142. Mercy
Marcelline leaned back slightly in the chaise lounge, phone pressed gently to her ear. Her trembling voice, soft and fragile, had pushed Aiden and Chloe to the edge of panic — but now, after savoring the chaos, she decided it was time for mercy.
Marcelline (softly, voice wavering just enough to remain believable):
"A… Aiden… Chloe… please… don't worry so much. I… I'm really fine. I just… need a little rest… that's all…"
Her eyes, though sparkling with the tiniest trace of mischief, remained gentle. Her tone, her posture, the slight slump of her shoulders — every detail conveyed vulnerability, exhaustion, and innocence.
Aiden, still clutching his phone, felt his chest tighten as the storm of fear, worry, and jealousy slowly ebbed. Chloe's hands relaxed slightly, though her eyes remained wide with lingering concern.
Aiden (voice hoarse, almost whispering):
"You… you'll really be okay?"
Marcelline tilted her head, giving the softest, most convincing nod imaginable.
Marcelline (soft, fragile):
"Yes… I promise. Just… rest… and I'll be fine."
Chloe exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders melting.
Chloe (murmuring, still a little shaky):
"Thank… thank goodness…"
Aiden finally lowered his phone slightly, though his eyes remained on her, still wary, still protective. His fists unclenched, though the faint trace of jealousy lingered.
---
The siblings exchanged one last glance, hearts still heavy with unspoken emotions. That Greek god of a man, Leo, standing calmly nearby, was impossible to ignore. His serene, almost divine presence had left both Aiden and Chloe in silent awe — and a subtle, simmering jealousy.
Chloe whispered under her breath:
"Do you think… he… you know… takes care of her? Or… is it something else?"
Aiden's jaw tightened.
"What the hell… I don't even want to think about it…"
Neither of them dared to directly ask Marcelline about him. To do so felt rude, intrusive, and somehow… unnecessary. Yet their minds churned with curiosity, jealousy, and a tiny twinge of awe.
---
Marcelline, seeing the brief, lingering glances toward Leo, suppressed a soft laugh. Her Oscar-level performance remained flawless — weak, fragile, and completely convincing — but the sparkle of her devilish amusement lingered in her eyes, visible only to Leo.
Marcelline (softly, still trembling in voice):
"Please… both of you… go on… take care of yourselves… and don't worry. I'll be fine. Really."
Aiden and Chloe finally nodded, their panic ebbing, though their hearts still raced. They gave a final glance at Marcelline, lingering over her delicate, fragile form.
Aiden (muttering to himself, almost inaudible, frustrated):
"That… Greek god… he's impossible…"
Chloe echoed, whispering with a slight pout:
"Yeah… why does he have to look like that…?"
With a mix of worry, lingering jealousy, and unasked questions, they finally turned and left the villa, each step away heavy with emotion, but reassured — for now.
Marcelline set the phone down, letting out a faint sigh, the tiniest smile tugging at her lips. She leaned back fully, her performance still flawless to the outside eye, but the devilish glint in her eyes betrayed the amusement and thrill she had gained from watching them panic, fret, and fume all at once.
Leo, still standing silently, gave her the slightest nod, his eyes reflecting subtle amusement. The siblings may have left, but Marcelline knew — the storm they had brought would linger in their hearts far longer than they imagined.
And as the afternoon sunlight bathed the villa, her grin widened imperceptibly:
> Sometimes mercy is more fun than chaos… but only just.
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