Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 18

"Didn't you say you weren't into me? Then what's this diary all about?"

"You've got it all wrong. It's just some scribbles, doesn't prove a thing," Sylvia said, her face emotionless as she tried to push him away.

At the mention of scribbles, Rupert's eyes narrowed, "Is that so?"

In the next moment, to Sylvia's astonishment, he reached into the fire, pulling out a half-burnt sheet of paper.

Glancing at the elegant handwriting, he repeated the words in a deep tone, "I fancy you."

Rupert held the charred paper between his fingers, his demeanor lazy and indifferent, his expression cold and detached despite the sentimental words.

He had always been indifferent and ruthless towards her, she knew that.

But the mocking look in his eyes made Sylvia feel stifled and rigid. As if her past affection was nothing but dirt in his eyes, unworthy of attention.

Sylvia's shoulders trembled slightly as she struggled to suppress her emotions, speaking calmly, "It's nameless, doesn't have to be you. It could be anyone, but definitely not you."

She tried to move her hand but was caught by Rupert, who pulled her closer. Rupert leaned in slowly, his chilly and threatening presence enveloping Sylvia.

"Who then? Sylvia, thought you could just provoke me and walk away? No one can change what I want."

Sylvia struggled a few times, but he only got closer. At that moment, voices of a young couple chatting came from the nearby path.

"Do you smell something burning?"

"Yeah, I'm burning up with desire!"

"Idiot, who's joking with you? You...ugh...stop it! Don't kiss me like that."

"Just one more kiss."

Their voices, filled with flirtation and affection, intermittently reached them.

Sylvia cringed, her body involuntarily shivering. Rupert noticed, a playful smirk crossing his handsome face as his hand casually slid up her back.

"Let me go," Sylvia said in a panic.

"Speak up, not afraid of being caught?" Rupert's gaze was profound.

Sylvia bit her lip. Yet, the couple seemed to notice.

"Who's there? I wanna see who's ruining my date!"

Hearing footsteps, Sylvia began to sweat nervously, unable to push the man in front of her away.

Lowering her voice, she demanded through gritted teeth, "Go."

Instead of leaving, Rupert pressed closer, deliberately rubbing his firm chest against her as if to ignite her.

Finally, his breath lingered on her ear, his gaze inscrutable, punishingly gripping her body with every movement, making her feel utterly embarrassed under the broad daylight. "Who is it? Or shall we let others see what you look like now?"

Sylvia's face turned pale, painful memories piercing her heart like a knife, numbing her pain. He was always like this, getting what he wanted by any means, never caring about her feelings. Watching her suffer, in agony, while he remained cold and detached.

"Hmm?" His tone was low, running out of patience.

As the couple approached, Sylvia clenched her fists and shook her head.

"There's no one."

Just as the couple got closer, Rupert wrapped his arm around her and dodged behind a tree. He propped himself against the tree with one hand, gripping Sylvia's waist with the other, immobilizing her. He leaned in, eyes level with Sylvia's. His towering height and oppressive aura bore down on her. His gaze, profound and dangerous, sparkled with a warning to keep away.

From behind the tree, the couple's conversation continued.

"Who's behind the tree?"

"What's with the sneaking around?"

Sylvia's heart lurched, involuntarily curling up. And Rupert, he just slowly leaned in closer.