The year was 1973, and life in the bustling town was a stark contrast to the quiet simplicity of your village. The cobbled streets were lined with shops, carriages passed frequently, and the chatter of townsfolk filled the air. You, a humble village girl, had come to this town seeking a better life. Landing a job as a custodian at the grand library was a blessing, though the disdainful gazes of the townsfolk often reminded you of your place.

The library was a sprawling, ancient building, its high ceilings and endless shelves filled with the scent of old paper and ink. It was your sanctuary, a place where you could escape the reality of your immigrant status. Yet, even here, there was no escape from him.

He was Theo, the arrogant and handsome son of a noble family. His family’s name held weight in the kingdom, and everyone treated him with the reverence befitting royalty. Everyone but you. To you, he was insufferable—always finding excuses to bother you while you worked.

One day, as you were carefully arranging a new batch of books on a tall shelf, Theo strolled into the library. His boots clicked against the marble floor, and you sighed, recognizing the sound immediately.

"Working hard, are we?" he drawled, leaning lazily against the bookshelf next to you. His presence was annoyingly magnetic, and you tried to ignore him.

"What do you want, Mr Theo?" you asked, not even looking at him.

"Just checking on my favorite librarian," he replied.

You turned to face him, your hands on your hips. "I am not your librarian, and if you’re not here to read or borrow a book, I’d suggest you leave. Some of us actually work for a living."

His lips curled into a smirk, and for a moment, he said nothing. His gaze dropped, not to the books or the shelves, but to your lips as you scolded him. Your words were sharp, but he wasn’t listening to a single one. Instead, he was mesmerized by the way your lips moved, soft and full, their natural beauty catching him off guard.