Eleven

After they stepped out of the shop, Lucien gently removed her hand from his arm and moved a step away from her.

Lyra’s expression immediately turned cold.

Lucien did not notice. His attention was already elsewhere as he looked around the mall, taking in everything with quiet fascination.

Once they left the mall, Lyra decided to send him home first before heading to the office.

She had already texted her assistant, Ruth, to postpone all meetings until the afternoon.

At the office, Ruth was busy preparing for a meeting with the heads of departments, arranging files and reports neatly on her desk when her phone chimed.

She picked it up and read the message.

“Postpone all meetings to the afternoon.”

That was all.

Her hand froze.

She stared at the screen in disbelief.

“What made her come late today?” she murmured.

Lyra never came late. She worked nonstop and often stayed back long after everyone else had left.

Because of her, Ruth rarely got to leave on time.

Now this?

A slow smile spread across her face.

Finally.

“I can actually go get coffee,” she muttered, already getting up from her chair.

…

Inside the car, Lucien sat by the window again, watching everything outside.

Lyra was focused on her tablet, reviewing documents.

The car suddenly jolted slightly over a speed bump.

“Ah…” Lucien winced softly.

He had fallen asleep without realizing it.

He had woken up early, his body still weak, and the steady hum of the car, along with the cool air, had lulled him into sleep.

When the car jerked, his head knocked lightly against the window.

Lyra looked up.

Her gaze fell on him.

His head rested awkwardly against the glass, strands of black hair falling over his face as sunlight brushed against his features.

Her expression softened.

She let out a quiet breath.

Then, carefully, she reached out and supported his head, gently moving it onto her lap.

It was only so he would not hit his head again.

Nothing else.

At least, that was what she told herself.

Lucien shifted slightly, finding the position comfortable.

Still half asleep, he moved closer and wrapped his arm loosely around her leg.

Lyra stiffened.

She had a moment where she wanted to push him away.

But she didn’t.

Instead, she sighed and set her tablet aside, placing one hand lightly on his head to keep him steady.

Lucien nuzzled slightly, adjusting himself, settling deeper against her.

Even through the layers of clothing, she could feel the warmth of him.

Her breath hitched faintly.

A strange sensation crept through her.

Her throat went dry.

Her eyes drifted down to his face.

His lips.

Soft. Relaxed. Unaware.

Without thinking, she pressed her lips together, trying to steady herself.

Then suddenly, her expression hardened.

She remembered who he was.

Or rather, who he used to be.

All the things he had done before.

Her gaze shifted away immediately, fixing on the window.

When the car finally arrived at the house, she signaled the driver to stay quiet.

Carefully, she helped Lucien out with the driver’s assistance, making sure not to wake him.

He looked exhausted.

So she did not disturb him.

Together, they carried him inside.

The servants in the living room stared in shock.

Everyone knew about their strained relationship.

Seeing Lyra like this, gentle and careful, was something none of them expected.

David, however, felt relieved.

Maybe things were changing.

Lyra went straight upstairs and into his room.

They laid him down carefully on the bed.

She dismissed the driver, then bent down and removed his shoes.

Pulling the blanket over him, she paused for a moment.

He looked peaceful.

Calm.

Different.

He really does look better when he is not speaking, she thought.

She turned to leave.

But suddenly, his hand moved and caught hers.

She looked down at his fingers wrapped around her hand.

For a moment, she just stood there.

Then she slowly loosened his grip and freed her hand.

She lightly patted his cheek.

He did not wake.

A small smile touched her lips before she turned and walked out.

Downstairs, she instructed the butler to take care of him and make sure he took his medicine on time.

The butler looked at her with a faint, knowing expression.

It was unusual.

She noticed it immediately.

Clearing her throat, she said, “It’s nothing. If he gets sick again, it will just increase hospital bills.”

Her tone was casual, but slightly forced.

The butler only smiled and nodded.

Lyra did not stay any longer.

She picked up her things and left for the office.