Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMPDS2MPMMYRYP1JT5HMDDZ

Aurora's hand hovered over the door handle as she hesitated, the creak of the floorboards beneath her feet the only warning she'd given of her approach. She'd been expecting Eva to answer, maybe Ptolemy the tabby cat to weave between her legs, but it was Lucien Moreau who stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he took in her presence. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with the weight of unspoken words. Rory's grip on the door handle tightened, her mind racing with the memories of their last encounter. She'd thought she was over the sting of his rejection, the way he'd chosen to distance himself from her after their one night together. But the sight of him, standing in Eva's doorway with his platinum-blond hair slicked back and his tailored suit immaculate, brought it all flooding back. "Rory," he said finally, his voice low and smooth, like honey dripping from a spoon. "I wasn't expecting you." Rory raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking to the shoulder bag slung over his arm. "Looks like you were expecting someone, though." Lucien's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Eva and I had a meeting scheduled. She wasn't feeling well, so I offered to bring the discussion to her doorstep." Rory's skepticism must have shown on her face, because Lucien's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "May I come in?" he asked, his tone polite, but with a hint of steel underlying it. Rory stepped back, her eyes never leaving his face as she allowed him to enter. The flat was a mess, as usual, with books and scrolls scattered across every available surface, but Lucien navigated the clutter with ease, his cane clicking on the wooden floorboards as he moved. Eva's voice called out from the bedroom, muffled and sleepy. "Rory? Is that you?" Rory hesitated, unsure if she should intervene or let Lucien handle the situation. But before she could decide, Lucien had already moved towards the bedroom, his movements fluid and confident. "Good morning, Eva," he said, his voice softening as he pushed open the door. "I see you're not feeling well. Perhaps I should have called ahead to reschedule our meeting." Rory watched as Lucien disappeared into the bedroom, feeling a pang of unease. She didn't like the idea of him being alone with Eva, especially when her friend was vulnerable. But as she listened to the low hum of their conversation, she realized that Lucien was being gentle, his words soothing as he coaxed Eva into a more upright position. As she waited, Rory's gaze wandered around the flat, taking in the familiar comforts of Eva's book-filled sanctuary. It was a space that always felt like a hug, enveloping her in a sense of security and warmth. But with Lucien present, the atmosphere felt off, like a discordant note in an otherwise beautiful melody. When Lucien finally emerged from the bedroom, Eva's voice called out again, this time more clearly. "Rory, would you make Lucien a cup of tea? He's been kind enough to bring me some research notes." Rory felt a surge of resentment, but she pushed it aside as she moved towards the kitchen. As she worked, the silence between her and Lucien grew thicker, until it felt like a physical presence in the room. Finally, Lucien spoke up, his voice breaking the tension. "You're looking well, Rory. A bit tired, perhaps, but—" "I'm fine," Rory interrupted, her tone curt as she handed him a steaming cup of tea. Lucien's eyes met hers, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he masked it with a bland smile. "Of course. I apologize if I overstepped." Rory shrugged, feeling a pang of guilt for her shortness. It wasn't Lucien's fault that she was still reeling from their past encounter. But as she turned to leave, Lucien's hand shot out, his fingers closing around her wrist. "Rory, wait," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We need to talk." Rory's heart skipped a beat as she felt the spark of electricity that always seemed to run between them. She tried to pull her wrist free, but Lucien's grip was firm, his fingers warm against her skin. "I don't think that's a good idea," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Lucien's eyes searched hers, his gaze burning with an intensity that made her feel like he could see right through her. "I think it's essential," he countered, his voice dripping with persuasion. "We can't keep avoiding each other, Rory. Not when there's so much left unsaid between us." Rory felt a shiver run down her spine as Lucien's words struck a chord deep within her. She knew he was right, of course. They couldn't keep dancing around each other, pretending that their past didn't exist. But as she looked into his eyes, she felt a spark of fear ignite within her. What if talking about the past only led to more hurt, more regret? What if she couldn't handle the truth about what had happened between them? As the silence between them stretched out, Rory knew that she had a choice to make. She could let her fear dictate her actions, or she could take a chance, confront the past, and see where it led her.