In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 22

After the lively birthday celebration, Mia sought a moment of quiet away from the party's hustle and bustle. She had enjoyed the cake and the vibrant atmosphere, but the grandeur of the event was starting to feel overwhelming. Stealing away from the crowd, she spotted a staircase leading to an upstairs area. Climbing it cautiously, she found herself in a spacious, elegant room with a large window offering a breathtaking view of the city.

Mia walked over to the window, where the first snowflakes of December were beginning to fall. The sight was calming, and she took off her heels and sat down on a plush seat by the window, leaning back and savoring the quiet.

As she settled in, she heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Lucas standing before her. His unexpected appearance took her by surprise, and she recalled Daisy's description of him as cold and indifferent.

Lucas broke the silence with a warm, playful smile. "Well, look who we have here. Cinderella taking a break from the ball. Should I be expecting the clock to strike midnight soon?"

Mia chuckled, a bit startled by his unexpected friendliness. "Not quite. I just needed a break from all the excitement."

Lucas slid into the seat beside her, his tailored suit enhancing his refined appearance.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

She glanced away, avoiding his gaze. "I'm just trying to think."

Lucas leaned in, undeterred. "Thinking about me, maybe?" His tone was teasing, and Mia felt a flush creeping up her cheeks.

"Honestly, I just need some space," she replied, pushing her hair back and trying to focus on anything but him.

"Come on, don't be like that," he said, his voice low and flirtatious. "You're too intriguing to ignore."

Mia frowned, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "You treated Daisy like a trophy, Lucas. I don't want to be close to someone like that."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his expression. "So you're judging me based on what you think you know? That's not fair."

"It's not just what I think," Mia shot back, her annoyance growing. "I saw how you were with her. I don't want any part of that."

Lucas leaned back slightly, unfazed. "But you don't miss me at all?" His tone was playful, but there was a seriousness behind it that made her pause.

Mia hesitated, caught off guard. "That's not the point. I really just need to be alone right now."

He studied her for a moment, his expression shifting. "Alright, but you're not going to find anyone more interesting than me," he said with a wink, clearly unwilling to back down completely.

"Maybe I don't want interesting," she replied, her voice firm. "I just want some quiet."

He smirked again, leaning closer. "I can be quiet too, you know. Just not when you're around."

Mia sighed, frustration bubbling beneath her surface. "Lucas, please. I really need some space." She finally turned to meet his gaze, willing him to understand.

"I thought you'd miss me," he said, his gaze locking onto hers.

Mia quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks warm. "Why would I miss you? I don't even know you."

She hesitated, then glanced back at him, surprised to find him studying her intently. Lucas sighed, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "I thought we were best friends from the start, even if it was five years ago."

Mia's eyes widened as the truth dawned on her. Her breath caught in her throat. "Mason?"

Lucas nodded, his expression a mix of warmth and apology. "It's me, Mia. I didn't mean to hide this from you. I just wanted to see if you would recognize me." He grabbed her hand and pulled her closely.

Mia pulled her hand away and slightly pushed him, her mind racing. "I... I can't believe it. How is this even possible?"

Mia's breath caught as she stood up. Her eyes widened in shock when she realized Lucas WAS MASON, but he was not the warm, reassuring friend she remembered. His expression was cold, devoid of the warmth that had once defined him. She struggled to hold back tears, her emotions a tumult of anger and confusion.

"Why didn't you tell me anything? Why didn't you even give me a hint that you were alive?" Mia's voice wavered, trying to stay steady despite the storm inside her. "Why did you change so much? I missed you so much Mason."

"Don't call me Mason," Lucas replied with a detached tone. "My new identity is Lucas. I don't know Mason anymore."

Mia's heart sank. "What happened to you? Who was stalking you? Why did you go missing?"

Lucas sighed. "Oh my God, you read that diary? I regret writing that diary. It caused so much trouble. And honestly, I thought you'd come running to hug me, steal me away from this party, but instead, you got too upset."

Mia's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "What?"

Lucas glanced at her with a teasing smile. "I like you this way. Instead of just going along with everything I did five years ago, you changed alot. Now you've got a little attitude. You've got friends, you're confident. I love that you've changed. It's sad that you don't like me this way." Mia's heart fluttered she felt bad, he changed so much. Matured so much that it was a complete difference from the Mason she knew.

Mia's frustration flared and she decided to ignore his words. "Don't you miss the past? Don't you want to go back?"

Lucas met her gaze with calm, almost indifferent eyes. "No. I actually enjoy my life now. It's way better than the past where I was sweet but felt burdened. I have my own apartment, a better paycheck. I don't dream of any business anymore, that didn't sound like a good idea. If I went back, I would never have written that diary. Hell no, I'd never..."

His words ignited a fierce anger within Mia. The contrast between the man he had become and the friend she once knew was too stark. Her feelings of betrayal and hurt surged as she tried to process the magnitude of his transformation.

Mia's frustration bubbled. She has been to angry to even control herself. "Well, it's clear you've moved on just fine," she snapped. "I'll just call Detective Jonathan and let him know that we don't need to continue the search for you... You're living your life under a new identity, not giving a damn about your friends' mental health."

As she turned to leave, Lucas grabbed her arm with a firm grip, pulling her back on to his lap. His voice was calm but held a deep authority. "Not a single word to him, young lady!!! I don't need more people in trouble."

She looked at him with upset eyes and stood up. "Yes, Sir."

Lucas's gaze softened, but he remained silent. With a resigned sigh, Mia pulled a bracelet from her pocket. The faded letters on it spelled out "Mason." She extended it towards him, her voice cold. "Give this to the Mason I knew and let him know he's a complete jerk."

Lucas caught the bracelet, watching as she walked away, her back stiff with anger. There was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes as he looked at the bracelet, but it was quickly replaced by a contemplative expression. Once she was out of sight, he pulled out his own bracelet. The letters on it spelled out "Mia," and he ran his fingers over the inscription, deep in thought. Both bracelets connected through magnet and he shoved it back into his pocket.

Lucas looked out the window, watching the snowflakes drift down slowly. The music from the party downstairs was loud, but he felt disconnected, wanting to leave. He thought about Detective Jonathan working on the case and wondered how Mia hadn't recognized him despite his new appearance. He worried about who else might know he's alive and knew he needed to keep his identity a secret to stay safe.