"What the hell Ethan! You..."
Whatever wise words that Lucifer initially had prepared to say stuck in his throat as he stared at the teary-eyed Ethan Lee. He couldn't believe his eyes. His friend hadn't cried for anyone apart from his sister, Mia Chung!
"I'm.. I'm sorry bro! But.. You, you can't just sit here as though nothing happened.. You know the reason why Xia Ruo Lan left, right?"
Raking his slender fingers through his dark hair in utter frustration, Lucifer apologized and sat up straight. His expression shifted unnoticeably for a second or two.
Keen-eyed, Lucifer was mentally sure that Ethan Lee definitely knew the answer to his question.
Sitting across the desk, Ethan Lee almost sneered at his best friend's query!
"So what if I know?.."
Slamming the file shut, Ethan Lee threw it haphazardly on the desk. It fell with a loud bang.
The man's aggrieved look coupled with the aggressiveness he displayed was no doubt overwhelming.
"How does it matter?"
"...."
"How does it bloody matter now?! She is gone.. Xia Ruo Lan is gone away from my life, and that's the truth! Even if I find her, and beg Xia Ruo Lan to come back to me and tell her that I love her, she.."
"...."
"..Xia Ruo Lan.. She wouldn't believe me.. Hell, even I don't believe myself!
A derisive scoff escaped Lucifer's mouth listening to his dear friend as he spouted rubbish in broad daylight, shamelessly.
"Ethan, do you realize that you're sounding like a jerk! You're wrong, you're so bloody wrong to let Xia Ruo Lan suffer by herself.."
"Lucifer.."
Not letting Ethan Lee interrupt him, the gray eyed hunk continued with a look of scorn, his words icy and devoid of emotion.
"Now that I'm seeing your attitude I think it's for the best. Xia Ruo Lan can finally get over you and move on!"
After he was done speaking, Lucifer didn't wait another damn second and turned on his heel, ready to leave.
Staring dazedly at his best friend's back that was silently mocking every cell in his body, Ethan Lee was overcome with an indescribable feeling. He was at a loss for words to refute Lucifer.
"Lucifer, you don't understand. If it were you and Sera.."
Flustered, Ethan Lee couldn't keep it in and ended up screaming at the man's receding figure causing him to halt in his steps. His expression was unfathomable.
"I wouldn't let that happen to my girl.. Trust me!"
The man's hand on the door handle halted mid air. He swerved around to looked into Ethan Lee's eyes and said enunciating each word clearly.
*slam*
Without waiting for Ethan Lee to respond, Lucifer stormed away, slamming the door after him.
With his head occupied with Xia Ruo Lan, and her thoughts as well as Lucifer's words as they echoed in his ears, Ethan Lee was beyond irate. He knew that he'd committed a wrong and spoken carelessly, hurting his brother!
"Shit!"
Cursing aloud, Ethan Lee kicked the large lion-head antique piece to vent the feelings boiling inside him. The antique shattered with a deafening noise startling Assistant Chen who was intending to knock.
The moment Lucifer was out of Ethan Lee's sight and his office, his unsettled self returned to his original calm. His prior frosty expression melting like ice as Sera's delicate face surfaced through his mind.
Only he's aware of how his feelings, the way it felt when Ethan Lee said those things to him.
Each and every word of his was akin to a pail of boiling acid devouring his bleeding heart. He was ablaze with immense agony just at the thought of Sera leavin his world, leaving him.
"I'll never let Sera down!
Solemnly vowing to himself in an earnest tone filled with sincerity, Lucifer gritted his teeth hard. His hand on the car's door was balled tightly, a few drops of blood could b seen on his palm as well.
"Never", he reiterated in the same sincere voice with a burning in his gray orbs.
- - -
The same day. Evening, around eight-ish.
A plethora of things were scattered across the polished wood desk - papers, ribbons, scissors, and paintings of different sizes. It was a mess.
The night was dark and soundless.
If there was any noise then it was of paper being shred. A fairly delicate hand carefully cut the thick wrappings on the paintings of several sizes. It was a tedious task to clean the paintings before stacking the neatly in an orderly manner.
There was a thin layer of mist shining on the person's pearl like smooth skin, prettier than the actual pearl sitting proudly on her ears.
It was one of the days where Seraphina Lu, the owner and creator of this beautiful art gallery had to work until late. Her secretary, Ye JiaYu was nowhere to be seen in office which was quite unexpected as she always accompanies her boss in times like these.
Under the white lights, her lovely face was a little pale where as her long hair, tied into a ponytail scattered across her back. They looked like a beautiful river of black.
*buzz*
Ruthlessly tearing apart the tranquility, the lonely, and forgotten cellphone buried deep under a pile of things buzzed aloud.
At the buzzing tone, Sera's hand jerked as a frown appeared between her brows.
Halting in her actions, she took a breather before searching for her phone with a hint of worry in her gaze. Thinking that it must be her brother or mother calling to nag at her for not goin home early.
'Where are you?'
A smile bloomed on Sera's lips when she saw that it was a message from her man and not her mom. Her fingers flew as she quickly typed in her reply.
'At the art gallery. I'll be leaving in a while though..'
Still beaming in joy, Sera reluctantly put the phone away and got back to work.
Sera had to stopped herself from calling the man on a whim, her heart pounded in excitement at the mere thought of hearing his alluringly deep voice. It gave her goose bumps.
Although it had been only a day since they last saw each other, Sera terribly missed Lucifer. And longed to be embraced in his loving warmth that magically soothes her frazzled heart, every freaking time.
It was unbelievable!
The man, his gaze, his presence, everything related to him seemed to provides her with a very strong sense of security, affection and strength that is entirely different from any other. It cannot be simply described in words.
About 15 minutes later, the phone's screen lit up again with a peculiar sound callin for her attention.
'Open the door'
Reading the short string of words glaring at her surprised expression, Sera's eyes went wide. She mumbled them softly, again and again, until they were fully registered in her brain.
Taken aback, Sera stood up with a start. The legs of her chair scratched the floor noisily making her heart jump. She then glanced around the large but untidy room as a groan escaped her ruddy lips.
"Oh no!! How can I let him see me like this.."
Clumsily dusting her dress, and smoothing the unruly strands of hair away from her forehead, Sera sprinted outside the room.
*click*
A familiar good-looking visage entered Sera's vision when the door was pulled open by her.
Her already nervous heart skipped a beat under the man's intense gaze directed at her. While his seductive lips curled into a lazy smile, languid and sexy.
Instead of waiting for Sera to invite him in, the man's long legs coolly walked past her dazed figure. It was as though this type of silly reaction was expected from her.
Watching the handsome's wide back as he unhurriedly approached the largest couch, Sera clutched her skirt, crumpling it slightly in the process. She shook her head to clear her mind.
"Lucifer! Wha.. What are you doing here?"
Obviously shaken by Lucifer's appearance, that too unannounced, Sera questioned hi curiously.
Her somewhat shaky voice echoed in the hallway, followed by her urgent footsteps, trying to catch up to him.
The sound of her steps was softer than usual as Sera wasn't wearing her heels today but a pair of clean white sneakers that matched her blue dress. It's length, just above her knees.
"Your favorite.. Dumplings and Beef Noodles!"
Turning around to face the petite woman standing with an anxious expression and staring at him, Lucifer lifted his hand. He was carrying a couple of takeaway bags with the logo of a very famous restaurant. It was also her favorite.
Faint amusement flitted through Lucifer's eyes watching Sera's expression shift from day to night in seconds.
She was no longer frowning. Her face had instantly brightened up at the sight of food, replacing the initial waves of nervousness.
"Ah! I was about to order takeout.. Thanks!"
When her stomach suddenly growled in pangs of hunger, Sera smiled sheepishly in gratitude.
She was deeply embarrassed. Her small face flushed a deep red, especially when the man's throaty chuckle was heard.
As Sera hastened to get away from Lucifer to avoid his teasing, her figure resembled a fearful rabbit escaping the tiger's den. She entered the pantry kitchen in the guise of retrieving the plates and glasses for dinner. It was a perfect excuse or so she thought.
Shaking his head at Sera's timely escape, Lucifer's lips curled into a knowing smile.
Still smiling, Lucifer took off his coat and dropped it on the couch. He then loosened his collar, undid his cufflinks and began to roll up his sleeves. Time and time again, hi unreadable gaze darted in the direction of the pantry.
Lucifer eventually retracted his gaze with a tired sigh!
"Why are you alone.."
Observers the nearly empty floor as well as the containers of food on the table, Lucifer was puzzled. His voice slightly subdued.
As Ye JiaYu often stayed behind with Sera in the office, Lucifer was accustomed to ordering three portions of each dish instea of two whenever he'd dropped by. But tody Ye JiaYu was missing.
Seeing that his girlfriend was taking longer than expected, Lucifer strode towards the the pantry.
"..Where's your secretary?"
Call it a case of superstition or extreme paranoia, Lucifer has been restless ever since his meeting with Ethan Lee.
The kind of insensitive words Ethan Lee had unthinkingly blurted out kept ringing in his ears, even now Lucifer couldn't stop the voices in his head, screaming. After losing his parents and family, a very deep sense of fear and insecurity rose from the bottom of his heart. All his thoughts and emotions were unstable.
'..If it were you and Sera..'
There was dreadfully sharp pain in h chest as though a sea of needles were stabbing his torn flesh, repeatedly. Stifling, making it difficult for him to breath.
His heavy steps ceased at the doorway. His hand clenched into a fist while the usually bright light in his eyes dimmed.
"She had an emergency so.."
Answering his question, Sera reached out to the cupboard where glasses were kept when a big hand appeared.
Lucifer covered her hand with his entirely, making Sera's heart go thump. Her entire body froze as though ice. Even her voice didn't come out as she stopped speaking halfway.
In the dimly lit pantry kitchen, the man's firm chest pressed closely against Sera's back. It was so close that she could easily make out the perfect rhythm of his beating heart. Lucifer's hand held her into a gentle but tight grip, while his free arm sat snugly under her full bosom, encircling her willowy waist.
In a flash, Sera's entire person was effortlessly restricted by him!
Bewildered by the development, Sera stool as still as a rock, trying to calm herself as she could feel her own heart, throbbing at a wild pace. Her dens lashes trembled in the dim as she slowly parted her lips, unsure of what to say or do.
"Lu.. Lucifer.."
The captor's tightened his hold with a very obvious intention of merging their bodies together. At the same time, he breathed into her ears, huskily. His own body tense as a bow.
"Five minutes!"
'WHat Is He SAying??!', Sera screamed in her now woozy head.
"What the hell Ethan! You..."
Whatever wise words that Lucifer initially had prepared to say stuck in his throat as he stared at the teary-eyed Ethan Lee. He couldn't believe his eyes. His friend hadn't cried for anyone apart from his sister, Mia Chung!
"I'm.. I'm sorry bro! But.. You, you can't just sit here as though nothing happened.. You know the reason why Xia Ruo Lan left, right?"
Raking his slender fingers through his dark hair in utter frustration, Lucifer apologized and sat up straight. His expression shifted unnoticeably for a second or two.
Keen-eyed, Lucifer was mentally sure that Ethan Lee definitely knew the answer to his question.
Sitting across the desk, Ethan Lee almost sneered at his best friend's query!
"So what if I know?.."
Slamming the file shut, Ethan Lee threw it haphazardly on the desk. It fell with a loud bang.
The man's aggrieved look coupled with the aggressiveness he displayed was no doubt overwhelming.
"How does it matter?"
"...."
"How does it bloody matter now?! She is gone.. Xia Ruo Lan is gone away from my life, and that's the truth! Even if I find her, and beg Xia Ruo Lan to come back to me and tell her that I love her, she.."
"...."
"..Xia Ruo Lan.. She wouldn't believe me.. Hell, even I don't believe myself!
A derisive scoff escaped Lucifer's mouth listening to his dear friend as he spouted rubbish in broad daylight, shamelessly.
"Ethan, do you realize that you're sounding like a jerk! You're wrong, you're so bloody wrong to let Xia Ruo Lan suffer by herself.."
"Lucifer.."
Not letting Ethan Lee interrupt him, the gray eyed hunk continued with a look of scorn, his words icy and devoid of emotion.
"Now that I'm seeing your attitude I think it's for the best. Xia Ruo Lan can finally get over you and move on!"
After he was done speaking, Lucifer didn't wait another damn second and turned on his heel, ready to leave.
Staring dazedly at his best friend's back that was silently mocking every cell in his body, Ethan Lee was overcome with an indescribable feeling. He was at a loss for words to refute Lucifer.
"Lucifer, you don't understand. If it were you and Sera.."
Flustered, Ethan Lee couldn't keep it in and ended up screaming at the man's receding figure causing him to halt in his steps. His expression was unfathomable.
"I wouldn't let that happen to my girl.. Trust me!"
The man's hand on the door handle halted mid air. He swerved around to looked into Ethan Lee's eyes and said enunciating each word clearly.
*slam*
Without waiting for Ethan Lee to respond, Lucifer stormed away, slamming the door after him.
With his head occupied with Xia Ruo Lan, and her thoughts as well as Lucifer's words as they echoed in his ears, Ethan Lee was beyond irate. He knew that he'd committed a wrong and spoken carelessly, hurting his brother!
"Shit!"
Cursing aloud, Ethan Lee kicked the large lion-head antique piece to vent the feelings boiling inside him. The antique shattered with a deafening noise startling Assistant Chen who was intending to knock.
The moment Lucifer was out of Ethan Lee's sight and his office, his unsettled self returned to his original calm. His prior frosty expression melting like ice as Sera's delicate face surfaced through his mind.
Only he's aware of how his feelings, the way it felt when Ethan Lee said those things to him.
Each and every word of his was akin to a pail of boiling acid devouring his bleeding heart. He was ablaze with immense agony just at the thought of Sera leavin his world, leaving him.
"I'll never let Sera down!
Solemnly vowing to himself in an earnest tone filled with sincerity, Lucifer gritted his teeth hard. His hand on the car's door was balled tightly, a few drops of blood could b seen on his palm as well.
"Never", he reiterated in the same sincere voice with a burning in his gray orbs.
- - -
The same day. Evening, around eight-ish.
A plethora of things were scattered across the polished wood desk - papers, ribbons, scissors, and paintings of different sizes. It was a mess.
The night was dark and soundless.
If there was any noise then it was of paper being shred. A fairly delicate hand carefully cut the thick wrappings on the paintings of several sizes. It was a tedious task to clean the paintings before stacking the neatly in an orderly manner.
There was a thin layer of mist shining on the person's pearl like smooth skin, prettier than the actual pearl sitting proudly on her ears.
It was one of the days where Seraphina Lu, the owner and creator of this beautiful art gallery had to work until late. Her secretary, Ye JiaYu was nowhere to be seen in office which was quite unexpected as she always accompanies her boss in times like these.
Under the white lights, her lovely face was a little pale where as her long hair, tied into a ponytail scattered across her back. They looked like a beautiful river of black.
*buzz*
Ruthlessly tearing apart the tranquility, the lonely, and forgotten cellphone buried deep under a pile of things buzzed aloud.
At the buzzing tone, Sera's hand jerked as a frown appeared between her brows.
Halting in her actions, she took a breather before searching for her phone with a hint of worry in her gaze. Thinking that it must be her brother or mother calling to nag at her for not goin home early.
'Where are you?'
A smile bloomed on Sera's lips when she saw that it was a message from her man and not her mom. Her fingers flew as she quickly typed in her reply.
'At the art gallery. I'll be leaving in a while though..'
Still beaming in joy, Sera reluctantly put the phone away and got back to work.
Sera had to stopped herself from calling the man on a whim, her heart pounded in excitement at the mere thought of hearing his alluringly deep voice. It gave her goose bumps.
Although it had been only a day since they last saw each other, Sera terribly missed Lucifer. And longed to be embraced in his loving warmth that magically soothes her frazzled heart, every freaking time.
It was unbelievable!
The man, his gaze, his presence, everything related to him seemed to provides her with a very strong sense of security, affection and strength that is entirely different from any other. It cannot be simply described in words.
About 15 minutes later, the phone's screen lit up again with a peculiar sound callin for her attention.
'Open the door'
Reading the short string of words glaring at her surprised expression, Sera's eyes went wide. She mumbled them softly, again and again, until they were fully registered in her brain.
Taken aback, Sera stood up with a start. The legs of her chair scratched the floor noisily making her heart jump. She then glanced around the large but untidy room as a groan escaped her ruddy lips.
"Oh no!! How can I let him see me like this.."
Clumsily dusting her dress, and smoothing the unruly strands of hair away from her forehead, Sera sprinted outside the room.
*click*
A familiar good-looking visage entered Sera's vision when the door was pulled open by her.
Her already nervous heart skipped a beat under the man's intense gaze directed at her. While his seductive lips curled into a lazy smile, languid and sexy.
Instead of waiting for Sera to invite him in, the man's long legs coolly walked past her dazed figure. It was as though this type of silly reaction was expected from her.
Watching the handsome's wide back as he unhurriedly approached the largest couch, Sera clutched her skirt, crumpling it slightly in the process. She shook her head to clear her mind.
"Lucifer! Wha.. What are you doing here?"
Obviously shaken by Lucifer's appearance, that too unannounced, Sera questioned hi curiously.
Her somewhat shaky voice echoed in the hallway, followed by her urgent footsteps, trying to catch up to him.
The sound of her steps was softer than usual as Sera wasn't wearing her heels today but a pair of clean white sneakers that matched her blue dress. It's length, just above her knees.
"Your favorite.. Dumplings and Beef Noodles!"
Turning around to face the petite woman standing with an anxious expression and staring at him, Lucifer lifted his hand. He was carrying a couple of takeaway bags with the logo of a very famous restaurant. It was also her favorite.
Faint amusement flitted through Lucifer's eyes watching Sera's expression shift from day to night in seconds.
She was no longer frowning. Her face had instantly brightened up at the sight of food, replacing the initial waves of nervousness.
"Ah! I was about to order takeout.. Thanks!"
When her stomach suddenly growled in pangs of hunger, Sera smiled sheepishly in gratitude.
She was deeply embarrassed. Her small face flushed a deep red, especially when the man's throaty chuckle was heard.
As Sera hastened to get away from Lucifer to avoid his teasing, her figure resembled a fearful rabbit escaping the tiger's den. She entered the pantry kitchen in the guise of retrieving the plates and glasses for dinner. It was a perfect excuse or so she thought.
Shaking his head at Sera's timely escape, Lucifer's lips curled into a knowing smile.
Still smiling, Lucifer took off his coat and dropped it on the couch. He then loosened his collar, undid his cufflinks and began to roll up his sleeves. Time and time again, hi unreadable gaze darted in the direction of the pantry.
Lucifer eventually retracted his gaze with a tired sigh!
"Why are you alone.."
Observers the nearly empty floor as well as the containers of food on the table, Lucifer was puzzled. His voice slightly subdued.
As Ye JiaYu often stayed behind with Sera in the office, Lucifer was accustomed to ordering three portions of each dish instea of two whenever he'd dropped by. But tody Ye JiaYu was missing.
Seeing that his girlfriend was taking longer than expected, Lucifer strode towards the the pantry.
"..Where's your secretary?"
Call it a case of superstition or extreme paranoia, Lucifer has been restless ever since his meeting with Ethan Lee.
The kind of insensitive words Ethan Lee had unthinkingly blurted out kept ringing in his ears, even now Lucifer couldn't stop the voices in his head, screaming. After losing his parents and family, a very deep sense of fear and insecurity rose from the bottom of his heart. All his thoughts and emotions were unstable.
'..If it were you and Sera..'
There was dreadfully sharp pain in h chest as though a sea of needles were stabbing his torn flesh, repeatedly. Stifling, making it difficult for him to breath.
His heavy steps ceased at the doorway. His hand clenched into a fist while the usually bright light in his eyes dimmed.
"She had an emergency so.."
Answering his question, Sera reached out to the cupboard where glasses were kept when a big hand appeared.
Lucifer covered her hand with his entirely, making Sera's heart go thump. Her entire body froze as though ice. Even her voice didn't come out as she stopped speaking halfway.
In the dimly lit pantry kitchen, the man's firm chest pressed closely against Sera's back. It was so close that she could easily make out the perfect rhythm of his beating heart. Lucifer's hand held her into a gentle but tight grip, while his free arm sat snugly under her full bosom, encircling her willowy waist.
In a flash, Sera's entire person was effortlessly restricted by him!
Bewildered by the development, Sera stool as still as a rock, trying to calm herself as she could feel her own heart, throbbing at a wild pace. Her dens lashes trembled in the dim as she slowly parted her lips, unsure of what to say or do.
"Lu.. Lucifer.."
The captor's tightened his hold with a very obvious intention of merging their bodies together. At the same time, he breathed into her ears, huskily. His own body tense as a bow.
"Five minutes!"
'WHat Is He SAying??!', Sera screamed in her now woozy head.
