Sarah

After more than half an hour of discussions, Xavier finally made his decision.

"Alright. I agree." Xavier nodded. He looked pretty worn out from talking to Alice.

'It's near impossible to win an argument with her,' Xavier thought.

However, Alice wasn't faring any better either.

'Convincing Darling wasn't as easy as I thought. His sister is the last blood relative he has left, but that will change soon hehe~.' Alice thought.

"So, does that mean your novel will be on a hiatus?" Alice asked.

"Yup, that's the only way." Xavier answered.

"Your readers will be mad, you know?" Alice asked.

"Well, that's to be expected." Xavier said.

"That's sad. I wanted to know how 'Rise From The Ashes' would end." Alice said.

"If you want I can tell you." Xavier offered.

"No! I don't want spoilers!" Alice said as she puffed her cheeks like a squirrel.

'So cute.' Xavier thought.

"Alright. I will give no spoilers." Xavier said.

"Oh my, it's already 4 pm." Alice said as she looked at the time.

"Huh? Already?" Xavier said as he also noticed the time.

"It seems that I've to leave now." Alice said with a sad expression.

"Alice, even if you choose to stay, I'll support you." Xavier said.

"No, Darling. I shall remain firm in my decision." Alice said with a determined expression.

"Fine, if that's what you want." Xavier said.

"Hehe~ Then, leave everything to me." Alice patted her chest in confidence.

Boing

The 2 melons bounced from the impact.

Xavier gulped at the sight. Heck, he almost had a boner.

Alice enjoyed Xavier's gaze on her mountains.

"Hehe~ Do you like them?" Alice asked with a playful smile.

"If you want you can touch them, darling. After all, they only belong to you."

Alice said, trying to tempt Xavier.

Xavier's eyes turned hazy at her words. He almost gave in to the rising lust in his body, however he bit his lips and came back to his senses.

"You naughty little vixen." Xavier said.

"Hehe~. That's right. I'm your vixen, darling. I- Mmph!?"

Alice's lips were sealed by Xavier's in a passionate kiss before she could finish what she was saying. However, in the next moment Alice came out of her shock and kissed him back. She clung to him as if trying to merge into a single entity.

"Mmh~"

"Ptchh~"

"Slrr~"

A battle of tongues ensued as they both sloppily kissed each other, saliva leaking from their mouths. As one side tried to dominate the other. In the end, however, Xavier's won and reached deep inside Alice's mouth.

It was only after two minutes had gone did they stop.

"Haa..."

"Aah..."

They both panted heavily for breath, especially Alice.

***

5 minutes later,

Xavier was standing outside the door with a woman who looked to be in her forties. This woman was Alice.

She had disguised herself with a Human Skin Mask. The Human Skin Mask was exactly as the name implied a mask made from human skin. It was illegal to manufacture or wear this mask.

'Although Alice said her family makes these masks from criminals who've been sentenced to death.' Xavier thought. 

However, Xavier wasn't naive. He knew these masks were still manufactured and the fact that almost every noble family had them. Even if they denied having them. After all, the ones who made this law were the ones in power, the nobles.

[A/N: You can skip this part.]

However, even if they broke the law, who would punish them?

The Authorities?

They were the authorities.

The ones in power?

They were the ones in power.

That's why, even felons can become President. After all, who'd question them? They have the power, money, and influence which virtually enables them to get away with nearly everything. The only ones who can punish such people are ones who've more power than them. However, most of the time the ones who're stronger are even more corrupt.

Now that we're done knowing the reality of the world, let's get back to the story.

[Done.]

"Goodbye darling." Alice said.

"Goodbye Ali- I mean Mona." Xavier said.

He mistakenly called Alice by her real name.

They hugged each other tightly one last time before Alice left. Xavier didn't go inside until Alice was out of the range of his vision.

"Well then, time to make preparations." Xavier said as he went inside.

***

"Huff... all done." Xavier wiped the sweat on his forehead. He had prepared all that he might need and was ready to leave.

DING

"Huh? Who could it be?" Xavier said to himself.

"Oh! That's right. Sarah is supposed to come back today."

Xavier said to himself. However, instead of just opening the door this time, he looked at the CCTV. In the footage he could see a woman who wouldn't lose out in terms of beauty nor figure to Alice.

"Yep. That's definitely her." Xavier said as he walked towards the door.

He opened the door and saw a breathtaking beauty.

The woman had fair skin, golden-blonde hair that shimmered under the light, long lashes, and cherry-red lips. Her face had an elegant symmetry, framed by her long neck, exuding natural beauty. Her curvaceous figure, with full curves and shapely legs, matched her poised demeanor. She wore a white turtleneck under a black jacket, paired with blue jeans and red sneakers.

Her expression was unreadable as she gazed at Xavier with cool detachment.

"Hey, Sarah. How was your field trip?" Xavier asked, forcing a smile.

However, Sarah was less than enthusiastic.

"Let me get in." She said with an icy voice.

"Oh my! I'm so stupid." Xavier said as he moved away. Inwardly however, he couldn't be any more sad.

'Still as cold as ever. Haah... nevermind.' Xavier thought with a sigh.

Sarah walked in and immediately a foreign scent hit her nose.

"What's this floral perfume smell?" She asked Xavier as she looked at him with a frown on her face.

"...!" Xavier's eyes widened in shock.

'Crap! I was so busy with packing up that I completely forgot to open the windows for the smell to leave! What do I do? If I don't give her a good reason she might find about Alice!' Xavier thought in panic trying to come up with an excuse.

"Oh, that? I, uh, spilled some cologne earlier," Xavier stammered, forcing a smile.

Sarah's eyes narrowed into two slits.

'The heck? What type of a stupid excuse is that? There is no way she's going to believe that!' Xavier thought as he saw Sarah glaring at him.

However, without saying another word Sarah just left and walked towards her room. She then took out a card and opened the door before going inside.

Xavier just stood in silence. Inwardly however, he was anything but silent.

'Did she buy that excuse?' Xavier wondered, watching Sarah retreat without a word.

'She must suspect something... or does she?' Xavier thought as he closed the door and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

***