Lara woke up with a pounding headache. She groaned as she sat up in bed, pressing her fingers against her throbbing temples. She regretted drinking last night. It wasn't even much, just a couple of glasses with Levi, but clearly, her body wasn't built for it.
Reaching for her phone, she squinted at the screen. 9:00 AM.
She wasn't even surprised anymore. She usually slept in on weekends, her body already accustomed to waking up late. However, she originally planned to leave early this morning, but judging by her current state, that plan was as good as canceled.
With a sigh, she forced herself out of bed and trudged to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth—something she forgot to do last night—she took a long, refreshing shower, hoping it would wash away the remnants of sleep and her slight headache. Wrapping herself in a towel, she stepped out of the bathroom while towel-drying her damp hair.
She walked over to her closet and pulled out a pair of denim shorts and a loose, oversized T-shirt, slipping into them before running her fingers through her wet strands, not bothering to properly comb them. It would dry on its own. Right now, her stomach demanded attention.
With that thought, she exited her room and made her way downstairs, heading straight for the kitchen.
"Good morning, Mom," she greeted casually, barely glancing at the living room where her mother was seated on the couch.
She had already taken a few steps toward the kitchen when something—someone—caught her attention from her peripheral vision.
Her breath hitched.
Slowly, she turned back.
And there he was.
Lucas sat across her mother, casually sipping his tea, looking as if he belonged there.
Lara blinked in surprise.
What…?
"H-Hon, you're here?" she stammered, the words slipping out before she could stop herself.
Lucas's eyes met hers, his lips curling slightly into a knowing smirk as he took another sip of his tea. "Well," he drawled, "someone kept texting me last night about how much they missed me."
Lara blinked. Texting?
Her mind scrambled for any memory of sending him messages. She remembered drinking. She remembered talking to Levi. But she didn't remember texting Lucas at all.
Was she too drunk last night to remember?
Before she could process it, her mother beamed, clasping her hands together. "Oh, you two are so sweet! You were only apart for a few hours, and you already missed each other?" she gushed.
Lara let out an awkward laugh, glancing at Lucas, who was watching her with an unreadable expression. Was he… teasing her?
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the loud growl of her stomach.
Heat rushed to her face as her mother laughed. "Sounds like someone needs breakfast," she teased. "Sit down, sweetheart. I'll ask the maid to bring out some food."
Lara, feeling utterly embarrassed, hesitated before reluctantly walking toward the couch and awkwardly sat beside Lucas.
While her mother called for the maid, she turned slightly toward Lucas, lowering her voice. "What are you doing here?" she asked, eyes narrowed. "Did my mom ask you to come?"
Lucas placed his teacup down on the saucer. "No," he replied simply. "You did."
Lara blinked. "I did?"
He met her gaze, expression unreadable. "You don't remember?"
She shook her head. "Not at all."
Lucas let out a quiet scoff and leaned back. "Never mind, then."
Lara studied his face, trying to piece together last night's events. What had she said? What had she done? But before she could press further, a maid arrived, setting down a tray of food in front of her.
"Eat up, darling," her mother said warmly.
Lara reluctantly let go of her thoughts and picked up her utensils. As she ate, her mother continued chatting, mostly about the neighbors and some new gossip she had picked up.
Then, mid-conversation, she turned to Lara. "Are you going home with Lucas today?"
Lara paused, spoon halfway to her mouth.
Right. She was supposed to leave today.
She sneaked a glance at Lucas and was about to say yes when she suddenly remembered—she had plans today.
She was meeting Ali and Duke for lunch. Ali had already texted her the restaurant's address yesterday. If she went back home with Lucas first, she wouldn't have time to prepare.
"I probably won't," she finally answered.
Her mother raised a brow. "Why not?"
"I'm actually meeting up with Ali and Duke later for lunch," she explained, chewing thoughtfully.
At the mention of Duke, her mother's face lit up. "Really?" she gushed. "Oh, that's wonderful! Make sure to send him my regards, and don't forget to tell him to visit me soon!"
Lara chuckled. "I'll let him know."
She stole another glance at Lucas, hoping for even a hint of a reaction.
But there was none.
Not even a flicker of curiosity. No frown, no questioning look, nothing. He just sat there, casually sipping his tea, looking completely uninterested.
Her heart sank slightly.
Was she seriously expecting him to care? To ask about Duke? To look even a little bit jealous?
She inwardly scoffed at herself. How foolish.
Lucas didn't care about her. That was the whole point of their marriage.
Shoving those thoughts aside, she finished her meal as her mother continued talking. Lucas responded occasionally, but he mostly nodded and gave small smiles.
A few minutes later, her mother's phone rang. She checked the caller ID and gasped. "Oh! It's my friend! I need to take this." She excused herself, leaving Lara and Lucas alone.
An awkward silence settled between them.
She tapped her fingers against the table, debating whether to speak. After a moment, she hesitated, then asked, "So… when are you leaving?"
Lucas's gaze flickered toward her, his expression unreadable. "Are you kicking me out?"
Lara's eyes widened slightly. "No! I was just wondering," she quickly clarified. "Since I'll be getting ready to head out soon, I thought you might not want to stay here alone."
Lucas studied her for a moment before replying, "I'll leave once your mom returns. I should at least say goodbye."
"Oh. Alright then." She shifted awkwardly in her seat before standing. "I'll head upstairs to get ready now."
Lucas gave no response.
She clenched her fists slightly before turning on her heel and walking away.
Don't let it bother you.
It didn't matter whether he reacted or not.
It never did.
But deep down—
She hated how his indifference always managed to hurt her the most.
...
Lara stepped into her room and closed the door behind her with a soft click. She took a deep breath before walking over to her closet. As she pulled open the doors, she scanned the rows of neatly folded clothes and hanging dresses, most of which she hadn't worn in years. Many of them were from her teenage years and college days—styles she wasn't sure would still suit her.
She hesitated for a moment, running her fingers over the fabrics. Do I still look good in these? she wondered. But she had no time to be picky.
After a brief deliberation, she settled on a red fitted top and a pair of high-waisted jeans. The top had delicate lace-trimmed cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and a black ribbon cinching just below the bust, accentuating her figure. The asymmetrical hemline gave it a youthful yet subtly elegant charm. The classic high-waisted jeans hugged her waist perfectly before flowing into a flared cut that elongated her legs.
She admired her reflection in the mirror. The vintage-wash denim, slightly faded but still stylish, complemented the deep red of her top beautifully.
Sitting down at her vanity, Lara applied a clean, natural-looking makeup—just enough to enhance her features. She curled the ends of her hair, letting them fall into gentle waves down her back. A pair of small gold earrings and a delicate bracelet completed the look.
When she stood up and look at herself in the mirror, she was momentarily taken aback. The woman staring back at her looked... younger. The makeup, the outfit—it reminded her of her college days, back when she still had bright eyes filled with dreams.
She smiled in quiet satisfaction before slipping on a pair of deep red slingback heels. The pointed toes, dainty bow, and glossy finish made them look chic yet understated. She grabbed a sleek black shoulder bag with a silver bow embellishment, giving it a feminine touch.
With everything in place, she gave herself one final glance in the mirror and straightened her posture.
Perfect.
She turned on her heel and left the room, descending the staircase with light, confident steps—only to stop in her tracks when she spotted Lucas still sitting on the couch.
He's still here?
She had assumed he would have left by now. He was staring at his phone, but as if sensing her presence, he looked up. His gaze flickered over her, lingering for a brief moment. There was no visible reaction on his face, but something in his gaze made her heart stutter.
Stop it, Lara. Don't overthink.
She forced a smile, pushing away any unnecessary thoughts.
"Hey," she greeted casually.
Before Lucas could respond, her mother appeared from the kitchen, smiling warmly.
"Are you heading out now, sweetie?"
Lara nodded. "Yes, Mom."
Her mother clapped her hands together. "Perfect timing! Lucas was just about to leave as well. He can drop you off." Then, turning to Lucas with a smiled, she added, "Right, son-in-law?"
Lara braced herself, expecting him to decline. It wasn't like Lucas to do favors for her.
But to her surprise, he simply responded, "Sure."
Lara blinked. She wasn't sure whether she should feel pleased or worried. She had already prepared herself for a quiet ride, and sitting next to Lucas in silence wasn't exactly how she wanted to start her day. But at the same time, she couldn't bring herself to refuse. It was rare for Lucas to offer any sort of gesture, no matter how small. This was an opportunity, even if it was a small one.
She flashed him a soft smile. "Thank you."
Lucas said nothing.
Her mother beamed at them. "Drive safe, you two!"
Lara followed Lucas out the door. As expected, Lucas walked straight to the driver's side without sparing her a glance. Lara sighed inwardly and opened the car door herself before sliding into the passenger seat.
As soon as she settled, she told him the name of the café. Lucas gave a curt nod and started the car.
As soon as they started driving, silence fell between them. It was exactly as she expected—quiet and distant.
Lara stared out the window, watching the city pass by as the minutes stretched on. The only sounds filling the car were the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from other vehicles.
She had always been used to Lucas's cold demeanor, but there were times when the silence between them felt suffocating.
It took nearly half an hour to reach the café due to traffic. The moment Lucas parked, Lara unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door.
She hesitated briefly before bending down slightly to look at him. "Thanks for the ride. Drive safe," she said softly and without waiting Lucas' response—not that she expected him to—she shut the door close.
Lara straightened her back, took a deep breath, and stepped inside the café. The warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries greeted her, mingling with the soft hum of jazz music playing in the background. The cozy atmosphere, filled with the quiet chatter of customers, instantly made her feel at ease.
Her eyes swept across the room, searching for a familiar face, but neither Ali nor Duke had arrived yet.
She glanced at the time on her phone—she was early. With a sigh, she sent a quick text to Ali.
Lara: I'm here. You better get here fast.
Sliding her phone back into her bag, she walked up to the counter to place her order.
"One avocado frappe and a blueberry cheese waffle, please," she said with a polite smile.
The barista nodded. "Of course! That'll be ready in a few minutes."
Lara stepped aside, waiting near the counter, her gaze flickering toward the entrance every time the bell above the door chimed. She wasn't particularly surprised that Ali was running late—Ali was late to everything. But Duke… well, she wasn't sure what to expect. It had been years since she last saw him.
Soon, her order was ready. She picked up her tray and made her way to a table by the window, settling into the cushioned seat. The sun streamed through the glass, casting a golden glow on the café's rustic wooden interior.
She took a sip of her frappe, scrolling through Instagram mindlessly, watching reels while taking small bites of her waffle. It wasn't until she swallowed the last bite that someone suddenly slid into the seat across from her.
Expecting Ali, she barely looked up—until a deep, familiar voice broke through her thoughts.
"Mind if I sit with you, gorgeous?"
Her fingers froze around her cup. Her head snapped up so fast she almost gave herself whiplash.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my God! Duke?!"
Though she had been expecting to see him today, she still couldn't help the shock that flashed across her face. It had been so long since they last met, and seeing him in person felt... surreal.
Duke chuckled, his deep, rich laughter sending a wave of nostalgia crashing over her. "Hi, Nics."
Lara's jaw dropped. "Oh my God, it really is you!" Without a second thought, she practically jumped out of her seat, rushed around the table, and threw her arms around him. "You idiot! You just disappeared! Do you know how much I missed you?!"
Duke let out a soft grunt at the impact but laughed as he wrapped his arms around her. "I missed you too," he admitted, his voice laced with warmth.
She pulled back slightly, smacking his back in mock annoyance. "You should've called me! Or at least texted! Do you know how long I waited?"
Duke grinned, holding up his hands in surrender. "I know, I know. That's on me. I'm sorry, okay?"
Lara narrowed her eyes at him before finally huffing. "You better be sorry."
Duke's lips twitched as he reached out, ruffling her hair like he always used to. "Still the same, huh?"
She swatted his hand away, scowling. "And you're still annoying."
They both laughed, the years between them melting away as if they had never been apart.
Finally, she returned to her seat, still eyeing him with a mixture of disbelief and excitement.
"You look different," she observed, giving him a once-over. She had seen his recent Instagram photos, but seeing him in person was another thing entirely. He was taller, more refined, exuding a confidence that hadn't been there before. His time in New York had definitely done him good.
Duke smirked. "Good different or bad different?"
Lara pretended to scrutinize him before leaning back in her chair. "I'll admit it—you look good. My mom wasn't lying when she said you got more handsome."
Duke chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Honestly, though, New York seems to be working wonders on you."
Duke leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "It sure does. I think I've found my second home."
Lara tilted her head. "Do you like it that much?"
He nodded. "I do. The city, the people, the energy—it's different, but in a good way. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd stay, but now… I don't know, I can actually see myself there for the long run."
Something in his tone made Lara pause.
"You're not planning to stay there forever, are you?" she asked, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.
Duke looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, he smiled. "I don't know yet. But let's not talk about that now. We have a lot to catch up on."
Lara wanted to press him for more details, but she relented. Instead, she smiled genuinely. "Anyway, I'm glad to hear you're doing well. I'm really happy for you."
Duke smiled back. "And you? How's married life treating you?" His eyes flickered toward the wedding ring on her finger.
Lara felt her throat tighten. Her fingers curled slightly, instinctively hiding the ring from view. For a moment, she hesitated, but she forced a smile onto her face.
"It's fine. We're doing good," she lied smoothly.
Duke studied her for a second before nodding. "That's good. I'm happy for you."
Lara quickly changed the subject. "Enough about me. What about you? Any special someone in your life?"
Duke's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Actually, yes. I do have a partner."
Lara's face lit up with excitement. "Really?! When can I meet her?"
Duke chuckled, his amusement clear. "It's a him."
Lara blinked. "... Huh?"
"My partner is a man," Duke clarified casually, as if he had just told her the weather forecast.
Lara gawked at him. "Wait, what?"
She stared at him, momentarily stunned. Out of all the things she had expected, this was not one of them. Not because she had anything against same-sex relationships—far from it—but because this was Duke they were talking about—the same Duke who had always been surrounded by girls back in college. He was practically a heartthrob. Never once had she seen even the slightest hint that he would end up with a man.
Her silence must have lasted a beat too long because Duke's expression faltered. His usual confidence wavered, replaced with uncertainty.
"Are you... disgusted?" he asked, his voice quieter than before.
Lara's eyes widened in horror. "No! Never!" she said immediately. "Why would I be? I'm not a close-minded idiot. I fully support LGBTQ+ relationships. I was just surprised! You didn't exactly give me time to process!"
Duke exhaled, relief flooding his face as his shoulders relaxed. "Good. You have no idea how worried I was. You know how some people here still react badly to these things."
"Well, I'm not 'some people,'" Lara huffed. "I was just caught off guard. Like, how? When did this happen? You used to be a certified ladies' man!"
Duke shrugged, a soft smile playing on his lips. "It just happened. I fell in love. That's all there is to it."
Lara's expression softened. She could see it in his eyes—the quiet, steady kind of happiness that came with being with someone you truly cared about.
"Well," she said warmly, "I hope I get to meet him soon."
"You will," Duke said. "I was actually planning to introduce him later."
Lara clapped her hands excitedly. "Really?! That's great! I can't wait to meet him!"
Just then, a familiar voice cut through their conversation.
"There you are, woman! You told me to hurry, and yet here you are, comfortably eating without me?"
Lara and Duke turned toward the source of the voice, just in time to see Ali striding toward them like she owned the place. As always, she was dressed to impress—flawless makeup, designer outfit, and an attitude that screamed main character energy.
Lara grinned. "You're late."
Ali scoffed dramatically. "Excuse me? I was out here fighting for my life in traffic while you were cozying up with your long-lost best friend!"
Duke smirked. "Hey, Ali. Nice to see you again."
Ali stopped mid-rant and turned to face Duke, gasping dramatically as if she had just seen a celebrity. "Oh my God! Duke, baby! I missed you!"
Before Duke could react, Ali threw herself at him, clinging onto him as if they were long-lost lovers. He laughed as he caught her in a tight hug. Lara, meanwhile, could only shake her head in amusement. Ali always made a scene wherever she went. Subtlety was never in her vocabulary.
"I'm so happy you're back!" Ali squealed, squeezing him tighter before finally pulling away.
"I know," Duke chuckled. "I missed you too. You haven't changed at all."
Ali flipped her hair over her shoulder, grinning. "And I never will." She then turned to Lara, pulling her into a hug. "And you—ugh, you look so fresh and innocent as always. It's honestly offensive."
"Thanks. And you look extra as usual," Lara replied with a smirk.
Ali gasped, placing a hand on her chest. "Rude. I prefer the term absolutely fabulous."
Lara rolled her eyes as Ali took a seat. They wasted no time ordering food, the conversation flowing effortlessly as they caught up on lost time.
Lara felt warmth spread through her chest as she listened to Ali's endless chatter. She hadn't realized how much she missed this—missed them. It had been so long since the three of them were together like this, laughing without a care in the world.
As expected, Ali did most of the talking. She was the most talkative of the three of them. Duke, while chatty, was more composed compared to Ali's chaotic energy. Lara, on the other hand, was a mix of both, chiming in when necessary.
At one point, their conversation steered towards Duke's relationship.
Ali, who had just taken a sip of her milktea, nearly choked. "WHAT?!"
Duke laughed at her reaction, watching as Ali's jaw practically hit the table.
"Wait, wait, wait," Ali sputtered, eyes darting towards Duke. "You? A boyfriend? As in a real-life, actual, breathing man?"
"Yes, Ali," Duke said dryly. "A real-life, actual, breathing man."
Ali leaned forward, gripping his wrist dramatically. "Babe. Is this a phase? Blink twice if you need help."
Duke rolled his eyes. "It's not a phase."
Lara chuckled, watching Ali process the news like someone who had just discovered the earth was flat.
Ali gasped. "So, you finally moved on? Good for you! I actually thought you'd never be able to, but I guess life is full of surprises."
Lara frowned, confused. "Wait, guys. Moved on? What does that mean?"
Ali's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Oh, yeah, you don't know anything." She turned to Duke with a smirk. "I think it's right time you tell her, right?"
"Ali, drop it," Duke muttered, looking slightly uncomfortable.
Ali burst into laughter while Lara remained confused.
"Why not? It's in the past! And you've moved on already."
Duke sighed. "Ali—"
Ali ignored him, turning to Lara with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Did you know that our dear Duke was hopelessly in love with someone back in the day? And that someone was also adorably dense, so much so that she didn't even realize she broke his heart?"
Lara's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Who? When?"
Duke groaned, rubbing his temples. "Ali, I swear—"
Ali grinned widely. "It was back in college."
Lara gawked at Duke, shocked. "You were in love with someone back in college and you never told me, but told Ali?"
Duke sighed. "It was a long time ago, and it doesn't matter now. And I didn't tell Ali—she figured it out on her own."
"Still! Why am I the only one who doesn't know about it?" Lara demanded, crossing her arms.
Ali smirked, clearly enjoying the drama. "Well, it was you after all," she murmured under her breath.
"What?" Lara asked, narrowing her eyes.
Duke groaned, having caught what Ali said. "Ali—shut up."
Ali chuckled, throwing her hands up in surrender. "Fine, fine." Then she turned back to Duke, her grin returning. "Anyway, back to the more important topic—when do we get to meet this mysterious man who stole your heart?"
"You guys! Are we seriously skipping this topic without telling me anything?" Lara huffed.
Duke smirked. "I'll tell you some other time."
"Ugh! Fine. You guys are fake friends."
Duke and Ali both chuckled as Lara rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, you'll meet him later," Duke said.
Ali clapped her hands excitedly. "Ooooh, I can't wait!"
Lara watched them both, shaking her head with a small smile.
They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up, losing track of time until the sky outside turned a dusky orange. The clock read 4:38 PM when they finally decided to leave the café and head to a bar nearby.
Duke offered to drive, and they piled into his car with Ali claiming the passenger seat while Lara settled in the back. Halfway to the bar, Duke pulled into a gas station.
"I'll just fill up the tank. You two want anything from the store?" he asked, unbuckling his seatbelt.
Ali shook her head. "Nah, I'm good."
Lara, seated in the back, simply waved a hand. "I'm fine."
As Duke stepped out, Lara rolled down her window, letting the cool breeze kiss her skin. She closed her eyes briefly, enjoying the fleeting moment of peace. But just as she was about to turn away, something—or rather, someone—caught her attention.
Her brows furrowed.
There, across the street, standing in front of a high-end restaurant, was a man she would recognize anywhere.
Lucas.
Her breath caught in her throat.
There was no mistaking him. He stood tall, dressed in his usual crisp dress shirt and slacks, his dark hair perfectly styled.
What is he doing here?
The question barely had time to settle in her mind before she got her answer.
The restaurant door swung open, and a woman stepped out. Lara's heart pounded as she watched Lucas move toward her, his every action slow, deliberate.
Then, before she could even process what was happening, she saw it.
Lucas reached for the woman with a familiarity that sent a sharp pang through Lara's chest. His hand found the small of her back, guiding her with ease—gentle, protective. And then—
He pulled her close, his arm wrapping securely around her waist, holding her in a way he had never once held Lara.
Something inside Lara cracked.
The woman tilted her head up at him, and that was when Lucas did the one thing that shattered her completely.
He smiled.
Not the cold, distant curve of his lips Lara was accustomed to. Not the empty, indifferent expression he usually wore around her.
No.
This smile was soft. Tender. Real.
And then, as if the universe had decided to twist the knife deeper into her chest—Lucas leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to the woman's forehead.
Lara felt the world around her blur.
Pain, sharp and suffocating, wrapped around her like a vice. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms as she fought to breathe.
She didn't need to take a second look to know who the woman was.
Riah.
The woman Lucas had always loved.
The woman who had always held his heart.
Her vision blurred, but she couldn't look away, even as they finally disappeared in her line of vision, the image burned into her mind like a cruel reminder of everything she could never have.
The pain was suffocating—raw and unrelenting.
Why?
Hadn't she suffered enough?
Hadn't she endured enough cold nights, silent dinners, the countless unanswered texts—clinging desperately to the faint hope that one day he might turn to her?
Why did she have to see this?
What cruel twist of fate made her witness the very thing she feared the most?
Her chest heaved, but she bit down on her lower lip, forcing the sob back.
She wouldn't cry.
Not here.
Not in front of Duke and Ali.
But no matter how much she tried, the sight of Lucas—-hand in hand with the woman he truly loved—was etched deep into her heart.
She squeezed her eyes shut, as if blocking out the image would erase the pain.
It didn't.
It never did.
Her heart had been breaking for so long—piece by piece—that she'd almost grown numb to it.
But in this moment...
It shattered all over again.
And the worst part was—
It still hurt just as much.