MasukClifford, clearly pleased with Aria's last remark, turned around and gave her nose a gentle, affectionate scratch, feeling his ego swell with massive gratification. He then murmured, "You'll just have to stay right by my side and serve as Seraphine's substitute, then."In that instant, silence filled the office, lending his delivery a crystal clarity that only magnified its exceptional cruelty.Aria was momentarily stunned. She couldn't help but break into a smile as she took in his utterly frank delivery.She gently took his hand in hers, flashing him a smile while saying, "Those words alone are going to significantly increase my fee, Mr. Johansen. If I'm to be a substitute, I'll make sure to be a flawless one."She paused briefly before stating softly, "I'll be honest with you, Mr. Johansen—I genuinely admire you and have fallen for you. I'd prefer not to serve as a substitute for another woman."She felt a profound chill settling over her at that moment, both in body and spirit
It was an hour later when Aria rested against Clifford's embrace, observing the scratches on his chest where thin lines of blood still oozed. She noted the air surrounding them was still filled with the lingering smell of their lovemaking, and only the sound of their ragged breaths could be heard in the office.She was deeply flushed, noting that Clifford undeniably had great stamina, and the sex was thrilling and pleasurable. She still felt a profound aversion to his touch, though. She despised Clifford—this piece of trash—who wanted everything and was so shamelessly despicable.He would think of Clarissa when he was with Seraphine, and he was thinking of Seraphine when he was with her. In the throes of their passion moments ago, Clifford even yelled out Seraphine's name."Does it hurt, Clifford?" Aria asked with a smile, her finger gently tracing the marks on his chest.Clifford's muscular frame shuddered slightly under Aria's touch. He examined the scratch on his chest, realizin
Elliott looked at Seraphine with a mischievous, ambiguous smile. "If your eyes weren't on me, how could you have noticed mine were on you, Sera?"Seraphine immediately looked away from his excessively gentle gaze. She pouted and gently punched him, saying, "You're so bad, Eli."Elliott replied with a wicked smile, mimicking the tone of a mischievous playboy, "You ought to know that girls only fall for the bad boys, Sera."Seraphine was at a loss for words.They looked just like a couple, laughing and teasing around.Seraphine smiled shyly, whispering, "I don't like those who are bad."Elliott quickly retorted, his voice sounding slightly hoarse, "I'm not a bad man either, Sera. I'm one of the good ones."He then tilted his head slightly, looking at her slightly flushed cheeks. Her tendency to blush was charming. His smile became bolder, and his commanding presence, mixed with undeniable masculine charm, seemed to surround Seraphine.Seraphine was suddenly rigid with unexpected
Seraphine was momentarily stunned by Elliott's question, finding it equally perplexing. She had stumbled upon the book while browsing and reflexively pulled it off the shelf while Elliott went to get them coffee. She hadn't intended to select a book she thought he'd like—it was an unconscious move, as if it was his regular read, and she brought it back to their usual reading spot.She pushed the confusing feeling aside and replied with a shake of her head, "I had no idea this was one of your favorites, Eli. I simply saw it on the shelf and brought it along."She then showed him the book she was holding, titled "I Am Waiting For You", before adding, "I love reading this book whenever I come to the library."Elliott's breathing hitched slightly, realizing that this was the very novel she had once enjoyed reading.Seraphine, oblivious to Elliott's reaction, explained with a smile, "I'm completely drawn to the main couple of the story. Their love keeps them apart—one sacrifices every
Seraphine said with a smile, "It's definitely still there, Eli. They even renovated the first to third floors. It's packed with books, and the window seats feature beautiful wooden tables. "I like to come here to read sometimes on the weekend. It's really popular then. They even opened a lovely small cafe right near the stairs, and it has a fantastic atmosphere."She was visibly glowing with delight when she mentioned the library.Elliott was elated as he recalled the times they used to read together at the library. It was the first time since childhood that he had ever shown interest in a library, and Seraphine had been responsible for countless other firsts in his life. He wanted to visit the library again today to relive those fond memories, as they were incredibly happy during that period."Let's head to the library, Sera," Elliott said, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.Seraphine found the idea of going to the library far more appealing. She smiled faintly and nodded,
Aria hurriedly updated Seraphine on everything. "I know how hard it is to untangle their toxic relationship, but Clifford is genuinely done this time, Seraphine. I'm putting an end to any chance of them getting back together. I want Clarissa to experience the agony of losing everything."Seraphine was rendered speechless. She had to concede that Aria was indeed a woman capable of great deeds. She realized that a person, once determined to go all out, was capable of achieving absolutely anything.Seraphine replied, "You're truly amazing, Aria! Here's to wishing you a rapid and complete execution of your great revenge!"Aria then shot back, "I'll definitely get my revenge, Seraphine! I'll make sure Clarissa faces the consequences for what she did back then. She's nothing but a wretched woman who's vicious to the core!"Seraphine knew that Aria wasn't willing to reveal the history of her grudge, so she didn't press the issue. "You have to be careful, Aria. Clifford is being particular







