[Volume 1] Chapter 13- She left.

Lucas stood frozen, watching Kiera cry. He raised his hand, hovering it uncertainly in the air, unsure of how to comfort her.

His voice trembled as he asked, "Why... why are you crying?" His eyes searched her face for answers, but he found none.

Kiera sat with her head bowed, her gaze fixed on the bag containing her books. These books had once been her companions, her escape.

Now, they felt like relics of a time she could barely remember. A wave of sorrow washed over her, and she felt the weight of the distance that had grown between her and her former self.

Suddenly, she couldn't bear it any longer. She sprang to her feet and threw her arms around Lucas, holding him tightly.

Lucas, taken aback by the sudden embrace, hesitated for a moment before instinctively wrapping his arms around her.

He could feel her body trembling against his, and his heart ached for her. He began to softly pat her back, trying to offer what little comfort he could.

In a feigned, slightly teasing tone, he said, "I didn't know gorillas could hug too."

Despite his attempt at humor, Kiera didn't respond with her usual sharp retort. Instead, she clung to him even tighter, her silent sobs shaking her frame.

Lucas felt a pang of concern. Normally, Kiera would have snapped back at him, but today, she was unusually silent and vulnerable. He tightened his embrace, his hand moving in soothing circles on her back.

"It's okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm here."

For a long moment, they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms. Lucas felt her gradually relax against him, the storm of her emotions slowly subsiding.

Lucas gently released Kiera from his embrace, stepping back slightly to give her space. He looked at her expectantly, hoping she might offer an explanation.

Kiera wiped her tears with the back of her hand and took a deep, shaky breath, trying to compose herself. Her eyes, red and puffy, reflected the turmoil within her.

Lucas, seeing the struggle on her face, realized that pressing her for answers now would be futile. He offered her a small, understanding smile.

"Well, here," he said, bending down to pick up her bag. "Take your things and get out," he added in a teasing tone, trying to lighten the mood.

He grabbed her hand gently, his touch both firm and reassuring. Kiera glanced at him, her lips curving into a faint, appreciative smile.

She allowed him to lead her outside, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet hallway. As they approached the taxi waiting by the curb, Lucas squeezed her hand, offering silent support.

The driver watched them curiously as Lucas opened the door for Kiera. She hesitated for a moment, looking back at Lucas with a mixture of gratitude and sadness in her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lucas nodded, his expression softening. "Anytime," he replied. He helped her into the taxi, handing her bag to the driver.

As the taxi drove away, Lucas stood there, hands in his pockets, watching until it disappeared from view.

Lucas stood there, deep in thought, contemplating Kiera's unusual display of vulnerability. He couldn't shake off the memory of her tear-streaked face, a stark contrast to the strong and composed woman he knew her to be.

Even during the painful ordeal of witnessing Edward marry Rihana, Kiera had remained stoic, masking her pain behind a facade of support and composure.

A heavy sigh escaped Lucas's lips as he turned to leave, his mind still clouded with concern for Kiera. However, before he could take another step, a loud shout pierced the air, drawing his attention back.

"Kiera!" The voice was unmistakably Edward's, filled with urgency and worry.

Lucas's eyes widened as he saw Edward rushing towards him, his expression frantic. Edward's focus was solely on finding Kiera, evident in the way he almost ran past Lucas in his haste.

Before Lucas could react, Edward's hand was grabbed, halting his hurried pace.

In a sharp, almost dismissive tone, Lucas uttered, "She left."

His words hung heavy in the air, devoid of any warmth or concern. Edward, taken aback by the blunt response, turned to face Lucas, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"What do you mean, she left?" Edward's voice quivered with a mix of confusion and desperation.

Lucas met Edward's gaze with a steely resolve, his jaw clenched in frustration.

"I mean exactly that," he replied tersely, his tone brooking no further questions.

He gestured towards the direction Kiera had gone, a silent indication that she was no longer there.

Edward's shoulders slumped, his worry deepening at the realization that Kiera had left without a word.

Edward's face twisted with frustration as he turned to Lucas, his eyes pleading for answers he couldn't find. The lack of explanation made his anger simmer, evident in the creased lines on his forehead and the tightness around his jaw. He wanted to rush out to find Kiera, but an unseen force held him back, tugging at his wrist.

Feeling the pull, Edward glanced down to see Lucas's firm grip on his wrist. "Let go," he demanded, his voice sharp with emotion, but Lucas remained unmoved, his expression serious and determined.

"Before you try to bring her back, understand why she left," Lucas urged, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Edward's frustration peaked, and he snapped back, "Remember your place. You're just a servant." His words dripped with coldness, a stark reminder of their social roles despite the familial bond they shared.

As Lucas heard Edward's words, his grip loosened, and a fleeting look of hurt passed through his eyes before he masked it with a neutral expression.

Edward, realizing the impact of his harsh words, felt a surge of guilt wash over him, visible in the regretful expression that clouded his features.

"I... I am sorry, Lucas. I didn't mean that," he muttered, his voice tinged with remorse.

Rubbing his forehead in disbelief at his own words, Edward couldn't shake off the weight of what he had just said. The tension in the air was palpable, filled with unspoken apologies and regrets.

Lucas, maintaining his composure, looked at Edward with a calm expression. "It's okay, sir. I understand," he replied softly, his tone carrying a hint of resignation.

"After all, you've said many things you don't mean."

With a final glance at Edward, Lucas turned around and walked back into the house, leaving behind a lingering sense of unease and unresolved emotions.

Edward's hand slowly dropped from his face as he processed Lucas's words. He understood the deeper implication behind Lucas's statement—it wasn't just about himself but also about Kiera.

The weight of his promise to Kiera echoed in his mind, a promise to shield her from pain, yet today, she seemed engulfed in it.

A mix of emotions played across Edward's face, from guilt and concern to determination.

He couldn't bear to see Kiera in pain, especially knowing that he had vowed to protect her. The conflict within him was evident in the furrowed lines on his forehead and the furrowed brows.

Feeling a surge of determination, Edward straightened his posture, a resolve settling in his eyes. He couldn't let Kiera suffer, not after everything they had been through together.