---
Chapter 1: The Crimson Gift
Her heart raced with warmth as she smiled brightly at him.
"Thank you, Akim," she said softly, her voice carrying gratitude like a delicate melody.
"You're welcome," he replied, his smile gentle yet filled with a mysterious charm. He stood up, stretching his hand towards her.
"Come, let's try it on you. Or should I bring it here?" he asked casually.
She found herself nodding instinctively, her head bobbing slightly before her mind caught up. But something made her stop—her hand reached out, gently tugging at his sleeve. Akim turned, his brows raised in silent question, his golden-brown eyes catching the dim light of the room.
"Akim…" she hesitated, her voice small.
Chapter 2: Mr. Kuro
Her thoughts wandered briefly to her pet, Mr. Kuro. It was never explicitly said how Akim had ended up taking care of him, but she remembered the events surrounding it vividly.
After her second day at school, Akim had embarked on one of his usual two-day journeys. Before he left, she had practically begged him to take Mr. Kuro along. Her reasoning had been simple: Roman. Roman was unpredictable, and she didn't trust him around her cat.
But since that day, she hadn't seen Mr. Kuro. Not once.
"Where's Mr. Kuro?" she asked softly, her voice laced with a hint of worry.
Akim let out a small sigh. "I didn't bring him back this time. But I promise, on my next trip, I'll make sure he's safe and back with you."
There was an honesty in his words that soothed her worries. Akim extended his hand again, offering her a small smile.
"Now, shall we?"
She nodded, more confidently this time, and followed him as he guided her downstairs.
Chapter 3: The Golden Box
The living room was dimly lit, bathed in soft golden light that poured from the ornate chandelier above. But what caught her eye wasn't the room's ambiance—it was the golden box sitting elegantly on the coffee table.
The box shimmered, adorned with pink and blue accents, roses delicately etched into the surface. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale.
"Open it," Akim said, his voice low but insistent.
Kayla hesitated for only a moment before she stepped forward, her hands gently lifting the box's lid.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Inside, nestled in layers of silk and satin, lay a crimson dress—a dress so breathtaking it felt almost untouchable. The golden crystals embedded in the fabric glimmered under the faint light, cascading down in a pattern that looked almost celestial.
It was perfection.
The hem of the dress flared out gracefully, reaching what she imagined would skim the floor as she walked. The back dipped into an elegant U-shaped curve, exposing just enough skin to balance sophistication with allure. A silken rope tied delicately at the waist completed the ensemble.
"Wow…" she breathed, barely able to find her voice.
"Do you like it?" Akim's voice was closer now, his breath ghosting over her neck as he stood behind her.
"Like it? Oh, Akim, I love it!" Her voice was filled with awe as she turned abruptly, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.
And that was when the door creaked open.
Chapter 4: Roman's Entrance
"Hey, brother," Akim said smoothly, his arm gently falling away from Kayla as they both turned to face the doorway.
Roman stood there, tall and imposing, his sharp eyes fixed on the two of them.
"Oh, Roman, you're back!" Kayla's voice brightened instantly. She ran towards him, her arms wrapping tightly around his torso.
For a moment, Roman didn't move. His posture was stiff, his gaze unreadable. But just as she began to pull away, he acted.
His lips pressed against hers—not harshly, not hastily, but with a slow deliberation that made her knees buckle slightly. His arms wrapped around her waist, one hand resting gently against the small of her back.
When he finally pulled away, his voice was low, gravelly. "I missed you. Did you miss me?"
Kayla froze, her lips parted in shock. "I… I…"
"It's okay, love." Roman leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead. His gaze then shifted to Akim, who was now seated on the sofa, massaging the space between his brows as though trying to ward off a headache.
"So," Roman began, his voice smooth yet commanding, "what's the plan? It's Saturday."
Kayla smirked—a mischievous, devilish grin spreading across her face.
"I have a plan," she said confidently, her voice carrying an air of authority.
Both brothers exchanged a glance, their identical brows arching in perfect unison.
Chapter 5: Crimson Revenge
Hours later, Kayla sat at her vanity, meticulously applying a bold, matte red lipstick, finishing it with a touch of gloss.
Tonight wasn't about looking pretty—it was about making a statement. Her ex had humiliated her, and this was her moment for payback.
But doubt crept in, uninvited and unwelcome. Would her childish plan work?
She shook her head, focusing instead on the reflection staring back at her. The crimson dress clung to her like a second skin, every crystal sparkling like stardust. Her heels—deep red diamonds encrusted across their surface—caught the light with every slight movement.
The two brothers had taste. Expensive taste.
Taking a deep breath, she stood and made her way towards the living room.
And then she saw them.
Chapter 6: Gods in Suits
Roman and Akim stood side by side, their sharp gazes fixed on their phones.
They wore matching tailored navy-blue suits, perfectly cut and pressed. The fabric hugged their sharp frames, emphasizing their broad shoulders and trim waists. Their hair was styled to perfection—neat with a few rebellious strands falling over their foreheads.
They looked… divine. Like gods carved from stone.
Though they shared an undeniable resemblance, Roman exuded authority and raw power, while Akim carried an air of boyish charm, softened by the playful glint in his golden eyes.
Kayla's breath caught in her throat as she took them in.
Clearing her throat softly, she announced her presence.
Both heads turned towards her, and for a moment, the silence stretched.
Their eyes traveled over her form—the crimson gown clinging to her curves, the shimmer of golden crystals dancing in the dim light.
"Okay, put this on," Akim finally said, holding out a delicate black face mask.
Kayla frowned. "What's this? And why am I wearing it?"
For the first time, Akim rolled his eyes.
"Just trust me, Kayla."
With a small sigh, she took the mask.
The night had only just begun, and the three of them were about to set the stage ablaze.
---