13. Back to home

Since time is getting late, Lucas suggest to go back.As they began walking back to the car, hand in hand, Sophia couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement. The simple act of holding hands felt incredibly intimate, more so than anything they had shared before. She glanced up at Lucas, but his expression was unreadable, focused ahead as they walked. Still, the way he held her hand, the way his thumb occasionally brushed against her skin, spoke volumes.

Sophia's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—did this mean something more to him? Was this a sign that he was starting to feel something deeper for her, just as she was beginning to realize her own feelings? She bit her lip, trying to calm her racing thoughts, but the fluttering in her chest refused to settle.

When they finally reached the car, Lucas opened the door for her, still holding her hand until the last possible moment. As she settled into the passenger seat, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when he finally let go. But that feeling quickly dissipated when he walked around to the driver's side and got in, casting her a warm smile as he started the engine.

The drive back was quiet, but it was a comfortable silence, filled with an unspoken understanding. Sophia gazed out the window at the passing lights, feeling a deep sense of contentment. The night had been magical, not just because of the meteor shower, but because of the connection she had felt with Lucas. She cherished these quiet moments, where it was just the two of them, free from the expectations and complications of the world outside.

Lucas, on the other hand, occasionally glanced over at Sophia as he drove. Her serene expression, the way she seemed to glow in the soft light of the car's interior, made him feel something he hadn't anticipated—a protective instinct mixed with something more tender. The way she had looked at the stars, the awe in her eyes, and the quiet joy she radiated now made him realize just how much he wanted to protect that happiness.

As they neared home, Lucas found himself reluctant to end the evening. The time spent together had been perfect, and he wasn't ready to let it go. But he knew they would have many more moments like this, and he was determined to create memories that would make Sophia feel cherished and valued.

When they finally pulled up to the house, Lucas turned off the engine and looked at Sophia. "Did you enjoy tonight?" he asked, his voice soft, almost hesitant.

Sophia turned to him, her eyes bright. "I did. It was… perfect."

He smiled, reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm glad."

With that, they got out of the car, and once again, Lucas took her hand as they walked toward the front door. This time, Sophia didn't feel nervous—she felt safe. And as they stepped inside, she knew that this night would be one she would remember for a long time, not just for the stars in the sky, but for the unexpected closeness she had found with Lucas.

As they entered the house, Lucas gently squeezed Sophia's hand and smiled down at her. "You should get some rest," he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of tenderness and concern. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day. We have the company's annual meeting in the morning."

Sophia nodded, a bit surprised by the reminder. She had almost forgotten about the meeting with everything that had happened today. "Alright," she agreed, though a small part of her was reluctant to end the evening. There was something so comforting about being close to Lucas, even in the quiet moments like this.

Lucas's expression softened as he released her hand. "We'll need to keep up appearances, so we should arrive separately. It's best not to draw any unnecessary attention to us."

"Of course," Sophia replied, understanding the need for discretion. Their relationship was still so new, and with the complications of their sudden marriage, they needed to tread carefully, especially in the public eye.

As they each retreated to their rooms for the night, Sophia couldn't help but feel a slight pang of unease. Tomorrow would be the first time they'd be in the same space, in front of others, after everything had changed between them. She knew she'd have to keep her emotions in check, but the thought of seeing Lucas in the professional setting of the company made her feel oddly nervous.