When Argus’s grandfather found out his feelings for Celine weren’t normal, he sent her abroad without even discussing it. Just like that. Gone.
After that, he kept arranging blind dates for Argus, one after another.
And somehow, Argus noticed me.
Not because of who I was.
Just because I looked like her.
That night still felt like a blur I couldn’t wash away. My drink tasted strange, my head got heavy, and everything spun. I remembered his hands, his voice, the way I couldn’t even push him away properly.
One person needed love.
The other needed money.
So it became… this.
Something ugly. Something I could never name out loud.
...
The car stopped, and I snapped back to reality.
The old house stood in front of me, quiet and imposing.
The moment the door opened, Celine ran straight into Argus’s arms. “Argus, I missed you so much,” she said, clinging to him like she belonged there.
His expression changed instantly.
Soft. Gentle.
Like I had never seen before.
He reached out and pinched her nose lightly. “Why aren’t you wearing shoes again? What if you get sick? Do you even take care of yourself?”
She laughed, leaning into him. “If I get sick, then you’ll have to stay with me all the time, right?”
They kept talking, teasing each other as if nothing else existed.
Like they were the only two people in the world.
I stood there, watching.
What was I, then?
The butler stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Sir, the master hasn’t been well lately. You should be more careful.”
I knew what he meant.
The last time Argus came here, he fought with his grandfather over Celine. It got so bad the old man had to be rushed to the hospital overnight.
Argus frowned, clearly annoyed. “Why does Grandpa suddenly want to see Dahlia? What is it this time? More gossip?”
Before anyone could answer, a voice came from upstairs.
“Is there something I’m not allowed to hear?”
I looked up.
Grandpa slowly walked down, leaning on his cane but still steady.
My chest tightened.
Without thinking, I stepped forward to support him. “Careful, Grandpa,” I said softly.
He looked at me and nodded, his expression warming just a little.
Out of everyone here… he was the only one who ever treated me like family.
But the moment his gaze shifted to Argus and Celine still standing too close, something in his eyes changed.
Anger.