Elena drove slowly through the quiet roads that evening, the cool wind brushing past her car as she made her way to Lucas's villa.
After a long, tiring week filled with work and celebration, she finally felt like she could breathe again. Now, she just wanted a quiet evening with the one person who had recently become her comfort zone.
After being in Lucas's villa for the first time, the two of them had met a few times there only. It was like their safe abode, away from the noise and chaos of the city.
When she reached the front door, Lucas opened it before she could even knock. He stood there, wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a small frown on his face. His blue eyes looked sharp, but there was something soft underneath the irritation.
"So," he said in a voice that was half‑serious, half‑teasing, "you finally remembered I exist."
Elena smiled tiredly but warmly. "Lucas, don't start. You look like you've been waiting to say that."
