CHAPTER SIX_ Lucian’s POV

I didn’t go home.

I needed time to think. That was the lie I told myself.

My apartment downtown was quiet. There was no staff, no expectations, no one looking at me like I owed them an explanation.

I had told Claire “I’ll try.”

The words probably came out wrong. The truth was, I didn’t mean them.

Claire called me non-stop.

I didn’t call her back.

I told myself it was better this way— that if I gave her enough space, she would calm down. It was a terrible scandal, but it would settle.

Claire didn’t understand that.

I couldn’t blame her; the headlines were still everywhere.

“LUCIAN DHARK AND EVA STERLING: SCANDAL ROCKS THE CITY”

I scrolled once, then locked the screen.

I should have known better. Nothing involving Eva stayed private for long.

I couldn’t undo what I had done. And I couldn’t bring myself to walk back into a marriage that now felt like prison.

There was a knock at the door.

I already knew who it was.

Eva stepped inside like she belonged there. She wore a tiny red dress, matching her soft, uninvited presence.

She didn’t ask permission. She never did. That was what was so exciting about her.

“You didn’t go home.” She said, glancing around the apartment.

“I needed space.” I replied.

She smiled as if I had just confirmed something she already suspected.

“From your wife?” She asked.

I didn’t answer.

She stepped closer. “You’re a billionaire, Lucian. Scandals happen.” She shrugged. “Besides, your wife will survive. She can’t expect a man like you to stay trapped forever.”

I stiffened, feeling rage build up in my chest. “Don’t.” I warned.

Eva raised her hands innocently. “I’m just saying—this isn’t going away.”

”Don’t mention Claire.”

Eva rolled her eyes. “I’m just being honest. She's weak, Lucian_ always has been. Everyone sees it."

“I said stop!” I yelled before I could stop myself. “You don’t get to insult my wife.”

Eva’s lips parted. For the first time, she looked shocked.

But why wouldn’t she be? The speed with which I defended Claire… it shocked me too.

“Fine, I won’t mention your dear Claire again.”

I turned away from Eva, clenching my jaw. “I told her I’d end this.”

Eva laughed softly then. “You didn’t say when.”

That was true.

I exhaled slowly. “You should go.”

She didn’t move.

“Lucian, you don’t survive scandals by pretending they didn’t happen.” She spoke gently. “Last night was real. And it was amazing.”

I still didn’t look at her. “I’m married, Eva.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “And you’re still here.”

When she leaned in to kiss me, I didn’t pull away.

And that was when I knew I wasn’t trying to fix my marriage.

I was postponing its ending.

Later that evening, while Eva slept, my assistant called.

"Sir," she said carefully. “We have a problem."

I exhaled sharply. What else could possibly go wrong?

“Go on."

"Your wife’s medical report has been leaked to the press."

My blood ran cold.

“What?"

"It's everywhere. Social media is... vicious. The press is calling it the reason behind the affair.”

My hand tightened around the phone. "Who leaked the report?”

"We’re still investigating.” My assistant answered, unsure. “But everyone is talking about it. The damage is already done.”

I ended the call, then started pacing the apartment, running a hand through my hair, trying to think like a CEO. Like a man who could fix problems.

But this wasn’t a business problem.

There was no statement that could undo the humiliation Claire was facing.

I imagined her reading the headlines with tears in her eyes.

I thought of calling her.

But what would I say? Sorry?

That wouldn't fix anything.

Some things cannot be fixed with apologies_ no matter how sincere.

Then my phone buzzed again. It was Claire.

I placed the phone face down on the table.

By making that choice, I knew I abandoned my wife.

But it didn’t matter anymore— our marriage had reached a point of no return.