Chapter 12 Unveiled Ties

• The shift from the cool air of the garden into the sitting room felt heavier than Élise expected, as though the walls themselves trapped the tension she carried. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a smile as Lucien followed her in. His presence always filled a warm and familiar space, yet edged with the kind of protectiveness that often made her feel like a little girl again.
• “Your housemate has expensive taste,” Lucien muttered, glancing around at the sleek interior. He whistled softly, though his tone held less admiration than suspicion.
• “It’s not my house,” Élise said quickly, lowering herself onto the edge of the sofa. “It’s… complicated.”