SHADOW PLAY (SYLUS)

21

“I’m home,” Regina called out as she stepped through the door. Not that anyone would ever respond. It had become a habit—a small comfort she gave herself, pretending she wasn’t alone.

Even if Sylus were here, it’s not like he’d greet her back. She sighed at the thought.

Kicking off her shoes, she trudged inside, feeling the weight of the day on her shoulders.

Saturdays at the café were always chaotic, more exhausting than usual, and today had been no exception.

As she made her way into the living room, she stopped in her tracks. A familiar figure stood with her back to her.

It was Laura.

She turned around the moment she heard Regina’s footsteps behind her, her eyes narrowing slightly as they locked onto her.

Laura stood there, looking like she’d just stepped off a runway.

She wore a sleek, form-fitting grey dress that clung to her curves with a mix of elegance and confidence.

The dress fell just below her knee, perfectly showcasing her long legs, while the deep neckline subtly drew attention to her collarbone in a bold yet tasteful way. Her golden blonde hair cascaded in smooth waves, effortlessly complementing the striking blue of her eyes, which practically popped against the cool tones of her outfit.

Golden heels completed her look, perfectly matching her ensemble. It was as if she were headed to some exclusive event, and her stoic expression only added to the air of superiority she carried.

When her eyes met Regina's, there was something cold, almost mocking, as if her very presence was a reminder of just how effortlessly stunning she was.

Regina couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration mixed with intimidation, acknowledging how undeniably beautiful and hot Laura looked.

She couldn’t quite understand it, but it was clear—Laura seemed to hate her. She had done nothing offensive to the woman, yet this was only their second encounter, and Regina already felt Laura’s disdain like a tangible force in the air. It was as if Laura viewed her as an insect, something insignificant and bothersome.

Laura’s sharp gaze lingered on her, cold and calculating, like she was sizing her up.

Her blue eyes narrowed slightly in judgment before she rolled them in clear disdain and turned away, her back once again facing Regina.

The subtle shift in Laura’s posture, the way she crossed her arms loosely, made it obvious—she was waiting for Sylus, and Regina was just an afterthought.

She let out a frustrated sigh, her irritation bubbling up. She was too exhausted to deal with whatever silent hostility Laura harbored.

Without another word or even bothering to engage, she turned on her heel, her shoulders sagging with fatigue, and headed for her room. Dealing with Laura’s icy attitude was the last thing she needed after such a long, draining day.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard the familiar sound of Sylus’s footsteps approaching the living room.

He stepped in, speaking into his phone, his deep voice commanding attention.

She couldn’t help but stop in her tracks and glance back.

There he was, dressed in his signature black suit that seemed to amplify his already magnetic presence. The suit hugged his frame perfectly, exuding power and control. Sylus always looked stunning, but there was something about the way black suited him—like it was made to match his aura.