The date

Austin's breath hitched as Cassian—no, Romeo—smirked at him from across the desk. The morning sun streamed through the office window, casting a golden glow around his boss’s sharp features.

"How did you know I read the book?" Austin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Cassian leaned back in his chair, amusement dancing in his golden eyes. "I told you, my love. You remember me now, don't you?"

A chill ran down Austin’s spine. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm. "Who the hell are you?"

Cassian smiled, slow and deliberate. "Come on a date with me tonight, and I’ll explain everything."

Austin scoffed. "A date? After what I just read? You killed her."

Cassian’s gaze darkened. "And I’d do it again." He stood, walking around the desk, closing the distance between them. "But, Austin… if you come, I’ll tell you why."

Something in his voice made Austin hesitate. He should say no—run, quit his job, change his name.

But instead, he found himself nodding.

Later that night, they sat at an upscale restaurant, candlelight flickering between them. Austin forced himself to eat, though his appetite had vanished. Cassian, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, sipping his wine.

Austin exhaled sharply. "You’re supposed to be mature. You’re my boss. How can you act like this?"

Cassian tilted his head, smirking. "Oh, I am mature, my love." His voice lowered, dangerously sweet. "So mature that therapists tell me there are other men in the world. But I don’t want another man."

His golden eyes gleamed.

"I just want you. And if I can’t have you…"

His smile widened.

"No one can."

Austin's heart pounded.

Cassian leaned closer, his voice a whisper.

"I already killed you once."

Austin froze.

A sharp breath left his lips.

Cassian only chuckled, lifting his glass in a mock toast.

"Cheers to second chances, my love."

Austin’s hands trembled as he reached for his wine glass, needing something—anything—to calm his nerves. He downed the drink in one go, the burn of alcohol doing little to numb the fear creeping through his veins.

Cassian watched him with amusement, swirling his own drink lazily. "Careful, my love. You wouldn’t want to lose yourself too quickly."

Austin ignored him and signaled the waiter for another drink. And then another.

The night blurred.

Somewhere between the fourth and fifth glass, the tension in his chest loosened. The fear, the confusion—it all faded into a hazy warmth. He laughed at something Cassian said, though he couldn’t quite remember what it was.

Cassian leaned in, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim candlelight. "You’re beautiful like this," he murmured, fingers brushing against Austin’s cheek.

Austin swayed slightly, the alcohol making everything feel distant, surreal. His thoughts tangled together, the lines between past and present, dream and reality, blurring.

Cassian’s voice was a whisper in his ear.

"Let me take you home, my love."

Austin barely registered the words before darkness pulled him under.

Austin's head throbbed as he slowly opened his eyes. His body felt strange—different. The soft fabric of a nightgown clung to his skin, the sensation completely unfamiliar. His fingers twitched, and as he sat up, crimson strands of hair tumbled over his shoulders.

His breath caught.

A mirror stood across the room. He stumbled out of the lavish bed, his bare feet touching cold marble floors. Heart pounding, he reached out, gripping the edge of the vanity for support.

And then—he saw it.

His reflection.

Long, flowing red hair cascaded past his shoulders. His nightgown was elegant, old-fashioned—like something from another era. But his face—his features—were still his. Still Austin.

Panic surged through him.

"What the hell—?"

Before he could finish, laughter filled the room.

A presence—someone else was here.

Spinning around, Austin's gaze landed on a figure perched casually on the windowsill. They had an otherworldly presence, their eyes glinting with mischief as they smiled down at him.

"Finally awake, huh?" the stranger purred.

Austin's breath came fast. "Who—who are you?"

The stranger placed a hand on their chest, grinning. "I’m Star. And, well…" Their expression darkened with amusement. "I’m the one who threw you into this mess."

Austin’s fists clenched. "What do you mean? What’s happening to me?!"

Star giggled, tilting their head. "You're Seraphina now. Or rather, you're living as her." They leaned in, their voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Poor thing, you’re going to experience everything she went through."

Austin's stomach twisted. "No—no, this isn't real. This can’t be real."

Star merely smirked. "Oh, but it is." They leaned back, waving a hand dismissively. "And don’t worry, you’ll stay the same gender. No magical transformations there. But everything else? The fear, the heartbreak, the death—you’ll relive it all."

Austin's blood ran cold.

Star grinned wider, eyes gleaming with cruel delight. "Heheheh! Hope it’s fun. Goodbye!"

And just like that—she vanished.

To be continued

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***