Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 50

Sylvia was caught off guard, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks.

Unbeknownst to her, the sliver of an open door had perfectly framed her reflection in the mirror. Her long hair cascaded down her fair back, and the barely concealed breasts that were covered by her arm danced with every movement, as if on the brink of revelation. Rupert clenched his ring on his thumb, a gesture that barely contained a surge of impulse.

Outmatched, Sylvia forcefully shut the door. Gazing at the man's shirt and trousers, she had no other choice but to don them.

When she emerged from the bathroom, Rupert was lounging on the sofa, nursing a cup of coffee.

The aroma of the coffee filled the room, instantly soothing the mind.

Sylvia approached, and perhaps it was the heat of the coffee, but Rupert spilled half of it after a swift glance in her direction.

Yet, he quickly regained composure, simply stating, "Have some coffee."

After setting down his cup, he excused himself for a shower, leaving the conversation at that.

Picking up a cup, Sylvia took a sip, only to spit it out immediately. Staring at the clear liquid, she was lost in thought, her eyes tinged with bitterness. This coffee...was something she hated the most.

It wasn't that this type of coffee was bad. In fact, it was an expensive variety, something most families couldn't afford.

Her disdain stemmed from a painful memory, a time when she was told by someone she didn't deserve such luxuries. Upon her arrival at the Garcia Manor, she had little knowledge about things there and found herself often making blunders despite her cautiousness. Seeing her mother and Edwin exhausted from social engagements, she thought to brew some coffee as a gesture of comfort. Venturing into the pantry, overwhelmed by the vast selection, she picked at random. But no sooner had she begun to brew the coffee, a maid barged in and berated her harshly.

"Why are you so greedy? Is this something you think you deserve to drink? Even selling you wouldn't cover the cost of this coffee!

You coming to this family just because of your mother, you think you're special? Even your mother would have to beg me for a handful of these. And here you are, stealing it huh?"

Mention of stealing turned Sylvia pale as she frantically explained that Edwin had allowed her access to these luxuries.

The maid, unheeding, drenched her with the pot of coffee. This incident, witnessed by Rupert who was passing by, resulted in the maid's immediate dismissal...

He knew all of this. Yet, he had still prepared this particular coffee for her, as if to remind her of her burdensome status within the Garcia family. Perhaps he shared that belief. Lost in thought, Rupert's phone lit up on the table, a message popping up. Sylvia didn't desire to pry, but it was too close to ignore.

"Rupert, my favorite coffee is out."

Reading the name of the coffee, Sylvia felt even colder. So, this coffee was actually Bridget's favorite. True love, indeed. Rupert remembered everything about Bridget.

Sylvia's heart sank, chiding herself for her foolish thoughts moments ago.

Why should Rupert remember her preferences? "Sylvia," she thought to herself, "who do you think you are? Was being reborn supposed to be significant?"

Even in rebirth, powerless and insignificant, she was still struggling, inching her way through fate like the minute hand of a clock.

After his shower, Rupert returned and lazily sat, lighting a cigarette.

"Feeling be...Didn't drink it?" Smoke veiled his stern features as he cast a cool glance.

"Nope," Sylvia responded, feeling repulsive.

After a while, unable to bear the awkwardness and the relentless storm outside, she realized she couldn't make it back now, not with the school's curfew in place. Standing up, she addressed him, "I'm quite tired. I'll be heading to bed."