Sofi was sitting in the hall, her phone in hand, nervously dialing numbers. She kept switching between calling Ella and Lucifer, but neither of them picked up.

“Relax, Sofi. They’re probably on their way. Maybe that’s why they’re not answering,” her mom reassured her with a calm smile.

But Sofi was restless. She shook her head and redialed. “Luci never ignores my calls,” she muttered, her tone laced with worry.

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed near the doorway. Ella and Lucifer had arrived.

Sofi sat with her back to them, completely unaware of their presence. Her parents, however, noticed them immediately. Bright smiles lit up their faces, and they started to rise to greet the two.

But Lucifer raised a finger to his lips, silently signaling them not to say anything. They caught on to his playful plan and stayed seated, feigning ignorance.

Sofi was still glued to her phone, frustrated. “See, Mom? Ella’s still not answering, and even Luci is ignoring me now. He said they’d come soon, so where are they?” she grumbled.

Before she could call again, she felt familiar hands gently covering her eyes from behind.

“Luci!” she exclaimed, her voice brightening instantly. She knew that touch anywhere. Her heart raced with excitement as she reached up to pull his hands away.

Turning around, her eyes lit up when she saw him. Without hesitation, she jumped up and hugged him tightly.

“You always ruin my surprises by guessing,” Lucifer teased, hugging her back with a chuckle.

“Why are you guys so late?” she asked, pulling away slightly. “I’ve been calling you both since morning! What were you even doing?”

“Sorry, doll Something came up,” he replied apologetically.

Before she could grill him further, her gaze darted to Ella. “Ella!” she cried out in joy, rushing toward her sister and wrapping her in a warm hug.

Ella hugged her back, but Sofi quickly noticed something was off. She pulled away and studied her face closely.

“What happened to you?” Sofi asked, her voice tinged with concern. Ella looked pale, almost frail.

“Nothing, Sofi. I’m fine,” Ella replied, brushing it off with a weak smile.

“Don’t lie to me,” Sofi said firmly. “You look unwell. Are you okay?”

“She’s fine, Sofi,” Lucifer interjected, trying to distract her. “It’s just a little fever. Nothing serious.”

“Is that so?” Sofi asked skeptically, her worry deepening. She placed a hand on Ella’s forehead and felt the warmth of a fever. Her expression grew tense.

“Don’t look so worried, Sofi,” Ella said softly, trying to comfort her. “I’m alright, really.”

Ella then turned to Sofi’s parents and greeted them warmly.

“I told you to take better care of yourself,” Sofi’s mom said, concern evident in her voice. “In your condition, it’s important.”

“I did, Mom,” Ella insisted. “It’s just a small fever. Nothing to worry about.”

Sofi, however, wasn’t convinced. She turned to Lucifer with a sharp glare.

Lucifer raised his eyebrows in confusion. “What? What did I do?”

Instead of answering, Sofi huffed and walked away, her frustration written all over her face.

“Here comes her drama,” Sofi’s mom said, shaking her head with an amused smile.

The room erupted in laughter, but Lucifer’s eyes followed Sofi as she disappeared around the corner. “I’ll go check on her,” he said, excusing himself with a smirk.

......

Lucifer followed Sofi up the stairs, his steps slow and deliberate. Her anger only heightened his obsession, making her seem even more unattainable—more tempting. At the top, he paused, glancing back at the quiet hall below. Ella and her parents were deep in conversation, completely unaware of him. His lips curved into a slow, dark smirk.

Perfect he thought No interruptions now.

When he stepped onto the terrace, the sight of her stopped him in his tracks. She was standing at the edge, her back to him, arms crossed tightly.her white frock adorned with tiny red roses fluttering slightly in the breeze. She looked so delicate, so untouched.

His gaze raked over her, taking in every detail like he was memorizing her for the hundredth time.

God, you don’t even realize what you do to me, do you?

He took a slow step forward, his eyes locked on her like a predator watching its prey. Her scent, sweet and floral, hit him, and he inhaled deeply, his eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment. I could drown in this. In you.

When you hugged me earlier, I wanted to crush you in my arms. Make you feel how much I need you. But I had to hold back... I always have to hold back.

His hands itched to touch her, to feel the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. He reached out, his fingers hovering just over the curve of her waist.

I could just take you right now. Turn you around and kiss you until you forget why you’re mad. Until you forget everything but me.

She shifted slightly, her hair falling over her shoulder, and it sent a jolt through him. He clenched his fists to keep from grabbing her.

You’re so small, so fragile. You don’t even realize how much power you have over me, do you?

His gaze darkened as he leaned closer, his breath fanning the back of her neck. You’re intoxicating, Sofi .Addictive. Dangerous.

He imagined pulling her close, pressing his lips to her neck, tasting the warmth of her skin.

How much I want to just make you mine, completely mine. To erase any trace of anyone else in your life.

His eyes trailed down her figure, lingering on every curve, every line. His thoughts turned darker, more possessive. You’re made for me.

The wind shifted, carrying her scent to him again, and it nearly broke his resolve. His hand trembled as he reached out, almost grazing her shoulder before pulling back at the last second.

Not yet. You’re not ready for what I want, for what I need. But you will be.

His lips twitched into a smirk as he stepped closer, his voice low and taunting.

Stay mad at me, doll. Stay stubborn. It only makes me want you more.

---

Lucifer stood behind Sofi , his eyes locked on her, devouring every detail of her presence. She was lost in her thoughts, her arms crossed in frustration, oblivious to the storm brewing in his mind.

His gaze trailed from her flowing hair to her delicate lips, slightly parted as she muttered to herself. Those lips... so soft, so inviting. If only I could taste them. Just once. Just long enough to claim them as mine.

The sunlight highlighted her features, her innocence shining through even in her anger. You have no idea how perfect you look right now, do you, doll? he thought, his breath quickening.

His eyes wandered down, lingering shamelessly. You're really a door, my doll—a door to madness, to obsession, to everything I desire.

"I'm so mad at you, Luci," she snapped suddenly, pulling him out of his trance.

His lips twitched into a smile. "Why, doll?"

She spun around, her anger evident in her furrowed brows and the fire in her eyes. "You promised me you’d take care of Ella, but you didn’t. She’s sick again!"

Her words cut through his admiration, but his obsession didn’t falter. Say the word, Sofi. Say I need to take care of you, and I’ll never break that promise—not even for eternity.

"Luci, are you even listening to me?" she snapped, waving her hand in front of his face.

"Huh?" He blinked, her voice jolting him back to reality.

"I'm saying something! Did you hear me, where are you lost?"

"In you," the words slipped from his lips before he could stop himself.

"What?" she asked, confused.

"I heard you, doll," he quickly recovered, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And I promise, I’ve been taking care of Ella."

"No, you haven’t!" she shot back, crossing her arms again. "If you were, she wouldn’t be this sick. How could you let this happen?"

He stepped closer, his tone softening. "Do you really think so little of me, doll? Do you think I’d neglect my own wife?"

She hesitated, her gaze faltering. "That’s not what I meant... I just—"

"Don’t doubt my love, Sofi," he interrupted, his voice deep and intense. "The ones I love, I love too deeply—so deeply that it consumes me. Do you understand?"

She stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. A small smile crept onto her lips as the tension began to ease. "You’re so dramatic sometimes, Luci."

"And you’re too cute when you’re mad," he teased, a grin breaking across his face.

Her lips twitched, and soon, they were both laughing. The anger melted away like it had never existed.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" he asked, his tone lightening.

She sighed, her smile fading slightly. "I’m nervous."

"It happens," he reassured her.

"Do you think I’ll look good in a bridal dress?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain.

His eyes softened as he looked at her. "You’ll look just like a perfect doll, Sofi. Exactly how you’re meant to be."

Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled. "Thank you, Luci."

"Let’s go back downstairs," he said, gesturing toward the door.

She nodded, following him. But just as they were about to descend the stairs, she called out to him.

"Luci?"

"Hmm, doll?" he replied, turning to face her.

"I wish Kian loved me the way you love Ella," she said, her voice tinged .

He froze for a moment, her words echoing in his mind. His jaw tightened, his smile fading. Kian? He doesn’t deserve you, Sofi. No one does but me.

His gaze darkened as he looked at her, an unsettling intensity taking over his features. You don’t need Kian’s love. You don’t need anyone but me.

But he didn’t say it. Instead, he smiled, the darkness in his eyes fading just enough to seem normal.

"Let’s go, doll," he said softly, leading her down the stairs.