Lucian's POV
People keep saying strange things… but wait. If she's here, that can only mean one thing.
She had a child. She kept it a secret. No one ever knew where she lived. It makes sense now—why she disappeared for two years, why she fainted at the party, why nobody saw her during that time.
She was pregnant.
Not only do I have to chase after you, Mirabel… but now, after our child too.
A slow smile curved his lips as the realization set in.
Lucian shook his thoughts aside when Clara appeared at his side, already dressed for the event.
"Lucian, the party is about to start, so—"
"You can go without me. I'll meet you there."
She hesitated, then nodded and left.
Lucian pushed Charlie from his mind to focus on the storm in his chest. After a long, steadying bath, he put on his suit and headed to the elevator.
The doors slid open to reveal a blonde woman, bent slightly as she dug into her bag. She bumped into him, startled, and looked up—
Her body froze.
His eyes widened.
The scent of sunflower and vanilla filled his nostrils, pulling him back to memories he'd long buried.
"Mirabel…" he breathed.
She stepped back in shock, but the doors closed, locking them inside together. Lucian moved closer, fingers brushing a strand of her hair. He bent down, pressing his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply.
"I missed you so much. You don't know how long I've been searching for you," he whispered before pressing a kiss against her neck.
Shivers raced down her spine.
The elevator jolted to a stop.
Reality snapped her back. Mirabel shoved him hard. "How dare you touch me!" she snapped, her eyes blazing.
She turned and slammed the buttons frantically. "Why isn't it opening? Why isn't anyone coming in? Why did it stop?"
No… no no no… don't tell me I'm stuck here. Stuck with the one person I despise most.
"We're stuck," Lucian said evenly.
"Really? That's your answer?" She glared at him, panic building.
Inside, he was smiling.
"Why aren't you panicking? Or trying to fix it?" she demanded.
"And what do you expect me to do? They'll notice eventually and send help."
"But this is the hotel's opening party! It could take a while for them to notice."
"Then we'll wait."
She clenched her fists. "Why aren't you bothered?"
"Because this gives me the chance to talk to you."
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me you tampered with this elevator just to trap me here."
He smirked faintly. "No. But if you don't believe me, that's your problem."
Mirabel turned away, furiously pressing buttons again.
"Mirabel…" His voice dropped low, deadly serious. "You were pregnant. And you didn't tell me."
Her hand froze mid-motion. Slowly, she turned to him, face pale.
"W-What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't play dumb."
"I don't—"
He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto her trembling frame. "Oh really? Then maybe you can explain who Charlie King is to you?"
Her breath caught. "He… he… he…"
"Stop stuttering and answer me!" His voice thundered, echoing in the small space. He grabbed her shoulders, shaking. "Why did you hide our child from me, Mirabel? Why for almost seven years? Why didn't you tell me? Why now?!"
Tears welled in her eyes. Her voice broke. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to keep them from you. I'm sorry…"
Lucian's grip tightened. "Wait. Them? You said them."
She sobbed, covering her mouth. "…Yes. Twins. A boy and a girl."
Lucian froze. The words struck his heart like fire and ice.
He released her suddenly, running a hand roughly through his hair. His breath came uneven.
"Damn it, Mirabel… I didn't mean for them to grow up without a father. I was angry with you, yes, but… by the time I realized it, I knew they needed me. I can't take that away from them. I can't take their father away from them."
He turned back to her, voice raw. "What's her name? The girl."
Mirabel lifted her tearful eyes to him. Her lips trembled.
"…Cherry."
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