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.

was a delivery. She forced herself

to move. A frown creased her brow

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

and turned to come out. He was just about to go out to check when he collided squarely with Damien

prepared dishes and the chicken soup steaming on the

drowsiness vanished

she said wearily. "Whatever this is, save it for

acted as

he said, "Sure, Another day, then. But since I'm already here, I might as well try

could react. His voice was warm as he said, "Let's eat first. You can rest

them made Damien seem like an intruder who had forced

of obstruction rose in his chest, and he seethed with the need to

here barging in like he was. catching them in the act-he had no rightful claim to do

three sets

hungry. She had been in meetings for two days and had only eaten bread and

the architect of her

with practiced ease and set it gently on her plate. Damien watched the domestic scene unfold, each detail feeling like salt seeping into an open wound. With a loud crack, he slammed his fork

"Out there, you treat me like a joke. Back

behavior repeatedly before finally saying, "Damien Jensen, when are you going to

straight through him, sharp as a poisoned