At School
Serena Blake woke with a start, the early sunlight slanting across her room. For a fleeting moment, she dared to hope.
Maybe it had all been a dream. Maybe Lucien Reed hadn't actually appeared in her living room yesterday, smiling at her with that infuriating, familiar grin, calling her Elise.
But the tightness in her chest, the faint ache behind her eyes, told her otherwise.
Sighing, she swung her legs off the bed and padded to the bathroom. The hot water washed away the last traces of sleep, and she dressed simply—her usual casual style of a basic white top, a short denim skirt layered over black leggings, and a pair of worn sneakers. No makeup. No effort to attract attention. Just her.
Downstairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted her, and so did the sight of him.
Lucien Reed, leaning lazily against the kitchen counter with a mug of coffee in hand, eyes gleaming mischievously.
"Elise," he greeted casually, voice smooth, like he had all the right to use that name.
Serena rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath as she sat down at the dining table.
The maid served them quietly, placing toast, eggs, and juice in front of them. Serena ate in silence, trying to pretend she hadn't heard him, but Lucien's presence filled every corner of the room.
"Don't ignore me," he teased lightly, catching her gaze. "You always smiled when I called you that."
Serena sighed, picking at her food. Why did it feel like seven years ago all over again?
Evie bounded into the room, cheerful as ever.
"Good morning, Elise!" she said, grinning. "You're still grumpy, huh?"
Serena groaned, muttering: "It's Serena, Evie."
Evie rolled her eyes back at her sister, clearly enjoying this tiny battle, and Lucien smirked.
Richard and Margret Blake left for a business trip shortly after breakfast, leaving the house quietly humming with just the three of them.
Lucien stretched, clearly enjoying the calm of the empty house, then glanced at Serena.
At School
"C'mon, Elise. You can't walk into school alone."
"I—" Serena started, but he grabbed her hand lightly and pulled her toward the door, forcing her to follow.
The moment they stepped onto campus, girls turned and gasped, whispering and swooning at the sight of Lucien. Serena's face warmed, and she rolled her eyes, hiding behind the umbrella of her own composure.
Hailey Moore approached him boldly, long black hair swinging, eyes glimmering with flirtation.
"Lucien Reed," she purred, stepping close. "I—"
"Busy," he interrupted smoothly, flashing a smile that left her flustered. "Class first."
He escorted her to her classroom with effortless charm, ignoring her attempts to keep his attention. Serena felt a surge of vindictive satisfaction—he hadn't changed.
By the time Lucien reached his class, Gid Harper was waiting for him, grinning.
"Finally," Gid said. "Took you long enough."
"Had to bring Elise along," Lucien said, glancing at Serena, who groaned.
Gid smirked knowingly. "I see you two are back to the old games."
Serena's female classmates swarmed her as soon as she entered her own classroom.
"Serena! Serena! Do you have Lucien's phone number?"
Serena blinked, tilting her head. "Ask him yourself," she said flatly, ignoring the whispering giggles.
Lunchtime arrived, and Lucien wasn't letting her off.
"C'mon, Elise," he said, grabbing her arm gently. "Lunch is together."
With a resigned groan, she followed him to the cafeteria, where they met Gid. Conversation flowed lightly, laughter teasing the edges of Serena's controlled mood.
"Basketball tryouts are today," Gid mentioned casually. "After school."
Lucien's grin widened, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Perfect. You're coming, Elise. You're watching me."
Serena groaned. "I really don't want to—"
"Too late," he said, tugging her along. "You're front row"