Chapter 102

102 (Lucian’s POV) My heart Beat

Lucian

We didn’t talk about Tina after he admitted she was seeing Joey. There was nothing left to say, really. We shifted to lighter topics while I waited for Mara to show. Truth was, I was barely listening. My mind was somewhere else entirely- wondering what she’d wear, how she’d carry herself tonight.

Two hours passed.

Then she walked in-and the whole room tilted. Mara didn’t just enter the club, she claimed it. Her hair was down, falling in soft waves over her shoulders. A short black lace dress clung to her like it had been sewn onto her skin. She moved like someone who didn’t need attention, but got it anyway. Heads turned-men paused mid-sentence, women took second glances. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was unforgettable.

Next to me, Denis exhaled sharply. Keisha noticed.

“Damn,” he muttered, before Keisha smacked his thigh. I didn’t blame him. No one was used to seeing Mara like this. Usually, she was in oversized hoodies and faded jeans. Comfort over glam. I knew he wouldn’t recognize her like this. Her eyes scanned the crowd and found me. And just like that, the chaos of the room fell away. She smiled-soft, slow, real -and started walking toward me.