Regret Came Too Late

When Selene reached the apartment, she found Vincent waiting outside.

Vincent was a model of gentleness-a university professor whose scholarly demeanor clung to him like well-worn parchment.

He lifted the bag of groceries in his hand and beamed. "Are you done with your meetings?"

Selene paused mid-step, gave a slight nod, and unlocked the door.

Vincent followed her inside, naturally changing into indoor shoes at the entrance before handing her a pair, asking, "What do you want to eat?"

Selene yawned and sprawled onto the couch in the living room. "Anything simple."

Vincent took the apron hanging nearby and approached her. Bracing his hands on the back of the couch, he leaned over her reclined form and studied her face.

Selene, on the other hand, kept her eyes closed but knew exactly what he was doing.

"Professor Calloway," she muttered drowsily. "I've been terrified of teachers since childhood."

He chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair away from her cheek.

Selene didn't avoid his touch. She was simply too tired at this point.

40 minutes later, the doorbell rang.

online, Selene assumed it was a delivery. She forced herself up and shuffled to the door, only to freeze when she

hand lay resolutely across the door handle, making it clear she wasn't going to move. A frown creased

a casual tone, he said, "Selene, come grab the dishes." In the next second, Damien shoved the door open with a loud thud, causing Selene to stumble back as

come out. He was just about to go out

soup

drowsiness vanished

said wearily. "Whatever this is, save it

acted as

smiling as he said, "Sure, Another day, then. But since I'm already here, I might as well try Professor Calloway's cooking see how it compares to

on her shoulder before she could react. His voice was warm as he said,

seem like an intruder who had forced his way into

in his chest, and he seethed with the need to stare Selene

any objective standard, Selene and Vincent were officially a couple. Whatever he thought he was doing here barging in like he was. catching

his usual good nature, Vincent ladled out three sets of dishes,

had only eaten bread

her exhaustion sat fuming

beside Selene. He picked up a piece of braised rib with practiced ease and set it gently on her plate. Damien watched the domestic scene unfold, each detail feeling like salt seeping into

shameless, Selene," he said coldly. "Out there, you treat me like a joke. Back here,

saying, "Damien Jensen, when are you

gaze pierced straight through him, sharp as a poisoned arrow lodged in