Seraphine met Cornelia’s gaze with icy calm. “Fine,” she said, the word edged with bitterness. “Let’s go.”
The hot pot restaurant was lively, its air thick with the aroma of spiced broth and sizzling meats. They were seated at a private table, but the tension among them was impossible to ignore. Cornelia placed herself between Seraphine and Luther, her laughter frequent, her touches on Luther’s arm subtle but deliberate.
Seraphine stayed silent, her thoughts tangled. She’d long since grown accustomed to Cornelia’s games, but tonight, the weight of it all pressed harder than ever.
As the meal unfolded, Cornelia reached for the ladle. Her movements, though graceful, were far too calculated. In one swift motion, she tilted the pot just enough to cause the steaming broth to spill. The hot liquid splashed onto both women.
Seraphine hissed in pain, her arm scalded, but Cornelia let out a dramatic cry, clutching her leg. “Oh no!” she wailed, her face a mask of exaggerated agony. “I didn’t mean to!”
Luther shot up, his attention snapping entirely to Cornelia. “Cornelia! Are you okay?” His voice was urgent, his hands hovering over her as though she might shatter.
Cornelia sniffled, her performance flawless. “I’m so clumsy! I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” She cast a fleeting, dismissive glance at Seraphine, her guilt feigned.
Seraphine sat frozen, her hand gripping a napkin as she dabbed at the angry red burn on her arm. Her heart ached, not from the burn but from Luther’s utter disregard. He hadn’t even looked at her.
“Cornelia, let me help you.” Luther’s voice softened as he knelt beside her, brushing her hair back with a tenderness Seraphine hadn’t felt from him in months.
The scene before her was a dagger to the chest. Seraphine’s jaw tightened as she rose to her feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice cold and distant. “I’ll take care of myself.”
Luther didn’t look up. He remained beside Cornelia, murmuring reassurances as if Seraphine wasn’t even there. The final thread of hope snapped.
Seraphine turned, her steps measured and deliberate as she left the restaurant. The door swung closed behind her, muting the laughter and murmurs inside.