Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

After the first snowfall, it truly felt like the grip of winter had taken hold.

Winter was a time for coziness, yet Seraphina, who had been coasting in a languid state for the better part of the year, found herself caught up in a whirlwind of activity as the cold season settled in.

The art gallery she managed was buzzing with preparations for a new exhibition. This time, the exhibition was set to take place at the renowned Sunburst City Art Museum, and the theme was a retrospective of masterpieces by the great painters from generations past.

Among the featured works were iconic pieces from the masters of the yesteryears, as well as contemporary contributions from artists like Malcolm and Carney Bennett.

The concept for the exhibition was the gallery’s manager’s idea, and she threw her full support behind it, immediately setting plans in motion and diving into the multifaceted preparations.

Admittedly, showcasing Carney alongside Malcolm and the legendary greats felt a tad premature, but Seraphina believed in Carney’s artistic merit and felt he more than deserved the honor. She was determined to realize the dreams and aspirations that Carney hadn’t lived to see fulfilled.

Her dedication meant that Seraphina was fully immersed in the event, dashing between organizers and exhibitors to secure as many prestigious pieces as possible.

But, work had a way of encroaching on family life, and Seraphina couldn’t help but feel she was neglecting home.

Valerio had his reservations about her absence, but when he learned she was doing it all in memory of his late grandfather, he understood and kept his peace.

The frenzy lasted until late December when Seraphina finally began delegating tasks, allowing herself some much-needed respite.

After all, Christmas was around the corner, as was the wedding day of Bowen and Tania. She needed to be at her best for their special day.

On a rare afternoon off, Seraphina returned home early.

The housekeeper was busy in the kitchen, and Conway was sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a TV show. His surprise at her early arrival was evident as he teased, “Look who is back.”

Seraphina smiled, settling beside him and leaning on his shoulder with a sigh. “I’m beat, Grandpa.”

“You remember what it’s like to be tired?” Conway chortled. “Well, that’s good. I thought you’d forgotten with all the busyness.”

Detecting something in his tone, Seraphina looked up at him. “Grandpa, beating around the bush isn’t your style.”

Conway chuckled, then quizzed her, “Do you even know what day it is?”

“The 21st.”

“And tomorrow?”

“The 22nd.”

“And yesterday?”

Frowning, she replied, “The 20th… Are you testing a child?”

“Yes, the 20th,” Conway said with a twinkle in his eye. “And what day is that?”

“The 20th…?” Seraphina puzzled over the date until realization dawned, and her face fell.

her head

“It was my wedding anniversary

forget something like that?” Conway chided. “The whole world

jewelry set on her

rambled, guilt set in. “Was he

“He expected you’d come home early,

me?” she protested. “If he had, I would’ve come home

you not know how much he

to Conway. “He used to be different. Lately, he’s been…

her words. “Do you like this indulgent

face. “I think I prefer him a bit

a chill ran down her spine. Despite the warm house, she felt a draft behind her neck. Turning around, she saw Leandro coming downstairs with a mug in hand. He glanced at her without

want me to run a

tone was calm, and his words unusually tender, a strange chill ran down

couldn’t get used to

replied, “I’m not in the mood

come up here. I’ve got a present for you,”

Seraphina’s mind as she followed him, sending pleading looks at Conway, who was suddenly engrossed in the

wondering what her indulgent husband had in

climbing the stairs, she found herself

that art exhibition, right? Well, it just so happens I know a famous collector. He’s got a catalogue of

in eagerly, scrutinizing

friend of Leandro’s, had several masterpieces at his

joy, Seraphina couldn’t help but feel a

you want to give

you

spoke cautiously, “I…

“Hmm,” Leandro responded nonchalantly.

remember when

“Hmm.”

get you anything,”

continued to look at her calmly,

pressed, “I’d almost prefer if you were cold and distant instead

reached out to gently lift her chin and said slowly, “You like me better

hesitated, then slowly

closer, his voice

nibbled on Seraphina’s earlobe. Realizing she had been played, Seraphina’s temper flared, and she decided it

exchange, Seraphina was left feeling sore and utterly drained, leaning against

Valerio came home from school that Seraphina mustered the energy to

while, and finally having a day at home, the family settled in the upstairs lounge for some

share with Seraphina, including the latest drawing techniques

he suddenly realized he was out