Seraphina’s POV Everett's usually calm face was full of unease - his chin tightened, and the wrinkles between his eyebrows were deep enough to cast shadows in the dim hallway lights.I frowned slightly and waved my assistant to leave.“He’s just here to discuss a project.”My hands slipped into the pockets of my white lab coat, trying to anchor myself in the fabric’s familiar feel.Everett’s eyes narrowed.“Dante will do anything to achieve his goals, Sera. You know better than anyone what kind of person he is. If Calliope said something to him, you—”“Everett,”I patted his arm, hoping the gesture was enough to calm him.“Relax. You’re overthinking this. He has nothing to do with me anymore. I am Seraphina, Sylvaine, no matter which name it is, he has never seen me. He doesn't know that Calliope and I are twins, so he won't know about my existence either.”This sentence came out of the mouth with a bitter taste like medicine.I still remember Dante's pale and handsome face in the che
Seraphina’s POV The persistent ringing of the phone felt out of place, it sliced through the quiet like a jagged blade, gnawing at my nerves.I stared at the screen— something about it, a gut feeling maybe, made my breath catch in my throat.Across from me, Everett's face turned gloomy. He walked up and reached out his hand to my assistant Lucie.“I’ll answer.”I shook my head, stepping forward, stopping him.“He’ll recognize your voice.”I turned to Lucie, who stood uncertainly near the desk, her hands trembling with nervousness as they clutched her phone.“You answer. Put it on speaker.” I said.Her eyes widened. “Me?”“Yes. Just… keep calm.” I told her.She nodded, hesitantly accepting the call. The device trembled slightly in her grip, and I could hear the subtle quiver in her breath as she put it on speaker.“Hello?”“Is this Sylvaine?”Dante’s voice.Even after a year apart, the sound of it sent a jolt straight through me—deep, magnetic, and as arrogant as ever.I signaled Luci
Dante’s POV “They turned us down again?”I leaned back on the leather chair and looked at York through the gold rimmed glasses frame.He stood at my desk, holding his phone, with a stiff posture and a dejected expression.“Yes, sir.” York hesitated, then nodded. “CHIHIRO Studio refused the offer. Again.”My brows knitted.“Did you mention who I am?” I asked, voice tightening, I put my right leg on the left one, my pointed black shoes shining in the bright office light.“Of course. I told them we are LLC Group, but…they said they’ve found a new partner.” York added quickly, he looked uneasy, even avoiding eye contact with me.The atmosphere in the office is suffocating with silence.I sat motionless, the ticking of the wall clock growing louder in my ears.My fingers tapped once against the desk.CHIHIRO Studio.What are they really up to?“Dante…”York glanced at me, he ventured, voice low. “I think you might have offended them before?”This made me ponder.I’d never crossed paths wit
Calliope’s POVThe bar was cloaked in dim lighting, the kind that masked sins and made lies sound like promises.Amber-hued chandeliers hung low, casting sultry glows over velvet-lined booths. The air was thick with cigar smoke and perfume, mingling with the low hum of jazz and clinking glasses.I sat at the marble bar, legs crossed, a crystal wine glass was gently swaying between the fingers.Eyes followed me, men drawn like moths to a flame, unable to look away.I liked it that way.Power wasn’t just worn; it was played, savored.Tonight, I wore a crimson silk dress, the plunging neckline daring and unapologetic. My heels clicked against the floor like punctuation marks to every silent sentence those men dared not speak aloud. The bold red of my lips, perfectly matched to the dress, stood in contrast to the cool detachment in my gaze.Beside me, Druson·Laurent swirled his drink with a lazy wrist, his ice clinking softly.He looked sharp—always did—his ash-gray suit tailored, his gol
Seraphina’s POVThe scent of lavender lingered in the warm air of my apartment, blending with the faint sweetness of jasmine and the earthy undertone of freshly crushed rose petals.Sunlight slanted through the wide bay windows, casting dappled patterns across the wooden counter where I worked, hands deep in the delicate process of extracting raw materials from petals and herbs.This was my sanctuary.Here, I was free to breathe, create, and lose myself in the artistry of fragrance.I leaned in to examine the blend I’d just concocted—a mix of tuberose and vetiver, subtle and feminine with a streak of something bold.This is my latest developed product - Her.Recently, it has consumed all of my thinking and time.A soft chime pulled me from my work.My laptop screen, resting on the desk beside the worktable, lit up with a new email notification.I wiped my hands on a linen cloth and walked over.The message was warm and vibrant:"Dear Sylvaine,It’s a pleasure to finally connect. I’ve
Seraphina’s POVPain shot through my arm like a white-hot blade.I clenched my teeth, resisting the urge to cry out.My assistant’s hand gripped my elbow tightly, her support the only thing keeping me from collapsing onto the cold marble floor of the studio’s lobby.“Careful,” she whispered, her voice trembling against the storm breaking around us.I backed away, breath caught in my throat.On such an important day today, such a change has occurred.The arrival of these intruders may not be a coincidence.My hand trembled slightly due to the pain in my arm.I gritted my teeth and took advantage of the chaos to send a message to Everett.Then I turned slightly, just enough to catch the chaos unfolding.The sharp click of heels against polished stone echoed as Ms. Jan—stepped forward, her dark eyes narrowed in quiet authority.“What is going on here?” she asked, her tone simply precise.The intruders—three of them, all men with sun-weathered faces and the roughness of labor etched into
Seraphina’s POVWhen we finished treating the wound and walked out of the rest room, the silence in the office was more severe than any chaos we faced.The aftermath wasn’t just visible in the overturned chairs or shattered glass—it was written across every face, etched deep in the eyes of people who had poured their time, energy, and hearts into this place.I could feel it pressing down on all of us like a weight no one knew how to carry.No one said a word.Some stood frozen near their desks, others tried to straighten what was left of the mess, their movements mechanical—empty.Lucy stepped forward, her voice soft but steady, “Hey… we’re still standing. That counts for something, right?”Her smile was faint, but real.“It’s okay,” I said, loud enough for everyone to hear.“After this incident, the studio needs to tidy up again. These days, everyone has been busy preparing for the release of new products for quite some time. I will give everyone three days off. Everyone go back and
Seraphina’s POVThe sun pierced through the thinning veil of clouds, casting a golden hue over the urban forest .I adjusted the straps on my backpack, feeling the weight of my equipment settle against my shoulders.The morning air was cool, laced with the scent of dew-kissed leaves and damp earth. This was a far cry from the sterile environment of my laboratory, yet something about the chaos of nature always stirred inspiration in me.Everett walked ahead, tall and broad-shouldered, his blonde hair tousled by the gentle wind.He glanced back at me, “Sera, I asked you to come out here to relax, not to bring half your lab with you,” He said, with a hint of helplessness mixed in his tone.He didn't call me Sylvaine like everyone else, but instead, called me Sera, just like before.I laughed, tightening my grip on the strap of my backpack.“Come on, Everett. Since I’m out here, I might as well make it worthwhile. My lab’s running low on raw materials, and who knows? Maybe the forest will
Seraphina’s POV"So you're here, Everett. I've been looking for you for a long time."Ms. Jian emerged from the booth, her elegant silk dress swaying slightly .Her dark almond eyes held a knowing glint as they settled on Everett, who stood beside me with an easy yet imposing presence.She extended her hand toward Everett with a smirk."I originally planned to finish the meeting and come here with you to take a look. But then I found you had already disappeared—now I finally know where you went."Everett’s lips curved into a warm, teasing smile."I heard your people roped Sylvaine in as a hard laborer. She hasn’t replied to my messages for a week, so I got a little worried and couldn’t wait to see her."Hearing his words, a hint of embarrassment appeared on my face.Clearly, it was Everett who told her he was busy this week.I turned my gaze toward him, but his expression remained as composed as ever—those piercing ocean blue eyes studying me with an unreadable depth.He continued, ti
Seraphina’s POVThe exhibition hall hummed with a steady flow of voices, a murmur of excitement and anticipation under the bright, cascading lights.CHIHIRO Studio was preparing meticulously for the upcoming showcase.The exhibition in collaboration with Vanya Group will be held in a month. Such a large-scale partnership is not just an opportunity but also a bold and innovative attempt.It is also a crucial chance for CHIHIRO Studio to step onto a bigger stage.Months of planning, late-night revisions, and endless discussions were all for a better performance at this exhibition.As a result, a week before the exhibition began, I arrived at the venue to personally oversee every detail of the setup, striving for a perfect presentation.My heels clicked against the polished floor as I moved through the organized chaos, scanning the booths.Wooden crates were being unpacked, metal structures secured, and designers adjusted the lighting.The air carried the scent of fresh paint and crisp p
Dante’s POV:The murmur of voices at the LLC front desk caught my attention as I stepped out of my office.The receptionist, a bright-eyed woman with impeccably styled hair, held an elegantly wrapped package in her hands.Her nails tapped lightly against the pristine white box adorned with golden ribbons and a small, handwritten card affixed to the top.The scent of fresh paper and something vaguely floral hung in the air.Secretary York stood beside her, his crisp navy suit and ever-composed demeanor unwavering.The receptionist arched a brow and smirked.“Secretary York, is this an apology from your girlfriend?” she teased, tilting the package toward him playfully.York let out a short laugh, shaking his head.“I don’t have a girlfriend.”The receptionist looked at York in disbelief."Don't joke around. It clearly says your name on it. Isn't this a gift for you?""Oh? Let me take a look." Just as York was about to take the gift from the receptionist’s hands, I stepped forward and re
Seraphina’s POVThe cheerful atmosphere in the office infected me, and at this moment, I wanted to share my happiness with someone. The first person that came to my mind was Everett.I picked up the phone and dialed Everett’s number.Everett answered after the first ring. "Sera?"A smile tugged at my lips."You remember that half-dead flower you gave me? It’s alive now."His voice on the other end of the line was filled with a cheerful laugh."This is all your doing. You brought it back to life."His words lifted my spirits, and I replied with a half-joking tone, "You're the only one who believes in me enough to leave such a precious plant in my care.""I trust your abilities." Everett's voice paused for a moment on the other end of the line before he spoke again with a smile in his tone. "Just like I trusted you back then, that you could lead CHIHIRO studio through this tough time.""And good news—I’ve signed cooperation with Vanya."My words made Everett fall silent for a moment, th
Seraphina’s POVThe rain hadn't stopped since dawn.Outside the studio windows, the sky hung heavy and grey, a thick curtain of clouds pressing against the glass like a suffocating shroud. Inside, the atmosphere was no better.CHIHIRO’s usually vibrant office felt muted, voices low, movements mechanical. It was as if the weight of indecision and expectation had drained the color from the walls, leaving only shades of tension.I sat at the head of the long, rectangular conference table, my arms folded over a thin folder, my fingers tapping restlessly against the cold wood."Do you have anything else to report?"My assistant, Lucy, her face composed yet strained, finally broke the dull rhythm."We still haven't heard back from the Vanya’s Group."Her face was pale as she announced the news, which was anything but pleasant.My heart sank along with it."Should we continue waiting, Sylvaine?"A murmur rippled across the room, uncertainty laced in every breath.I inhaled deeply, adjusting
Dante’s POV:The morning sunlight filters through the half-open blinds of my office, its warm rays cutting through the polished desk like sharp blades, leaving cold, hard lines in their wake.In the silent office, my fingers tap silently on the desk, much like Sylvaine's attitude toward me.Silent, indifferent.Mailbox empty.Again.I was rejected.I shifted my gaze to the adjacent screen — York’s account.Four new emails.All from the same person.Sylvaine.I opened the email and my eyes scanned her pleasant and professional response to my secretary.They were having a great conversation, but she had no idea that the person chatting with her through York's email from yesterday until now was me.My tongue pressed against the inside of my cheek, jaw tightening.I refreshed my own inbox one more time, like a fool clinging to the last shred of dignity.Still empty.This made me doubt for a moment whether I had really offended her.In a scene that I don't know about.I leaned back, my cha
Seraphina’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the blinds in thin golden stripes, casting harsh lines across my cluttered desk.I sat in a pale silk blouse and blue jeans, my messy bun barely holding itself together, a lone pen tucked inside it like a forgotten relic.I had just opened the latest production report when the door creaked.Mira, one of our senior finance officers, stepped inside, carrying a thick folder.Too thick.Her face was tight, her lips pressed into a line that spoke of bad news.“Mira?” I straightened.She hesitated at the doorway before closing it behind her.“Sylvaine, we need to talk. It’s about the damages… from the break-in.”She placed the folder on my desk with unsettling care.“The loss report is finalized. Inventory beyond recovery, equipment repairs, halted production timelines… The total loss is substantial—over 100 thousand.”“And the compensation?” I asked, already dreading the answer.She exhaled, almost apologetically.“The police advised us to f
Seraphina’s POVThe sun pierced through the thinning veil of clouds, casting a golden hue over the urban forest .I adjusted the straps on my backpack, feeling the weight of my equipment settle against my shoulders.The morning air was cool, laced with the scent of dew-kissed leaves and damp earth. This was a far cry from the sterile environment of my laboratory, yet something about the chaos of nature always stirred inspiration in me.Everett walked ahead, tall and broad-shouldered, his blonde hair tousled by the gentle wind.He glanced back at me, “Sera, I asked you to come out here to relax, not to bring half your lab with you,” He said, with a hint of helplessness mixed in his tone.He didn't call me Sylvaine like everyone else, but instead, called me Sera, just like before.I laughed, tightening my grip on the strap of my backpack.“Come on, Everett. Since I’m out here, I might as well make it worthwhile. My lab’s running low on raw materials, and who knows? Maybe the forest will
Seraphina’s POVWhen we finished treating the wound and walked out of the rest room, the silence in the office was more severe than any chaos we faced.The aftermath wasn’t just visible in the overturned chairs or shattered glass—it was written across every face, etched deep in the eyes of people who had poured their time, energy, and hearts into this place.I could feel it pressing down on all of us like a weight no one knew how to carry.No one said a word.Some stood frozen near their desks, others tried to straighten what was left of the mess, their movements mechanical—empty.Lucy stepped forward, her voice soft but steady, “Hey… we’re still standing. That counts for something, right?”Her smile was faint, but real.“It’s okay,” I said, loud enough for everyone to hear.“After this incident, the studio needs to tidy up again. These days, everyone has been busy preparing for the release of new products for quite some time. I will give everyone three days off. Everyone go back and