When Shadows Fall in Love

As they headed out, the world outside felt alive with possibilities. They strolled through a high-end open-air shopping district, where Seraphine tried on oversized sunglasses, striking playful poses as Lucien laughed, capturing the moments on his phone.

"Look at you, a fashion icon," Lucien teased, adjusting a straw hat on his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I think you've found your calling."

"Only if you promise to be my photographer," she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She struck a pose, hands on her hips.

"Deal! Now give me your best model face," he laughed, lifting his phone to snap a picture.

"Like this?" she asked, puffing out her lips playfully.

"Perfect! Now let's find some shoes to match those shades."

They entered a chic shoe shop adorned with elegant displays. The scent of leather filled the air as they browsed the rows of heels and flats.

"Okay, these are fabulous!" Seraphine exclaimed, holding up a pair of strappy heels that glimmered under the soft lights.

"Wow, those could definitely turn heads," Lucien replied, raising an eyebrow. "But are you sure you can walk in them?"

"Watch me," she said confidently, slipping them on. She teetered slightly, then regained her balance. "See? I'm a pro."

"Just don't trip and fall!" he laughed, taking a step back to admire her.

"Only if you promise to catch me!" she teased, striking a playful pose.

"Woooooo, someone learnt my cheeky lines." he placed his hand on his chin

"Yeah" she replied with full confidence, "Ï am quite a quick learner, why are you surprised?"

After a few more tries, she settled on a stunning pair of nude pumps that accentuated her legs perfectly. "These will do," she said, beaming.

"Great choice! Now, on to jewellery!" Lucien said, leading her into a nearby shop filled with sparkling treasures.

Inside, Seraphine's eyes widened as she admired the displays. "Look at this necklace!" she exclaimed, holding up a delicate silver piece adorned with tiny sapphires. "What do you think?"

"Very elegant," Lucien replied, nodding. "But I think it needs to be paired with something more… bold. How about that chunky bracelet?" He pointed to a statement piece encrusted with colourful stones.

"Hmm, I don't know…" she said, biting her lip. "It might be too much."

"Too much? Never! You can pull it off," he encouraged, wrapping it around her wrist. "See? It looks amazing!"

"Okay, you win, I will take two. But not this one!" she laughed, feeling a rush of excitement.

Next, they ventured into a trendy clothing store filled with vibrant patterns and fun styles. Seraphine immediately gravitated toward a flowy dress adorned with colourful flowers. "This is so me!" she said, holding it up to her body.

"Try it on!" Lucien urged, his eyes lighting up. "I want to see you twirl in it."

She rushed to the fitting room, emerging moments later in the dress, her hair swirling around her. "What do you think?" she asked, spinning to show it off.

"Wow! You look like a goddess, ahem, Let me correct my grammar: You are a goddess, just looking much more beautiful" he declared, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I think I might need to take you out to dinner tonight just to show you off."

Seraphine laughed, her cheeks flushing. "Only if you wear that nice suit I love!"

"Deal!" he replied, leaning in for a quick kiss.

After a few more outfits, they found themselves in another boutique featuring trendy streetwear. Seraphine picked out a vibrant jacket and held it up with a grin. "This screams adventure! What do you think?"

"Definitely a statement piece," Lucien said, nodding in approval. "You'll turn heads for sure."

"Let's see how it looks!" she said, rushing to the fitting room once more. When she emerged, the jacket contrasted beautifully with her outfit.

"Wow, that's stunning! You look like you just stepped off a fashion runway," he said, clapping his hands in delight.

"Okay, I think I've tried on enough clothes for one day," she said, giggling. "But I'm having so much fun!"

They shared a sweet kiss near the fitting rooms, the softness of the moment hanging in the air like a beautiful secret, surrounded by laughter and the vibrant atmosphere of their day.

"Let's grab a coffee and celebrate our shopping victories!" Lucien suggested, linking his arm with hers as they strolled out of the store.

"Perfect! I'll need the energy for our next adventure," Seraphine replied, her heart full of joy

It was late afternoon...

The heat mellowed into a breezy calm, and Lucien, ever the gentleman, offered to fetch her favourite Boba tea while she browsed a nearby bookshop. "I'll be right back," he promised with a wink.

Standing under the shade of a parasol, Seraphine swayed gently, her shopping bags swaying at her sides. That's when it happened.

A group of girls approached, their confidence palpable. They were tall, impeccably styled, and clearly familiar with high society—a dangerous mix. One of them wore a designer crop top that screamed old money; another held a phone already recording.

"You're with Lucien Castellano?" one asked, her eyebrows raised in disbelief.

"Yes. Why?" Seraphine replied, keeping her tone steady.

The smiles they gave her weren't kind, dripping with condescension.

"We just thought he had, you know, a type. You're… pretty in a quiet way, I guess. He usually goes for something more glamorous."

Seraphine inhaled, steadying herself. "And what would that be?"

Another girl chimed in. "We've been following him for years. You must be another rent a girl for him. Maybe he's just bored and wanted a new one, as always."

A third girl, with sharper cheekbones and a sharper tongue, leaned in. "You must know he flirts with all his fans. Why else would he post so many live stories? Don't get too comfortable, we'll see how long you last."

They all turned with heavy makeup and designer bags with cracked laughs like witches. 

The air felt heavy, and Seraphine inhaled deeply, fighting the urge to scream. Just as she was about to respond, she spotted Lucien returning, holding her iced drink with a second one for himself. He was smiling at first—until he noticed her stiff shoulders and tight jaw.

They sat down at a nearby terrace table, but the atmosphere had shifted, fraught with tension.

He handed her the Boba tea, concern etching his features. "Talk to me. What happened?"

"Nothing," she murmured, sipping her drink too quickly. "Just… a few fans. They said some things. It's fine. All fans do."

Lucien's smile vanished, replaced by a stormy gaze as he looked around, spotting the same group of girls pretending to snap selfies behind them. "All fans do, but not to my wife" he growled ion return.

Without warning, he pulled out his phone and opened a live stream. Seraphine blinked in surprise.

"Hey," he said into the camera, his voice calm, eyes sharp. "Quick update. No Q&A today. Just wanted the world to see what perfection looks like. Also, I don't want any bugs on the Project Zenith Complex."

The girls around screamed, "He's live, c'mon lets ask for a autograph now!"

He turned the camera to Seraphine, who looked startled, cheeks flushed, eyes wide. "She's sitting right next to me."

Then he ended it abruptly, no goodbye, no promotion—just a public claim that silenced every whisper in the crowd.

Lucien turned to her, his expression softening. "They don't get my attention. You do. Always."

Seraphine blinked, her breath hitching. "You didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," he interrupted gently. "And I will. Every damn time."

He pulled the shopping bag with the hat from earlier and placed it on her head with a mock grin. "Now you look like my queen and my sunhat model."

Laughter bubbled up from her, the earlier tension melting away. They sipped their boba in peace after that, the golden sky reflecting their newfound warmth.

Seraphine leaned her head on Lucien's shoulder, a soft smile gracing her lips. "You're kind of dramatic, you know."

Lucien smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "And you're kind of mine"

She chocked on her drink. He laughed saying, "Now whole mine"

In that moment, the world bowed to no one but them.