Chapter 2
The wedding dress was custom–made, so returning it was not an option.N
I decided to take a pair of scissors and cut it up instead. After all, leaving it there would only be an eyesore for Dorian.N
Before I left, I removed my ring and placed it on the coffee table. I didn’t take much with me; aside from personal items, I left everything else behind.
I thought for a moment and left a note for Dorian, telling him he could do whatever he wanted with the house and everything in it, without needing to ask me.
I booked a red–eye flight to Lindor. Elara had married someone there last year, and it seemed like the perfect time to visit her and clear my head.
She suggested we go shopping and have some afternoon tea. There was also a small get–together planned for the evening with some old classmates and friends. After a few rounds of drinks, someone else walked in through the door.”
A few of my girlfriends immediately perked up, “Lucian Kingsley? Wow, you’re a rare sight around here.“>>
“Yeah, what brings you over tonight?”
“Just had some business next door and heard about the reunion, so I thought I’d pop in and say hi.” Lucian said, his gaze lingering momentarily on a spot before slowly shifting away.
Élara nudged me gently, “Bella, isn’t Lucian here for you?”
I looked at the man with slightly tipsy eyes. He was even taller than Dorian, wearing a black coat over a matching business suit. He had striking features, a great build.§
I squinted at him for a moment before shaking my head, “Nah, we haven’t even talked in years.” Elara was undeterred and called out to Lucian, “Hey, could you do me a favor and drop Bella off later? We’ve all been drinking, and I don’t feel comfortable with her taking an Uber alone.”
I looked up at Lucian in surprise. His eyes met mine across the room.
After about two seconds, I saw him nod, “Sure.”
“Thanks a lot, handsome.”
Elara grinned and whispered in my ear, “Bella, you’ve loved Dorian for seven years, only to be betrayed. If he can flirt around, what’s wrong with you finding someone better for yourself? And with someone like Lucian, a total heartthrob, you’d better grab the chance while you can!”
“How do you know he’d want to sleep with me?“>
“The way he looks at you, it’s like he’s undressing you with his eyes, darling. Trust me, I’ve dated eighteen guys. I know what I’m talking about.”
Lucian drove me back to the hotel. When we arrived, I unbuckled my seatbelt and thanked him, “Thanks for giving me a lift tonight.“N
Lucian turned his head slightly to look at me, “No problem.“>
As I opened the car door to get out, Dorian’s parting words suddenly came to mind. On impulse, I asked, “Wanna go up and chill for a
bit?”
Lucian kissed me in the elevator. I was already tipsy, and his assertive kiss nearly took my breath away.N
“There’s a camera…” I managed to say, blushing and breathless, my legs almost giving way, forcing me to cling tightly to his waist.
Lucian glanced at the camera, shifted positions to avoid it, and kissed me again. As we entered the room, he suddenly stopped me, “Isabella, if you’re having second thoughts, now’s the time to say so.“}]
“Second thoughts about what?” I looked up at him, twirling his tie around my finger to pull him closer, “You’ve already kissed me senseless, and now you’re asking if I want to stop?“>
Lucian chuckled, his thumb brushing lightly over my slightly swollen lips, “Then just remember, once we start, there’s no turning back.” Our first time together, Lucian couldn’t even wait until we reached the bedroom.
