Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

But as Sylvia kept on laughing, suddenly her eyes blurred with tears.

She never thought he'd actually remember.noveldrama

Every Christmas, Rupert was always the first to give her a card with a crisp bill tucked inside. Back in those days when her crush was still a secret, she'd look forward to that moment more than anything-because it meant she could finally talk to him, for real, about everything and nothing. For a few minutes, it almost felt like she mattered just a little more.

But today, all of that was coming to an end.

Sylvia clutched the envelope, lowering her head as her tears bloomed in little stains across the red paper. She covered her mouth with her hand, desperate not to make a sound and have Rupert notice.

An hour later, she was dressed in the outfit Rupert had picked out for her-a bright cherry red, double-breasted coat with a dramatic collar and a sash that hung down her side, festive and just a bit flirtatious. Around her neck, a vintage- style pearl and lace necklace added a touch of old-school glamour.

Rupert came down the stairs just as Sylvia was setting out breakfast.

"I was just about to call you over," she said, grinning as she pointed to the spread -pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and a small mountain of hash browns.

Rupert sat down slowly. "That's a lot of food."

"It's Christmas morning-go big or go home," Sylvia said, scooting her chair

closer to his. "I made all your favorites. Try some."

Rupert eyed the overflowing plates, then reached out and gently pinched her chin. "Did you poison any of this?"

Sylvia didn't even try to pull away, just gave him a look. "Fine, I'll eat it myself then."

She started to turn away, but he gently guided her face back. "Maybe you should. I could use a little meat on my bones."

Sylvia rolled her eyes but scooped up a forkful and shoved it into his mouth.

How had she never noticed he could be like this?

After breakfast, Rupert stood up to clear the plates, but Sylvia beat him to it.

"I'll do it. First day of the year, you're not allowed in the kitchen."

"Is that a rule?"

"It is in my family." Sylvia grinned, nudging him toward the hallway. "Come on, Mom's texted me like five times already."

As she ushered Rupert out the door, she glanced back at the kitchen, whispering a quiet goodbye.

...

The Garcia Manor.

Every Christmas, the old estate turned into a hive of activity. Sleek black cars lined the drive all the way out to the closed-off public park. For the holiday, the Garcias had even shut the park to outsiders: only family allowed.

That meant everyone there was some shade of Garcia-well-dressed, well-off, and well aware of their own importance.

Sylvia shot a nervous glance at Rupert. "Maybe I should get out here, before

anyone sees me. You know how they talk."

Those relatives had never been shy about gossiping behind her back.

Rupert checked his watch. "No need."

His calm did nothing to soothe her nerves. The closer they got to the front steps, the more Sylvia's hands shook.

It wasn't the relatives she was worried about. It was Reese.

She still couldn't face Reese like nothing had happened.

"She's picking up Lester," Rupert said quietly, reading her mind. Sylvia let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.

As Rupert's car pulled up, the other Garcias melted out of the way. soon as

they stopped, Set

I was to bolt.

belongs

Rupert caught her hand. "Wait for me in the car tonight. We'll leave together."

Leave together?

There was no 'together' to go back to.

Sylvia just stared at him. “Tristan's probably still mad at me. If he gives me a hard time-will you have my back?"

"He won't," Rupert's voice was steady and low.

"But if he does? Would you?"

"I don't make promises I can't keep," Rupert said quietly.

"Right," Sylvia murmured, dropping her gaze with a half-smile, hiding the sting in

her eyes.

Of course he wouldn't promise her anything. She was just being ridiculous.

Just then, Naomi appeared on the porch.

Sylvia opened her door. "I'm going to find my mom. See you around."

Rupert turned, but all he saw was the flash of her red coat disappearing inside-so bright, so bold and yet somehow, she looked like she might vanish at any second.