ge when things feel real." Ava didn't answer right away. She just stirred her drink slowly and studied his face-the one that had once felt like a safe place. Maybe a part of her still wanted

t it. She just grew quieter. Because while Eli faded in and out, Lucas never did. Lucas was still texting her first thing in the morning. Still sending "thinking of you" messages at random hours. Still remembering how she liked her coffee, or that her nail appointment was on Fridays. And while she tried to move forward with Eli, she found herself emotionally drawn back to Lucas. Not just because of what they'd shared-but because he showed up. Even when he shouldn't have. Even whe