C14 - The group

University was a week away, leaving me with a handful of unclaimed days before academic life resumed. The initial peace of my break turned to frustration by the third day—persistent calls from an unknown number shattered my solitude, forcing me to answer just to end the disruption.

"Don't call again," I snapped, ready to hang up.

A familiar voice stopped me. Confident, familiar, and laced with amusement.

"Lei, I heard you're in town. Gardenia Restaurant. Ten o'clock."

A reluctant "Hmm," escaped before I could suppress my irritation. With a sigh, I abandoned the comfort of my bed and headed for a shower.

Dressed simply in a white turtleneck, dark blue pants, and white sneakers, I layered a light gray cardigan for comfort. My hair, tied in a loose ponytail, left my neck exposed, and my ever-reliable watch settled on my wrist. Satisfied, I grabbed my wallet, phone, and keys before heading out.

Gardenia Restaurant was known for its fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, and tranquil atmosphere—an oasis in the city. It was also exclusive, requiring reservations well in advance. I arrived ten minutes early, handing my car to the valet before stepping inside.

Lush greenery wrapped around tables and sofas, offering privacy without confinement. My gaze swept the space until I spotted Cain, his enthusiastic wave more dramatic than necessary.

As I made my way over, I felt the weight of lingering stares. Uncomfortable under the scrutiny, I quickened my pace—only to collide with something solid. A chest. Broad. Unyielding.

"Apologies, are you—"

I looked up.

Dark, ink-black hair cascaded like the night sky. Porcelain skin, eerily pale, gleamed under soft lighting. His lips, tinged with the faintest peach, remained still beneath sharp, piercing gray eyes. He looked like something otherworldly—an Arctic prince untouched by the trivialities of this world.

His gaze, cold and assessing, narrowed slightly, brows furrowing as though my presence itself was an inconvenience.

Before I could find my voice, Cain called out, breaking the tension.

His invitation to the table was both a relief and a new source of discomfort. As I followed him, the murmurs and stares of the other guests trailed behind, making me wish for invisibility.

At the table, introductions were made.

Kiran Nasir's warm gaze contrasted his pristine, polished appearance. Ren Fujiwara was calm, exuding an air of quiet serenity. And then there was Lucian Fei—the enigmatic stranger I had collided with—his presence as cold and unreadable as before.

Lucian's stare remained fixed on me, unreadable yet relentless, making it impossible to ignore. The others conversed freely, but I was content to observe, letting the conversation wash over me.

After the meal, Cain's true motive surfaced.

"Why did you invite me?" I asked, my voice steady.

Kiran and Ren exchanged knowing glances before shifting their focus to Lucian.

"How did you discern it?" Lucian's voice was low, direct, cutting through the air like ice.

I met his gaze, unflinching. "All of you."

Ren's brows furrowed in confusion. I turned to Cain, expecting an explanation, but he simply sipped his tea, detached.

"He knows me," I clarified. "There must be a reason for this."

Lucian's lips curled slightly—not quite a smile, but something close. A hint of amusement.

I had no patience for games. Just as I made to leave, Cain's voice stopped me.

"Lei, just this once, listen."

I exhaled slowly, glancing at my untouched tea. "Let's not dwell on my irritation."

Cain, visibly guilty, tried to placate me. "I take full responsibility for this. Don't be angry."

I met his gaze, my expression unreadable. "Duly noted."

"Look at me," he pressed. "Let me make it up to you."

I tilted my head slightly. "Haya and Yara's birthdays—"

"I'll handle the gifts and the event."

"The restaurant's menu—"

"I'll cover your meals for the entire week."

"Mother's preferences—"

"I'll get exactly what she wants. Just—please. Stay and listen."

Despite myself, a faint smile flickered across my lips. I wasn't pleased, but for now, I'd let it slide.

Cain visibly relaxed, relief washing over him.

"More tea?" I signaled a waiter, placing an order that made the server blink in surprise.

Cain arched an eyebrow. "Another round?"

I nodded.

Kiran chuckled. "Where do you even put it all?" His gaze scanned my frame, skeptical.

Ignoring his remark, I turned to the trio, their expectant eyes on me.

"You may begin."

Ren, his expression apologetic, slid a bundle of neatly arranged documents before me.

"Take a look at this."

And so, the real conversation began.