Her Rebirth.

Amelia couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she walked down the street, heading to the book café. She had finally gotten a job, and as much as it seemed insignificant, it gave her a sense of fulfillment. She had achieved something, an achievement that was entirely her own. Something she did not do because of a man nor to fulfill her responsibilities as an empress but... for herself.

Even while she was the favored daughter of Duke Valemont, she was still subject to certain rules. She couldn’t get a proper education as she was a woman; instead, the only education given to her was how to please her husband and take care of the household. Meaningless things like the prim and proper way to hold a teacup, how to sit, how to smile, how to talk, when to talk, how to walk, the amount of food to be taken... In a sense, all the things she did or seemed to enjoy were not because she truly wanted to do them nor enjoyed them but because she had to.

She had never truly chosen anything for herself. Except for choosing to marry Aldrich, that was a wrong decision.

So this was a change.

A small one, but a change nonetheless.

To celebrate, she decided she would take Kai for a treat. He had been accommodating her, feeding her, more than she had ever expected from someone who had no obligation to care.

She pushed open the café door, the small bell above ringing softly. The scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air, and Amelia’s steps slowed when she saw him.

Kai stood near the shelves, smiling softly at a woman as he recommended books to her. It was the same smile he had given her that day.

For some reason, her gaze lingered a bit too long.

As if sensing it, he turned. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, time seemed to pause.

Then, offering a polite smile to the woman, Kai made his way toward her.

"How was the interview?" he asked.

Amelia coughed, snapping out of whatever foolish thought had crossed her mind. "It went pretty well. I was hired."

Kai’s lips curved into a genuine smile. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," she said, suddenly feeling warmer than before. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

It was nice to have someone encourage her and celebrate with her.

This was something Amelia Cosgrove longed for.

His gaze fell to her hands. "Are you here to return the books you borrowed?"

Amelia froze.

The books.

She had completely forgotten to return them due to the whole tension over the past few days.

Her face flushed slightly. "Ah... I’ll bring them tomorrow."

Kai chuckled, clearly amused. "Good to know you’re not planning on running away with them."

She rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

Kai smiled. The atmosphere around them was something he never imagined would happen one month ago or even the day they got engaged. While she did seem rigid and cold, during this short period, he had also seen sides of her he’d never imagined.

Now she was more or less a close acquaintance, or rather, a friend.

If not for the fact that he had his own plans, being in an arranged marriage with her didn’t seem so bad.

"Then, why are you here?" he asked.

Amelia hesitated for a second. She fiddled with her fingers before clearing her throat. "I came to take you out for a treat. To celebrate."

Kai raised a brow, surprised. "To celebrate?"

She crossed her arms. "Getting a job is a big deal."

His expression softened. "It is," he admitted. "And I’d love to go." Then, glancing at the clock, he added, "But my next shift ends at 6 PM. Can you wait?"

She shrugged. "I don’t mind. I’ll just read something while I wait."

Kai tapped his fingers against the counter, thinking. "In that case, I have the perfect book for you." He reached for a book and handed it to her.

Hunting Adeline.

"If you like dark romance, you might enjoy this one," he said with a knowing look. "Though... it goes way over the edge."

Amelia took the book, eyeing the cover skeptically. "Should I be concerned?"

Kai smirked. "You’ll see."

She sighed. "Alright. Thanks."

"Espresso?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

That was the beverage he’d seen her drink most of the time.

She nodded. "Yeah."

Kai turned toward the counter, and as she walked to find a seat, she glanced back.

There was something oddly nice about this, him preparing coffee for her, the quiet semblance of it all. A strange feeling settled in her chest.

She shook it off and sat down, opening the book.

---

As Amelia read, she quickly realized that Kai had not been joking.

This book was... indecent.

She coughed, flipping through the pages, feeling her face heat at some of the scenes. The story was dark, twisted, and utterly depraved, filled with obsession, captivity, and an intensity she wasn’t sure she was supposed to enjoy.

But, oddly enough...

She did.

She stole a quick glance at Kai, who was behind the counter, attending to customers. Occasionally, his gaze would drift toward her, watching the way she was so intent on reading, the way her lips parted slightly in surprise, the way she sipped her coffee absentmindedly.

He had never seen this side of her before.

And now, he had this itching feeling, a desire to uncover more of her.

Maybe it would make this boring world of his more interesting.

Time passed faster than expected.

Kai’s shift ended, and Amelia was still deeply immersed in the book.

With a small smile, he slid into the seat beside her.

"I see you’re enjoying it."

Amelia snapped the book shut. She looked up, flustered.

She coughed. "This book is... definitely... something."

Kai leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "Too much?"

"It is too... indecent." She cleared her throat, her cheeks becoming brighter. "It’s completely unfit for someone like me."

He raised a brow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Yet, you’re still reading it."

She refused to answer that.

Instead, she decided to put on a thick skin and said, "I might have to borrow this one, too."

Kai decided to tease her.

"Why? I thought it was indecent."

"For research purposes," she said flatly.

Kai smirked. "You have to return the other ones first."

She sighed. "Fine. I’ll give them to you when we get home."

He leaned back, satisfied. "Good."

"Anyway," he continued, stretching his arms, "where do you plan on taking me for this treat?"

Amelia’s lips quirked. "The Uncle’s shop."

Kai blinked in surprise before chuckling. "You really liked his food, huh?"

She nodded. "It was really nice."

"Alright," he said, standing up. "Let’s go."