All Chapters of Runway Matrix : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Lucas studied her for a moment, and something dark flickered in his eyes. “Don’t thank me yet.” She turned to go, pulse still racing — but before she could reach the door, his hand caught her wrist. “Aurelia.” She turned slowly. The next moment was breathless. He kissed her — it was not soft this time, not testing. It was fire and tension and something that had been building for far too long. Her back met the office door, his body pressing against hers, her hands tangled in his shirt. The heat between them surged, threatening to explode. He pulled away only slightly, lips at her neck, voice hoarse. “Please come to my place. Tonight.” She hesitated, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her hand in his hair now. “Please,” he added, voice low and rough. “I want you. Not just for one night.” She nodded, breathless. “Okay.” He kissed her again — slower, savoring this yes. “My driver will pick you up. Two blocks from the agency. You prefer subtle, right?” "Yeah." She blushe

Lucas glanced at Aurelia, who looked like she was about to say no and blurted out, “Of course! I’d love that.” “Yay! You’re my buddy now!” Kyle declared, hugging his sketch to his chest before running off to meet Eloise. "Hey! Be careful, no running in the Café," She paused, and added. "Thanks for the juice baby." "Sorry mama." Kyle replied, "You're welcome, mama." Aurelia covered her face with her hands, laughing softly. “You just promised a four-year-old a playdate.” Lucas shrugged. “I’d do worse things if it meant getting to see that smile again.” She gave him a look, part suspicious, part tender. “Why haven’t you asked about Kyle before? About… you know.” He looked at her and said carefully, his voice softer now. “I didn’t need to ask. I knew the moment I saw him at your place. The curls, though his are golden tones… and that look in his eyes — he’s got your fire." She blushed, her hand automatically smoothing her hair. “You’re observant.” “And patient,” he add

“Good morning, Mr. Kwan,” Eloise greeted him warmly. He smiled faintly. “Good morning, you two.” They sat at one of the corner booths. Max brought over fresh coffee, and Eloise placed a notepad on the table — though she already knew what she wanted to say. “Thank you for coming,” she began. “We heard you were thinking of selling the café. We wanted to talk to you about it — before anyone else swoops in.” Mr. Kwan gave a quiet nod. “That’s true. My wife and I are moving upstate. She needs peace. I think I do, too.” Eloise exchanged a glance with Max before leaning forward. “We want to buy it from you. Not just because we love it — but because we believe in it. We’ve helped build this place into what it is now." Mr. Kwan sipped his coffee, listening. “You both have been good to this café. I’ve seen that. But it’s a big purchase, Eloise." Max spoke next. “We’re still working on funding. Loans, grants… it’s going to take time. But if you give us a chance to—” “I don’t need the mon

In the kitchen, Max handed Eloise a drink he was making and said something low that made her laugh. She nudged him with her elbow. “You’re annoying.” “You love it.” She rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. The tension between them bubbled quietly — the kind that sparked when friendship edged toward something more. Max brushed her hair off her shoulder in a quick, bold motion and leaned in a little too close. Then— “Whoa! You two flirting or about to kiss?” Sue called, waving an empty glass in the air. Eloise jerked back, flushed. Max just smirked and sipped his drink. “Guess we lost our moment.” Aurelia turn to watch them with a quiet smile. By the end of the night, Sue and Jake left together, still bickering but laughing between breaths. Max tossed his coat over his shoulder and turned to Eloise. “Bar run with the crew?” She shrugged, grinning. “Why not? Celebrations aren’t over yet.” After the door closed behind them, the apartment now quiet. Lucas stay

Lucas: I'm sorry. Let me see you please. "Yeah, you both need to talk about this at some point." Eloise chipped in. Aurelia hurriedly typed in a response and he replied immediately. "So we've agreed to meet at the bar where we first saw each other." Eloise smiles mischievously and Sue just whistles. Aurelia rolled her eyes, smiling. --- The bar was warm, dimly lit, and thrumming with the low pulse of music just like the night she burst in here with dried tears on her face. Aurelia slid into the seat across from Lucas, her crop T-shirt riding just slightly as she folded her arms. The pink cotton with the faded rockstar print seemed almost defiant against the cold, sharp words she’d read online. Lucas leaned back in his chair, eyes scanning her face like he was searching for something she was trying hard to hide. In his grey crew-neck sweater and dark jeans, he looked effortlessly put together, but there was an edge in the set of his jaw — one she’d seen only when he was fighting