The hospital ward buzzed with tension as Xavier Cain and Akira Lykos locked eyes, their gazes heavy with unspoken storms.
Each man stewed in his own whirlpool of suspicion, blaming the chaotic twist of their reborn fates for this bizarre tableau.
Xavier's bandaged frame slumped against the pillows, his mind racing—'My rebirth's ripple effect, screwing me over!'
Akira, standing tall in his security gear, mirrored the thought, his pulse thrumming with wary intrigue.
---
Lugh Everveil, blissfully unaware of the protagonists' mental gymnastics, flashed a sunny grin and gave Xavier's shoulder a gentle pat.
"Alright, brother, you rest up—catch you tomorrow!"
With a jaunty wave, he strutted out, Aiselle Starlight and Akira trailing like a mismatched entourage—sass and steel in his wake.
Aiselle's heels clicked sharply as she caught up, her bouquet from earlier tucked under one arm like a reluctant trophy.
"Where to now, Mr. Everveil?" she asked, one brow arched in curiosity.
Lugh spun on his heel, all dramatic flair.
"Another hospital run—gotta check on a dear pal!"
Aiselle blinked, tossing her curly hair.
"What's with all your buddies landing in hospitals? You running a side hustle as a jinx?"
He laughed, undeterred, and off they went, piling into his convertible.
---
Half an hour later, they rolled up to Snow Enterprises' gleaming medical fortress, its glass facade winking in the late sun.
Inside, Jessica Snow, the radiant CEO, was buried in paperwork when Lugh sauntered in, his grin bright enough to power a small city.
"Yo, Jess—you're a sight for sore eyes!" he called, leaning against her desk with casual charm.
Her face lit up, emerald eyes sparkling—then widened as she spotted Aiselle.
"Starlight?! You're back!" she squealed, practically vaulting from her chair.
Lugh tilted his head, feigning confusion.
"Wait—you two know each other?"
Aiselle shoved past him with a playful huff, her bouquet discarded on a chair.
"Duh, we're soul sisters—thick as thieves since diaper days!"
She flung her arms around Jessica, squeezing tight.
"Missed you, girl!"
"Missed you more!" Jessica giggled, returning the hug with gusto.
She stepped back, brow furrowing.
"But—how're you two together?"
Aiselle waved a hand, all breezy confidence.
"I'm his secretary now—handling his work chaos. Speaking of…"
She spun, pointing at Lugh with mock authority.
"Mr. Everveil, you're surplus to requirements—scram! My girl and I need to dish, and you're not invited!"
Lugh clutched his chest, mock-wounded.
"A secretary kicking out the boss? What's the world coming to?"
"Coming to sense," Aiselle shot back, smirking.
"Out, out—girl talk's off-limits!"
She herded him toward the door, slamming it shut with a flourish.
---
Lugh stood in the hall, chuckling as he shook his head.
"Akira, my man, looks like it's just us—abandoned by the ladies!"
"Yes, Vice President Lugh!" Akira replied, face stern as granite, but inside?
His heart churned with pure, green-eyed envy.
'How's this guy drowning in charm?'
Two stunners—Jessica and Aiselle, both drop-dead gorgeous—fawned over Lugh like he was catnip.
Akira, the so-called war god, hadn't scored a fraction of that luck.
'Unfair!'
---
Outside, the duo loitered by the car, Lugh lounging against the hood while Akira stood ramrod-straight, ever the dutiful shadow.
The city buzzed around them, oblivious to the brewing drama within Snow Enterprises' walls.
---
Inside Jessica's office, the air was thick with giggles and whispers as the besties dove into their catch-up session.
Jessica perched on her desk, legs swinging, while Aiselle leaned in, all fiery intensity.
"Starlight, spill—why're you suddenly Lugh's secretary?" Jessica asked, tilting her head.
"Didn't you swear he was the devil incarnate?"
Aiselle's eyes narrowed, hands planting on her hips.
"It's all for you, dummy!"
Jessica blinked, caught off guard.
"Me?"
"Duh!" Aiselle huffed, pacing like a caged panther.
"Look at you—barely a week with this guy, and you're swooning like some rom-com airhead! I'm not saying he's evil—yet—but you're diving headfirst into a trap. So, I signed up to shadow him, get the dirt, and show you his true colors before you're in too deep!"
Jessica's cheeks flushed, a shy smile creeping out.
"Starlight, you're too good to me! But I'm telling you—Lugh's not what you think. He's got this crazy spark, so kind and thoughtful, with a heart big enough to carry the world. He's gonna soar, and I believe in him!"
Aiselle groaned, slapping a hand to her forehead.
"Jess, you're not just in the pit—you're building a condo down there! You're calling a certified flirt a saint!"
She tried a few more jabs—
"He's a player!"
"All charm, no substance!"
—but Jessica's starry-eyed glow didn't budge.
Aiselle sagged, despair creeping in.
'This is hopeless!'
Her frustration zeroed in on Lugh.
'Damn you, you smarmy jerk—wrecking our sisterhood!'
Jessica, unfazed, beamed brighter.
"Honestly, Starlight? I'm thrilled you're working with him."
Aiselle's jaw dropped.
"Thrilled? For what?"
"'Cause you're a freaking genius!" Jessica chirped, clapping her hands.
"You'll be a huge boost for him!"
Her voice softened, cheeks pinking.
"Plus… you can keep an eye on him, y'know? Make sure no random floozies get too close. Lugh's too perfect—draws all the bees and butterflies."
Aiselle's face hit her palms with a theatrical thud.
"Oh, sweet stars—you're beyond saving!"
"Please, Starlight, just help me out!" Jessica begged, eyes wide and pleading.
Aiselle turned away, arms crossed.
"Nope, not happening!"
But after a beat, she relented, sighing.
"Fine—one nudge. I'll point out his flaws, but if you're still mooning over him, I'm done. Some guys can't quit chasing trouble—you'd be smart to ditch him!"
Jessica squealed, tackling her in a hug.
"You're the best, sis—I owe you big!"
---
The reunion was pure joy, and to celebrate, the gals decided to rope Lugh into a feast.
They dragged him to a swanky restaurant, all twinkling lights and savory aromas, diving into plates piled high with decadence.
Akira, poor soul, was left downstairs in the car, munching on a stale loaf of bread, his envy simmering hotter than the asphalt.
---
By 8 p.m., the party hit a snag.
Jessica's phone buzzed, and her face fell as she answered.
"Lugh, Starlight—I'm so sorry, emergency at work. Gotta jet—can't stay!"
"No biggie—work's the boss!" Aiselle said, waving it off.
"We're all in the same city—plenty of time to hang."
Jessica turned to Lugh, eyes soft.
"Lugh…"
He scratched his neck, sheepish.
"Actually, I've got a thing too. Old buddy invited me to his new bar for drinks—kept dodging him, but if I skip this one, he'll disown me!"
Jessica nodded, all sweet concern.
"Go for it—just don't overdo the booze, okay? And get home safe!"
"Deal!" Lugh grinned, giving her a playful salute.
She shot Aiselle a sneaky glance—
'Watch him for me!'—
and Aiselle rolled her eyes, tossing back a look that screamed 'Ugh, fine!'
"Alright, crew—let's roll!" Lugh called, leading the charge out the door, Akira trailing like a loyal hound with a grudge.
---
The night stretched on, each player lost in their own game.
Jessica sped back to her office, her heart still dancing from Lugh's smile, the lavender vial on her desk a quiet promise of more.
Aiselle, stuck babysitting Lugh, was plotting her exposé—
'One slip, and you're done, pretty boy!'—
while secretly relishing her bestie's joy.
Akira, back in bodyguard mode, seethed with every step.
Lugh's charm was a magnet, pulling in beauties like Jessica and Aiselle while he, the mighty war god, was left with crumbs—literal and figurative.
'Why's his luck a goldmine and mine's a dumpster fire?'
But he shoved it down, eyes sharp.
Being close to Lugh was step one—revenge would wait.