Chapter 1

My father and Liam's mother died in the same bed. They were found with their bodies still entwined.

In that single moment, both our worlds shattered.

He slammed his car into my father's casket, sending it flying.

I smashed his mother's urn to pieces on the wind-whipped docks.

For ten long years, we've hated each other, dedicated to mutual destruction.

Now, he's Southeast Asia's most powerful arms dealer.

And I'm the top bounty hunter in the city.

When we met again, his hatred for me burned as bright as ever.

He just didn't know one thing: I was dying.

After finishing up today's work, I rushed back to my dessert shop to bandage my wounds. The TV on the wall was broadcasting the news of Liam Thorne's return.

Once the golden boy of the city's elite, now Southeast Asia's biggest arms dealer, his return to Port City was, naturally, a sensation.

I hastily wrapped my injuries, ready to head to my small memorial to light a candle for my father.

Just then, a girl with a pixie cut burst in, clutching red roses. "I'll buy all these cakes!" she declared loudly.

Trailing behind her was Julian, Liam's best friend. Seeing me, he looked awkward. "Sera, maybe we should try another shop?"

The girl refused stubbornly. "No way! These are Liam's favorite desserts. It's his birthday; I need to get him a lot."

Her eyes, red-rimmed, looked at me. "Owner, can I borrow your space to set up a surprise birthday party?"

I could only nod.

"Can we have some extra desserts?"

I agreed, catching sight of my wound bleeding again. I quickly hid it under my apron, my legs trembling as I walked to the back kitchen.

It wasn't fear. It was just my illness flaring up again. An incurable illness.

"Julian, help me set up. Liam will be here soon. I don't want him to be upset."

Julian didn't move. He knew Liam was never happy when he saw me.

On TV, Liam smiled for the cameras, but his eyes were empty.

"She's watching the news too, isn't she? I'm really looking forward to seeing her."

The camera zoomed in, and the scar above his eyebrow was clearly visible. I put that there with a dagger.

The scar on my neck? He gave me that with a piece of broken glass.

We always hurt each other, loving to see the other in pain.

The TV hostess smiled coyly. "Mr. Thorne, are you planning to stay long-term this time? And those roses - are they for someone special?"

He said, his voice deep, "My fiancée."

The girl was still decorating the shop, then she turned to look at the TV.

"Julian, I heard Liam has a childhood friend he's been entangled with for ten years?"

I lowered my head, wiping my knife, and caught Julian's gaze.

"Liam!" The girl cried out, breaking the tense atmosphere. She ran out excitedly, forgetting her umbrella.

Outside, Liam held her with one arm and an umbrella with the other.

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. He seemed to flinch.

We stared at each other through the rain-streaked glass.

The girl started to turn back, but he gripped her chin and kissed her deeply.

I pulled my gaze away, cutting the ribbon in my hand.

Julian came over, speaking softly. "Seraphina, please, don't upset Liam today."

He added, "That girl is only nineteen. She's so innocent, and she reminds me a bit of you."

I nodded, my fingers cold. "She does look like me. She's prettier, though."

The door pushed open. Liam walked in, holding his umbrella. "Talking about my fiancée?"