front door behind him.
"I'm back with what you wanted," he said while walking toward the kitchen to place the pastries on the counter.
