Chapter 111

Serena's POV

The space was vast, dominated by an enormous bed beneath a stunning starlit ceiling. Countless points of light twinkled above, creating an illusion of infinite space that felt both dreamlike and surreal.

Making my way to the window, I pushed open the tall glass pane. The ocean spread before me, an endless expanse of dark water catching moonlight on its rolling waves. The breeze carried the distinct scent of salt and sea, refreshingly cool against my skin. I allowed myself a moment to appreciate the view before turning toward the walk-in closet.

The closet stopped me in my tracks. Our clothes hung side by side - my blouses next to his crisp shirts, my dresses alongside his suits. The casual intimacy of it sent an unexpected flutter through my chest. I quickly selected the most conservative loungewear I could find, a cream-colored cashmere set that felt like armor against my sudden awareness of our shared space.

Descending the curved staircase, I caught sight of Lucas in the living room below. He sat with characteristic grace on a leather sofa, one leg crossed over the other as he scrolled through his phone. His white loungewear softened his usual commanding presence, though nothing could fully mask the natural authority he carried. In the open kitchen beyond him, a chef worked quietly at breakfast preparations.

Lucas looked up as I reached the bottom step, his grey eyes warming with a smile that made my pulse skip. Without a word, he rose and crossed to me, his hand finding mine with natural ease. His fingers threaded through mine, warm and sure, and I found myself allowing the intimate gesture.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his voice carrying that particular low tone that seemed reserved for early mornings and private moments.

"Yes, thank you," I managed, aiming for composure despite being acutely aware of our joined hands and the chef's discreet presence.

Lucas guided me toward the dining area. "Dinner can be served," he called over his shoulder, settling me into a chair with the kind of old-world courtesy that seemed to come naturally to him.

Course after course of exquisite dishes arrived, each one more elegant than the last. The servant poured rich red wine into our glasses, the deep burgundy liquid catching the soft lighting.

Looking at the spread of premium ingredients before me, I suddenly realized how hungry I actually was.

"Please, eat," Lucas said, his voice gentle.

I didn't need to be told twice. Taking up my knife and fork, I dug in. We were both famished, it seemed.

We ate in comfortable silence for about half an hour, until the edge was finally taken off my hunger. "How long are we staying here?" I asked, breaking the quiet.

"How long would you like to stay?" Lucas countered, a subtle smile playing at his lips.

I shot him a look. "As if my opinion matters."

Lucas actually chuckled at that. "You're becoming quite perceptive, Serena."

I rolled my eyes.

"About a week," he finally offered.

*About?* I frowned at the vagueness.

"Unless we find ourselves reluctant to leave," he teased, his grey eyes twinkling.

"Lucas," I said, feeling my temper rise, "I haven't properly arranged anything at work. We just won the competition - NBC wants to collaborate with StarRiver on the fashion line. Who are they supposed to work with while I'm not there?"

"Miles will handle it," Lucas replied with complete confidence.

I stared at him.

"This week, your only responsibility is to enjoy yourself," he stated matter-of-factly.

I remained silent. With Lucas, it seemed, negotiations were never really an option.

My phone buzzed against the table, drawing my attention from the conversation. Eleanor's name flashed across the screen - three missed calls from earlier this evening.

Lucas's hand covered mine before I could pick up the phone. "Eleanor called?" His tone was casual, but his eyes held a hint of worry. He knew as well as I did about Eleanor's recent struggles.

"Yes, I should call her back." I gently pulled my hand free.

He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his gaze intent. I could feel him watching as I stepped away from the table, moving closer to the windows.

Eleanor answered on the first ring. "Finally awake, you two?" Her voice carried its usual playful lilt, though something felt slightly forced about her cheerfulness.

"Eleanor..." I started, but she cut me off with a laugh.

"Oh come on, I meant 'awake.' Though if other things happened..." She let the suggestion hang in the air, and I could practically see her waggling eyebrows.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, grateful she couldn't see my face. "How are you doing? Are you okay being alone?"

"Of course I'm fine!" Her voice took on that particular brightness that made my heart ache. "Remember what my brother said - I've been navigating the entertainment industry solo since I was eighteen. So enjoy your getaway, I can take care of myself."

The forced lightness in her tone made me want to reach through the phone and hug her. Some wounds needed time before they could be touched, even by friends.

"How long are you staying there?" she asked, smoothly changing the subject.

"Lucas mentioned a week," I replied, watching his reflection in the window. He was still at the table, pretending to read something on his phone while obviously listening to my side of the conversation.

"Ah, right - the Harrington anniversary celebration is next week." There was a knowing quality to Eleanor's voice that made me turn back toward Lucas. He met my gaze steadily, a slight curve on his lips.

"Eleanor..." I started again, wanting to circle back to how she was really doing, to talk about Jace and everything that had happened.

"Don't worry about me," she interrupted firmly. "I'm stronger than I look. Always have been."