Chapter 1

"Charles, close the door."

Seren Grant stood in the entryway. She first glanced at the cat that had been startled into hiding under the couch, then turned her attention to me.

William Baker had already changed into a pair of house slippers.

There was another pair of men's slippers in the shoe cabinet, identical to the one he was wearing. Clearly, they hadn't been bought just for this occasion.

I closed the door and looked down at the disposable slippers by my feet.

Seren's voice was cold.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming over?"

"I messaged you."

"I was in a meeting. I didn't check my phone."

With that, she turned away to pick up William's coat and hung it on the coat rack.

Meanwhile, William walked straight to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of sparkling water. It was like he owned the place.

Under the couch, the cat cautiously poked its head out.

William crouched down and reached for it affectionately.

"Hey Bun, Daddy's home."

The chill in Seren's expression softened a little.

"Don't spoil him. He scratched up the curtains again earlier."

I stood where I was, my nails slowly digging into my palms.

So, its name was Bun.

This apartment didn't just have William's fingerprints, slippers, and mug. It also had a cat that was waiting for him to come home.

Meanwhile, even after more than a dozen visits, I still had to bring my own toothbrush.

William picked up the cat and finally seemed to remember my presence.

"Charles, don't misunderstand. Seren is busy, so I drop by once in a while to feed Bun."

I asked, "How often is 'one in a while'?"

His hand paused as he stroked the cat's back.

"About three or four times a week. Sometimes I sleep in the guest room if it's too late."

Seren frowned. "Is there a point in asking that?"

"There is."

I turned to her.

"Seren, we've been together for three years, yet I have to tell you in advance whenever I want to come over. Meanwhile, he can waltz in here anytime he wants and even spend the night here. Do you honestly think that's fair?"

She walked over to the island and poured herself a glass of water.

"William helps me take care of Bun. He needs access."

"What about me?"

"You don't."

Two words. Crisp and final.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm your boyfriend, but you think I have no reason to be here?"

"Charles, being my boyfriend doesn't give you the right to cross my boundaries."

Seren set down her glass and tapped her fingers against the counter twice.

It was her tell when she got annoyed.

"I've told you countless times. I don't like people intruding on my personal space. Showing up unexpectedly like you did today was inappropriate in the first place."

"But William isn't intruding?"

"He's different from you."

William lowered his eyes and spoke in a small voice, "Seren, don't say that. Charles will get upset. How about I just delete my fingerprint? I can just ask the building management to let me in in the future."

Contrary to his words, he didn't even twitch.

As expected, Seren moved to stop him.