novelxo Chapter 14
Chapter 14
After things settled, Quintessa emerged in her costume.
Manny, thrilled, scurried behind her, carefully lifting the long train of her dress off the ground, “Quinn, you're amazing, seriously...drop-dead gorgeous. This role, it's like it was tailor-made for you.”
Quintessa chuckled, “Tailor-made indeed, playing the role of a seductress.”
Their dressing room was just around the corner, and as they made the turn, Quintessa nearly bumped into someone walking towards them.
The man took a polite step back, “Sorry about that.”
His voice was pleasant, warm, and courteous. Even without seeing his face, Quintessa would have given him a score of 80 out of 100.
But when she looked up and caught sight of his face, her inner monologue turned icy. At the sight of his face, the score she gave him plummeted to zero.
The man was equally surprised to see her, “It's you? Been a while.”
Quintessa raised an eyebrow, “A while indeed, Jerome.”
She hadn't expected to run into Jerome here of all places.
Jerome's smile was like a soothing balm to the eye — polished. Dressed in a bespoke suit with a striped tie and gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, he had a lean, somewhat gaunt appearance that exuded a scholarly charm.
Jerome was the epitome of a gentleman, graceful and regarded as a man of fine taste, like a cup of warm water, never too hot, never too cold, always just right.
His smile was gentle, and his eyes looked at Quintessa with a soft tenderness, “When did you get back? Haven't you visited home?”
Quintessa eyed Jerome, “Home? Looks like you two are still together. Your devotion to my dear sister is quite touching.”
Jerome's smile remained, “Oh? Do you want us to split, Quinn?"
The way Jerome said “Quinn”, it felt like a lock of hair being twirled around a finger, turning the simple nickname into a lament of unrequited affection.
Quintessa merely felt nauseated, “Rather than seeing you two split, I'd prefer to watch Miranda break down after finding out her husband never really had her in his heart.”
Who was Jerome, really? Sporting a harmless facade, always gentle to everyone, but actually... Heh, what was Miranda to him? At best, a “toy” he wasn't done playing with yet.
1/2
Charte
And yet, Miranda treated him like a treasure. Ha, what a precious treasure Indeed.
Jerome's finger sported the engagement ring he shared with Miranda. Raising his hand, he adjusted his glasses, “Speaking of which, your sister misses you. How about we all have dinner tonight, catch up a bit?”
Quintessa’s tone was sharp, “Is that a threat?”
Jerome's smile never wavered, “Of course not.” He turned to Manny, “I need a moment alone with Quinn, if you wouldn't mind stepping away.”
Manny looked at Quintessa, and with a dismissive wave from her, he quickly made himself scarce. Once Manny was out of earshot, Jerome leisurely stepped closer to Quintessa and asked, “Short on cash?”
They stood inches apart, and as Jerome spoke, his head bowed, the breath brushed against Quintessa's forehead.
She replied languidly, “In need, indeed. Why, planning to charm me?”
"Yes, I've wanted to charm you since three years ago. Didn't you know that?” Jerome's lips. curled, his gentle demeanor suddenly taking on a more sinister edge.