Chapter 122

Lucas’s fingers trembled slightly.

The red wine in his glass rippled.

He looked down at the dark red liquid, then threw his head back and drained the glass.

Anna Ross glanced at the clock on the wall. “I have to get on stage,” she said softly. “Enjoy yourself!”

Gathering her skirt, she hurried toward the stage, her hair brushing through the cool air.

The moment she disappeared, two friends immediately surrounded him.

“Nice one, Lucas! Where’d you meet such a pretty girl? You’ve been hiding her!”

The other winked. “Out with it. How long has this been going on?”

Lucas’s gaze remained fixed on the stage. His voice was hoarse. “We just know each other.”

“Tch, don’t play dumb. If you like her, go for it!” His friend nudged his shoulder. “I’ll go hold her up for you right now!”

He made as if to stand.

Lucas yanked him back down. “Drink,” he said tersely.

He tipped the bottle. The dark red liquid nearly overflowed the rim of the glass.

The two exchanged a look, then could only throw their heads back and drink.

Night fog drifted through the air.

Anna packed her bag and walked out from backstage.

Lucas was leaning against the doorframe, fragmented light glinting in his eyes. “Let me walk you home.”

She looked toward the empty street corner. Her best friend hadn’t shown up tonight.

“Okay,” she said, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

Moonlight soaked the quiet, long street.

Anna tilted her head to look at him. “Weren’t you originally in San Francisco?”

“The family business is in New York. I was there on a business trip before.” Lucas smiled. “What about you? Why did you come here?”

She stepped on a sycamore leaf. Her voice was light. “A work transfer. Adrian Sinclair returned to New York. I had to follow.”

That name was like a needle piercing Lucas’s heart.

He clenched his fingers, but still managed a smile. “If you ever need help, just find me anytime.”

Warm yellow lights glowed from the apartment building.

Anna stopped at the front steps. “Thank you for tonight.”

“Be careful on your way,” she said, waving before turning and disappearing into the hallway.

Lucas stood in place for a long time.

The wind tugged at his clothes, yet his chest felt burning hot.

When they parted in San Francisco, he thought it was goodbye forever.

It turned into a reunion.