I stared at Stacy. “Like what?” “Well, kiss or touch you?” I looked away and bit my lower lip. “Yes, Constantine kissed me once, and I withdrew since I didn’t feel it was the right thing to do.” Stacy patted her chin with her finger. “If you must choose between Ethan and Constantine, which one will you pick?” “Ethan, for sure. Should you ask?” I giggled and rolled my eyes. “With him, I feel safe and comfortable. They are handsome and sexy, but Ethan is more protective.” I smiled and let out a sigh. “Besides, I love him.” “Ah, it’s hard to beat. But if Constantine keeps pursuing you, will you give him a chance?” I shook my head. “No, unless something happens between Ethan and me.” “But he is a generous gifter. May I see the box?” I handed over the box. Stacy opened the lid and whistled as she touched the fabric. “Silk! Whoa! He is wealthy and generous.” “I have already had Ethan.” I reminded Stacy. “I’ll return the gift to him.” “But how about if you try it just once? I want

I was busy since it was Monday. I had forgotten about the flower and the gift from Constantine. Yet Stacy called me again at 5 p.m. to come to the front table while I was at the side of the library, returning the books to the shelves. After finishing my work, I finally walked to the front table. When she saw me, Stacy said, “Hey, guess what?” “What?” “You have more presents coming.” “Oh?” Stacy pointed at two boxes on the table. “Open them! I’m curious to see what the gifts and who the senders are.” I took the cards from two boxes. After flipping it, I smiled. One of them was from Ethan. The note said, ‘My darling, I ordered this for you. I hope the bracelet will remind you of me. Take care. Ethan.’ I immediately opened the box and grinned as I saw a beautiful bracelet. Stacy took a peek and smiled. “Constantine again?” “Not this time. It’s from Ethan! Oh, I’m so happy!” “Wow, let me see!” I showed the box to Stacy while wondering if the second box was from Ethan too. “W

Constantine smiled smugly. “What if I say he shared it with me?” “No way!” I shook my head. “ I don’t believe you.” “It is up to you to believe me or not. However, I know you haven’t shared Ethan’s bed. Otherwise, you won’t be here. Unless ....” He stared at me with gleaming in his eyes. “Unless what?” “Nothing.” Constantine ran his fingers to my cheek. “You are beautiful.” His eyes stared at my eyes, then at my lips. His finger followed later. “If you choose me, I can promise you the world. Wealth and power will be yours.” “Choose you?” I wrinkled my forehead. “What do you mean?” “Didn’t your mother tell you anything?” I frowned. “About what?” Constantine touched my chin. “I met your mother to ask for your hand in marriage.” “What?!” “Please, listen to me first.” He rubbed my hair. “I know you and Ethan are lovers, yet I offer you to be my wife. You will be a royalty too. Being my wife means you no longer need to work, and everyone will respect you.” Constantine smiled as

“Thank you, Stan. It’s flattering. But as we both know, I have already had a boyfriend.” I smiled and patted his hand. “Friends?” Constantine sighed, but he finally nodded. “If it is what you can offer me, I will take it for now.” I was relieved and confused at the same time. Constantine blackmailed me into having dinner with him, but gave up so quickly when I asked to be friends with him. Also regarding the makeover offer, was I wrong to judge him? Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all. After finishing the main dish, the server finally came with the dessert. I enjoyed my ice cream. “Is it good?” I nodded. “Want to try it?” “Sure!” I moved my ice cream bowl in front of Constantine. But then he shook his head. “Spoon it, please?” I giggled. “What are you? A five-year-old?” “Come on. It is not hard to spoon the ice.” I finally spooned him, and he smiled, so similar to Ethan. Maybe my longing for Ethan created the illusion, but I missed him badly now. “Helena?” I blinked. “Yes

~ Constantine ~ Helena didn’t suspect I approached her not to be her friend but to make her mine. I grinned. After having Victoria, interacting with Helena was refreshing. Well, both women were different, for sure. Victoria was an experienced woman who knew precisely how to please me in bed and stroked my ego well. But, on the other hand, Helena was an innocent who needed a man to introduce her to the man and woman’s world. I was sure Ethan hadn’t mated her yet. Otherwise, Helena would be dead. But if the gossip was true, who knew if Helena could survive? I should touch her more to check it. If both of them had mated, her reaction would be wild. I grinned as I imagined how much joy I would feel to touch Helena. “My lord, what are you thinking?” Maybe I should give her drugs again. Considering the last time she could escape. I should have planned it better to ensure Helena couldn’t run away. She would be mine in no time! “Constantine, my darling?” Victoria’s seducing voice pulled