ch 5

...The Cafeteria Showdown ...

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter as Seraphina, Aria, and Vesper sat with their fiancés at a corner table. Everything seemed peaceful until a group of overly confident girls strolled in, led by a tall girl with an air of superiority. Spotting the boys, the leader smirked and strutted over to the trio’s table with her entourage in tow.

“Well, look who we have here,” the leader sneered, flipping her perfectly styled hair. “I didn’t know the charity program was still running. Boys, why don’t you ditch these nobodies and sit with real women?”

Vesper immediately stiffened, her sharp grin spreading as she leaned forward. “Real women? You mean the ones who can’t walk into a room without looking like they’re trying too hard?”

Aria placed a hand on Vesper’s shoulder, laughing softly. “Ves, calm down. They’re just saying hi… in their own unique way.”

The leader narrowed her eyes at Aria. “Oh, sweetie, no one was talking to you. Stick to your sunshine act and let the grown-ups talk.”

---

...Vesper Snaps...

Before Seraphina could even lift her gaze, Vesper shot up from her chair. “What did you just say?” she hissed, her voice dripping with menace.

The leader didn’t back down, though her confidence wavered slightly. “You heard me. You’re all just placeholders until the boys come to their senses.”

Without a second thought, Vesper grabbed the girl by the collar and slammed her against the nearby wall, sending the entire cafeteria into stunned silence. “Say that again,” Vesper growled, her crimson eyes blazing.

The girl’s entourage gasped and took a step back, their confidence evaporating.

---

...Seraphina Steps In...

Seraphina, who had remained silent throughout the encounter, finally stood. Her movement was slow and deliberate, the weight of her presence silencing even the distant murmurs.

“Vesper,” she said, her voice calm but laced with authority. “Let her go.”

Vesper hesitated but eventually released the girl with a scoff, stepping back. “She was asking for it.”

The leader, shaking but trying to save face, sneered. “You think you’re so tough. This isn’t over!”

Seraphina’s gaze locked onto her, freezing her in place. “It is now.” Her tone was cold, final, and unyielding.

---

...Aftermath...

The group of girls quickly retreated, their bravado shattered. Vesper returned to her seat, muttering under her breath.

“You could’ve let me have a little more fun,” Vesper grumbled, crossing her arms.

Aria chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. “You really need to work on your patience.”

Seraphina sat down, her expression unreadable. “I said no unnecessary violence,” she said, her tone low and sharp.

“Wasn’t unnecessary,” Vesper replied, smirking. “She needed a reality check.”

Seraphina didn’t respond, merely giving Vesper a pointed look before returning to her meal. The silence between them spoke louder than any words, and Vesper knew she had crossed a line.

The fiancés, meanwhile, exchanged nervous glances, unsure whether to be terrified or impressed.

Ethan broke the tension with a nervous laugh. “Well, that was… intense.”

Aria smiled brightly, her cheerful tone returning. “Don’t worry! That’s just how we handle things sometimes.”

Liam leaned toward Seraphina, his voice barely above a whisper. “Does this happen often?”

Seraphina didn’t look up from her plate. “Only when someone’s too stupid to stay in their lane.”

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