The Devil's Handmaiden

PTE

ARE YOU

ft the classroom, his thoughts already drifting to his upcoming work

Alex,

Vanessa. He turned just in time to see her jogg

eath. "I was wondering if you'd like

n eyebrow. "L

hifting nervously.

hing in his mind. She had been so busy lately, distant even.

ing himself. "But this stays be

with excitement. "I prom

tug of guilt, but he pushed it away

-

x-thirty, she had transformed herself, wearing a green dress that made her emerald eyes pop. After a final glanc

ter, looking as effortl

aid eagerly. "I

er with," Alex muttered under his b

o finally confess their feelings. Vanessa, deeply invested, tried to spark conversations with Alex throu

ack was equally awkward, until Va

she demanded, her voice

g with me? Why would you drag me to a movie tha

a blurted out, her heart pounding in her ch

you, Vanessa. I never have. And I never wi

d was a punch to the gut. "Aurora, isn't it? You've always loved her," she whispered,

d walked away, leaving Vanessa standing in the stree

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e had bought for Peter a peace offering to make up for her recent neglect. She wanted to show him she

to end things once and for all. As he made his way to Tiffany's house, he carrie

m into the parlor. Moments later, Tiff

lad you came," she s

ight of his decision pulled him

unaware of the words that w

ink we should keep seeing each other

t, Tiffany didn't breathe. "What do you me

irm. "I'm sorry

reath. "Is it because of her?" she asked, her voice trembling wi

said sharply. "It has n

is," she begged. "I'll be better. I'll mak

f him and shook his head. "It

o a low, menacing whisper. "You'll regret this,

g, his footsteps fading into the n

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, a mysterious figure sat silently, staring at his phone. On th

udible over the club's pounding music. "Kohr,

Shouldn't we info

r leaving Aurora's picture. "N

. "Yes, sir. Everythin

tracing the image of Aurora on the screen. "

are you