30. Started

In the dim light of the bedside lamp, Lucas blinked his eyes. Awareness returned, and he came back to reality. It was a pleasant realization to wake up and find himself still with Velia.

Lucas let out a long breath and slowly untangled himself from Velia's embrace. He carefully tried not to wake her prematurely.

Velia looked peaceful and tired as she lay on his chest, holding him close. Lucas had to struggle to free himself from the intimate entanglement. He also wanted to avoid waking Velia before the right time.

Velia was exhausted. Her serene face in deep sleep showed signs of weariness.

Lucas planted a gentle kiss on Velia's forehead as a gesture of apology. Then, he slid out of bed, leaving Velia covered with the blanket, and reached for his phone on the nightstand.

Instead of rushing, Lucas checked a couple of things first. There were emails and messages waiting for him. He quickly read through them before replying.

After putting his phone back in its place, next to Velia's