On the way home, Kaia picked up takeout.
She had plans.
As soon as they got inside, she handed the shopping bags to Jerry.
"…Please pack these properly."
Then she immediately opened her takeout.
Lucian watched.
Kaia didn't notice.
Too focused on her food.
Until—
She felt it.
A gaze.
She looked up.
Their eyes met.
For a split second—
there was something in his eyes.
Amusement.
Gone just as quickly.
Kaia raised an eyebrow.
"…What?"
Lucian pressed his lips together slightly.
Almost like he was holding something back.
Then he lifted his hand—
and pointed at her lips.
Kaia blinked.
Then froze.
Sauce.
"…Oh."
She grabbed a napkin quickly—
wiping her lips, slightly flustered.
Then glared at him.
"…You could have just said something."
Lucian didn't respond.
But there it was again—
that faint hint of amusement.
…She's…
He paused.
…unexpected.
A beat.
Maybe this arrangement won't be… inconvenient.
After eating, Kaia dropped onto the couch.
Patting her stomach lightly.
"…That was good."
Then suddenly—
she sat up straight.
"I won't be staying tonight," she said.
Lucian looked at her.
"I need to make it up to Mira."
A pause.
"But I'll be at the office on time tomorrow."
Lucian nodded once.
"…Understood."
Kaia stood.
"…Good."
And walked off to her room.
Kaia closed the door behind her.
For a moment—
she just stood there.
Then exhaled.
"…Alright."
She walked to her suitcase.
Opened it.
Clothes neatly packed.
Options.
She paused.
Thinking
.
Then pulled out:
a sleek black mini dress
soft, fitted—simple but dangerous
paired with a cropped leather jacket
She laid them on the bed.
Next—
heels.
Black.
Strappy.
"…Perfect."
She stepped into the bathroom
Makeup was light—
but intentional.
Glowing skin.
Defined eyes.
Glossy lips.
Nothing too much.
Just enough.
Her hair—
she let it down.
Soft waves falling over her shoulders.
Kaia looked at herself in the mirror.
From "freshman girl" earlier—
to this.
"…Yeah," she muttered.
"…That'll do."
She packed Mira's gifts into a small luxury bag.
Then added a tailored suit for tomorrow.
Prepared.
(…maybe Lucian was rubbing off on her a little.)
Kaia stepped out.
Lucian was still there.
Watching.
She didn't miss it this time.
She picked up the car keys—
the G-Wagon.
Waved them slightly.
"I'm taking this."
A pause.
"I left my car at home. I'll get it tomorrow."
Lucian didn't object.
Kaia walked toward the door—
then stopped.
Turned.
Looked at him.
Then—
blew him a kiss.
"…Don't miss me too much."
And just like that—
she was gone.
Lucian stood there.
Silent.
Watching the door long after it closed.
How…
He frowned slightly.
…can the same person be so composed—
and then completely unpredictable?
A pause.
…Troublesome.
But he didn't look away from the door.
Spades.
A private, luxurious club.
Where power moved quietly.
Membership started at two million.
And that was just entry level.
Kaia?
Platinum.
She didn't need to show her card.
They already knew her.
She walked in like she belonged.
Because she did.
The music in the main hall was loud.
Alive.
But she didn't stop.
She was led to a private room.
Soft music.
Dim lights.
And there—
Mira.
Mira looked up.
Paused.
Then exploded.
"COME HERE YOU HEARTLESS MONSTER—!!"
She rushed forward—
pulling Kaia into a tight hug.
Kaia struggled.
"…I can't breathe—"
Mira squeezed tighter.
"You disappeared—went to Paris—AND NOW YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED??!"
Kaia tapped her arm.
"Air—please—"
Mira finally let go.
But didn't stop talking.
"I'm still angry, by the way."
"Who is he?"
"What happened in Paris?"
"I ordered food."
"Why are you still standing?? Sit down!"
Kaia blinked.
Then slowly sat.
"…Mira," she said calmly.
A pause.
"…You really don't breathe when you talk, do you?"