Between the lines of love

armer than usual, as if it were trying to nudge me out of bed. I lay there for a

door-all of it felt surreal. I still didn't understand how he knew where I lived. That though

bed, my phone buzzed on the nigh

etter today. No rush on the meeting-let me know

mix of gratitude and awkwardness settling over m

ack a qui

n. I think I'll need a day o

e came almo

all the ti

ven thoughtful, but it left me with more questions than answers. Lucas wa

apartment felt too quiet, so I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to visit

-

king at me with wide, amused eyes. "Lucas just magically

happened. And it's not like I ever gave him my a

elyn, this sounds like something straight out

sn't like that. He probably got my address

g out the word with a te

knot in my chest. Clara always had a way of making

-

work tasks and meetings. Before I knew i

or. Lucas was already there, seated at the far end of the table, his attention fixed

said, standing and gesturin

d, keeping my tone profe

ing risks, timelines, and strategies. Lucas's advice was sharp and insightful, as

t, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Not every

xpected compliment. "Thank you,"

strange mix of relief and satisfaction. Lucas walked m

-

ear my head. The crisp air felt refreshing, and I le

by the cozy vibe, I stepped inside and ordered a cup of tea. I found a cor

namic with Lucas, my progress at work, and, most impor

, I noticed a familiar figure stepp

and raised an eyebrow, cl

d, equally cau

to the café behind me. "Do you have time

ut curiosity w

ow. The conversation flowed easily-nothing too personal, just

nd solace in the stories during his rare moments of downtime. It was the first time I'd se

-

asting a soft glow across the city. As I stepped into my apartm

forever, I wasn't looking back at t

finally ready to let go a