Kai's POV
A smirk tugged his lips. "You look lost, Kai. What's wrong?"
The unresolved history lingered in my head—reminding me of the pain and the ego shattered. His low and careless voice sounded like a poison—almost cutting deep into my throat. It is challenging me.
I suddenly want to punch him. Just one punch.
Kei's chuckle filled my ears. "Maybe he's too shocked to process that my fiancee is the excellent lawyer."
I cleared my throat, and nodded at Zane. I would never shake his hand. "Nice to meet you…brother-in-law."
I saw how his brows twitched, and an amuse grin curled on his lips. He withdrew his outstretched arm, and pushed his hands inside the pocket of his slacks.
"I'm gonna go get rest. I need to go to work early tomorrow."
Kei smiled and nodded. "Good night, Kai. And if you have time, let's go out. I missed my younger brother."
I kissed her hair. "Goodnight, Kei."
I ascended the stair without looking back, even when I could feel Zane's heavy stares. Every step I make becomes heavier, but I didn't give him the satisfaction of even a single glance.
If this is a coincidence—fate is not on my side.
My palms pressed against the tiled wall of the bathroom as I stood under the shower. The cold water cascading down my body felt nothing as the heaviness of my heart intensified because of Zane's presence.
Slowly, my palms against the tiles balled—remembering how he looked at me earlier. How his lips tugged into a smirk. How amusement danced in his eyes.
"Calm the fcking down, Kai…" I whispered to myself. "He's a devil not worth liking."
Fck! What did my sister see in him? And why did it have to be him?
Well…he's handsome, I'll give him that. Body? Hot, yes. Style… Yes, but he's all looks, no substance at all!
***
The next morning seemed off, and I realized why when I arrived in the dining hall and saw a person there. He was sitting alone—a cup of coffee in front of him. He's still here?
I took a deep sigh before I entered the dining hall. The maid immediately gave me a cup of coffee while I sat on the dining chair—three chairs between us. A safe space.
His eyes were on me, but I ignored him, even when my heart is starting to hammer inside my chest again. Why is he staring?
"Do you always like your coffee black? Or it's just for a show."
I stared at my coffee—black and bitter—before I lifted my face, and met his eyes. "What do you want?"
"I don't want anything, but I think you want something from me. Do you?"
I sucked my breath—losing my temper. "Cut the crap, Zane! You are in my house."
"Which is also your sister's house, and your sister is my fiancee. You're being rude to your brother-in-law."
"What do you really want?" I couldn't hide annoyance in my voice. It was just six o'clock in the morning, and we're alone here since the maid left after giving me coffee.
His chuckle sounded merciless as he remained sitting in front of me—eyes never leaving mine. "Still bitter, are we? I didn't know you hold your grudges deep."
"Grudge?" I spat the word like I'm disgusted. "You're wrong. I didn't hold it, I outgrew it."
"I'm just curious…" He tilted his head arrogantly—eyes darkened. "You disappeared after that day. I heard you fled abroad. Thought I broke you."
I gritted my teeth as I fought the intensity of his stares. "You didn't break me, Zane. I just don't dwell on the past that much. Besides, I learned that some people don't deserve sincerity."
His lips remained twisted into a smirk. "It's good to hear that you're over me. It will be very naughty for you to fantasize your brother-in-law."
I angrily dropped my iPad, and glared at him. "You think so highly of yourself, Mr. Blackwood. It was a mistake liking you, and I regret it. I regret the day I confessed to you like an idiot."
His brow shot up. "You've grown claws…or, are you just hiding it?"
"Will you stop it?"
He chuckled. "Why would I? It was impressive knowing that you're talkative when your sister told me you're a shy type. And you talk like a woman. Your body looks masculine, but not to me."
I gritted my teeth, and pulled myself up—wanting to leave. There's no point in staying.
"Oh, by the way…" He spoke again even before I stepped out of the dining hall. "I'll be staying here until the wedding next year."
That caught my attention. I violently turned around to look at him—carrying my coffee in my right hand, and the iPad on the left. "What did you say?"
He pulled himself up, and walked towards me. I was shocked, and my heart almost stopped beating when he towered me like a predator—eyes darkened with some emotions as he locked me between his body and the wall.
Suddenly, the air felt tight as he invaded my personal space.
He stared down at me—full of arrogance and confidence. "I guess we'll be seeing each other every day."
"W-What are you talking about? Why will you stay here?"
I flinched when the back of his fingers brushed against my cheek. I couldn't push him because my hands are full, and I couldn't step away because he's trapping me.
"Don't get too worked up. I'm not here for you."
I hissed. "I did not assume that, Mr. Blackwood."
The ruthlessness in his eyes remained. "I like things quiet, organized, and simple. I'll be marrying your sister next year, and I'm expecting you to behave as you did last night because I don't want you liking me again."
A thousand knives struck my heart painfully. His words cut through my soul. He sounded so disgusted with me, and it shattered my pride.
I kept my composure even when he shook me real bad with his words. "Do you think you're that irresistible? I've forgotten about you, Zane. Don't worry. Nothing like that will happen again because I learned my lessons, and I learned it the hard way."
I pushed him using my shoulder—hitting him, but he was so strong, I felt like I hit a strong wall.
He withdrew his steps, insulting me even more.
He signaled his hand, tilting his head—motioning me to leave. "Enjoy your coffee…"
I glared at him. "Asshole!"