h striking the edge of a flame. The flash of the camera popped in the background, but for

asn't rehearsed or forced. It w

darker than she'd ever seen them. "That wasn't pa

breathed.

ing. them the cover shoot was perfect, but Elena barely heard any of it. Her

t. Elena watched him go, wondering if he felt the same fire burning in her chest. She t

lena didn't know whether to confront Lucien or hide i

swirling i

e kitchen doorway. He looked tired b

ld talk,

to the living room. The air betw

me," she s

jaw tense

hy

, he poured himself a glass of water

moment, I forgot everything-contracts,

her like a wave.

is, Lucien. I don't kn

reed to this. You signed th

him. "And you

om her, leaning

t now?" s

. "Now, we keep pretending. We keep pla

after

that, you can walk aw

thought-a future without him

ayed over and over in her mind. She shouldn't be falling for him. He w

ght no clarity. O

top investors. Dressed in a navy-blue gown, she felt like she b

and champagne glasses,

omeone murmured. "She's n

it, but Elena c

m, she caught Harper

asked, stepping closer. "He al

ed her fists

arper hissed. "He's not

ena snapped. "Jea

r your head, sweetheart. Enjoy

fronted Lucien. "Why do

ened. "Because she

n't answer

hought it meant more than it did. When I didn't

him, unsure wheth

hat to think an

said, turning toward her.

what I feel,"

is touch warm and groundin

ond time, his l

kissed him back w

re like walking on a tigh

gether, playing their parts perfectly. But behind close

but willingly. He would hand her ingredients or pour her a glass of wine while she stirred the pot

itting on the balcony, staring at the skyline. She hesitat

sit out here

replied. "The city feel

out what your life. would look like if none of this happene

hink I could live a normal life. But

membering the name from t

The night of the accident, they. were on their

ached. "It was

was," he whispered

hed his hand. "Maybe it's time t

pond, but his han

he'd said. About the pain he carried. And about the possibility

er nightstand. A small card tucked inside read: "Thank you for no

se in hand. Their eyes met, and something unspo

l day," he said. "B

, surprised

f us. No camera

ed softl

the beginning of something real. Or maybe it would all come c