Primrose's face is anything but excited, the dreaded expression makes it seem like she is seeing a ghost. Her heart is thumping loudly against her chest, screaming at her to get away, to flee, that what she is seeing right now is a threat to her fragile and vulnerable soul.

A pool of emotion swims through her, it's too much, too overwhelming, but she must stay calm. Lilian doesn't know about anything between her and this man, nor does she even know about what secrets they hold underneath this mortal persona. If the raven head shows any signs of weakness, she is afraid that before she can hold herself back, Lilian will already make a scene out of it. Lilian, her kind and protective friend, will never forgive anyone who dares to harm her, let alone break her heart.

"Primrose…"

The way her name leaves his mouth is warm and endearing, it's like he has been waiting for a chance to call her like that. The warm and velvety voice draws her attention as she looks up, onyx meeting silver.

There is a smile on Caleb's lips, kind and gentle. While he holds a calm exterior when speaking to her, there is a spark in the depth of his beautiful eyes, something that she can not make out of. She stares at the hand in front of her, a chill runs down her spine when she realizes that it is his hand in front of her. This big and calloused hand that once patted her head so lovingly, she wonders if it feels the same as last time.

"M-my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Vatore…"

It sounds weird, the way she calls him, as if to dismiss any former connection they had with each other, or maybe she is treating this friendly coffee date as nothing more than a regular business meeting.

Caleb's heart clenches at the way she speaks, it would be a lie if he said he is not bothered by it. But he maintains his cool and makes himself comfortable on the seat, both hands on the table and just a few inches away from Primrose's small palm. How he wishes he could hold onto it, feeling how perfectly her fingers fit in his larger ones.

Ever since he saw her, Caleb has had to keep himself from overreaching and overreacting. Seeing her is more than making him happy, he is ecstatic. But the vampire lord knows very well that nothing hurts Primrose more than meeting him right now. The ugly scar he left for her is bleeding, it hasn't healed perfectly and he is right here, rubbing salt on the wound even more by just appearing in front of her.

It's wrong of him to make her feel like that, trapped within the freedom of her human world. As much as he hates himself for making her think like that, the young lord can't help but continue to seek her. The vampire blood inside of him years and craves for human touch, for her touch. And Caleb has to do everything he can to hold back that desire within him.

The way to one's heart is a smooth but bumpy road, but the way to Primrose's guarded heart is a path of thorns and blood, each step closer means the stronger her defense system becomes, blocking away any potential threats to the peace she creates for herself.

"Primrose, got so shy already?" Lilian giggles, oblivious to the unspoken tension in the air "Introduce yourself a little bit, come on!"

"L-Lilian…"

"Ah, maybe you can talk more about yourself, Caleb. Primrose has a tendency to be tensed whenever she meets new people."

Primrose steals a few glances at her friend, mentally sighing in relief. To save her from embarrassing herself, Lilian has come up with an innocent lie. The raven head has no problem working with new people, given the nature of her career as a writer. But she has been so tensed that her eyes are only glued to the white tablecloth and nothing else, fearing that if their eyes meet again, she might not be able to hold back the tears that are threatened to spill.

"Well, this is…awkward…" he smiles sheepishly, running his hand to the back of his head "I thought you want me to help you with your thesis, Lilian…"

"Yes, but since my friend is here too, I thought I might introduce you guys. Besides, shyness doesn't suit you, Mr. Vatore."

A chuckle escapes his lip, low and warm, it's like a bell ringing in her ears. The blush adorns Primrose's face when she realizes her odd string of thoughts and lightly shakes her head, hoping to get rid of it.

"My apologies…" Caleb nods his head "Then allow me to get both of you something, I also need to order coffee too."

"You don't have to, Caleb."

"Please, it's my treat."

"Ah, if you insist…" Lilian ponders her thoughts and smiles "I shall get a caramel frappe, and you, Primrose?"

"Lilian, it's cold outside and you want an ice-blended drink?" her friend raises a brow "Some doctor you are."

"Come on, don't be such a killjoy like that. Besides, I'm immune to coldness, so you don't have to worry about me, Prims!" Lilian pouts playfully "And your drink? Caleb is waiting…"

Primrose jumps a bit, chewing on her bottom lips. She doesn't want to talk to him, not yet, not now. But to leave someone waiting for her order is not a good way to treat people and her family has taught her better than this. And Caleb, always so patient, gazes at her softly. There is a glint of encouragement, almost as if he tries to tell her that everything is okay and there's nothing to be worried about. Knowing Primrose, he is the last person she wants to hear that from.

"You take too long! Why don't you just let Caleb pick a drink? I heard that he is quite a coffee expert."

The young lord smiles, taking this as a cue to leave the two ladies alone. Standing at the register, he wonders what he should order for Primrose. Does she still like the same latte years ago? Or maybe her taste buds have changed and more refined over the last couple of years? Should he go the safe route of picking the customer's favorite drink for her or follow what he thinks she will like?

"What can I get for you today, sir?"

"Ah, can I get a cold brew, a caramel frappe, and a…" skimming through all the menu items one last time, something catches his attention and Caleb smiles "The house's fresh strawberry drink, make it light ice please."

While Caleb is ordering, Lilian confronts Primrose about her odd behavior. Knowing Primrose for a long time, she can tell that her friend is hiding something but refusing to talk to her. the raven head is chewing on her bottom lips right now, a habit she does whenever she feels anxious.

"It's okay, Lilian. I'm fine."

But her brunette friend is having a hard time buying into the obvious lie. She can't pry her friend, Primrose is someone who will keep her mouth shut when she wants to keep something a secret and it would be a waste of time for anyone to make her talk.

Her inner turmoil is getting bigger, not only for the appearance of Caleb but also for the conversation she had with her mentors a few days ago. She has wished to know the truth for so long and when she gets closure, Primrose finds herself in a weird dilemma.

Caleb did what he did for the sake of his family, and for her safety. If that is true, then she is grateful for his selfless action. But along with protecting her, he had shattered her heart and the trust she held for him. She was 18 years old at the time, an age which most people considered to be vulnerable as it was the first step to adulthood. The abandonment and rejection tainted her view of life, asking herself the question of what mistake she made to receive such cruel treatment.

She holds onto that pain, unable to move past it. Primrose knows that there are a lot of good people out there who will treat her better, but the thought of opening her heart again scares her. They said the possibility is endless and the future is limitless, but that also means there is no concrete outcome if she decides to venture out into the dating world again. It frightens her, the thought of loving someone and only to be abandoned by them, the wound in her heart is the haunted reminder of what will happen if she chooses to accept another person into her life.

Primrose has never got into any serious relationship. While many wonderful people want to court her, the furthest she can do is just go out on dates. She yearns for affection yet is too scared to take a leap of fate, so she uses her books as a release of all her pent-up frustration and desires. Lilian once told her that it was quite a shock that she could write such amazing love stories while having no experience in dating at all. The comment, while harmless, is a reflection of her fear. She is afraid that if her heart still yearns for that person, then she will never get out of her own shadow…

And then, Caleb arrives…

His arrival is unexpected, like a twist of fate, and stirring up her still messed up life…

"Here you go…"

Speaking of the devil, Caleb is back with a tray full of drinks. Setting the tray on the table, Lilian is excited to take her frappe while the vampire lord sets the strawberry milk in front of Primrose.

"Caleb, you know how to read mind?"

"Excuse me?" he looks at the brunette, amused at her comment.

"You ordered Primrose's favorite drink."

Indeed it is, because the moment he sets the drink in front of her, those onyx eyes become wide open. What is the meaning of this? Why is her heart beating fast? Why did he choose this drink for her?

"Maybe it's just a lucky guess."

Caleb's answer holds more meaning than just a few words coming out of his lips. He still remembers that she likes strawberry drinks a lot, a little detail that has always stuck in his mind, even after his erupt departure. It's a small yet meaningful gesture, a silent note that Primrose has always been in his mind, whether they are together or not. The raven head turns bright red, a small act of affection, her mind runs through so many questions, trying to figure out his motives.

The young lord observes her reaction, hoping to imprint her adorable flustered face into his mind. She is uncomfortable, but there is also a fluffy air around her, a sign that she enjoys this drink very much. Knowing that he has caused her much stress today, Caleb takes the first step to back away, telling them that he has to go back to the hospital to retrieve his personal stuff.

"You're not drinking with us?"

"Sorry Lilian, but maybe I can help you with your thesis tomorrow during lunch hour?"

"O-of course…"

There's a disappointment in the brunette's voice but she holds herself back from showing it on her face. While this meeting doesn't go as well as she had hoped, it can be the first step to their connection. Lilian is way too determined to set Primrose up with Caleb, there is no way she will give up on this mission of hers.

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow." his smile is warm as he turns to Primrose "My pleasure to meet you, Primrose."

She raises her head, looking at him, and nods her head, unable to utter a single word. She should say thank you, showing her appreciation for the free drink she has, and maybe a little bit of gratitude for getting her favorite drink. But nothing comes out of her lips as she tries to speak, her voice betrays her, and stays silent, refusing to give any sound.

But Caleb still wears a warm smile and somehow she can even see a glimpse of happiness when she finally looks at him. When the young lord leaves, Primrose doesn't feel at ease. She has thought that the stress will go with him, but no, she feels rather empty, a piece of her heart is taken away.

But why…?

Caleb's first step into the Vatore estate is welcomed by a warm yet cheeky smile from Kian. The way his lilac-colored eyes shine a mischievous light sends chills down Caleb's spine. What is his brother-in-law planning?

"Welcome back Caleb!"

"Well, don't you look happy? Something good happened recently?"

"You can say that. But it also relates to you too, brother."

Caleb raises a brow, why is his brother-in-law mentioning him?

"Come, Lilith is waiting for both of us."

Kian leads the way to the living room, where Lilith is sitting on the plush cushion of the sofa, her brown orbs twinkle in excitement when she sees her older brother entering the space. Butler Richard is standing near the coffee table, holding a folder.

"Welcome back, my lord."

"Hello, Richard. And hello to you too, Lilith." Caleb looks at his sister, skepticism fills his eyes "You all seem oddly excited…"

"Indeed we do, brother dear."

Caleb is taken aback by the way Lilith calls him. Having been by her side for centuries, the young lord can pick up the odd vibe coming from her. He knows that she is planning something, Lilith has a habit of referring to him as 'brother dear' when she shares a plan that involves him.

"Lilith, what did you do?"

"Oh don't say it like that, you make it seem like I'm nothing but a troublemaker." she huffs, earning a chuckle from her husband who takes a seat next to her "Anyway, read this. Do you like this place?"

Butler Richard hands the document to Caleb and prepares some tea for everyone in the room. The vampire lord scans through the material, silver eyes widen at the material he is reading. It is a leasing contract with his name and signature written perfectly on the paper.

"What is the meaning of this?" he sets down the document, making sure that the forged signature is visible to everyone's eyes "Who fakes my signature?"

Even without an answer, Caleb already knows who is the culprit behind this silly yet illegal prank. Lilith exhales and bites her bottom lips, trying to act as naturally as she possibly can. But her brother's stern eyes make it very hard for her to maintain a calm and composed face, Caleb has never been a fan of this kind of forgery.

"The apartment you're looking at right now is near San Myshuno's Hospital, it will only take you 10 minutes to walk from there to your workplace." Kian steps in, easing the tension with what he knows about the new apartment "You don't have to drive for an hour to get to work, isn't that amazing?"

"And what else? What is the big secret that I have yet to know?"

The pair flinches at their older brother's question, such a high perceptive Caleb has, he always knows how to see a few steps ahead of the initial problem.

"Well, the apartment is also right next to Primrose Emberlynn's place…"

"What?"

The look on Caleb's face is a mixture of surprise and disappointment. Surprise when he hears her name, but also disappointed as he knows that his sister has been planning this without telling him.

"Lilith, what have you done?" he looks at his sister, wearing an I'm-very-disappointed-of-you-young-lady expression "No, how did you even do this?"

"I may have a few intel…"

The moment she trails off, Caleb knows what she is talking about. He has mixed feelings about this.

Is he proud?

Yes. Lilith demonstrates her investigation skills to the finest. As a defense attorney, the young woman has her hands on the database of almost everyone living underneath the sun. How she is able to find and locate Primrose's apartment, he never wants to know.

Is he disappointed?

Yes. The fact that Lilith doesn't disclose anything to him and conducts the investigation by herself, knowing very well how illegal her action is. What his beloved sister did is not just a regular case of invasion of privacy, she abuses her power as an attorney. If her clients knew about this, it would be the end of her career.

"Lilith…why?"

"I…well…" she clenches her jaw, not knowing how to respond. She turns to her husband, pleading for help.

"Don't look at Kian, Lilith. This is serious. You're exploiting your resource and using it for personal gain, that's a crime…"

Tension rises in the air and Caleb's stern eyes don't make things easier for her. Lilith knows what she did is wrong, but she has a good reason. But no matter how valid her reason is, she knows that her brother would never allow her to do such a thing. He always tells her that the Vatore family is morally grounded and such action can not be accepted.

Butler Richard comes back with a tea tray and sets it down on the coffee table. Giving each member a cup of their own, he clears his voice, pulling the attention of everyone.

"Lord Caleb, it is unacceptable for Lady Lilith to do what she did, however, all of this only comes from the goodness of her heart." he speaks up, his voice is warm and kind, like a father speaking to his kids "The apartment is in vacant, so it's completely normal for a new tenant to come and rent the place. You just happen to be that new tenant, my lord."

Caleb sighs, almost can not accept his trusted butler's words. But then again, butler Richard has never been the type who holds onto idealistic morals like him. The man is the tipping scale of right and wrong, good and evil, and whatever he does is only for the best interest of House Vatore. It's not surprising that he backs up Lilith and her actions.

Taking a sip of his tea, Caleb looks at the leasing contract again, this time, reading it carefully. The more time he invests in reading it, the more Lilith and Kian become relaxed, at least their brother is not lashing out at them, not that it's Caleb's nature to voice his opinion vocally. When he sets the document down on the table the second time, he looks at them, silver eyes staring right into their souls.

"Lilith!"

"Y-yes brother?" she flinches at his firm voice.

"You have to know that we as the Vatores don't condone these acts of treachery. I know that this stems from good deeds, but I need you to promise me that you won't do it again."

"I…okay…" she lowers her head, almost too ashamed to look at him.

"For this apartment, given its circumstances, I can let it slide this time." he sighs, finally giving in to his sister's plan "However, can I trust you all with the matters of House Vatore?"

His words make her raise her head, surprised and delighted at the same time. As Lilith nods eagerly, Kian and Butler Richard both exhale, knowing the tension between them is slowly fading away.

"You don't have to worry, Lord Caleb. I will ensure the safety of the estate while you're gone."

"And it's not like you're half a globe away from here, brother. It's only an hour's driving, remember?" Kian chimes in, offering a lighthearted joke "A worthed one-hour drive."

Caleb's gaze softens, knowing the goodness of his family and how they want him to be happy. The tension is replaced by different opinions and perspectives on Caleb's moving plan, as they continue their discussions, the young lord wonders how Primrose would react when she knows that he is her new neighbor…