In the Shadow Of Memory

Chapter 24

Mia's arms ached after scrubbing the bathtub. She placed the new soap on the sink and scanned the room, making sure everything was in order. Her shift was almost over, and she was ready to leave when her phone buzzed. Lucas was calling. This jerk, she thought, pulling out her phone.

"Hey, wanna hang out today?" he asked casually.

Mia smirked to herself, already planning to confront him. "Yeah, I'd love to talk to you," she replied. He's going to get an earful for all of this.

"Hmm, sounds good. Send me your location, I'll pick you up," Lucas said before abruptly dropping the call.

Mia sighed. He used to make jokes before ending calls. Things felt different now. She returned the cleaning materials and headed outside. As she stepped into the cold, her long black hair was swept by the wind. Lucas was already walking toward her.

"Let's head to my place," he said, and they started walking. The cold air bit at her skin, making her wish she'd worn something warmer.

"You work at this hotel?" Lucas asked, cutting through the silence.

"Yeah, I clean rooms," Mia replied, pulling her jacket tighter around herself.

"And you study at university too?" he continued.

"Of course," she answered, glancing at him. His expression was serious as he looked back at her.

"What's up with you? You still mad at me?" he asked, his tone light but probing.

Mia's voice tightened. "Of course. What kind of jerk tells people I kissed him secretly? Now my friends think we've got some sort of 'chemistry.'"

"Oh, we don't?" Lucas asked, his voice teasing.

Mia stared at him in shock. "Okay, Lucas, seriously—what the heck is wrong with you?"

He grinned. "I'm just glad you don't call me Mason anymore," he joked. "And I didn't think you'd risk telling your friends I'm a 'lost friend,' right?"

Mia rolled her eyes. "Whatever, you're impossible."

Before she could say more, Lucas suddenly grabbed her arm, gently pulling her to the side. She found herself inches away from crashing into a stop sign. Embarrassed, she muttered to herself, Great, I almost walked right into that.

Lucas chuckled and placed his arm around her shoulders. "See that building up ahead?" he asked, nodding toward a sleek, luxury apartment complex. Mia had seen it before.

"That's my place," he said, pausing briefly. Mia's heart raced, though she couldn't pinpoint why. He lived so close to her, and she still couldn't find him before...She stayed silent as they climbed to the third floor. Lucas unlocked his door and gestured for her to go in first.

The living room was stylish, with modern furniture and sleek décor. Lucas casually took off his shoes and tossed his coat onto the couch. "Make yourself at home," he said, flashing her a grin. "Coffee or hot chocolate?"

"Chocolate," Mia replied, walking in slowly, feeling a wave of discomfort. Lucas really seemed to be living a good life now. For so long, she had thought he was in danger, but now—Stop it, her inner voice scolded. Chill out.

"Why are you just standing there in the middle of the living room?" Lucas chuckled. Mia snapped out of her thoughts and found him in the open kitchen, pouring water into a teapot.

"I came here for the truth, and only the truth," she said firmly. "If you're not going to give me that, forget it."

"You're so desperate," Lucas teased, opening the fridge. He pulled out a chocolate strawberry cake—her favorite, straight from the bakery. He still remembers? Mia noted, surprised. She glanced around the room, wondering how Lucas could afford this kind of place. What kind of job does he have now?