Lucifer stepped inside, a warm smile painted across his face as he carried two steaming cups of coffee. The rich aroma curled through the air, wrapping them in its inviting warmth. Everything about him exuded ease—his movements, his expression, the effortless charm in his voice.
"Here’s your coffee, Ella," he said smoothly, handing her a cup.
"Thank you," she murmured, taking it from his hand. The warmth seeped into her fingers, but it did little to chase away the chill settling over her.
Lucifer’s gaze lingered on her, his sharp eyes scanning her face. Something felt off.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.
"Yes, I’m fine," she replied quickly. Too quickly.
His smile didn’t waver, but his eyes darkened just a shade. "You don’t look fine."
Before she could react, he reached out, pressing his palm against her forehead. His touch was warm—steady, controlled. Too steady compared to how feverishly hot her skin felt beneath his hand.
His brows furrowed, his concern deepening. "Ella, you're burning up."
"I’m okay, Lucifer," she insisted, placing her hand over his as if to reassure him.
"Stop lying," he said smoothly. There was no anger in his voice, only certainty. He moved swiftly, standing up and pulling open a nearby drawer with practiced ease. A moment later, he retrieved a thermometer.
"Lucifer, I said I’m fine," she protested, but he wasn’t listening.
"Then why did you suddenly start burning up like this?" he questioned, pressing the thermometer against her lips before she could argue further.
A few seconds later, the small device beeped.
His jaw tightened. "Oh God—103°F?" His voice held the perfect blend of disbelief and concern, as if the news genuinely unsettled him. "Ella, you were fine just a minute ago!"
"I’m still fine," she said weakly, but even she knew how unconvincing she sounded.
"No, you’re not. Get up—we’re going to the doctor." His tone left no room for argument.
"Lucifer, I said I’m fine." She gripped his wrist, her fingers tightening slightly, as if that alone would be enough to stop him.
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "No, we are going. Drink your coffee, and then we’re leaving."
"Lucifer—"
"Ella." His voice softened, yet there was something unshakable in it. "I told you to take care of yourself."
"I do," she muttered.
A slow, knowing smile touched his lips. But he hid it "No, you don’t." His eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Be honest—have you been skipping your medicine?"
"No, I haven’t," she finally said .
Lucifer said nothing. Instead, he turned, walking toward the medicine pack on the counter. He picked it up, shaking it slightly. His fingers traced over the label, his eyes subtly counting the remaining pills.
And then, just for a second, the corner of his lips curled into a smirk.
It’s working he thought, careful to keep his expression unreadable as he turned back to face her.
"See? I told you I’m taking them," she insisted, crossing her arms.
"Then why are you like this?" he questioned, his concern unwavering.
She sighed. "Lucifer, I’m fine. I’m really fine."
He looked at her for a long moment, and something flickered behind his gaze.
That’s exactly what I don’t want you to be he thought.
" you have a fever," he said, his brows knitting together in concern.
She waved a hand dismissively. "I’ll take some medicine, and it’ll be gone in minutes."
He let out a dry laugh, crossing his arms. "Who are you trying to fool?"
She pouted slightly. "Okay, okay, not minutes… but at least in a few hours."
He sighed, stepping closer. "You always do this—acting like you’re fine when you’re clearly not."
She gave him a small smile. "Because I don’t want you to worry."
His gaze softened. "Too late for that."
"If anything is wrong, don’t hide it from me," he said, his voice dipping into something almost gentle.
"I won’t," she whispered.
Another lie.
Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, his grip just tight enough to feel protective, yet careful enough to seem natural. "You better not," he murmured against her hair.
And as she melted into his embrace, trusting him completely, his smirk ghosted back onto his lips—hidden from her view.
She loves me he mused. Just like I love Sofi.
Then, as if the thought amused him, his grip tightened slightly.
No… not as much. Sofi will love me more than her. I know
And as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s warmth, his smirk deepened.
***
Sofi was inside the washroom, and Kevin stood outside, waiting for her. His brows were furrowed, worry evident in his tense posture. Something was wrong. She had rushed inside all of a sudden, and now, she was taking too long.
Minutes stretched—five, ten, maybe more. The unease inside him only grew stronger.
Finally, the door creaked open. Sofi stepped out, but something about her seemed off.
He reached her in an instant. "Are you alright?"
She looked at him, her face pale, her breaths uneven.
"Sofi?" he asked again, his voice laced with concern.
Before she could respond, her vision blurred. The world around her spun, and then—darkness.
"Sofi!"
Her body went limp.
Kevin lunged forward, catching her just before she hit the ground. But in the rush, he lost balance, and they both ended up on the floor.
Her head rested on his lap, her face eerily still.
"Sofi," he called again, his arms tightening around her. Panic settled in his chest like a stone.
Students nearby turned to look. Whispers spread through the hallway.
"Sofi!" His voice held urgency as he tried to wake her, shaking her gently.
More students gathered. A few ran to fetch the teachers.
A student rushed forward with a bottle of water. "Try this!" they said, pouring some onto her face.
But Sofi didn’t move. She didn’t even flinch.
The principal arrived, kneeling beside them. She pressed two fingers to Sofi’s wrist, then to her neck. A frown etched onto her face.
"Her heartbeat is way too fast," the principal muttered. "This isn’t normal."
Kevin’s grip on Sofi tightened. "We need to take her to the nursery room."
One of the teachers hesitated. "Ma’am, the nurse isn’t here today, and the clinic is locked."
"Then call a doctor!" another teacher said. "We can’t just wait—why isn’t she waking up?"
Kevin didn’t waste another second.
Without a word, he scooped Sofi into his arms and stood up. His jaw was clenched, his arms firm around her delicate frame.
"Where are you taking her?" the principal asked.
Kevin looked straight ahead. "To the hospital."
"I’m coming with you," the principal stated, falling into step beside him.
But Kevin wasn’t listening anymore.
He only tightened his hold on Sofi and walked faster.
***
Lucifer and Ella sat together for a while, sipping their coffee and exchanging a few words. The warmth of the drink, coupled with the quiet comfort of each other’s presence, made the moment peaceful.
After a few minutes, Lucifer glanced at his watch and sighed.
“Oh, it’s time for Sofi’s college to be over. I should get going,” he said, getting up from his seat.
Before leaving, he picked up the cups with a small smile. “I’ll wash these before I go.”
But just as he was about to turn away, Ella gently grabbed his arm.
He paused, looking at her with a questioning gaze.
She took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Thank you, Lucifer,” she said softly.
His brows furrowed in confusion. “And for what, all of a sudden? You already thanked me for the coffee,” he reminded her, tilting his head slightly.
A tender smile graced her lips. “For being my husband. For loving me this much. For always taking care of me,” she murmured, her voice filled with sincerity.
Lucifer’s expression softened. “It’s my responsibility,” he said simply, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Ella let out a small chuckle. “Sofi always says I’m lucky to have you. If Kian had even ten percent of your kindness, he would have never left her. He never deserved her,” she said bitterly, the pain in her voice evident.
Lucifer’s jaw tightened. “That’s why he got his karma,” he stated firmly. “Don’t worry. Sofi will find someone—someone who loves her so unconditionally, so deeply, that she’ll forget all the pain, as if it never happened.”
Ella sighed, hope flickering in her eyes. “I really hope she finds someone like that soon.”
“She will,” Lucifer reassured her, his voice filled with certainty. She did
Lucifer glanced at his watch once more and sighed. “Alright, I should go now, or I’ll be late,” he said, adjusting his sleeves.
Ella gave him a small nod. “Yeah, you should go.” She reached out, gently taking the cups from his hands. “I’ll wash them. You just go,” she said, her voice soft yet firm.
He hesitated for a second, his gaze lingering on her, but eventually gave in. “Alright,” he murmured.
Just as he turned toward the door, a faint sigh slipped from Ella’s lips.
It was barely audible.
But something about it felt wrong.
Then—crash.
The sharp sound of ceramic shattering against the cold floor made him freeze. He whipped around just in time to see the cups slip from Ella’s trembling hands, splintering into fragments.
But it wasn’t the broken pieces that made his heart lurch.
It was her.
She stood there, clutching her stomach, her fingers digging into the fabric of her dress as if trying to hold herself together. Her face paled, beads of sweat forming along her hairline.
“Ella?” His voice was tight with concern—genuine or not, even he couldn’t tell anymore.
She parted her lips, as if to speak, but then—
Blood.
Thick, crimson liquid spilled past her lips, dripping onto the floor. The stark contrast of red against the pale tiles made his breath hitch.
Her body convulsed, her knees buckling beneath her.
“Ella!” He rushed forward, catching her just before she collapsed. Her body was burning up, yet she shivered in his arms.
Her breathing came in sharp gasps, her chest rising and falling erratically. Her fingers curled weakly into his shirt, seeking support, seeking answers.
“What’s happening to you?” he asked, voice laced with just the right amount of panic—as if he didn’t already know.
It worked. it worked
The thought slithered through his mind, dark and victorious, but his face remained a portrait of distress.
Ella kept coughing, her body growing weaker with every second. Blood smeared her chin, dripped onto his hands.
He had done this.
Yet, his hands trembled as if he cared. His eyes flickered with something unreadable, his concern almost too convincing.
“We need to go to the hospital,” he urged, his tone frantic.
This time, she didn’t argue. She couldn’t.
She knew she needed help.
Lucifer wasted no time. He wrapped an arm around her, guiding her toward the door, his touch gentle, his grip firm. His face was a perfect mask of worry.
But deep within the shadows of his mind, hidden beneath the layers of deception—
He was smiling.
***
Kevin and the principal rushed into the hospital, their breaths heavy with urgency. Kevin held Sofi’s arm tightly, refusing to let go until the nurses laid her carefully on the stretcher. His grip only loosened when he was sure she was in safe hands.
A nurse immediately called for a doctor, and within moments, a woman in a white coat approached them with a serious expression.
“What happened to her?” she asked, her tone brisk yet professional.
Kevin quickly explained everything, his voice laced with worry. His eyes darted toward Sofi—her chest rising and falling rapidly, her breaths uneven. Her heartbeat was still too fast.
The doctor’s brows furrowed as she observed the girl’s state. “Take her inside,” she instructed the nurses.
Without hesitation, the nurses nodded and wheeled Sofi away.
“You stay here,” the doctor told Kevin before hurrying after them.
Kevin clenched his fists, his mind a mess of worry. He wanted to follow, to see her, but all he could do was wait.
---
Meanwhile, Lucifer walked into the hospital, his arm wrapped around Ella’s fragile frame as he guided her in. His steps were steady, but his mind? Restless.
The doctors examined her quickly, their faces unreadable as they checked her vitals.
Lucifer stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression a mix of impatience and false concern.
Just do it fast. Tell me already—is she going to die soon? he muttered in his mind, his thoughts void of any real panic.
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before slumping into a chair in the waiting area. His fingers drummed against the armrest, his foot tapped against the tile.
His eyes flicked toward the clock. Sofi must be waiting.
A scoff nearly escaped him. What a wrong time you have, Ella, he thought, a ghost of amusement in his mind.
Yet, to the world, he sat there, playing the role of a worried husband.
***
It had been a while. The clock on the wall ticked mercilessly, each second dragging on like an eternity. The air in the waiting room was thick with worry, the silence heavy.
Finally, the doctor emerged. His expression was unreadable, making the principal’s heart pound harder. She immediately stepped forward, her voice tight with concern.
"Doctor, how is she?"
The doctor’s gaze flickered over her before he asked, "Are you related to her?"
"I'm her teacher," the principal replied, straightening her posture as if it would make her answer more acceptable.
The doctor exhaled, his tone turning firm. "I’d prefer you call her parents."
Her stomach tightened. "Is it something serious?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The doctor hesitated. "She’s not married, right?"
A strange question. The principal frowned slightly. "No, she’s not."
"Then call her parents," he said, his tone final, before turning away and disappearing down the hall.
The principal let out a slow breath, pressing a hand against her forehead. "I’ll call her teacher " she murmured, her fingers already reaching for her phone.
"We have her phone," Kevin spoke up, gripping the device tightly as if uncertain whether to intrude.
"Then search through it," she said, urgency creeping into her tone. "Find someone we can call—now."
***
Come on… how long? His fingers tapped impatiently against the armrest, his jaw tightening. Just give me the damn news already—tell me she’s dying soon His patience was wearing thin, the wait gnawing at him like an itch he couldn’t scratch.
Just then, the doctor stepped out.
Lucifer’s expression shifted instantly, morphing into one of deep concern. He shot up from his seat, his movements quick but calculated. "Doctor, how is she?" His voice carried just the right amount of urgency, as if he truly cared.
The doctor sighed. "We suspect it’s a tumor."
"What?" Lucifer gasped, eyes widening. He played the role of a devastated man flawlessly.
"We’re still running tests. It will take some time—please wait," the doctor informed him before walking away.
The moment the doctor disappeared down the hall, the mask slipped. His lips curled into a slow, sinister smirk.
A tumor… he muttered, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. Should be harmful enough to kill her.
The thought filled him with twisted satisfaction. He leaned back in his chair, exhaling as if a weight had been lifted. If fate had finally decided to do his dirty work for him, who was he to complain?
***
"Her sister isn’t picking up," Kevin said, frowning as he redialed Ella’s number from Sofi’s phone. She was saved as 'Sister,' but there was still no response.
"Try another number," the principal suggested.
Kevin scrolled through the contacts until a name caught his eye. "Luci?" he read aloud.
"Who is that?" the principal asked, her brows furrowing.
"Must be someone close. We usually give nicknames to people we’re attached to," Kevin reasoned.
"Then try it."
Kevin didn’t hesitate. He pressed the call button.
***
Lucifer’s phone rang.
His lips curled into a bright smile the moment he saw the caller ID. Oh? Sofi’s calling me? His heart swelled with excitement as he quickly answered. "Sofi, I’m sorry, I—"
Before he could finish, an unfamiliar voice cut in. "Hello?"
Lucifer’s expression darkened. His grip on the phone tightened. "Who is this?" he demanded, his voice sharp.
"I’m Sofi’s classmate. Actually…" Kevin hesitated, then continued, "Sofi fell unconscious in college.
Lucifer felt a sudden jolt of panic. "What?" His breath hitched.
To My Lovely Readers,
I just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your love, support, and constant encouragement. Every read, vote, comment, and message means the world to me. You’re the reason I keep writing, keep creating, and keep believing in the stories I tell.
Your support turns my words into something more—it gives them life. Whether you’ve been with me since the beginning or just joined recently, know that you are deeply appreciated. This journey wouldn’t be the same without you.
Let’s continue growing together, exploring new emotions, falling in love with characters, and diving into stories that stay with us long after the last chapter.
With all my heart,
– Your Author, primpetal ❤
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