Their Temptation

unforgettable coming-of-age ceremony

The sudden appearance of Felix sent Leah and her followers scattering, leaving Camila and him all alone. Camila brushed her face, stealing a glance at him.

A whirlwind of questions spun in her mind, hope shining brightest among them all. Her heart was quick enough to think, perhaps he could bring back the brightness into her colourless life.

However, the moment was short-lived, as Felix cautioned in a cold tone, "Don't misinterpret this. Your betrayal is still fresh inside my heart and my hatred towards you will keep on growing every day.”

The shattering of hope and the wrenching of her heart left Camila fighting back tears and daring to ask him, "If it is that way, why did you even save me? You should've let me die in—"

Suddenly grabbing her arms, he gave a fiery gaze, silencing her. "Are you ungrateful for being saved?" he spat.

"I—" she began, only to be thrown to the ground.

"If that's how it is, then go ahead and die. I don't care." His words cut deeper than knives.

She held her breath, uncertainty clouding her thoughts as she wondered if he was the same Felix, the person who she had given her heart to.

Turning away from her, he further added, "Before you meet your end, repay the debt you owe me."

Confused, she asked, "What debt?"

"For saving your pathetic life from Leah. Whether you acknowledge it or not, I saved you. Now you owe me."

"But how am I even going to do that?" Her confusion deepened. "You have everything. What can I possibly—"

"Not everything!" His interruption echoed, before leaving her consumed by curiosity.

As she pondered over Felix's confusing words, she found herself tangled in a dilemma. ‘What does he want from me? He has everything he needs. So why did he…’ Her thoughts were abruptly cut off by the ringing bell.

Upon hustling inside the classroom, the first thing she did was to inspect around if there was the presence of heirs. Luckily, they were nowhere to be found, which gave her a sense of relief.

Just as she picked one of the corners to settle in, Professor Willow entered. Darting around, Willow noticed her damp hair. However, she chose to overlook the reason behind it.

"Everyone," Willow began, looking away from Camila. "I strongly suggest that you present yourself decently in class, if not for yourself then at least for the sake of those around you. Remember! You are representing the whole school!"

The class burst into loud laughter, passing a glance at Camila. Embarrassed, she lowered her head and tried to turn deaf over their humiliation.

During the whole class she was not able to concentrate as she tore a big tense about what prank Leah would pull. But to her relief, there was nothing humiliating. Maybe Felix's warning had made an impact after all.

The day rolled on without any sign of the quadruplets. Perhaps, being the top students, they were fully exercising their right to choose the class they want to be in.

For Camila, it was a huge relief, and it would be added more if she could quietly return with no drama. So, soon after the class ended, she headed out of the building.

‘Finally, a day has passed–’ She was just on the verge of sighing heavily in relief, however, her steps came to pause when two figures appeared before her.

"Leaving already?" questioned Blair in a playful tone.

Daring not to meet their eyes, she lowered her head and nodded, fixating on their white shoes.

"How come so early?" Asher asked in a sarcastic tone, "Are you in a hurry to serve your customer?

Gulping hard, she clenched her fist. Even after having a lot to say, she chose to stay silent.

Silent and disappointed, Asher fired another question, "So, how does it feel to break our brother's heart for someone pathetic who might satisfy you but could never love you the way Felix loved?"

His words sent a wave of guilt and goosebumps through her, realising the cost of losing someone so dear.

"I... I need to go!" she stammered, attempting to walk away.

Asher seized her arms, pulling her closer with a cold gaze. "Do you think we would just let you go after breaking our brother's heart?"

"I'm sorry," she whispered, a fragile apology hanging in the air.

"Ha!" Blair scoffed, disappointment etched on his face. "Sorry? Do you really think that can fix everything?"

She nodded with a hint of innocence.

"I'm truly amazed at your courage," Blair admitted, reaching out to draw her closer. "Felix discovered you with that scoundrel in your bed, yet you dared to show up here with your sorry. Are you even real?"

"She probably thought she could gain his forgiveness on her birthday," Asher remarked, shoving his hand into his pocket.

"What?" With widened eyes, Blair glanced at her. "It's your birthday?"

"Indeed," Asher left no chance for her to reply, "that is the reason why Felix didn't want to be here today."

"Fantastic!" Blair's voice filled with sudden excitement. "Let's turn her birthday around."

Asher's gaze remained icy. "After all she's done to our brother, you're still considering–"

Blair interrupted with a subtle glance, signaling understanding. "Come on, regardless of everything, let's not spoil her day."

Asher acknowledged with a nod. "Actually, you're right. She's had enough challenges today. Let's make her day better."

Clearing her throat, she whispered, "I... I'll be fine. Just let me go."

Attempting to slip away, Blair gently enclosed her shoulder, affirming, "We're making your day, and that's final."

Surprised by the abrupt shift, she looked at Asher, finding the same enigmatic smile on his face, leaving her perplexed.

By her bedroom door, Camila observed Asher as he roamed around, touching each item.

"Your bedroom is awesome!" he commented in between.

She nodded in response, thankful that her dad wasn't home, otherwise, she had no idea where he would take them to celebrate her birthday.

Pausing near the bed, he suggested, "While we wait for Blair with a present, shall we pass the time?"

"Warm up?" Her eyes narrowed in confusion.

Approaching her, she clenched her fist, her heart racing as she pondered what to do if he had ulterior motives.

Facing her, he delicately traced his fingers back and forth across her arms. Taking a deep breath, she held his hand, attempting to ask, "What are you—"

"Hush," he pressed a gentle finger to her lips. "No words," he whispered, his touch leaving a soft warmth as he then tenderly took her cheek in his palm.

His touch, like a gentle current, flowed over her skin, sending a tingling sensation that reached deep within, as if stirring dormant emotions to life. Her heart responded with an erratic dance, quickening its pace, while a mix of anticipation and vulnerability washed over her.

As the sensation lingered, her throat tightened, a subtle dryness adding to the intensity of the moment. Emotions, long kept in check, began to unfurl, creating a whirlwind of feelings she found both exhilarating and overwhelming.

"This—This isn't right," she whispered, attempting to keep her composure.

His hand halted, disappointment crossing his face. "Why not? If you can do that with your father's friend, why not with me?"

"Why not us?" Blair chimed in from behind. "We're eager to give you an unforgettable coming-of-age ceremony."