Selena only let Tara carry her to the elevator before insisting on standing on her own. By now, she had grown accustomed to the pain in her ankle, and when the elevator doors opened, Tara carefully supported her as they made their way out.
Seeing how swollen Selena's ankle had become, Tara's expression hardened as she reached out, intent on saying something. But just then, Jasmine appeared in the hallway, her gaze flitting over Tara's hand on Selena's arm before settling on them with a faint, mocking smile.
"Oh, dear, what happened to you, Manager Selena?" Jasmine's voice held a pointedly insincere concern.
Tara's eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded Jasmine, annoyance simmering just below the surface. She could sense Jasmine's amusement, and it irked her to see someone drawing pleasure from Selena's discomfort. Though her expression remained neutral, her voice carried an edge. "Selena injured her ankle while dealing with a project for the company. She was so committed that she refused to leave for treatment right away. Isn't that the dedication this company prides itself on?"
Jasmine's smile only grew, unperturbed by Tara's defensive tone. "Oh my, no need to get so worked up. It was just a question."
Sensing the tension between them, Selena gave Tara's hand a gentle squeeze, a quiet reassurance that calmed her assistant. Tara glanced down, her gaze darkening with frustration, but she held her tongue, her eyes half-veiled by a lock of hair, hiding her annoyance.
Selena fished the contract out of her bag, intending to make a quick copy for her records before heading back to her office. She was just about to move when Jasmine stopped her again.
"Oh, wait."
Selena turned, her narrowed eyes flashing with impatience. "Something else?"
"I really think you should get that ankle checked, Manager. Why don't I take care of the contract for you?"
Selena's guard went up. Jasmine's sudden helpfulness struck her as odd, but then again, the document was vital to the company, so she doubted Jasmine would risk tampering with it. Finally, she nodded. "The terms seem in order, but feel free to review it before submitting it."
Jasmine took the contract with a casual nod, casting a brief, unreadable look at Tara. "Are you planning to accompany her?"
Caught off guard, Tara hesitated, then replied, "Yes. I'll be taking Manager Selena to the doctor. As her assistant, it's part of my responsibility."
Tara had answered out of habit, nearly calling Selena "sister" as she usually did. Though she quickly corrected herself, the misstep left her a bit unsettled, and she kept a wary eye on Jasmine. But Jasmine seemed unaffected, shrugging it off as she replied, "A temporary assistant, right? Isn't Mr. Lee usually Manager Selena's go-to?"
Before Tara could respond, Mr. Lee himself entered the room, removing a black baseball cap as he did. "Good morning, everyone. Is there something I can assist with?"
Jasmine crossed her arms, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Well, it's a relief to see you around, Mr. Lee. You've been quite hard to track down."
Lee lowered his head, his expression subdued. Selena took the opportunity to interject, "Mr. Lee has my full trust, Jasmine. His main focus is our project handovers, not shadowing me every second of the day. It seems you're busier with our team's affairs than with your own."
Jasmine's smile tightened, and she faltered for a moment before responding. Sensing she had hit a nerve, Selena took a deep breath. "Actually, I won't need to see the doctor after all. Better to avoid giving people more gossip fodder."
With that, Selena shouldered her bag and walked briskly toward her office, the steady click of her heels on the marble floor making it clear she was just fine. As she passed, Jasmine watched her go, affecting an air of calm. "Mr. Lee," she called as she motioned him forward, "since you're handling the handover, accompany me to brief the directors, won't you?"
After they'd gone, Tara quietly returned to Selena's office.
Selena was sitting alone at her desk, her hand wrapped around a pen as she absentmindedly twirled it. Her gaze was fixed on her computer screen, and the afternoon sunlight glinted off the rims of her glasses, casting a glow over her face. The posture of her neck, her serene expression—all had the grace of a statue that seemed distant and unreachable.
Tara watched her for a moment, her heart quickening before she entered. "Sister, I got you some medicine. Let's put it on that ankle."
Selena looked at Tara, her frosty demeanor melting slightly as she forced a smile for her. Tara placed a small bag of medical supplies on the desk, glancing at her with a quiet intensity. "Are you still upset over Jasmine's interference?"
Selena shifted slightly. "Not particularly."
Tara gave a small, knowing smile. "Then there's no reason for you to worry."
Carefully, she lifted Selena's ankle and removed her heel, revealing the bruised, swollen skin beneath. The ivory hue of Selena's foot was marred by angry purple bruises, veins standing out in sharp relief.
"Sister," Tara murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's gotten worse. Even the front of your foot is bruised. This cream will help, but you should really get it checked at the hospital later."
As Tara applied the cool ointment to her ankle, Selena drew in a sharp breath, her muscles tensing as she tried to pull away.
"Stay still," Tara said, her fingers tightening gently around Selena's ankle.
"It tickles," Selena murmured, her voice soft and playful.
Tara swallowed, steadying her hands. "Try to bear it. It'll be over soon, Sister."
Selena let out a little sigh, her gaze softening as she watched Tara kneeling by her side. With Tara positioned there, head bowed in concentration, Selena was struck by a sudden, almost wistful thought.
"Tara," she asked, her voice barely a murmur. "If I go with you, what will I be to them?"
Tara froze, startled by the question. She hesitated, unable to meet Selena's eyes.
Selena smiled softly, as if reading her uncertainty. "It's alright if you haven't decided yet."
Her eyes shone with warmth, yet hidden within them was a carefully guarded sadness.
Simply being together was enough.
Their bond was precious and rare, a chance she'd never thought she would have. Yet Tara's background and refined air told Selena enough of what lay behind the surface. Tara's father, a man of power and prestige, had funded Selena's education. She could never allow herself to ask for more.
"Your family helped me through a difficult time," she said finally, her fingers tightening around the armrest. "I could simply say I'm visiting to pay my respects."
Tara helped Selena put her shoe back on, her gaze gentle yet full of resolve. "Sister, just give me time. I'll take care of everything."
Selena tilted her head, offering a soft smile. "Alright, I trust you."
After his meeting with Jasmine, Mr. Lee lingered in her office, where he took a small camera from his bag and showed her a series of photographs. Jasmine looked them over with a disapproving frown. "These don't tell us much. She's simply being carried—it's too easy to brush off."
Mr. Lee's expression turned hesitant. "What exactly are you looking for?"
Handing back the camera, Jasmine's eyes narrowed. "I want to see a kiss, at least."
A kiss.
A visible grimace crossed Mr. Lee's face as he considered her words. "That could be…difficult."
"Would you rather stay in the same job forever?" Jasmine replied icily. "Selena's never shown you any favoritism. She'll toss you aside for her precious Tara sooner or later. Work hard, and the senior position could be yours."
The implications were clear. Nodding, Mr. Lee tightened his grip on the camera and turned toward the door. "Understood. I'll find a way."
"Oh, and Mr. Lee," Jasmine called after him, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Tara may be careful at work, but you know where she lives, don't you?"
Her meaning was clear, and Mr. Lee nodded before heading out, the instructions ringing in his ears.
Since meeting Leon, Nina had been spending more time at the Imperial Clubhouse. That evening, she lounged in a private room, the smoke from her cigarette curling around her as she waited for Leon to arrive.
The door opened quietly, and Leon entered with a slightly nervous air. "Ms. Nina, you wanted to see me?"
Leon bit her lip as she seated herself beside Nina.
Nina extinguished her cigarette, pressing her fingers against Leon's lips as she leaned in. The lingering scent of smoke was thick and harsh, causing Leon to cough softly.
Her shoulders shook as she tried to steady herself, her warm breath brushing Nina's palm, fragile and trembling. At this, Nina softened her gaze a little, withdrawing her hand. She leaned back with an air of nonchalance. "Why didn't you reply to my messages?"
Then, her voice sharpened. "You were the one who came to me, after all."
Leon glanced up at Nina, whose lips wore a slight smile, though her eyes were icy and severe.
Leon could only manage, "I'm sorry…I haven't made up my mind yet."
A quiet scoff echoed in her ear, filled with disdain, as though mocking her indecision.
Nina didn't reply. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out two photos, handing them to Leon. Leon took them cautiously and looked down, seeing the image of a stunning woman.
The woman in the photo had a striking, intense beauty. Her eyes held a galaxy of secrets, with an upward tilt at the corners that was both alluring and challenging. She was the kind of woman who was impossible to categorize, neither simple nor sweet, but entirely captivating.
"And who is this?"
Leon asked, bewildered.
"I'll give you three days to decide," Nina replied coldly. "The woman in the photo is your model—what you'll be aiming to become. Money won't be an issue." She rose from her seat, eyeing Leon one last time like a serpent gauging its prey. "But make up your mind soon. I'm not very patient."
With the holiday season approaching, the intense rush at work finally subsided, leaving Selena feeling restless.
On holiday mornings, she loved to sleep in, and the first thing she did upon waking was to find Tara.
Iri, their cat, had already been fed and was now pawing at Selena's leg, making her laugh as she scooped the kitten into her arms. Watching the little cat's joyful batting of its fluffy tail, she felt a warmth and contentment, a feeling of having a small, happy family with Tara.
As she left the bedroom, a wonderful aroma wafted through the air.
Tara emerged from the kitchen with a plate of crispy bacon and eggs. She glanced at the clock, then turned toward Selena with a smile that lit up her whole face. Her tilted head, her sharp little fangs peeking through, gave her an almost childlike charm. "You're awake, Sister. The toast is still in the oven—go ahead and start with some milk."
Selena smiled back, "Alright."
"Has Iri had her breakfast?"
"She woke me up bright and early for it, so she's eaten," Tara laughed, pulling a chair out for Selena and teasing, "Look at her! She won't let me tell on her!"
The golden-brown toast appeared, and Tara placed some bacon and eggs on Selena's plate, nudging her warmly. "Eat up, Sister. We should get going soon."
Today was their flight to Tara's family home.
At Tara's words, Selena felt her nerves rising. She bit into the warm, soft toast and asked, "Are we sure we bought enough? Should I bring anything extra? Does your mom like sweets?"
Tara patted her hand. "You bought plenty, I promise. The supplements alone will last my parents for a while, and don't worry, Lena will be there too."
Selena relaxed a bit upon hearing that Lena, a friend known to both sides, would be there to ease any potential awkwardness.
They finished breakfast quickly, and Selena chose an unusually understated outfit. A warm cashmere coat in a soft beige helped tone down her usual sharper look, and she wore a simple necklace around her neck that added a touch of elegance.
Nervously eyeing herself in the mirror, she fidgeted with her necklace, seeking Tara's reassurance. "This look is fine, right? I don't want to come across as too much."
Having taken her cue from Tara's usual style, Selena assumed Tara's parents would prefer something modest. Tara leaned in and placed a gentle kiss near her ear, taking her hand away from the necklace and whispering, "You're stunning, Sister. Everyone will love you."
Selena smiled, but there was an unease in her expression.
Her nerves were more intense than Tara had expected. To her, Tara's parents were not just the parents of the woman she loved—they were the very people who had, at a crucial time, turned her life around. In her experience, they weren't easily impressed, and Selena wanted to make a lasting, positive impression if she were to go further in this relationship with Tara.
Once they boarded the plane, Selena, who would normally sleep through the journey, clutched Tara's hand, her palm damp with nervous sweat. She was so focused on her own thoughts that the cold air seemed to have no effect on her.
After they landed and Tara hailed a cab, she waved her hand in front of Selena's face. "Sister."
Selena blinked, snapping out of her thoughts, and checked her reflection once more in her pocket mirror.
The cab wound through busy streets, gradually giving way to a quieter, more residential area.
The broad road was lined with evergreens, and Selena felt almost dizzy as the trees rushed past.
Eventually, the cab pulled up in front of a three-story house.
On the gate was a small plaque that read, 4–1 Tan.
The gate stood open, and a man dressed in a simple jacket, his expression stern, was waiting by the entrance. Beside him stood a woman with her hair held up with a jade hairpin, her face calm yet intimidating in its composed elegance.
Holding Selena's hand, Tara gave her a reassuring squeeze before they approached the pair. "Mom, Dad. I'm home."
Tan's father gave a silent nod, his face unreadable, as he fixed his gaze on Selena, studying her for a moment before turning to Tara and asking, "And who might this be?"