Liliane sighed as she finally reached her apartment complex, her mind still reeling from the chaos of lunch. First Hollow’s ridiculous compliments, then the gossip, then Ian’s cryptic nonsense… She rubbed her temple, wondering if she could just sleep for a year and let everything blow over.

  Just as she reached her door, a voice piped up from behind.

  “Liiiiily!”

  Liliane barely had time to register before a blur of energy bolted up the stairs toward her. She turned just in time to see Celia—her blue haired 13-year-old neighbor—grinning up at her, arms crossed like she had just caught Liliane sneaking back home past curfew.

  “You’re back late,” Celia declared, squinting at her like a detective inspecting a suspect. “Where were you? And why are you wearing that?”

  Liliane blinked. “What?”

  Celia pointed dramatically at the oversized shirt. “A boy?”

  Liliane groaned. “No.”

  “Lily…” Celia’s voice dropped into something almost scolding. “I thought we were friends. And friends don’t lie to each other.”

  Liliane exhaled, realizing that, much like Mei, Celia was not the type to just let things go. She tried to change the subject. “Didn’t you say you were going to some after-school thing today?”

  Celia pouted. “Nice try. That was yesterday.” She stepped beside Liliane as she unlocked her door. “But you didn’t come home yesterday, and now you’re back with mystery clothes, so I demand an explanation.”

  Liliane gave her a flat look. “You demand an explanation?”

  Celia nodded firmly.

  Liliane sighed, deciding to go with the simplest answer possible. “I ruined my shirt and had to borrow one and had to stay somewhere else. That’s it.”

  Celia raised an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

  “That’s it,” Liliane confirmed, stepping inside.

  As Liliane set her bag down, Celia crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe, watching her with narrowed eyes, still suspicious. “Alright, Miss Lily, I’ll let you off the hook… for now.”

  Liliane let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

  “But!” Celia perked up again. “You owe me. We’ll have to do something together later.”

  Liliane blinked at the sudden shift. “Something?”

  “Yeah! I’ll make plans and let you know!” Celia said, her tone leaving little room for argument.

  Liliane hesitated for a second but then nodded. “Alright. Just nothing too crazy.”

  Celia grinned, giving her a thumbs-up before skipping off down the hall. “Cool! I’ll think of something fun! Good night Miss Lily!”

  Liliane watched her go before closing her door and exhaling. At least this would be a more manageable interaction compared to everything else today.

  Hollow stepped into his apartment complex, his mind free of any lingering thoughts from the day. The moment he crossed the threshold, the familiar scent of old wood and faint cigarette smoke clung to the air—an ever-present part of the building’s aging structure.

  Just as he reached the stairs, a gruff voice called out.

  “You look like hell.”

  Hollow stopped, turning slightly to see Gabe standing near the complex entrance, arms crossed, and a cigarette in his right hand. The old man was leaning against the wall, his usual scowl in place, like he was waiting to find something to complain about.

  Hollow blinked. “Do I?”

  Gabe squinted at him, then grumbled, “Tch. You never looked great, but today you look like you got run over.”

  Hollow considered that. He had been stabbed, injured, and home treated, the night before but it wasn’t anything unusual for him. “I feel fine.”

  Gabe scoffed. “That’s what idiots say before keeling over.”

  Hollow didn’t bother responding and started walking again.

  “You’re walking weird, too,” Gabe continued, eyeing him as he moved. “Too stiff. Makes you look suspicious.”

  Hollow stopped again, staring at him blankly. “Suspicious of what?”

  Dave shrugged. “Hell if I know. But if I didn’t know you lived here, I’d assume you were casing the place.”

  Hollow exhaled. “I do live here.”

  Gabe grunted. “Then walk like it.” He sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. “God help me, kid.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Whatever. Just don’t drop dead in my complex. Too much damn paperwork.”

  Hollow resumed walking, but just as he reached the stairs, Gabe muttered something behind him.

  “…And if you are gonna keel over, at least tell someone first.”

  Hollow glanced back briefly, but Gabe had already turned away, grumbling to himself.

  He didn’t respond. He just continued up the stairs, not entirely sure why he had looked back in the first place.

  Hollow reached his apartment, pushing the door open with his usual mechanical indifference. The room was the same as always—bare, functional, devoid of any personal touch. No scattered magazines, no leftover energy drink cans, nothing that suggested anyone actually lived here. Just a bed, a desk, a few neatly stacked essentials, and the dim glow of the city seeping in through the blinds.

  He closed the door behind him, the lock clicking into place, and let his body move on autopilot. Bag down. Boots off. Jacket draped over the chair. Everything in its place.

  And yet, for all the routine, his mind wasn’t as still as usual.

  Something about the day lingered. Not the physical strain—that was nothing. Not the injuries—those were already healing.

  It was the words.

  Capable. Dignified. Resilient.

  He hadn’t thought much about them when he said them. He rarely thought about anything before speaking. Words were just tools, meant to convey facts. And yet, they had lingered in the air, drawn reactions he hadn’t predicted. Liliane’s flustered response. Mei and Felix’s amused interpretations.

  Had he said something strange?

  He wasn’t sure.

  Then there was Ian’s parting remark.

  "Since people are talking, you might wanna take care of her."

  Hollow wasn’t sure what Ian had meant exactly, nor did he particularly care. But something in the phrasing had caught his attention, just for a moment.

  Why?

  He laid down on the bed, staring at the ceiling, the faint sounds of the city outside filling the silence.

  His body demanded rest, but his mind idled for a little longer than usual.

  Not on anything profound. Not on any realization. Just an observation.

  Today was different.

  And then, before he could make sense of why, sleep claimed him.

  The workweek had settled into its usual routine, but the lingering whispers of workplace gossip still floated through the air like background noise.

  Liliane had largely ignored it, brushing off the occasional knowing glance or hushed murmurs when she passed by. Even Mei, despite her teasing, had grown bored of the subject after a few days—though that didn’t mean she had forgotten about it entirely.

  Unfortunately, the rumor had now reached the ears of someone who was very interested in it.

  Across the office, Jacob, one of the young upper ups of the company, son of one of the investors. He was visiting some of his romantic interests, flashing an easy grin at the two women he was effortlessly entertaining. While he also had a pair guys standing around who followed his conversation topics.

  He was tall, attractive and had as much wealth to do as he pleased, he had a reputation of going after any woman he found attractive having his fun with her and moving on to the next one, while some took it better than others, there was a history of heartbroken girls that left the company feeling played and betrayed.

  Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

  The group formed around him hung onto his words, giggling at his daring flirtations with the girls while he enjoyed the attention.

  Then, he spotted her.

  Liliane.

  The moment his eyes landed on her, his interest piqued again. She wasn’t like most of the women here. She had an air of mystery, a quiet elegance that made her stand out. The moment he heard she was from the countryside, he had already placed her in a neat little box in his mind—new, inexperienced, easy prey.

  A perfect little amusement for him.

  “She’s something, huh?” he mused aloud, nudging the shoulder of one of the girls beside him.

  The girl, eager to contribute to the conversation, followed his gaze and smirked. “Oh, her? You’re a little late, Jacob. Didn’t you hear?”

  Jacob raised an eyebrow, still watching Liliane as she quietly worked at her desk. “Hear what?”

  The second girl giggled. “She’s taken.”

  Jacob blinked, then let out a laugh. “Excuse me?”

  The first girl nodded eagerly. “Mhm. She showed up to work with some guy a few days ago, wearing his shirt.”

  Jacob’s amusement flickered, a slight furrow appearing in his brow. “What guy?”

  “Oh, you’ve definitely seen him,” the second girl said, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Kinda short, doesn’t talk much, kinda lifeless looking? He’s new here too. What was his name again…?”

  “Hunter,” the first girl supplied.

  Jacob’s easy smile froze for half a second before he scoffed. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope.”

  “Apparently, she stayed over at his place.”

  Jacob’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk, his expression still casual—but there was an unmistakable shift in his energy.

  This wasn’t just any girl. This was his type. And she had been taken—by that?

  Jacob exhaled through his nose, leaning back again. “Well,” he mused, a smirk creeping back onto his face. “That’s just unacceptable.”

  He wasn’t about to let some nobody claim what should’ve been his.

  It was time to restore order.

  Liliane stepped out of her department for a short break, stretching her arms as she walked toward the vending machines. The office atmosphere was calm—quiet murmurs, footsteps clicking against the polished floors, the faint hum of printers in the distance.

  She appreciated these moments. They gave her space to breathe, to be alone without anyone hovering over her.

  But today, that peace was short-lived.

  “Hey there.”

  Liliane glanced to her side, finding a very tall figure leaning casually against the vending machine, his posture effortlessly confident.

  Jacob.

  He smiled at her, relaxed yet deliberate, like he was already in control of the conversation before it even started.

  “You’re Liliane, right?”

  She blinked. “Yes?”

  He chuckled, shaking his head as if amused by something. “Figures. You don’t talk much, do you?”

  Liliane hesitated. She wasn’t sure what the expected response was. “I talk when necessary.”

  Jacob smirked. “Mysterious. I like that.”

  She didn’t say anything, simply stepping forward to make her selection at the vending machine. Jacob, unfazed, leaned in slightly. “So, I heard you’re new here. How are you liking it?”

  Liliane pressed the button for a canned coffee. “It’s fine.”

  Jacob tilted his head, watching her. She was giving him nothing. Normally, by now, a girl would either be flustered or trying to make a good impression.

  Instead, Liliane just waited for her drink, completely indifferent to his presence.

  Not used to that reaction, Jacob adjusted his approach. “You know, as a leader in this company it is one of my duties to help newcomers,” he said smoothly. “I like to make sure they’re settling in properly. It can be overwhelming working in a place like this if you don’t know the right people.”

  Liliane retrieved her canned coffee and looked at him. “I see.”

  That was it. No enthusiasm, no gratitude, no interest.

  Jacob hid his irritation behind an easy chuckle. “Let me know if you ever need anything,” he offered. “Seriously. I’d be happy to show you around.”

  Liliane considered it for a moment, then nodded politely. “Alright.”

  Jacob took that as progress. “Good. Here—” He pulled out his phone, already opening his contacts. “Let’s exchange numbers.”

  Liliane blinked but nodded, taking out her own phone with no particular rush. She saw no reason to refuse—it was normal for coworkers to have each other’s contact information, wasn’t it?

  After they exchanged numbers, Jacob pocketed his phone with a satisfied smirk. “Great. We’ll talk soon.”

  Just as he was about to say something else, a presence passed by in the hallway.

  Hollow.

  Jacob’s gaze flicked toward him instinctively. The guy barely glanced at them as he walked by, his posture as detached as ever.

  Jacob’s smirk widened slightly.

  Oh yeah. This was going to be fun.

  Liliane had barely settled back at her desk when she heard a thump beside her.

  She turned to find Mei, arms crossed, staring at her with the look of someone about to lecture—or worse, interrogate.

  “What now?” Liliane asked, already exasperated.

  Mei leaned in, her expression a mix of disbelief and mild disappointment. “Tell me it’s a joke. Tell me you didn’t just give Jacob your number.”

  Liliane blinked. “I did.”

  Mei groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Lily. Lily. Why?”

  Liliane tilted her head. “He asked for it.”

  “And?”

  “…It didn’t seem like a strange request.”

  Mei let out a long, slow sigh, as if mourning a fallen comrade. “You sweet, innocent, tragically clueless child.”

  Liliane frowned. “You’re being dramatic.”

  “Oh, I have to be, because you clearly don’t understand the gravity of what you just did,” Mei said, throwing her hands in the air. “Jacob isn’t just some harmless, friendly coworker. He’s that guy—the one who collects women’s numbers like trading cards and sees every interaction as an opportunity.”

  Liliane furrowed her brows. “An opportunity for what?”

  Mei gave her a look. “Lily. Come on.”

  Liliane stared, uncomprehending.

  Mei groaned again. “For seduction, you otherworldly airhead!”

  Liliane tensed, eyes widening slightly. “Oh.” She looked down at her phone, then back at Mei. “…I don’t see how that would work.”

  Mei narrowed her eyes. “Wait. Are you saying he won’t succeed, or that you don’t get what the problem is?”

  “The second one.”

  Mei placed a hand over her chest as if she’d been physically wounded. “Lily, I’m begging you, do not text him back.”

  Liliane tilted her head. “I don’t think he’s done anything wrong yet.”

  Mei dragged her chair closer, dropping her voice. “Listen, I know you don’t have the best radar for this stuff, so let me spell it out for you: Jacob isn’t interested in being your friend.”

  Liliane hesitated, frowning slightly. “I see…”

  Mei watched her, then smirked. “Wait a second. Could it be? Are you actually considering dating him?”

  Liliane’s entire expression shut down. “No.”

  Mei’s grin widened. “Ohh, so that’s a hard no? Like, no interest at all?”

  “None.”

  Mei hummed, tapping her fingers against the desk. “Because you already have Hunter?”

  Liliane nearly choked. “Mei!”

  Mei laughed, leaning back in her chair. “I knew that would get you.”

  Liliane’s face burned as she struggled to find a proper response. “That has nothing to do with this!”. Why does she keep bringing the worst of them all to tease with!? She thought to herself as she tried to regain composure.

  “Uh-huh.” Mei wiggled her eyebrows. “You sound real convincing right now.”

  “I’m serious!” Dying inside, flustered not knowing how backfiring her reaction is.

  “Sure, sure,” Mei said, clearly not convinced at all. “Anyway, back to the main point—you do know Jacob is gonna start coming after you, right?”

  Liliane furrowed her brows. “Why would he do that?”

  Mei deadpanned. “Lily. Have you seen yourself? You’re exactly the type of someone like that. And now that he thinks he has competition, he’s gonna double down.”

  Liliane exhaled slowly. “I’ll handle it if he becomes a problem.”

  Mei wasn’t convinced. “Mm-hmm. And how exactly do you plan to ‘handle’ someone like Jacob?”

  Liliane shrugged. “I’ll tell him I’m not interested.”

  Mei gave her a long, pitying look. “Oh, honey.”

  Liliane sighed. “What?”

  Mei leaned in again, grinning. “Just promise me something.”

  Liliane hesitated. “…What?”

  Mei smirked. “Let me watch when it happens.”

  Liliane groaned, already regretting everything.

  Mei sat at her desk, fingers flying over her phone screen.

  Mei: Yo, Felix. We have a problem.

  Felix: …Why do I feel like this is gonna ruin my day?

  Mei: Jacob has his eyes on Lily.

  Felix: Wait, Jacob as in that Jacob?

  Mei: Oh yeah. And guess what? Our sweet, innocent farm girl gave him her number without even knowing what it means.

  Felix: You’re joking.

  Mei: I WISH I was. Look, tell Hunter to keep an eye out. That guy is gonna be relentless.

  Felix: I don’t think Hunter is gonna care.

  Mei: Doesn’t matter. Just tell him.

  Felix: ...Fine.

  Felix sighed, rubbing his temple before glancing next to him where Hollow was, as always, just taking his calls—completely unbothered by the social world around him.

  This was gonna be a difficult development.