When I finished my glass of wine, I decided to get some rest, leaving Pierce in the living room. Percival was still sound asleep, so I was careful not to wake him up. As my eyes lingered on his facial features, I thought once more of the disagreement. Waiting and hoping things would go my way won't put me at ease. I'm tired of watching their happy ending after mine was ruined. They seemed to pay close attention to me when I saw them at their wedding. That had led me to think that the two still had ill feelings toward me—they saw me as the villain in their lives after all. Seeing me miserable must make them feel like they really had won. Minty's earlier outburst; was either a confirmation of my assumption, or she still felt threatened. Whichever it is, I don't care as long as I get to return the same pain they inflicted on me. However, if Cadmus was trying to keep me close because he suddenly realized what he had lost and decided to get it back—that would be even better. Of course

Percival stopped. My eyes remained on my hands as Hesitation settled in my stomach."You don't have to answer if you don't want to," I said. Although there were things I wanted to know, I didn't want to trigger any trauma Percy might have.I had always disliked Percy's father despite the little information I had of him. I was just convinced that he's an assholé."Yes," Percival said.My eyes widened. I felt the urge to turn around, but ironically, my body froze. If she's a Salazar, then Percy might be blood-related to them."I found out a few years after she died... I didn't tell you because I felt like I wasn't in the position to tell. It was something my mother tried desperately to hide. But believe me, I don't want anything to do with that family." His voice mixed with grief and worry. "You're not upset with me, are you?"That was my cue to turn to him. My forehead creased to show my confusion. He didn't tell me out of respect for his mother."Why would I be upset with you?" I aske

"You could say that," Cadmus said before downing a bottle. "Do you want a drink?"Cadmus' eyes communicated with mine. It was telling me that he wanted to talk. So, I slowly sat on the empty spot on the couch across from him.He called the waiter and gestured toward me. I asked for a cocktail before focusing my eyes on Cadmus."About earlier..." he mumbled. "The time I gave you when we were together, was it not enough?"What time was he talking about? The one I begged for? The time he felt obligated to give me so he won't be called a bad husband?"Why are you suddenly bringing that up?" He was making everything easier for me, but my question was genuine.Cadmus was staring at the wall as he drank his beer."Because I still don't understand how you were able to leave so easily.""You cheated on me, Cadmus," I reminded him. My eyes examined the drink that I was holding.I glanced at him and saw how he emptied his drink again."What if it was a mistake?" he exclaimed abruptly. "And you s

My hand played with Percival's hair as I waited for him to let go. With his body so close to mine and the view in front of me, I wanted so bad to be stuck in the comfort of it.Percival took a deep breath before releasing me from his hold. He looked at me and smiled."You can go."I bit my lower lip as I thought of a life where I didn't know Cadmus... and I was in love with the person in front of me. Would we be close like this, or would it be so much more? Would I have a different experience with love? I wanted to know.However, something held my hand back from reaching out to him. In the back of my head, I knew I shouldn't feel this way. I could never let myself fall for Percival and let that feeling ruin us. I was fine with whatever we have right now."Will you continue to watch over Marcus?" I asked."Yeah, until I'm sure he's alright.""Don't you have to go to the company today?" I asked. We were both well aware of each other's schedules. "I'll grab my laptop and stay here with M

PERCIVALThe first time I saw her, she was young, and it was at a party. Despite her age, she acted mature and wise in front of the adults. She received a lot of praise which I thought she deserved.Even at a young age, she was beautiful. Some girls envied her. Fortunately, she was not just beauty and wits; she also knew how to defend herself.I loved watching her from afar. All those boring parties for a kid turned out enjoyable because of her. She was interesting.There came a time when the girls who disliked her embarrassed her in public. It all happened so fast that I couldn't stop it. They ruined her dress by pushing her toward a table with beverages. They laughed at her, and the person she had been glancing at throughout the party—Cadmus, only stood and watched. She remained composed, and I thought, how could she act like that?However, after wiping her dress, she grabbed a drink and deliberately spilled it all over the girls. Then she walked away with her head held high. I foll