My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace

“Ms. Nightshade, please hurry up! We’re really running out of time.”

Cedric was making a final plea when his phone suddenly rang. Oh no, it must be the chairman calling to chew him out.

He answered, and seconds later, the phone slipped from his ear, his speech stuttering, “Sir, just now, the police called, Mr. Timothy Lockwood was in a severe car crash on Luminal Avenue, the car was wrecked, he’s gone.”

As he spoke, the banquet hall erupted into chaos; everyone stared wide-eyed and speechless, unable to believe that the man who had just been with them was now gone.

Only Xanthea calmly screwed the cap back on the bottle, and pulled out a handkerchief to meticulously wipe her fingers. “There you go, Mr. Lockwood, keep this bottle safe, remember to apply it morning and night.”

As she handed the bottle to the man, she caught his gaze shifting from shock to a deep, focused intensity.

Seeing that complex look. He must have realized that her earlier nagging not only hadn’t hindered his succession to the helm of the Lockwood Group but had actually saved his life. Clever girl.

go.”

“Bro, it’s getting late, let’s go

“Ms. Nightshade!”

Xanthea turned to leave, and Orion tried to grab her, only managing to pull off the silk handkerchief half-stuffed back into her pocket.

Xanthea turned, flashing him a bright, sweet smile, “Mr. Lockwood, until next time.”

When the Nightshade siblings left the gemstone convention, Orion had his gaze lingerin on the striking figure in the middle until she disappeared. He then looked at the handkerchief in his hand, and held it tightly as if afraid it would vanish like she had, as if by holding it, he could feel the warmth she left behind.

Cedric, still stunned, finally managed to say to Orion, “Thank goodness we didn’t go back with Mr. Lockwood just now, otherwise… So, Ms. Nightshade, she actually saved our live by coincidence?!”

“What did she just say?”

“Huh? Ms. Nightshade? She said ‘until next time’?”

Until next time.

Orion pocketed the handkerchief, with a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Once they got into the car, Xanthea was immediately bombarded with questions from Ethan and Samuel on either side. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Xan, don’t you think you owe Ethan and me an explanation about today?”

Xanthea tried to play dumb, “What do you mean?”

“What was your real purpose at the convention today? How did you manage to find that rare jade? Why did you choose to help Orion? How long have you known him?”

“Stop!” Overwhelmed, Xanthea decided to come clean. “Three years ago, I was hassled by some thugs on the street, and Orion saved me. Being too scared, I ran away; I only remembered him when I saw the scar on his neck on my eighteenth birthday. So yes, you’re right, I wasn’t here for the convention. I was here to deliver his medicine. As for finding that rare violet jade, that was just a stroke of luck, and if it helped him, consider it a way to repay the favor. Ethan, Samuel, you guys aren’t upset that I handed over such a treasure to someone else, are you?”

“Of course not!” Samuel shook his head. “Since he saved you, it’s only right for you to help him, but.”

Ethan picked up where he left off, “It looks like there’s more to your relationship than just a chance encounter, right?”

Xanthea looked at Ethan’s serious expression, ‘What else would it be?”

“Although it sounds a bit far-fetched,” Samuel stroked his chin thoughtfully, “does Orion have feelings for you?”