Standing before the mirror, Seraphelle gazed at her reflection.
In this realm, the original host was undeniably beautiful, yet she had held back in her attire and harboured a notable lack of confidence. Living in obscurity, she had never truly examined herself.
Little did she know, with just a lift of her head, solely based on her appearance, no man could resist being moved by her charm, not even Faolan.
At this moment, after a day of silence, the system suddenly spoke.
"Master, do you still harbour feelings for Faolan?"
"Hmm?" Seraphelle was taken aback. "What are you implying? Why would I have feelings for him!"
"Master, have you forgotten? In this realm, the emotions of the original host initially influence you."
"Ah!" Upon the system's reminder, Seraphelle recalled how deeply the original host clung to her scoundrel ex-lover. Why hadn't she felt any impact herself?
"How peculiar; I don't sense any lingering affection for him."
"Hmm..." Even the system found itself puzzled.
"Perhaps after enduring torment for so long, she suddenly turned the tables, feeling empowered. It must have been quite exhilarating for her," Seraphelle reasoned.
"Don't celebrate too soon. In the original storyline, the original host was on the verge of being tortured to death and still loved Faolan. So, I believe she might still influence you."
"Hmph, we'll see. I am about to take the stage. Wish me great success," Seraphelle said, running a hand through her neatly styled hair.
The system fell silent, silently blessing its master. In this world, the path to stardom lay open.
As the opening song concluded, thanks to yesterday's performance, Seraphelle had already gained fame at Golden Beach, and tonight at Broadway, every seat was filled to capacity.
What truly set her up for stardom was Lupercus seated on the largest sofa behind the dance floor, a rare sight for him to grace a Broadway debut from the opening to the present moment.
As the lights dimmed, the music ceased without a host to introduce.
In this serene atmosphere that had nearly reached its climax, as the spotlights converged into a beam, the red curtain slowly drew back.
"Can't forget, can't forget, can't forget your wrongs, can't forget your goodness, can't forget the walks in the rain, nor the embraces in the wind..."
Following the warm-up, it was time for a love ballad.
The deeply emotional and melodious singing captured the attention of everyone present, captivating audiences of all ages and genders, including the Young Marshal who had just entered the ballroom and not yet taken his seat.
Listening to her voice and witnessing her impassioned performance on stage, Faolan suddenly found his anger dissipating.
He had never imagined that the woman he had neglected for two whole years would shine so brightly.
And the lyrics, 'Can't forget, can't forget your wrongs, can't forget your goodness...' Wasn't she singing directly to him?
She had gone to great lengths, set aside her pride, and come to Broadway to tell him that she still loved him deeply.
The realization left Faolan unexpectedly uncomfortable, his eyes welling up with tears.
As he envisioned scene after scene of his wife finishing the song and running into his arms, the music and singing concluded.
After a brief moment, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.
"Thank you."
Gracefully taking a bow, Seraphelle stepped down from the stage. Spotting Lupercus beside him, leaving a seat for her, she had guessed correctly that it was meant for her.
Under the watchful eyes of all, Seraphelle, her gown swaying with each step, approached Lupercus.
Extremely noisy, with applause and whistling resonating throughout, Seraphelle leaned close to Lupercus's ear.
"Was my performance satisfactory today, Boss?"
Lupercus, also leaning towards her, replied.
"Perhaps a 90."
"90? Out of 50?" Seraphelle chuckled playfully.
"Heh." Lupercus chuckled briefly, his gaze quietly shifting towards the entrance.
Through the layers of light and amidst the drifting smoke, Lupercus's gaze locked with Faolan's across the room. The eyes of the two men met from a distance — Lupercus composed, Faolan brimming with hostility.
"Master, what are you looking at?" Seraphelle, noticing Lupercus's distraction, followed his line of sight.
Just as she was about to turn her head, Lupercus guided her head gently, directing her attention back to him.
"Kiss me."
"Hmm?" Seraphelle widened her eyes. "Now? Here?"
"Yes." Lupercus bore a gentle expression, his thoughts veiled from view.
After a moment of contemplation, she realized that this was a public declaration, a move to deter potential suitors and show ownership.
What was so difficult about it? After all, everything she had done was to win his heart.
With a smile playing on Seraphelle's lips, she tilted her head and planted a kiss on the edge of Lupercus's lips. Following the kiss, her playful smile melted hearts.
"Oh!"
The surrounding spectators started cheering at the kiss.
Initially, many had speculated about the relationship between Seraphelle and Lupercus, but witnessing this display, those high-ranking officials and dignitaries aspiring to pursue the rising songstress had to put their schemes on hold. A woman glittering like a diamond such as her was not one to be trifled with.
Lupercus too, wearing a face of indulgence, wrapped an arm around Seraphelle's shoulder and drew her close, while subtly casting a gaze toward Faolan, who stood motionless near the entrance.
At that moment, Faolan was on the verge of exploding.
She was his wife, his woman, yet she was held in another man's embrace.
But what stung, even more, was that this man was Lupercus, a man who could unnerve even the most fearless figures in Golden Beach, a man even his own father treated with utmost respect.
He was only trying to redeem Lily, he had never expected Lupercus to care so much for Lily, utilizing Seraphelle to coerce him into returning Lily, right?
No, that couldn't be possible. Lily was the woman he loved most, and she wouldn't be brought back to this place again.
As for Seraphelle, they were not even divorced yet.
Gritting his teeth, Faolan turned and walked away.
After he had left, Lupercus turned slowly to Seraphelle's ear and spoke calmly.
"The Young Marshal was here earlier."
Upon hearing this, Seraphelle quickly turned to look.
"Don't bother; he's gone."
With those words, Seraphelle immediately understood. It was a message to Faolan — why else would Lupercus have her kiss him in public, if not to show Faolan?
"Hehe, Boss, what are you worried about? Are you afraid I'll return to being the Young Marshal's wife?"
Lupercus initially glanced sideways, then his serene face inched closer to Seraphelle's.
"Do you believe him? He regrets it, he will come find you."