Page 10

Lilith looked down at her hands, pleased with the result.

Her nails were extremely long and spiky, painted a perfect glossy white.

But the true charm was in the contrast—delicate little bandages wrapped around a few fingertips, covering the cuts she had finally taken care of.

Each one was decorated with soft pink hearts, the kind a child might choose, and somehow they made the sharp nails feel even prettier. Soft and sharp. Very her.

The situation at the bar had happened a few days ago, but the aftermath still lingered in the warmest way.

The next day, she'd woken up with a headache that made her swear she'd never drink again.

Her body ached, her mouth was dry, and her stomach was a battlefield—but despite it all, she spent the entire day smiling.

She'd stayed tucked in bed under three blankets, a long FaceTime call with Gabrielle playing lazily in front of her for hours.

They talked in circles, paused for snacks, laughed over nothing.

Lilith's voice had been soft and her eyes half—lidded from exhaustion, but the little smile never left her lips.

Gabrielle liked what she saw—more than she could ever put into words.

Lilith, with sleep still in her eyes, wrapped in her oversized sweater and wearing that silly little grin, was truly the sweetest angel she'd ever laid eyes on.

Gabrielle felt a rare pride swell in her chest, proud of herself for taking the situation into her own hands, but more than anything, she was just happy the girl was smiling.

And she would do anything to keep her smiling like that.

If being around Valentina Salvatore made Lilith look like that—even just a little—then Gabrielle would make sure more situations like that happened. No hesitation.

Their friendship could never be one-sided—not with the way they loved each other, platonically and deeply, like true soulmates.

Lilith had already promised to cook Gabrielle the best dinner ever as a thank you, and of course she meant it.

It was written all over her—how she always had to say thank you, or apologize, or do something for the people she loved.

Like she didn't know how to just receive kindness without giving something back.

Now, sitting in the university library with a cup of overly sweet tea in hand.

The book in front of her had gone blurry from the fifth time she tried to read the same sentence.

Tonight, she had dinner planned with her dad and Oscar—the second one this month—and for the first time in.

.. maybe ever, she was actually excited.

She'd even told Oscar they could meet up at the company beforehand.

Her excuse had been vague, something about finishing early, but the truth sat warm and fidgety in her chest.

Valentina.

She just wanted to see her. Hear her voice. Even a short conversation would've been enough. Something to carry in her mind for the rest of the evening.

Valentina Salvatore had become a fresh distraction, one that didn't feel heavy or confusing, just..

. unexpected. Gentle. And in the haze of this new feeling, Lilith had completely forgotten about the phone call with her mother.

The usual dread hadn't followed her this time.

Maybe it would return, maybe not—but right now, all she could think about was whether Valentina would be at the office when she arrived.

Lilith couldn't help but grin to herself.

For once, her thoughts were not focused on all the worries that had been plaguing her life recently.

As the day continued, Lilith finally found herself standing in front of Valentina's office door. She knocked softly, and before long, she heard Valentina's voice from the other side. A small smile formed on Lilith's lips as she turned the handle and opened the door.

Valentina was sitting behind her mahogany desk, her eyes trained on the laptop screen in front of her.

As Lilith stepped inside, the woman looked up, her expression amused.

There wasn't the usual sense of distance that Valentina often projected—more like the surprise of a sweet visitor.

She didn't say anything, but her eyes softened ever so slightly.

Lilith dropped her bag onto the couch with a soft thud before pulling something out from behind her back: a box of chocolates.

She couldn't help but giggle to herself at the idea that she was acting like some kind of top admirer, giving Valentina both flowers and chocolates.

She placed the box on the desk in front of the woman with a playful smile.

"First of all, thank you for walking me home." Lilith said, her voice a little more sincere than the playful tone she tried to keep.

"Second of all... look!" she added with a grin, holding out her hands, showing off her newly manicured nails and the cute bandages wrapped around her fingers.

"Pretty nails." Valentina remarked, her voice calm but with a hint of something almost like amusement. She said it on purpose, of course—knowing the girl meant something else, but wanting to see the blonde sulk.

Lilith pouted slightly, rolling her eyes.

"Not nails, I took care of my cuts." Her voice was whiny but playful.

She was actually surprised that Valentina found her nails pretty—she had thought someone like her would think they were tacky.

Her own fingers were more refined, her nails barely long enough to make a statement, unlike Lilith's sharp, kitty-like claws.

Valentina, trying not to smile, raised an eyebrow at the sight, but there was something in her eyes that softened. She didn't respond right away, and Lilith, still on her feet, turned around and sat lightly on the couch, her legs crossed comfortably beneath her.

"Good job." Valentina said, her tone neutral, but with a flicker of approval.

Lilith was a little disappointed. She had been hoping for something more—a good girl, like when they were at the bar. It wasn't that it mattered, but it would've been nice to hear it again. After all, it had been the first time in her life she'd ever heard herself called that.

"Try the chocolates." Lilith said, eager for a reaction.

Valentina eyed the box, her lips curving slightly as she opened it. It was almost impressive how the girl read her. Salted caramel? She couldn't help but want to smile-it was the perfect choice.

"First flowers, then chocolates, what's next? A car?" she asked, her voice teasing.

Lilith grinned and rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. That's for when I accidentally burn down your office." Her words came out with a playful grin.

Valentina almost smiled at that, her eyes brightening. The girl was playful, and when she wasn't shy, she was definitely good with words. Valentina could even admit that she found her a little funny.

"You're lucky I like chocolate." the dark haired woman admitted.

Lilith, with a cheeky grin, nodded. "I know, I googled gifts for mean women with power complexes."

Valentina raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "And this came up?"

Lilith beamed, proud of her witty response. "Right after 'therapy and scented candles.'"

Valentina chuckled softly, leaning back in her chair. "And I assume you would be the therapist?"

Lilith nodded eagerly. "Exactly. Try it and don't pretend you're not impressed. I'm making your day with these chocolates."

Valentina, taking a bite, smirked slightly. "Mediocre. But it's cute how much you believe that."

Lilith gasped, pretending shock. "Are you really going to insult my gift right in front of me?"

Valentina smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. It was an obvious lie—the chocolates weren't mediocre at all. The gesture was nice, and Lilith had actually picked ones that weren't too cheap. "I'm not insulting your gift, just the chocolate. It's like a sad little snack pretending to be special."

Lilith crossed her arms. "Well, maybe I'm the one who's special then."

Valentina leaned back in her chair, eyes still on Lilith. "You might be, but this chocolate? Definitely not."

Their laughter bubbled up, filling the space between them.

The lightness of the moment, the playful teasing, seemed to erase the strain of the day for both of them.

It wasn't a grand conversation, but it was refreshing.

And for Valentina, it felt like a breath of fresh air in the middle of her busy workday.

The girl, with her carefree attitude, had somehow managed to make her feel... lighter. It had been a while since anyone had done that.

After a beat, Lilith's voice broke the silence. "Can I have one?" she asked, her eyes fixed on the chocolates.

Valentina raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking from Lilith to the chocolates. "You want to eat my gift?"

Lilith shrugged, still pouting. "Hey, I spent my money on it. At least let me try it."

Valentina nodded, moving the box of chocolates closer to the edge of her desk, knowing she would enjoy them with a glass of wine later at home.

Lilith stood up, walking over to the desk and taking a piece of chocolate for herself before heading back to the couch. She settled in, lying down comfortably as she unwrapped it and took a bite. The room seemed to be filled with an easy comfort.

Lilith thought to herself that she would probably feel sad later, missing this moment. But she wondered if Valentina also found joy in it. She watched the woman out of the corner of her eye, gauging her expression.

Valentina, noticing Lilith lying on the couch, glanced at her, her eyes briefly lingering on the skirt she was wearing. The hem had ridden up slightly, revealing the soft, milky fullness of her thighs. Valentina couldn't help but think that Lilith probably wore skirts like this often—it suited her.

The woman paused for a moment, then asked. "So, I'm making you broke?"

Lilith's smile widened, and she tossed back. "Yes. Will you hire me when I'm out of money?"

"On what position would you like to work?" Valentina questioned, though she knew deep down that if Lilith actually worked in this company, it would be a disaster.

Lilith tilted her head adorably, clearly enjoying the banter. "Your personal assistant?"

Before Valentina could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them.

The sound of it made the woman instantly shift, putting back on her professional demeanor.

Normally, this would upset Lilith, watching the woman visibly switch characters for the outside world.

But today, knowing that Valentina enjoyed it and that she was in control, Lilith couldn't help but find it fascinating.

As soon as the door opened, both of them turned to see Oscar standing there, his face full of confusion at the sight of Lilith sprawled out on the couch.

"Hi." Lilith giggled, her voice light and carefree.

Oscar blinked, clearly taken aback. "Hi?" he asked, his tone unsure.

As much as she loved Oscar, she found herself wanting to curse him out for interrupting the moment between her and Valentina.

The moment was broken, but a part of Lilith couldn't help but smile, knowing she'd savor it for as long as possible.