Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

For her, the phrase “first snow” was distant and foreign.

Snow was nothing exceptional. It graced the streets of Summitville, painted Sunburst City white, and even cloaked Velvetwood in its silent embrace.

She had never harbored an abundance of love or anticipation for snow, except when she was 17. That year, having fallen for Leandro, she found herself eagerly awaiting each new day.

Yet he was invariably busy, often away from home for long stretches, which only made her yearn all the more.

Finally, on New Year’s Eve, she caught a fleeting glimpse of him, a hurried encounter before she scurried off to her room to shower.

After her shower, hair dried and clothes changed, she emerged only to see him, similarly freshened up, ready to step out.

He was wearing a coat. Seraphina’s heart sank, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. “You… you’re going out again?”

“Yep.” Leandro glanced at her, stepping closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Can’t stand to be without me?”

Turning her face away, Seraphina felt the sting of unshed tears.

She hadn’t seen him in days, and just when they had reconnected, he was leaving again.

The hurt welled up inside her, her eyes reddening with the effort to hold back tears.

She truly didn’t want him to go, the disappointment was genuine, but the words wouldn’t come.

Leandro chuckled at her pained expression, but his voice softened. “Had a prior commitment, I’ll be quick. Will you wait up for me?”

She looked away, murmuring after a pause, “You won’t come back…”

She knew his habits too well; a late-night departure meant he wouldn’t return.

At best, he’d be gone for the day. More often, he’d vanish for days on end.

She was accustomed to it, shouldn’t have expected any different.

Without another word, Seraphina retreated to her room.

She had hurried downstairs to see him, but with him leaving, there was no point anymore.

Back at her desk, she slumped forward, the sorrow deepening.

Then, a knock at her door. Her heart skipped, guessing who it might be, yet hardly daring to believe.

looked up, her gaze frozen on

you’re accusing me of breaking promises, I’ll have to be a man of my word this time.” Leandro leaned against the doorframe, checking his watch. Frowning slightly, he peered out the window, then said, “Before dawn.

into Seraphina’s

his busy life, he had come to make a promise, as if she were

in a way she had never felt

Leandro sought

she managed a

leave her room, just perched by the window, watching Leandro descend the stairs, get into his car, and drive off, her

lay in bed, sleep

He said he’d be back by dawn, so she waited. From two to three, from four to five, from six to seven,

to get moving. They had

had broken his

own weakness, knowing she’d soon be longing for him once

washed

just breaking, the city

glancing

lip, she strode

freely. Her cheeks stung in the cold, crisp air as

Manor nestled deep in a quiet, old neighborhood.

she had to walk two

blurred her vision as she trudged along, until, at the corner, she collided with

over but was caught in a

she found herself in a warm,

her, and when she looked

her tears did

him, truly

from lack of sleep, his nose slightly

voice. “I’m a little late and you’re ready

she was unable to

sky wasn’t fully bright yet, tree-lined

two

leaned in and

but the kiss sent warmth flooding through

while before she spoke in a hushed voice,

softly, “I thought I’d make it, but I

up at him. The car broke down on the road,