Regret Came Too Late

When Selene reached the apartment, she found Vincent waiting outside.

Vincent was a model of gentleness-a university professor whose scholarly demeanor clung to him like well-worn parchment.

He lifted the bag of groceries in his hand and beamed. "Are you done with your meetings?"

Selene paused mid-step, gave a slight nod, and unlocked the door.

Vincent followed her inside, naturally changing into indoor shoes at the entrance before handing her a pair, asking, "What do you want to eat?"

Selene yawned and sprawled onto the couch in the living room. "Anything simple."

Vincent took the apron hanging nearby and approached her. Bracing his hands on the back of the couch, he leaned over her reclined form and studied her face.

Selene, on the other hand, kept her eyes closed but knew exactly what he was doing.

"Professor Calloway," she muttered drowsily. "I've been terrified of teachers since childhood."

He chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair away from her cheek.

Selene didn't avoid his touch. She was simply too tired at this point.

minutes later, the

a few packages online, Selene assumed it was a delivery. She forced herself up and shuffled to

making it clear she wasn't going to move. A frown creased her brow as she asked, "What are

kitchen carrying a bowl, seemingly unaware that there was a guest. In a casual tone, he said, "Selene, come grab the dishes." In the next second, Damien shoved the door open with a loud thud, causing Selene to stumble back as she watched him stride

sound, Vincent placed the dishes down and turned to come out. He was

over the three freshly prepared dishes and the chicken soup steaming on the counter. His

vanished

wearily. "Whatever this is, save it for

he said, "Sure, Another day, then. But since I'm already here, I might as well try Professor Calloway's cooking see how it compares to

could react. His voice was warm as he said, "Let's eat first. You

of them made Damien seem like an intruder who had forced his

obstruction rose in his chest, and he seethed

and Vincent were officially a couple. Whatever he thought he was doing here barging in like he was. catching

nature, Vincent ladled out three sets of dishes, politely placing the first

been in meetings for two days and had only eaten bread and drunk a