Playing With Fire

Under the unhindered midday sun, the wind blew with the oppressive heat of summer.

In a yard, Tessa Wexler was watching two stray cats scramble for food. When a cat won by a scratch, she beamed a big smile.

Her rosy lips curved, eyes as clear as glass. A brilliant charm was shown on her face, which was as fair as jade.

"Tessa, sorry to keep you waiting."

With sympathy and regret written on his face, Felix Hughes, in his white gown, pushed open the door. There was a clipboard in his hand.

Tessa looked over her shoulder with a smile that became meek and lovely.

"Never mind. Mr. Hughes, how's the result?"

"You're healthy in all aspects."

Tessa knew he was trying to sound upbeat.

"What about my brain?" she drawled.

He let out a brief sigh. "The same as your mother's..."

Shirley Flores, Tessa's mother, had inherited rare supernatural powers from her family.

Her six senses were distinct from normal people's, and her intelligence and learning ability were preeminent.

But everything had its dark side.

The side effect of those abilities was a rare disease that killed her at 27, a young age.

And this also happened to Tessa.

Like her mother, she was likely to die under 30.

Felix comforted, "Don't worry, Tessa. Your father and uncles are preparing for your marriage to Vance King."

Under her pretty brows, her eyes glistened as she smiled.

"Mr. Hughes, you also believe I'll be cured by marrying that man?"

Affected by her positiveness, Felix also curved his lips in a somewhat embarrassed smile.

"In this world, there are many things that modern medicine can't explain. If your father and uncles are so convinced, there must be a reason."

Tessa shrugged her shoulders, with a trace of playfulness in her eyes.

To cure her, the three elders had devoted themselves to the occult.

But thanks to this, she could leave the Flores's and come to the city where her mother had once lived.

"Vance is Old Mr. King's second son and is said to be an outstanding man. Now that you'll get married sooner or later..." Felix blathered on.

"Mr. Hughes, you're starting to become a nag too."

After a glance at him, Tessa took her bag and rose.

It was a surprise that a meek girl like her had such a sharp stare. Rendered speechless, Felix gave an awkward smile and walked her out.

"Contact me anytime if you feel uncomfortable."

Samuel Johnson, a blond young man, was waiting for her outside. Following him, Tessa got into a black MPV.

"Boss, are you going to the Wexler's or Veronica Art Gallery?"

Samuel turned around, his hair reflecting the sunlight, and teeth dazzlingly white.

"Vance King is also in the gallery."

Tessa lifted her eyelids. "What are you smiling at? There's a cramp on your face?"

Samuel stopped smiling right away and gave two coughs.

Tessa had just come to City J last month. He hadn't gotten used to the fact that the sweet girl in front of him was the big boss who gave him orders through texts.

"Go to the gallery," she said in a voice that sounded lazy and a little childish.

She wanted to know why her father and uncles were so resolute about their arrangement.

On arriving at the gallery, Samuel went to talk with a manager with a scroll of painting.

Tessa walked around there alone.

Her gaze swept across a crowd and soon landed on a handsome man with distinguishing temperament.