Chapter 2

The air went still for a beat.

Lucian's expression stiffened. It took a moment before he knit his brows together. "What are you talking about?"

"Exactly what I said," I answered softly. "If the two of you want to live together, feel free to get a room at the hotel across the street."

Nora's eyes reddened instantly.

"Mia, you've got the wrong idea. Lucian and I aren't like that. I—I only came to stay here because it was more convenient for work."

"If it upsets you, I'll leave right now..."

She dabbed at the corner of her eye and turned to go, but Lucian caught her wrist and pulled her behind him, shielding her.

His face went cold, his eyes dark.

"Mia. Watch your mouth."

"If you've got something to say, say it to me. What's the point of going after a young girl?"

"How many times have I told you? Nora was adopted by the Morettis. She's the little sister I grew up with. If I don't take care of her, who will?"

Right. Ditching me to see a movie with Nora. Bringing her home. Fighting with me over her, again and again.

That was what he called taking care of her.

I let out a bitter laugh.

"Fine. Keep taking care of her, then."

"I'll go stay somewhere else."

I walked straight into the bedroom, dragged out my suitcase, and started packing.

Lucian first coaxed the shaken Nora into the bathroom for a hot shower, then, in no particular hurry, drifted over to the bedroom doorway and watched me.

"Mia, that's enough."

"What kind of scene are you making at this hour? Where is a girl like you supposed to stay this late? And you've got work tomorrow. Don't make trouble for yourself, all right?"

"I promise you, there's nothing between me and Nora."

My hands stilled. I looked up and met his eyes.

"Lucian. Do you remember the phone call I made to you three days ago?"

He blanked for a second.

"I got caught up in things and forgot. That's why I didn't call you back."

"Caught up in what?"

"Work."

He answered quickly—but his eyes couldn't quite meet mine.

I knew it hadn't been work. He'd been with Nora.

Which meant, on that day, he had let my grandmother die with a regret in her heart.

I didn't call him out on it. I just lowered my eyes and kept packing.

Seven years, and I didn't have much—clothes, documents, odds and ends all together didn't even fill a single twenty-four-inch suitcase.

Lucian's frown deepened. When I finally clicked the case shut and pulled up the handle, he stepped into the doorway to block my way.

"Is all this really necessary?"

"Just because I didn't call you back?"

"You're not a child. Running away from home—it's a bit much. I don't have the energy to coax you tonight."

I didn't need coaxing.

I moved around him. My eyes drifted to the keys hanging by the door, and for a moment I got lost in the sight of them.

When we'd first become official, Lucian had brought me here to show me around, pressed those keys into my palm, and leaned against the doorframe with a smile.

"Welcome home, lady of the house."

"Mia, from now on, this villa is our shelter from the world."

I pulled the keys off the hook, meaning to make things clear with him once and for all. But Lucian mistook my daze for reluctance, and let out a soft laugh.

"What, having second thoughts?"

My face went cold. I tossed the keys straight at his chest, turned, and yanked the door open.

Something shifted in Lucian's face. He took two quick steps forward—only to be stopped by Nora's voice from the bathroom.

Small and pitiful.

"Lucian, I forgot my towel. Could you bring me one?"

Without a second's hesitation, Lucian turned on his heel and hurried off, unable to hide the worry on his face.

Behind him, Nora didn't bother lowering her voice.

"Lucian, maybe I should just leave. Mia's already so upset, I don't want to come between—"

Lucian's tone was dismissive.

"Don't worry about it. She's not going anywhere."

"Mia just throws these little tantrums now and then. She loves me—she's putting on a show. She'll be back in a day or two."

"Stay as long as you want. I've got you."

I smiled bitterly.

So he knew I loved him.

But Lucian, even love gets tired.

I dragged my suitcase out and shut the door, sealing every emotion behind it. When I got to the hotel, I opened my laptop and began drafting my resignation letter.