Isadora had barely settled on her bed when her phone rang again.
She glanced at the screen and immediately recognized Tsubaki’s name.
She answered with a sigh.
“What?” “What do you mean, ‘what’?” Tsubaki sounded offended.
“I tried calling you yesterday!
You never answered.
I was starting to think something had happened to you.” “Something did happen,” Isadora admitted, rubbing her forehead as the memories from the previous night slowly came back.
“I went to Las Vegas with Valen.” There was a brief silence.
“You went to Las Vegas with Valen?” “Yes.” “Like… actual Las Vegas?” “Yes, Tsubaki.” “With the casinos, nightclubs, fancy hotels, all of it?” Isadora groaned.
“Unfortunately.” Tsubaki sounded delighted.
“Girl, you have to tell me everything.” Isadora hesitated before giving in.
She told her what she could remember—the casino, the champagne, the dancing, and the fact that she had somehow ended up playing baccarat with Valen.
The more she talked, the more embarrassed she became.
“And then,” she muttered, “I apparently made a complete fool of myself.” “How?” Isadora covered her face with one hand.
“I walked into the living room half naked.” Tsubaki went silent for a second.
Then she burst out laughing.
“Wait.
You did WHAT?” “I didn’t do it on purpose!” “You walked into the living room with your breasts out?” “Tsubaki!” “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” she said between laughs.
“Go on.” “And Valen saw me like that.” “Oh my God.” “And it gets worse.” “There’s more?” “I vomited on him.” For a moment, Tsubaki said nothing.
Then she laughed so hard Isadora had to pull the phone away from her ear.
“Stop laughing!” “I’m trying!” Tsubaki managed between giggles.
“I’m sorry, but this is actually adorable.” “Adorable?
I vomited on the man!” “Exactly!
And he still covered you and took care of you.” “He also spent the entire morning reminding me about it.” Tsubaki hummed thoughtfully.
“You know what?
I think Valen might actually be a good man.” Isadora stared at the ceiling.
“Are you serious?” “He took you to Las Vegas, got you into a fancy casino, let you have fun, took care of you when you got drunk, and apparently didn’t throw you out after you vomited on him.” Tsubaki sighed dreamily.
“That man is something else.” “He took me to Las Vegas because I was complaining about being bored, not because he suddenly became romantic.” “Still.
A man who takes a girl to Las Vegas just so she can go to a nightclub?
Girl, you’re lucky.” Isadora rolled her eyes so hard it almost hurt.
“You only say that because you don’t live with him.” “I would gladly live with him.” “You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Tsubaki laughed.
“So what you’re saying is that he’s handsome, rich, takes you to Las Vegas, and lives in a giant mansion?” “You forgot arrogant, annoying, controlling, and completely unbearable.” “That doesn’t sound like a denial.” “It is a denial.” “Sure, Isadora.” Isadora sighed and fell back against her pillows.
“You really don’t understand.
Valen is impossible to live with.
Every time I want to do something, he has a rule.
Every time I go somewhere, I have guards following me.
And whenever I complain, he gives me that look like I’m the most troublesome person he’s ever met.” Tsubaki chuckled softly.
“Maybe you are.” “Whose side are you on?” “Definitely his.” “Tsubaki!” Her friend burst into laughter again.
Isadora shook her head, but despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips.
“Whatever.
You can keep your imaginary romance.
I have to survive living with that man.” “Hmm,” Tsubaki hummed suspiciously.
“We’ll see how long that lasts.” “What is that supposed to mean?” “Nothing.” “Tsubaki…” “Bye!” “Tsubaki!” The call ended.
Isadora stared at her phone in disbelief before dropping it onto the bed.
“Unbelievable.” She shook her head and muttered to herself, “That girl watches too many dramas.” .
.
The evening had settled over the estate when Isadora finished getting ready for her night shift at the hospital.
She was dressed in a simple blouse and trousers, her hospital badge tucked into her bag along with her neatly folded white coat.
She had just picked up her keys when she heard the front door open downstairs.
Curious, she stepped into the hallway and looked over the railing.
Valen had just entered the house.
His suit jacket was missing, his white shirt was slightly wrinkled, and blood was running steadily down his forearm.
Isadora immediately hurried downstairs.
“What happened?” “It’s a cut.” “No kidding.
Sit down.” Valen looked at her, clearly intending to argue, but one look at her expression made him reconsider.
He sat on the sofa while she rushed to get the first-aid kit.
She carefully examined his arm.
The cut was several centimeters long, deep enough to hurt badly and require proper treatment, but fortunately not dangerous.
She checked his fingers and wrist for numbness and restricted movement before cleaning the wound.
“Does it hurt?” “It’s manageable.” “That wasn’t my question.” Valen said nothing.
She pressed antiseptic against the cut, and his jaw tightened slightly.
Isadora noticed.
“Thought so.” “I’m fine.” “You’re bleeding.” “I’ve noticed.” She rolled her eyes and continued working, applying pressure until the bleeding slowed before wrapping his forearm in a temporary bandage.
“This needs stitches.” “No.” “Valen.” “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.” “Tonight.” “I have things to handle.” “So do I.
I’m supposed to be at the hospital in less than twenty minutes.” She finished securing the bandage and looked him directly in the eyes.
“Actually, I’m not going anymore.” Valen frowned.
“Why?” “Because I’m staying here to monitor your wound.” “No.” She blinked.
“What?” “I don’t need you watching me.” “You absolutely do.” “I’ll be fine.” “You’re impossible.” “And you’re too talkative.” Isadora stared at him.
“I just treated your wound.” “And I appreciate it.” “Then let me stay.” “I want some peace and quiet.” Her expression slowly changed.
“Oh, I’m sorry.
Am I disturbing the great Valen Da Costa?” He gave her a tired look.
“You’re proving my point.” “Fine!” She grabbed her bag, clearly irritated.
“Go to hell, Valen.” She turned toward the door.
“Isadora.” She stopped but didn’t look back.
“What?” “Nothing.” “Exactly.” She left, the front door closing firmly behind her.