Regret Came Too Late (Grace and Ethan)

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.

40 minutes later, the doorbell rang.

Having recently ordered a few packages online, Selene assumed it was a delivery. She forced herself up and shuffled to the door, only to freeze when she saw Damien standing before her.

Her hand lay resolutely across the door handle, making it clear she wasn't going to move. A frown creased her brow as she asked, "What are you doing here?"

Just then, Vincent came out of the 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 into the kitchen.

Startled by the sound, Vincent placed the dishes down and turned to come out. He was just about to go out to check when he collided squarely with Damien in the doorway.

Damien's gaze wandered over the three freshly prepared dishes and the chicken soup steaming on the counter. His lips curled into a sneer. "How cozy."

All drowsiness vanished from Selene's body.

"Damien," she said wearily. "Whatever this is, save it for another day."

However, Damien acted as if he

didn't hear. He walked to the dishwasher and pulled out a pair of utensils, smiling as 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 the meals our housekeeper makes."

Rage spiked through Selene's veins, but Vincent's hand settled firmly on her shoulder before she could react. His voice was warm as he said, "Let's eat first. You can rest afterward."

The closeness between the two of them made Damien seem like an intruder who had forced his way into a place he didn't belong.

A feeling of obstruction rose in his chest, and he seethed with the need to stare Selene into oblivion.

By any objective standard, Selene and Vincent were officially a couple. Whatever he thought he was doing here barging in like he was. catching them in the act-he had no rightful claim to do so. noveldrama

With his usual good nature, Vincent ladled out three sets of dishes, politely placing the first one before Selene.

Selene was genuinely hungry. She had been in meetings for two days and had only eaten bread and drunk a few sips of water the entire time.

Meanwhile, the architect of her exhaustion sat fuming beside her.

Vincent placed the second dish in front of Damien and then sat beside Selene. He picked up a piece of braised rib with practiced ease and set it gently on her plate. Damien watched the domestic scene unfold, each detail feeling like salt seeping into an open wound. With a loud crack, he slammed his fork down on the table.

"You're really shameless, Selene," he said coldly. "Out there, you treat me like a joke. Back here, you've got a well-trained housekeeper cooking for you."

Selene's expression darkened. She had endured his behavior repeatedly before finally saying, "Damien Jensen, when are you going to stop this childish act?"

Her cold gaze pierced straight through him, sharp as a poisoned arrow lodged in his heart.

He had played the role of devoted "younger brother," cloaking his infatuation beneath a veil of familial affection.

With that title, he had stationed himself by her side, shielding her from all pursuers with an air of righteous indignation, dismissing them one by one with a bold declaration.

"None of them are good enough for my sister."

It was Selene who had shattered

that fragile illusion-whether drunk or not, she was the one who had crossed the line. Yet now, she

welcomed him with nothing but cold

indifference, as though she h

had

forgotten the moment ever

happened.

Damien had walked with pride his entire life and had never known such humiliation.

"Until you break up with him," he said bluntly.