Chapter 51: One Day as Lovers

“Ugh—while I won’t get mad at you easily, meddling in someone else’s life like that isn’t cool!”
Tina was fuming. Althea’s move to buy off the manager had cut off her options and left her indebted.

“What, not happy? I can be your piggy bank, funding your future plans without interfering in your life. How’s that?”
“Huh?”

Althea’s sudden generosity made Tina wary.
A woman obsessed with keeping her close would let her roam freely?

“For real? No hidden schemes?”
“Come on, Miss Tyna, that’s a bit hurtful.” Althea’s smile held a trace of mischief. “Though… I do have one small request.”

“Knew it.” Tina was glad she hadn’t agreed outright, or she’d have fallen into a trap. “What’s the request? If it’s reasonable, I might consider it.”
“Simple. Visit my room once a month. The rest of the time, go wherever you want—I don’t care.”

“? Visit your room for what?”
“What else?” Althea grinned, as if the answer was obvious.

“No way! That’s just selling my body! I’m not doing that!”
And who knew if she’d even leave the room? One visit a month could turn into a month-long trap.

“Don’t rush to say no. What if every job you take kicks you out? Won’t you starve on the streets?” Althea’s concern hid a darker edge.

Wait, is she planning to sabotage every job I get, bribing bosses to leave me no choice but to rely on her?
A monopoly? That’s ruthless!

“So, thought it over?” Althea asked calmly.
“I refuse. I won’t be anyone’s accessory—not even yours.”

Her firm rejection sparked a glint of ferocity in Althea’s eyes, though her demeanor remained polite.
Memories hadn’t brought Tina back. Threats to her livelihood didn’t work either. Was force the only way?

If possible, Althea wanted Tina to choose her willingly, not obey out of suffering.
But Tina’s heart wasn’t hers—hadn’t been since six years ago.

Her mouth was full of lies, all to survive by deceiving others.
She’d never intended to be with anyone.

This little liar couldn’t be allowed to hurt others.
“Sigh, fine.” Althea feigned regret, dropping the topic. “Saying that was my mistake. I apologize.”

She pulled two scarves from her bag, tying one around her neck and offering the other to Tina.
“I won’t disrespect your autonomy again, but I’ll still help with your troubles, so you can travel freely. Just visit me when you have time.”

“You… sure you’re okay?” Tina eyed Althea’s relieved expression skeptically.
“I’m fine. Let’s make the most of the Winter Solstice Festival—it’s only one day.”

“Alright.” With no job to go to, Tina had little choice.
As she reached for the scarf, Althea pulled back, stood, and draped it around Tina’s neck herself.

“I can do it myself.”
Althea shook her head, her tone pleading. “Be my lover for a day? Just one day. We don’t have much time left together.”

Tina pondered, deciding to grant Althea’s wish before they parted. “Fine, just today, Lilith.”
Lilith…

It was the first time since reuniting that she’d called her so intimately.
When was the last time?

When had their bond deteriorated to where a simple name felt shocking?
Althea hid her powerlessness with a wry smile.

Noticing her pause, Tina asked, “What, not used to me calling you that? I can stick to ‘Your Majesty.’”
“No, no, this is fine. I love it.”

After tying the scarf, Althea pulled a coat from her bag and draped it over Tina.
“Comfy?”

The question was rhetorical—she’d chosen it for Tina’s current figure, ensuring a perfect fit.
“Mm, it’s fluffy and warm. Thanks, Lilith!”

“Good. Let’s go.”
Althea’s genuine smile returned, and she nervously hooked Tina’s pinky, testing. Tina gripped her whole hand back. “Next time, warn me before holding hands, or I’ll get startled.”

“Got it.”
In that moment, they were back six years ago, carefree, wandering Kellivir’s streets.

Back then, Althea didn’t know what lay ahead, only savoring her lover’s care.
Memories rippled in her heart, contrasting sharply with the changed present.

Overwhelmed, she said, “Today, I’ll make sure you have the time of your life.”

…

Valencia’s winter wasn’t the empire’s bone-chilling freeze but a decorative frost, perfect with a coat—comfortable without stinging the nose.
This mild climate drew southern travelers eager for snow, timing their visits for this special festival.

“Tyna, want to build a snowman?”
Althea, as always, had done her homework.

“The central square should have snow from last night. We can play before it melts in the noon sun.”
“Sounds good.”

Tina hadn’t played in snow—or even seen such a vast expanse of it before reaching the square. The white blanket left this southern bumpkin in awe.
Like them, couples in thick coats filled the square, throwing snowballs or building snowmen together.

Tina dove into a snow pile, not buried but thrilled by the cold against her face—an indescribable excitement.
This is real, not a simulation’s illusion.

Life’s reality, Althea’s feelings for her—they were unique in this moment.
Gazing at Althea’s radiant smile in the sunlight, Tina wondered if, just for a moment, this thoughtful girl had truly moved her heart.