Author's note: this is from Aldus's point of view

- - -

​​

Mateo spoke with confidence. "As long as the chance of success to awaken my wolf is more than zero, I'm willing to go through it."

"Are you sure about it?"

Mateo confirmed. "If I stay like this, it will be only a matter of time before someone gets to me or Serina, and if anything happens to her because of me, I will never forgive myself. I promised Serina that we will travel the world and I will take care of her, and I can't do that if I'm hiding."

I admired Mateo's spirit, however… "Don't make that decision rashly. What will happen if the procedure backfires and cripples you, or you die? What will Serina do then? She will never forgive me."

"I won't die.", he said with confidence. "Serina admires your scientific proves. She trusts you and I trust her. I have faith that you can make it happen."

Cheeky boy. Where did he learn to compliment others?

"Your flattery is admirable. However, you need to keep in mind that we are in uncharted territory, and many things can go wrong. I understand that you don't want to be a burden, but Serina needs you."

"I need her as well. But we can't live in fear and be happy. I want the power to keep her safe."

Kids. They take their lives lightly. Only with age, one learns to appreciate it.

It was not my place to give him a lesson on how there is nothing romantic about dying, no matter what the reason behind it is.

"While on the topic of safety, Serina told me that you are purchasing properties that belonged to your father."

He didn't deny it. "Yes. Those are rightfully mine. If I was not forced to hide, all that would be mine without the need to purchase anything."

I shook my head at his words. If he was not hiding, he would be dead. But that was not the point why I brought up the topic.

"You buying those might raise some flags and people will connect that you are behind the purchases. If they look into it carefully, they will see Sergio and figure out who you are."

"Don't worry about it, Mr. Mezzanotte, assets and investments are what I do.", he assured me before explaining further. "I'm purchasing under various aliases through my company, and for each of them, Seraphina is a trustee. No matter who looks into this, the only thing they can see is Serina's name. Considering her background as your daughter, it wouldn't be strange for her to make those purchases. In order to make it less obvious, I'm buying some random properties as well. I also sorted with my lawyers the paperwork that makes her the owner of my company and all my assets in my absence or disability. If something happens to me, I know she will be taken care of…"

And there he was again, proving that he puts Seraphina first. How can I disapprove of such a son-in-law?

Knucklehead.

Serina doesn't need money or properties. She needs him.

Notification from Mitch got my attention.

"Serina landed. She will be here in fifteen minutes so if you want to discuss something between us, now is the time."

He shook his head. "I don't have any secrets from Serina. My only wish is not to worry her so when you talk about the chances of making this successful, can you make it look more optimistic? Oh, and one more thing…" He paused and looked at me apprehensively. "Can we keep it between us that my assets are in her name? It's just a contingency, and I don't want her to think I'm planning suicide or something like that."

Didn't he say how he has no secrets, and a moment later, he asked me to conceal two things?

This is where Mateo and Serina are the same. They both want to keep troubles for themselves in order to make the other one happy.

Ah, kids.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

I'm sorry that I missed morning with Duke; every moment with him is precious.

However, I decided to stay behind with Zeiroi because Duke and I together without getting handsy is difficult, and we can't do that in front of my father.

Also, Maria told me that unless I'm working with Zeiroi, he is relaxing in the garden and not studying.

I hate that I need to baby him, but Aldus was skeptical about allowing Zeiroi to stay and I made an effort to convince him how Zeiroi is not wasting our space. If I tell Aldus that I was wrong, he will rub it in.

I wonder if Aldus also saw that Zeiroi is lazing around. Well, if he did, he is not saying anything about it. He is probably waiting for me to give up and announce failure with educating Zeiroi in the ways of humans (and other creatures). And then he will rub it in.

I'm not willing to admit defeat, so I'm spending as much time as possible with Zeiroi.

He is smart as absorbs knowledge easily, but the problem is that he is working on it only if I'm by his side.

Ah, what a bother!

I shook thoughts about Zeiroi away, excited that I'm only minutes away from meeting with Duke.

Duke told me that when he is done with Aldus, he will take me somewhere.

Duke was mysterious about it and knowing him, I know it will be romantic. Everything with Duke is romantic.

I entered the lab and my eyes instantly landed on the most handsome guy in the world whose lips lifted into a smile the moment I opened the door.

I love the way he looks at me. I love everything about Duke.

My father cleared his throat, obviously trying to get my attention. "Hi, Serina."

I stifled a laugh. "Hello, father."

I made my way toward Duke and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. I would go for the mouth, but Aldus was watching.

Duke chuckled and took my hand in his. He kissed the back of my palm and we stared at each other foolishly.

"He is done, you can go.", Aldus said stiffly, obviously upset that I ignored him. That was not my intention, but Duke's presence captivates me.

"I thought we will have lunch together.", I reminded him.

Aldus rolled his eyes. "If I need to watch this…" He gestured toward me and Duke. "I will suffer from indigestion."

I realized my mistake. How can I expect Duke and Aldus to get along if I'm neglecting one for the other? Both of them are equally important, even though my love for them is different. I need them both in my life.

"No, no… We will behave. I promise.", I said quickly. "I will spend the rest of the day and tomorrow with Duke and I want us to have lunch together so that I hear what's the latest status with tests."

Duke hummed in agreement and Aldus made an 'I-don't-believe-you' face, but he agreed as well.

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