Between Love and Revenge

“BEE, STOP”

(Elian Montrose)

It wasn’t exactly noble taking advantage of Seraphina the way I was, but somehow, it had become my reality.

I popped a slice of watermelon into my mouth and leaned against the kitchen counter, letting the sweetness distract me.

“This is going to be my biggest adventure ever”, I said aloud, laughing at myself. The absurdity of it all, being caught between a woman and her son in the middle of a lie, was ridiculous. Who would’ve thought?

Love makes fools of us all. And I, Elian Montrose, was no exception.

Just then, my alarm rang. I chuckled again, the sound reminding me of Seraphina’s chaotic phone alarm from the other day.

Until I met her, I never saw the point of setting alarms on my phone. Now I found myself mimicking her little habits. Sending random photo messages, sipping tea before bed, eating fruit like it was a religion.

Even worse? Setting alarms when I wasn’t even asleep.

That’s how deep I’d fallen.

Bee barked in the distance, pulling me out of my spiral. Seconds later, she darted into the kitchen, tail wagging like crazy.

“Hey, Miss Bee”, I said, scooping her into my arms. “You’re going to be a good girl today, alright? Phina is coming over”.

She tilted her head, eyes blinking curiously.

“You have to promise to behave”, I added seriously. “We want her to feel welcome, okay?”

Bee just stared at me, tilting her head to the other side as if trying to understand. I chuckled, rubbing her soft fur before setting her back down.

The doorbell rang. I froze for a heartbeat, then smiled.

Seraphina.

My heart thudded, and I quickly wiped my palms on my jeans before going to the door. This was her first time at my place. Naturally, I was excited.

I opened the door, and there she stood, mysteriously stunning in a long black leather gown that clung to her curves like it was made for her. Her hair was packed in a messy bun, leaving her beautiful face fully visible.

She took my breath away.

“Elian, I said hi”, her voice cut through the fog in my brain.

I blinked, smiling sheepishly. “Hi, Phina. Sorry. You look… absolutely breathtaking”

Her smile wavered at the corners, and I could tell my words had hit the right note.

“I was wondering how many times I’d have to say hi before getting a response”, she teased.

“Sorry you caught me daydreaming. You’re a sight to behold”, I said, meaning every word.

A slow smile spread across her face. She looked away shyly, her eyes darting everywhere but at me.

“Can we?” I gestured inside with a swing of my arm.

“Wow, Elian Montrose, who did you say you were again?” she teased as she stepped in, her eyes wide with awe.

“The house is nice and big. I get that a lot”, I said, but I was watching her more than I was listening to myself. The way her eyes lit up as she explored the space, that was the best part.

She walked around slowly, fingers gliding over furniture and decorations, occasionally gasping or pausing to take something in. I just stood back and watched, smiling.

“Your house is so good”, she said, finally turning back to me.

“Thank you, Phina”, I replied, still grinning.

“I’m going to make you a quick meal”, I winked and headed to the kitchen.

“You’re really serious about cooking me something?” she called after me.

“Of course. I plan on making you fall even more in love with me”, I replied loudly enough for her to hear.

Silence.

I smirked.

In the kitchen, I got to work on something simple. Chips and egg sauce. I actually knew how to cook. I still hadn’t figured out what made me so interested in it, but it had grown on me.

Soon enough, the meal was ready. It tasted just right. Flavorful and soft. I nodded in satisfaction, plated two portions, and grabbed a bottle of wine and some cutlery.

Even though I wasn’t really hungry, I was eager to see Phina’s reaction.

But when I returned to the living room, she was no longer where I left her.

“Miss Parker?” I called, my eyes scanning the room.

I set everything down carefully on the table and headed toward the garden, something telling me I’d find her there.

I did.

She stood on the balcony, her arms resting on the railing as she stared out into the sea of green below.

“There you are”, I said, relieved. “I thought…”

“I got lost?” she cut in with a light laugh and glanced at me over her shoulder.

I chuckled. “I like that you’re making yourself comfortable”.

“Thank you for having me, Elian”, she said, still smiling. “I’m enjoying my stay. About yesterday…”

Her smile faded slightly as she let out a heavy sigh.

“Maybe I approached April too fast. I’m sorry you had to hear those words from him”

I reached for her hand gently, then led her to sit on the garden bench.

“We should tell him in a more comfortable environment”, I said. “Give him time to process everything.”

“Thank you… again, thank you for understanding”, she said, looking at me with something soft in her eyes.

I gave her a small nod, my mind flashing back to April’s words. It was as if the boy could see through my soul. I pushed the thought away.

“Let’s eat. It’s going to get cold”, I said, rising and offering her my hand again.

She took it, and we walked back into the house.

As soon as we stepped inside, Bee came sprinting toward us from the hallway.

I smiled, relieved. I’d been wondering where she’d gone off to.

But instead of greeting me like usual, she sped right past and stopped in front of Seraphina, her entire body tense.

Then the barking started. It wasn’t playful. It was sharp, persistent, almost panicked.

She circled Seraphina in quick loops, barking louder with every pass, her tail stiff, her ears alert. I moved to grab her collar, whispering calming words, but she slipped away, barking even harder.

My chest tightened. Bee never acted like this. Never. Not unless she sensed danger.

I glanced at Seraphina. She was frozen, her smile faltering, her eyes darting between me and Bee. She held her hands up in an unsure gesture, like she wasn’t sure whether to reach down or back away.

“Bee, stop it”, I said more firmly, stepping between them.

But Bee only growled low, her stance rigid now, her gaze locked on Seraphina with a sharpness that unsettled me.

Something was off. I could feel it.