Chapter 308 Epilogue: Echoes of a Crush II

    Lucien couldn’t quite pin down what was swirling in his mind.

    Sometimes, he’d catch Alden and Luna together, their

    closeness striking him as something more than typical sibling affection.

    When his father mentioned that Alden nned to formalize his engagement when he turned eighteen, a fierce urge to protest roared inside him.

    But a quieter voice held him back.

    He stayed silent, afraid that shattering the engagement would

    crush her dream.

    At twenty–four, Lucien grew quieter, his thoughts heavier, and his words fewer.

    “Lucien, I can’t believe it’s only been two years since you returned, and you’ve already got thepany’s old guard eating out of your hand,” his father remarked, a mix of pride and skepticism in his voice.

    Lucien knew his father had reservations, but his priority was Winning his brother Zane over.

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    &

    b+2 /bBonus

    “Zane, I’ll admit those veterans worked hard with Dad back in the day,” he said, his tone measured. “But you know how many cronies they’ve shoehorned into key positions.

    “If we let those deadweight hires clog up thepany, we’re not far from copse.”

    Zane, ever the loyal brother, trusted Lucien’s genius implicitly. “I know. If Dad gives you grief, I’ve got your back.”

    Lucien’s lips curved into a rare, faint smile. “Thanks, Zane.”

    Zane waved it off with augh. “Come on, brothers don’t do thank–yous.”

    Lucien hesitated, then leaned in. “There’s one more thing, though.”

    Zane blinked, curious. “Shoot.”

    “I saw Alden leaving Luna’s roomte the other night. I know they’re siblings, but they’re not blood–rted. Shouldn’t Alden be a bit more… carefulb?/bb” /b

    Zane chuckled, brushing it off, “Oh, that? Luna had a

    stomachache that night. Alden probably went to check on her. You know how fragile Luna is. She cried at the drop of a hat, and Alden just couldn’t bear to see her suffer.”

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    b+2 /bBonus

    Lucien raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.

    “Alright, Zane. I’m heading out.”

    *****

    “Hey, Kaia, don’t be upset. They didn’t take you on the trip? Screw it, let’s sneak off somewhere ourselves!

    “Alright, fine. But if you’re feeling down,e crash at my ce. My grandpa adores you! He wouldn’t mind if you stayed a few days.”

    Lucien’s steps faltered, his eyes narrowing as he overheard Alyssa’s phone call.

    Sometimes, he felt like a creep. He’d gone so far as to track down Kaia’s gaming profile, posing as a stranger to be her in–game partner.

    That night, he chain–smoked until dawn, sleep eluding him.

    He told himself over and over that Kaia was his nephew’s future fiancée.

    But deep down, he couldn’t ept it. Alden didn’t deserve her -not even close.

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    b+2 /bBonus

    Somehow, that summer became the happiest of Lucien’s life.

    Even his father, Allen, noticed something was off.

    “Lucien, you haven’t been to the office in a month,” Allen pointed out, concern creasing his brow.

    Lucien nodded faintly. “Yeah, I needed a break. Been getting migraines.”

    Allen was so startled he insisted on dragging Lucien to the hospital. The doctor’s conclusion was simple: rest more, stay up less.

    After that, Allen stopped pestering him about work.

    When Lucien stared at Kaia’s grayed–out gaming avatar, a hollow ache settled in his chest.

    It was like waking from a dream. The month was over, and so was his fleeting escape.

    He 4x He Ye Hr

    “Lucien, Alden’s engagement is tomorrow. You’re leaving today?”

    Lucien nodded, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, Dad. Things are urgent over there. The sooner I go, the sooner it’s handled.

    Chapter 308 Epilogue: Echoes of a Cru…

    Allen sighed, his voice heavy, “Alright. Juste back for Christmas, and take care of yourself out there.”

    +2 Bonus

    Lucien gave a small nod, signaling the driver to head to the airport.

    Before he realized he’d taken a detour, he found himself

    outside the Domont Vi.

    He paused, hoping for a glimpse of the girl who haunted his thoughts, but she wasn’t there.

    Lucien didn’t linger. He drove straight to the airport, hands steady on the wheel, but a weight pressing down on his chest.

    *****

    What no one knew was that two yearster, he slipped back into the country unannounced.

    On a humid summer night, alive with the hum of cicadas, he saw her again.

    She stood on a modest stage, the spotlight casting her in a radiant glow. She’d grown taller, her face sharper, the soft roundness of youth reced by a striking elegance.

    Lucien lingered in the crowd, unnoticed, captivated by her

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    brilliance.

    &

    b+2 /bBonus

    He’d never been one for songs–his ylist was a predictable loop of ambient tracks.

    But one song yed on repeat on his phone, racking up thousands of listens.

    It was her voice from that very night.

    *****

    Lucien never imagined that at thirty–three, he’d marry the girl who’d lived in the quiet corners of his heart.

    That year marked the eleventh since he’d first fallen for her.

    Write yourment

    bir /bGifts