A new mess

As the reporters flooded in, their cameras focused on my face, flashes blinding me, microphones shoved toward my mouth. I had never experienced anything like this.

I instinctively took a step back as the shouting grew louder and louder.

What the hell is going on?

Noticing my situation, Carl stepped forward, shielding me. "Stay back! How dare you guys invade a private room?" he said firmly, stretching his arms out protectively in front of me.

"MRS. HARPER, IT IS SAID YOU ARE HAVING A PRIVATE MEETING WITH YOUR LOVER. IS IT TRUE?" a female reporter shouted.

"IS IT TRUE THAT YOU'RE CHEATING ON YOUR HUSBAND, MR. ARTHUR VALENTINE?" another voice called out.

"It's all a misunderstanding! Please give us time to explain things," Carl pleaded as he was nearly overrun by the reporters.

The shouting continued until a sharp male voice cut through the noise, calm yet authoritative. "Misunderstanding? Who comes into a VIP room with a wine bottle?"

The familiar voice made my heart skip a beat. The same sharp tone I heard that morning.

All eyes turned to the man making his way toward me, his steps slow and deliberate, his gaze locked on mine. The crowd parted for him instinctively, like he was a force of nature.

Leaning closer, his breath brushed my ear as he whispered, "You know what, Mrs. Diva Harper? Your good days are over."

His words dripped with disgust and irritation, sending a chill down my spine. My palms grew sweaty, and under the flashing lights, I stammered, "I... I..."

"It looks like you're quite famous, Mrs. Harper," a smooth, calm voice interjected, breaking the tension.

I didn't think anyone could hear her soft-spoken tone over the noise, but the impact was immediate. Every reporter froze, mouths open, as they turned to the woman behind me. The flashes stopped momentarily.

A single sharp flash revealed her face. A man stepped forward with a horrified expression, whispering, "She doesn't like being photographed."Fear was evident on his face.

"I… I'm sorry… It's nothing like what they're saying—" I shuttered.

"I can see that much," she cut me off coldly. Her gaze shifted to me. "And even if you were, it has nothing to do with me."

Her words silenced the room.

"Take that box," she said with authority, and a group of bodyguards burst into the room. One man picked up the box, while the others formed a path for her. She adjusted her glasses, adding, "I don't deal with people who can't manage their own messes. I hope you understand."

With that, she walked out, leaving the reporters dumbfounded.

For a moment, the room was silent. The reporters exchanged glances, unsure of what to say next.

"Mrs. Harper, can you share what kind of conversation you had with Madam Lisa?" one asked hesitantly.

After answering their questions briefly, my eyes fell on a man standing at the edge of the doorway.

He looked like he wanted to avoid being noticed but still stood out. His eyes carelessly met mine, and as soon as they did, he turned and walked out.

Am I crushing on every stranger I meet now?

-----------

This was the oddest situation I'd ever been in.

Sitting in a luxurious VIP room, Lucifer lounged across from me on the couch, his disdainful stare burning holes into me.

"How much time do you need?" Felix, the man standing beside him, asked impatiently, arms crossed.

"Time for what? I'm not asking for forgiveness! No chance!" Lucifer shot back, shaking his head in frustration.

Felix sighed, rubbing his temple. "It's not about forgiveness. It's about accepting your mistake. Just admit it, and it'll be over."

"But she did much worse—"

"That's not the point," Felix interrupted. "It doesn't matter what she's done. We're not going to stoop to her level."

Though they weren't talking about me, the words still stung. But what could I do? It wasn't my fight, and I wasn't going to take it to heart.

"But—"

"Enough," a calm, deep voice commanded, cutting the argument short.

My eyes darted toward Arthur.

"Clean this mess, Felix," he said simply, his focus never leaving the papers in his hands.

Lucifer smirked mockingly. "Yeah, Felix, clean the mess."

Felix smacked the back of Lucifer's head. "Shut up."

Arthur didn't even glance at me. His eyes were still fixed on the lifeless papers in front of him. Somehow, that made me jealous. How could he stare at those so intently.

Feeling out of place, I stood, brushing my knees with my palms, and grabbed my bag. Bowing slightly, I said, "I'm sorry for not having an affair with a man in the private VIP room. I'll be going now."

Lucifer and Felix both looked at me, but Arthur didn't even flinch.

I turned toward the door, my hand resting on the doorknob. A sharp shiver ran through me, and for some reason, a question popped into my mind. Is it his gaze?

But I dismissed the thought and left without looking back.

--------------

"Someone pinch me. Was that real?" Lucifer muttered, his eyes fixed on the door.

Felix smacked the back of his head again. "Shut up idiot"

Arthur finally lifted his gaze from the papers, casting a quick glance at the closed door before returning to his work, dismissing it entirely.

Lucifer grinned slyly, muttering, "I should probably keep an eye on her."