Seraphina's POV
Oh my God. Of all the men in the world—why him?
Please don't tell me Rafael Lee is the male lead. I don't think I can handle this. What kind of cruel plot twist is the universe pulling? My life already feels like a never-ending reality show, and now this?
I stood frozen, eyes locked on the very man I'd been trying so hard to avoid. Rafael Lee. Right there, in the flesh. Looking as annoyingly perfect as ever.
God, those lips.
Focus, Seraphina. Be professional.
I was introduced to him as the leading lady of the film. He didn't even flinch. No acknowledgment. No spark of recognition. He looked right through me, as though I didn't exist.
Why is he acting like we don't know each other?
But really, what did I expect? A grand confession? A warm smile? Please.
We began the script reading, and everything was going smoothly—except Rafael was seated directly across from me, his cold, unreadable eyes occasionally lifting to meet mine. Every time they did, a jolt of something shot down my spine. It was driving me crazy. I just wanted the day to end so I could go home and pretend none of this ever happened.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize the director had been speaking to me—until that voice.
The same deep, velvety voice that once whispered the filthiest things in my ear.
"Can we just get this done, and maybe Miss Seraphina could try focusing?"
Rafael's voice cut through the room like a knife.
My cheeks burned. My brain short-circuited. What is this man doing to me? Witchcraft? Voodoo? Dark magic?
"I'm sorry," I stammered. "What were you saying, director?"
The director smiled, completely unaware of the internal chaos happening inside me. "I said you two have amazing chemistry. I think pairing you was the perfect choice."
I nearly choked on my own spit.
Chemistry?
Is he seeing something I'm not? Because all I see is Rafael's face carved in stone and a coldness that could freeze hell.
Thank God the reading finally ended. I needed to escape and collect myself. Everything between us felt awkward and tense. I couldn't stop thinking about Bali. About that night. The way he kissed me, touched me, moved with me—like we were the only two people in the universe. It was a one-night stand, but it didn't feel like one.
Even now, the memory still played in my mind like a forbidden movie. His hands on my skin, the way his body moved against mine, his lips trailing down my neck... God.
Get out of my head, Rafael.
I was mentally trying to shake him out of my thoughts—literally tapping my forehead—when I turned to leave and found him standing there, watching me like I'd lost my mind.
"Let's talk in my car," he said coldly, walking off without waiting for my response.
I followed him—silently, reluctantly.
We got into the car. The tension? Thick enough to cut with a knife.
Then he said the most ridiculous thing ever.
"I want us to keep this strictly professional. I'm meeting you for the first time, so let's both act accordingly. And stop sleeping with me in your head—because I know that's what happens every time you look at me."
His voice was calm. Distant. Cold.
I stared at him, stunned.
What a jerk.
"Okay," I replied flatly, matching his coldness with my own. I stepped out of the car, slammed the door, and muttered under my breath as I walked away, "Such a goddamn jerk."
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Rafael's POV
She's weird. Who stares at someone like that in a public room? Does she want to start a scandal?
But damn it... she's still as beautiful as ever.
That same genuine smile. That fire in her eyes. I acted cold, yeah, but it's for the best. Still, the way she looked at me when she saw me? That shock—I liked it.
When I was first offered this role, I turned it down. But the second I found out she was cast as the female lead, I signed on without a second thought.
I haven't been able to forget her. That night in Bali—it was supposed to be meaningless. Just heat. Just release. But there was something about her. Her softness. Her darkness. It clung to me like a magnet I couldn't escape.
Even now, I still remember the taste of her lips. The way she arched into me. The way her voice cracked when she said my name.
She's dangerous.
And maybe I am too—because I don't want to let go.
She matched my coldness just now. I laughed to myself. Matching energy, huh?
Let the games begin.
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Author's POV
Rafael went home, haunted by thoughts of Seraphina. Though he'd never admit it, she bewitched him—mind, body, and soul.
He even ran a background check on her. Why?
He didn't know.
But he hated the way she pulled him in like metal to a magnet.
And hated even more how much he liked it.