Chapter 9: The Trap Is Set.

Lucas's grip on the steering wheel intensified the moment he spotted Mateo. A muscle ticked in Lucas's jaw.

"What's he doing here?" Lucas muttered, not taking his eyes off Mateo. "Does he know Ava works here?"

Sophia sighed. "Why are you so mad? It's good Ava has someone who cares about her." She placed a hand on Lucas's arm. "Mateo's a good guy. He'll look after her."

Lucas scoffed, shaking off her hand. "Look after her? I can look after her just fine."

"As what, Lucas?" Sophia's voice rose. "You're her brother. That's it. You can't control her entire life. You can't protect her forever."

"I can try," Lucas snapped, his gaze hardening. "And I'll start by making sure Mateo stays away from her." He reached for the door handle.

Sophia's hand shot out, grabbing his arm. "Don't do this, Lucas. Don't make a scene. Ava doesn't need you interfering."

Lucas twisted, his eyes burning into Sophia's. "She doesn't need me? She's my...

"She's your what? Answer me!" Sophia exclaimed.

"She's my sister and I'm the only one who's ever really looked out for her."

Ava pushed through the restaurant door, her eyes immediately finding Mateo. He stood stiffly, his jaw tight. Before she could sidestep him, his hand clamped around her wrist.

"Where have you been?" Mateo's voice was sharp, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "I've called a dozen times. Texts too, yet nothing."

Ava yanked her arm free, her gaze hard. "What's there to say?"

From his vantage point, Lucas watched the scene unfold. Mateo shoved Ava towards the passenger side of his car. The slam of the door echoed in the quiet street. Lucas's hands clenched into fists, eyes red shot. He turned away as the car roared to life and sped off.

The days blurred, a whirlwind of unspoken tension. Sunlight streamed through the window, painting the room in a warm glow. It was Lucas's birthday.

Ava entered Lucas's room with a tray balanced in her hands. She placed it on the bedside table, the clatter of china unusually loud.

"Happy birthday, Lucas!" Ava beamed, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.

Lucas blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. "Oh," he said, realization dawning. "I... I forgot." A small, genuine smile touched his lips. "Thanks, Ava. Really, thank you."

"So, any plans for today?" she asked, her voice light.

Lucas's smile faded. "No. You know that I don't celebrate my birthdays. " He looked away, his voice tight. "It's not a day for celebrating. It's the day I lost my family."

Ava's heart sank. "Lucas," she said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. "It's been a long time. You can't keep punishing yourself. Just this once, let us celebrate." She clasped her hands together, pleading with her eyes.

Lucas scoffed, pulling his arm away. "Ava, don't ask me to do this."

"Please," Ava insisted. "Just come home early tonight. We'll celebrate, just the two of us. Like we used to, for all the good things. Let's just go back to how it was before. Even, if it's just for a day. She pleaded."

"Why are you suddenly asking for this? "

"Her eyes glistened, a single tear escaping and tracing a path down her cheek. "What if... what if we never have another chance?"

His gaze sharpened, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Where are you going? What's this about?"

She stammered, avoiding his gaze. "I... I just meant, after you marry Sophia, will we even get to celebrate any occasions together again?"

A heavy silence fell between them, the unspoken words hanging in the air. Then, the shrill ring of his phone shattered the moment.

He glanced at the screen, his expression unreadable.

"Gotta go," he muttered, already turning away. "Take care." He walked away, leaving her standing there, alone.

Ava's fingers trembled as she dialed Helen's

number. She pressed the phone to her ear, listening to the rings.

"Ava? Hey, what's going on?" Helen's voice sounded worried.

"Hi Helen," Ava managed, her voice tight. "I'm okay."

"Okay? You don't sound okay. Are you sure about this, Ava? Please, think about it again."

Ava squeezed her eyes shut. "I have to, Helen. Please don't make this harder." A sigh came through the phone. "Fine. But... where will you go?"

"Aunt Mary said I can stay with her."

"Oh, Ava..." Helen's voice cracked. "I'm going to miss you so much."

A tear slipped down Ava's cheek. "I'll miss you too.

Okay, I'll call you later," Ava said, her voice thick with emotion as she hung up.

Ava stared at the phone, then slowly put it down. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

Sophia knocked on Lucas's door and heard a curt, "Come in." She stepped inside, placing the stack of files on his desk. "Here are the reports you asked for."

"Thank you," Lucas said, not looking up. "You can go now."

Ugh, I spend hours on my outfits, and he doesn't even notice, she thought, her cheeks burning. "Is there anything else I can help with?" she asked, desperate.

Lucas finally glanced up, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "Just go, Sophia. I'm busy."

Sophia's heart sank as she left.

Hours later, the clock struck 8 pm. Sophia reached for her car door, then paused. She noticed Lucas entering the parking lot, heading for his SUV. An idea flashed into her mind. "Lucas!" she called, hurrying after him. "Lucas, wait up!"

He turned, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Hey, Sophia. What's going on?"

"My car won't start," she said, a little breathless. "Could you give me a ride home? I really need to get back."

"Uhm... sure, but I need to go home quickly" he said, gesturing towards his SUV. "Hop in."

The drive was quick, a few minutes of quiet. When they reached her house, Sophia turned to him.

"Thanks, Lucas. Want to come in for a minute? I could make you a drink."

He shook his head, his hand still on the steering wheel. "I can't, I'm in a rush."

"Please?" she said, her voice softer. "The lightbulb in my room blew, and I'm alone. I'm not good at changing them. Could you help me with that?"

Lucas hesitated, then sighed. "Fine, but make it quick. I really need to get going." He got out of the car and followed her inside.

Sophia rushed into the kitchen and poured a drink. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at the drink.

"Today, you'll be all mine," she said, her smile a little too wide. "I promise, you'll be all mine today!"

She pulled a small paper packet from her purse. Inside was a white powder. She carefully poured all of it into the drink.

"I'm done," Lucas said, hurrying out of her room.

"Wow, thank you, Lucas. I don't know what I would have done without you," Sophia said, her voice sounding very grateful.

"You're welcome, Sophia. I really need to get going now," Lucas replied, already starting to move. But Sophia gently grabbed his arm.

"Have a drink, Lucas, please. Don't say no. I insist," she said firmly.

"Uh, okay, just one drink," he agreed, taking the glass from her hand and gulped it all down.