CHAPTER 25

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ROMAN

[ Genevieve lingered in the warmth of Arthur’s embrace, the soothing presence easing the remnants of sadness that had weighed on her. She hadn’t realized how long they had been standing there until she sensed another presence behind her. ]

When she turned, she saw me standing in the doorway, my eyes dark and piercing, my expression unreadable but charged with an intensity she knew too well.

Before she could say anything, Arthur let out an awkward, exaggerated cough, clearly sensing the tension. He gently pulled away from Genevieve, his hands lingering for just a second too long before he stepped back.

"Well,"

he said, glancing between the two of us,

"I should probably go… before I become the third wheel."

He shot Genevieve a knowing look before turning on his heel and disappearing back inside, leaving the two of us alone on the balcony.

Genevieve watched him go, slightly confused, before she turned back to me, only to be met with a glare that could cut through steel.