Chapter 51 A Moment Of Weakness

• The quiet of the house felt different without Alexander’s presence. His absence, though temporary, left a hole in the space, one that Celia could almost feel physically. He’d left for a few days on business, and despite the time apart, she couldn’t shake the tension that still lingered between them. It wasn’t that they had fought or that anything specific had happened, but there was this unspoken weight that seemed to press down on them both, leaving things unresolved.
• As the days stretched on, Celia tried to keep herself busy, working on projects and spending time with friends. But there was always this undercurrent of restlessness, this gnawing feeling that she couldn’t quite ignore. And then, as if on cue, Lucas appeared. He had been persistent lately, a shadow in her life, but now that she was alone in the house, his presence felt almost comforting.
• It started innocently enough. Lucas had shown up to drop off something she had left at his place. One thing led to another, and before long, they found themselves sitting together in the living room, chatting. Lucas was always good at easing into a conversation, his charm like a soft blanket that made everything feel easier, more natural. Celia could feel herself relaxing, the weight on her shoulders lifting a little bit as he spoke, his voice smooth and warm.