Seraphina's POV
"Why did you kiss me yesterday?" I gathered all my strength and courage just to ask Lucca that question.
I saw the surprise flicker across his face, but he quickly composed himself as if it wasn't a big deal.
"I just wanted to," he replied calmly.
I frowned.
He kissed me just because he wanted to?
What, Seraphina? Were you expecting a different answer? Maybe that he likes you, and that's why he kissed you?
I shook my head.
No. I wasn't expecting him to confess his feelings. I just wanted a better explanation than that.
Lucca took a sip of the coffee I had brought him.
"I apologize for what I did yesterday," he said.
Hearing Lucca apologize wasn't like him at all. Even when he was rude or at fault, he was never the type to say sorry.
But why did I feel disappointed?
I didn't want him to apologize for the kiss.
Because, honestly...
I wasn't sorry it happened.
Lucca was my first kiss, and I knew I would remember it for the rest of my life.
"Is my apology not accepted?" Lucca asked, looking directly at me.
I didn't know how to answer him.
I wasn't happy with his response. Now I regretted bringing it up. I should have just buried it deep in my memories.
To Lucca, it seemed like the kiss meant nothing.
What was I expecting?
Lucca was still Lucca.
And he would probably never change.
"Are you sorry for kissing me?" I asked again.
Even though I expected another disappointing answer, I still wanted to hear it.
"No."
He answered without hesitation.
"Then why are you apologizing?" I asked.
Why was Lucca giving me mixed signals? Everything he said seemed to have two different meanings.
"Because I thought you wanted me to apologize."
He answered casually while leaning back in his swivel chair, completely at ease.
Meanwhile, I remained standing in front of his desk, trying to hide the trembling that ran through my body.
Lucca was impossible to understand.
He wasn't even thinking about my feelings.
Did I look like I wanted an apology?
I asked because I wanted to know why he kissed me.
If he asked whether I regretted it...
I would definitely say no.
"I don't regret it at all, yet you're acting as if it never happened," I whispered to myself.
"Did you say something?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No."
I forced a smile.
"I was just wondering if I could go to the cafeteria to buy something to eat. The bread wasn't enough for breakfast."
Though hesitant, he nodded.
I smiled back before leaving his office.
As soon as I stepped outside, I let out a heavy sigh.
Lucca had hurt my feelings.
Now I wondered...
Did he sleep peacefully after that kiss?
Probably.
After hearing his answers, I doubted he had even thought about it.
I waited for the elevator doors to open.
When they did, I stepped inside and pressed the G button.
I was alone. Apparently, everyone else was too busy with work.
The elevator doors slid open on the ground floor.
Standing a few steps away was Lucca's ex-girlfriend.
She looked effortlessly stunning.
She wore a figure-hugging ivory satin midi dress with a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her elegant collarbones. The thin spaghetti straps rested delicately on her shoulders, while the silky fabric clung perfectly to her curves before falling gracefully below her knees. A subtle slit on one side revealed just enough of her long legs whenever she walked.
A tailored beige blazer was casually draped over her shoulders, giving her an expensive and sophisticated look.
She paired the dress with nude stiletto heels that made her appear even taller.
On her shoulder hung a small white quilted designer handbag with a gold chain strap, perfectly matching the delicate gold jewelry she wore, a pair of pearl drop earrings, a thin bracelet, and a simple necklace with a tiny diamond pendant.
Her makeup was flawless.
Soft brown eyeshadow emphasized her almond-shaped eyes, while winged eyeliner made them appear sharper. Long curled lashes framed her eyes beautifully. Her cheeks were lightly flushed with rosy blush, and her lips were coated with a glossy nude-pink lipstick that made her smile even more captivating.
She looked every bit like someone who belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine.
I was slightly surprised to see her.
I was about to walk away when she called my name.
"Seraphina..."
How did she know my name?
Did Lucca tell her about me?
I turned around to face her.
She was still smiling warmly.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"The cafeteria," I answered shortly.
"Can I come with you? I haven't had breakfast yet," she asked with a friendly smile.
I blinked in surprise.
Judging by the way she dressed and carried herself, she didn't look like someone who was used to eating in a company cafeteria.
So why was she asking to come with me?
"Sure," was all I could say.
If Lucca found out I was having breakfast with his ex-girlfriend, he would probably scold me.
We entered the cafeteria and looked around for something to eat.
Hillary placed her order with the staff, and I did the same.
I ordered a carton of milk and a beef bun.
After paying, I walked over to an empty table. Hillary soon joined me.
"You should've let me pay for your food," she said.
"I don't let strangers pay for my meals," I replied.
"If I'm not mistaken, I'm not exactly a stranger to you." She smiled. "You know I'm Lucca's ex."
"Are you here to see Lucca?" I asked before taking a bite of my beef bun.
Unlike me, Hillary hadn't touched her food.
"Actually, I came here to talk to you."
Talk to me?
About what? To convince me that she's better for Lucca? As if I could do anything about that.
"If you're asking for my help, I'm sorry, but I can't. You know how rude and sarcastic Lucca can be. He's difficult to deal with."
"Then why did you become his girlfriend if he's so difficult to handle?" she asked.
The memories we had shared flashed through my mind.
Yes, Lucca could be rude and sarcastic.
But beneath all of that...
He was kind.
He was caring.
He simply didn't know how to express it.
"I just like him," I answered quietly. "What else should I say?"
"Just like him?" She chuckled. "You're not even in love with him?"
"I'll get there eventually." I smiled. "What matters is that we like each other."
I even liked the kiss he gave me yesterday.
The thought crossed my mind, but I kept it to myself. There was no reason to tell his ex.
"Fair enough." Hillary smiled.
Yet she still hadn't touched the food she had ordered.
Did she only buy it for show?
"Have you and Lucca slept together?" she suddenly asked.
I nearly choked.
The milk sprayed from my mouth, splashing onto my blouse.
"Careful," Hillary said calmly.
How was I supposed to be careful after a question like that?
"Here."
She handed me a handkerchief.
I refused twice, but she gently grabbed my hand and forced it into my palm.
"I have plenty at home," she said with the same pleasant smile. "Just keep it as a souvenir."
I wiped my clothes before finishing my milk and beef bun.
I glanced at Hillary's tray.
She still hadn't taken a single bite.
"You know..." she began.
"If I compare my feelings with yours, my love for Lucca is much deeper than yours."
She looked straight into my eyes.
"So... can't you just let him go?"
"It's a good thing you only like him."
"You're not in love with him yet."
If Lucca ever found out about this conversation...
He would definitely be furious.
"I don't have the right to decide who Lucca should love," I answered calmly.
"But you do have the choice to let him go."
She leaned forward.
"Why don't you tell him to come back to me? I've missed him every single day since we broke up."
"And when I finally came back... You were already here."
"You're talking to the wrong person, Hillary. I have no control over Lucca's feelings."
"To hell with his feelings."
The gentle, innocent woman from a few minutes ago vanished.
In her place was someone completely different.
Her voice turned cold.
Sharp.
Almost frightening.
I stared at her in disbelief.
"What did you just say?"
Even though I had heard her perfectly, part of me hoped she would take it back.
"You heard me."
She smiled again, but this time it wasn't friendly.
"It doesn't matter what Lucca feels."
She looked me up and down before letting out a soft laugh.
"Look at yourself. Lucca is heaven and you're nothing but dirt."
"Don't you think he'd be embarrassed every time the two of you go out together?" she added. "You don't even look like someone worthy of being his girlfriend."
Even though Lucca wasn't actually my boyfriend...
Her words still hurt.
Dirt?
Was it because I was poor?
I never chased after Lucca.
He was the one who offered me the job.
He was the one who kissed me first.
So why was she making it sound like everything was my fault?
"Then who do you think is worthy of Lucca?" I asked with a mocking smile. "You?"
"Well, yes." She smiled arrogantly. "I'm far more suited for him. I'm beautiful, rich, and I know how to satisfy him in bed."
She grinned proudly, as if listing her own achievements.
"Then why did Lucca choose me?" I asked without hesitation. "Why didn't he choose you?"
I could tell my words had struck a nerve.
After all...
She was the one who started this.
"How dare you!" she shouted as she abruptly stood up, glaring at me with fury burning in her eyes.
I slowly rose from my seat as well.
I hadn't even finished my food, and Hillary hadn't touched hers either.
Just listening to her insults had completely ruined my appetite.
"How dare I?" I scoffed.
"You're the one who approached me first, only to insult and humiliate me. Did you really think I'd just sit here and take it?"
"Just give Lucca back to me!" she yelled.
The entire cafeteria fell silent.
Everyone had stopped eating and turned their attention toward us.
"So who's the dirt now?" I shot back. "You think you're high-class just because you're rich and beautiful?"
I let out a sarcastic laugh. "But look at you. Making a scene in public only makes you look even more pathetic."
I turned around and began walking away.
Before leaving completely, I glanced over my shoulder one last time.
"Oh, and good for you if you're good in bed." I smiled mockingly. "At least you've found something you're good at."
I paused for a second before delivering the final blow.
"But Lucca is mine." Hillary insisted.
"And I'm not giving him to you."
Without waiting for her response, I walked away.
Even though I wasn't ready to return to the office yet, I didn't have much of a choice.
What if Hillary came after me again?
What if, this time, she actually tried to hurt me?
I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away, and waited for the elevator doors to open.
Lucca's POV
"Sir."
I was busy reading some documents when my secretary called my attention.
Seraphina still hadn't returned, and I wondered how much she had eaten to be gone for so long.
I looked up, waiting for him to explain why he had come in.
"I saw Ms. Hillary talking to Ms. Seraphina."
His words immediately caught my attention.
"Didn't you stay with Seraphina or interrupt their conversation? Why did you let Hillary talk to her?"
"Actually, Sir, I heard Ms. Seraphina fight back. Ms. Hillary became hysterical, and everyone in the cafeteria started watching them."
He scratched the back of his head.
"But..."
"But what?"
"I didn't expect Ms. Seraphina to be fiercer than your ex, Sir."
"Fiercer?"
"I heard Ms. Hillary mocking Ms. Seraphina. But before Ms. Seraphina left, she mocked Ms. Hillary right back."
"What exactly did you hear?"
"Ms. Seraphina told Ms. Hillary that you're hers and that she wasn't going to give you back."
A smile escaped my lips before I could stop it.
No matter how much I tried to suppress it, I couldn't.
Did Seraphina really say that to Hillary?
"And Ms. Seraphina also told Ms. Hillary that it's good she's good in bed."
I wanted to laugh.
If I laughed in front of my secretary, though, I'd probably scare him. Everyone in the company knew me as a strict and cold boss. I rarely smiled, and I was certain this was the first time my secretary had ever seen me do it.
"Thank you for telling me."
For some reason, hearing that completely brightened my day.
"You may go."
He bowed before leaving my office.
Just as he stepped outside, Seraphina walked in.
She looked preoccupied as she entered.
I didn't say anything at first.
I simply watched her.
She sat on the sofa, lost in thought.
Did she regret arguing with Hillary?
"What are you thinking about?" I asked, trying hard not to smile as I remembered what my secretary had reported.
She looked at me in surprise.
"Ah... nothing."
"You spent almost half an hour in the cafeteria. It wasn't even lunchtime. Did you eat everything they were serving?" I teased.
"I'm sorry. I'll make up for the time I lost by working through lunch."
"Here."
I handed her a stack of documents.
"Read these and prepare a summary before the end of the day."
She nodded, stood up, and walked toward my desk.
Just as she reached for the papers, I placed my hand on top of them.
She looked at me with a confused expression.
"Tell me. Did something happen in the cafeteria?"
"Huh?"
"My secretary saw you."
She frowned.
"I'm not going to scold you about it."
I paused before continuing.
"I just wanted to tell you... You did the right thing."
She stared at me in disbelief but said nothing.
She simply took the documents from my hand and returned to her desk.
I tried to continue working.
But I couldn't focus.
My eyes kept drifting toward Seraphina.
She looked brighter than usual, although I could tell she wasn't in the best mood after what had happened this morning.
Seraphina's POV
When Lucca told me I had done the right thing by standing up to Hillary, I felt annoyed.
Not because I was siding with Hillary.
But because everything that happened in the cafeteria started with him.
If Lucca hadn't embarrassed me this morning, I wouldn't have ended up meeting Hillary in the first place.
I forced myself to focus on the work he had given me.
Fortunately, it wasn't difficult.
I'd done this kind of work before.
Honestly, I had expected Lucca to give me something much harder.
Before I started working here, I thought he'd make my life miserable.
But that wasn't the case.
For now, I reminded myself.
It's only my second day.
I shouldn't judge him too quickly.
I had no idea how many hours had passed before Lucca suddenly called my name.
I looked at him.
Immediately, the memory of yesterday's kiss flashed through my mind.
I shook my head, trying to drive it away.
Why am I thinking about that again?
Why does that kiss keep replaying in my head?
I should just forget it.
After all...
Lucca acted as if it meant nothing.
"You're acting strangely today," Lucca said, studying me carefully.
I wanted to tell him that he was the strange one.
He apologized for kissing me.
I didn't want his apology.
I only wanted to know why.
Why did he kiss me?
I let out a deep sigh.
"Why did you call me?" I asked.
"It's lunchtime."
He slipped both hands into his pockets.
"Let's go out and have lunch."
"Didn't I tell you I'd use my lunch break to make up for the time I spent in the cafeteria this morning?"
My tone came out more sarcastic than I intended.
I almost sounded like Lucca.
Maybe it was because I hadn't been in the mood since this morning.
Before coming to the office, I had been excited to see him.
Then his answer about the kiss ruined everything.
Lucca frowned as he looked at me.
"What really happened to make you act like this?"
"If Hillary bothered you, I can—"
I cut him off before he could finish.
"Hillary didn't bother me at all."
I met his eyes.
"So why would I be bothered because of her?"
Lucca remained silent.
He kept studying me, trying to figure out why I was acting this way.
Even refusing lunch with him seemed to puzzle him.
He slowly walked toward me.
I stayed seated, clutching the papers in my hands.
He placed both hands on my desk.
Without saying another word, he leaned closer.
His warm breath brushed against my skin.
He moved even closer until I had no choice but to lean back in my chair.
"I wonder what the real reason is... if it isn't Hillary," he murmured, never taking his eyes off me.
I swallowed hard.
Then I noticed his gaze drop to my lips.
My heart immediately began pounding.
I wanted to bite my lip.
Surely...
He could hear how loudly my heart was beating.
Why now?
Why not later?
Why does my heart always betray me whenever he's this close?
"Are you upset because of the kiss yesterday?" he asked softly.
The moment he mentioned the kiss again, I felt like I had forgotten how to breathe.
I wanted to push him away.
But I couldn't.
I couldn't even open my mouth.
It felt as if, at any second, his lips would meet mine again.
He looked into my eyes before asking in a low voice,
"Was I your first kiss?"