Soon after her return from the music awards, the research team at Saint Clarion Medical Center, led by Alex, and Brightmore University Hospital’s team, led by Kim, were jointly honored with a prestigious award for their years of collaborative breakthrough work.
As the lead of the Saint Clarion team, Alex was chosen to attend the awards ceremony in New York as their official representative. He invited Naosa to accompany him, though with press interviews and formal functions, the trip would last about two weeks. Coincidentally, Alex’s birthday would fall during that period. Despite the demanding schedule, Naosa looked forward to carving out one special day just for the two of them—as they had promised each other.
Her plan for their quintessentially New York adventure was charmingly simple—matching “I ♥ NY” sweatshirts, sightseeing from the top of a double-decker bus, leisurely walks through Rockefeller Center, SoHo, and Central Park, and sharing authentic New York-style pizza.
They couldn’t possibly see everything in a single day—but that limitation only heightened the excitement.
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In recent years, Alex’s laboratory had grown to include several talented new researchers. Miguel’s team had flourished as well. The previous year, a promising young scientist named Emma—personally recommended by Kim—had joined Alex’s group with impressive credentials.
Alex himself had gone through a quiet transformation. Living with Naosa had softened his rougher edges and revealed his natural kindness. He had even developed a refined fashion sense and a taste for wine, which only deepened his quiet, intellectual charm.
Emma quickly developed an intense crush that bordered on professional adoration—but Alex’s heart never wavered. His attention remained steadfastly and exclusively fixed on Naosa.
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One evening at home while preparing for their upcoming trip, the topic of media interviews arose. When Alex mentioned the name of one particular journalist, Kacy looked up with a concerned frown.
“Veronica Blaise, you said?” Her expression darkened with clear recognition. “I don’t know her personally, but I’ve heard unsettling stories. She’s undeniably talented, but also notorious for pursuing famous men—married or otherwise. Alex, please be extremely careful.”
Naosa smiled diplomatically, though an unmistakable flicker of unease passed through her.
Before she could speak, Alex dismissed the warning with easy confidence.
“Don’t worry about it. I already have the most beautiful fiancée on this planet. My heart’s completely locked down,” he said with hearty laughter.
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That weekend, Alex and Naosa went shopping for formal attire. While browsing through an upscale boutique, Naosa spotted a pair of elegant mules that immediately captured her heart. She tried them on with delight, only to learn her size was already sold out—a common disappointment with that coveted designer.
She rarely wanted material things for herself, but this time her disappointment showed plainly. Even Kacy’s industry connections couldn’t secure a pair.
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Their wedding ceremony was planned for the historic De Valois villa, and Naosa maintained regular contact with her aunt, Geneviève, to coordinate the intricate arrangements. During one of their weekly conversations, Naosa mentioned she would be traveling for two weeks and unable to maintain their usual communication.
“Two full weeks?” Geneviève repeated with evident concern. “Where are you traveling?”
“New York,” Naosa replied cheerfully. “Alex is receiving a very prestigious award. I’ll be quite busy, but I’m genuinely excited.”
A long pause followed.
“Séraphine,” Geneviève said quietly, her voice unusually firm. “Listen carefully. Whatever happens, do not extend those two weeks under any circumstance. It isn’t beneficial for you to be separated from your piano for that long. Promise me.”
Naosa tilted her head, assuming her aunt was merely worried about her losing her musical edge. “I’ll be perfectly fine, Auntie. I promise I won’t extend the trip. I have important work waiting at home too.”
Geneviève exhaled slowly with visible relief. “Call me the moment you return,” she insisted before ending the call. Still, the unease in her heart only deepened.
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The night before their departure, Alex had to work unusually late at the laboratory to complete last-minute preparations. As he finally left the building, he found himself walking the familiar streets of his old neighborhood—the area where he had lived before moving in with Naosa.
On sudden impulse, he turned down a side street he hadn’t walked in years. There it was: the old dive bar he used to frequent, tucked between a weathered laundromat and a corner store.
The card reader was still there, sitting in his usual corner booth with timeless persistence.
Years ago, the fortune-teller had told him he was a Knight who loved a Queen but would never win her heart. When Alex had returned a second time, desperate for a different outcome, the identical cards had appeared in the exact same positions—the Queen and Knight, forever separated by fate.
Now, riding high on professional success and personal happiness, Alex approached the familiar table with almost mocking confidence.
“Remember me?” he asked, sliding into the worn booth with casual bravado.
The elderly man looked up, his weathered hands already reaching for his well-used deck. “You’ve returned.”
“Third time’s the charm?” Alex said with a laugh. “I’m getting married in four months—to the Queen, as you so dramatically put it.”
The fortune-teller began laying out the cards without a word. But as the spread took shape, his expression shifted from routine focus to surprise—then to alarm.
The Knight card was gone.
In its place, a King stood regally beside the Queen—finally united after years of separation.
Alex’s face drained of color. “Wait… where am I? Where’s the Knight?”
The old man studied the layout with grim intensity. “The Knight has disappeared entirely. Another has taken his destined place beside the Queen.”
“No,” Alex said, his voice tightening. “That can’t be right. We’re getting married. I’m marrying her.”
But as the old man reached for the next card, he suddenly cried out in pain, clutching his temple. His face contorted in agony, as if some invisible force forbade him to continue.
The final card slipped from his trembling fingers and fell face-up on the table.
The Grim Reaper.
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The fortune-teller swept the cards away in haste, his face pale and shaken. “I cannot continue this reading,” he stammered, barely above a whisper.
Alex stared at the spot where the ominous card had fallen. “What does that symbol mean?”
The old man met his gaze, eyes filled with something between pity and warning. “Listen carefully, young man. Humans are peculiar creatures. Devils come calling when we reach our highest points. I’ve seen many men destroy their own lives with temptation right before their weddings. When everything seems absolutely perfect… that’s precisely when you must be most vigilant.”
Alex stood abruptly, forcing out a laugh. “You’re telling me to watch out for temptation? That’s impossible. I would never—”
“Vulnerability,” the fortune-teller said quietly, his tone heavy with knowing certainty. “That’s the devil’s favorite doorway into human hearts.”
Alex tossed a twenty-dollar bill on the table and walked away with forced nonchalance. “Thanks for the fortune-cookie wisdom, old man.”
But as he walked home to Naosa through the quiet streets, the image of that fallen card lingered stubbornly in his mind, no matter how hard he tried to dismiss it.
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