Chapter 28 : And so it begins

Three days passed like a blur since Lumian laid the groundwork for his plan with Michael. The pub they had chosen as their meeting spot was dimly lit, with a thick haze of smoke hovering in the air. The faint clinking of glasses and murmurs of conversations created an almost soothing backdrop. 

Lumian sat casually in a booth near the back, his legs crossed, one hand lazily spinning an empty glass on the table. He looked up as Michael walked in, the man's disheveled appearance making him stand out. 

Michael spotted him immediately and approached, sitting across from him. He adjusted the green hat on his head, his face a mix of excitement and nervousness. 

"Alright," Michael said, leaning forward, his voice hushed. "Let's go over it again. I don't want to miss anything." 

Lumian gave a small, amused smile. "For the fifth time?" 

"Yeah. Humor me." 

Lumian shrugged. "Alright. You tell Angela you're leaving for a business trip, but in reality, you'll stay hidden across the street from your apartment. When she lets the 'mystery man' inside, you call me. I'll sneak in, take incriminating pictures, and then you can... handle the situation however you want." 

Michael nodded, his hands fidgeting with the edge of his coat. "And you're sure she'll bring him over?" 

Lumian leaned back, his tone dripping with confidence. "She will. Trust me, Michael. When women think they're not being watched, they get careless." 

Michael seemed to mull over this, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. After a moment, Lumian reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the bright green hat he had picked up from a store earlier. 

Michael stared at it, his brow furrowing. "What's this now?" 

"A gift," Lumian said smoothly, sliding the hat across the table. 

Michael picked it up, inspecting it like it might bite him. "A green hat? Seriously? I'm supposed to be hiding, Lumian. Green isn't exactly subtle." 

Lumian smirked. "It's a symbol of luck where I come from." 

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Where *do* you come from?" 

Lumian chuckled, leaning forward and placing a firm hand on Michael's shoulder. "After this mission, I'll tell you everything, Michael. Every single thing." 

Michael stared at him for a moment before letting out a resigned sigh. "Fine." He put the hat on, adjusting it awkwardly. "But if this goes sideways because someone spots me, I'm blaming the hat." 

Lumian laughed, raising his glass. "Here's to our plan." 

Angela sat alone in her living room, the soft hum of the ceiling fan the only sound breaking the silence. The shadows cast by the dim light played tricks on her mind, making the room feel emptier than it was. 

Michael's behavior over the past few days had been... off. He had been unusually cheerful despite the tension between them, and his sudden announcement about a business trip didn't sit right with her. 

Her fingers tapped against the armrest of the couch as she replayed his words in her head. 

"Business trip? Since when does he even go on business trips?" she muttered to herself. 

Her mind drifted, unbidden, to Lumian. The man had a way of invading her thoughts, his charm and mystery pulling her in even when she tried to resist. But now, doubts crept in. 

Even during her class, her mind was drowned in thoughts, mainly about Michael's strange behaviour and doubts about Lumian . She found herself silent to the questions she asked herself. 

"Do I even know him?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the fan. "Am I being used?" 

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the studio door opening. She turned, and there he was—Lumian, leaning casually against the doorframe, his signature confident smirk in place. 

Her heart skipped a beat, and all her doubts seemed to vanish in an instant. 

Angela's face lit up with a mix of relief and excitement. "Lumian!" 

Without thinking, she rushed over and jumped into his arms. Lumian caught her effortlessly, his expression calm but amused. 

The rest of her yoga students, still in the studio, watched with wide eyes, their confusion evident. Angela quickly pulled away, her cheeks flushing as she realized how public her reaction had been. 

"Sorry," she mumbled, smoothing her hair and avoiding the stares of her students. 

Lumian chuckled softly. "No need to apologize. I missed you too." 

Angela cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. She led the class through a few quick poses, clearly eager to wrap things up. Once the last student left, she turned to Lumian, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and longing. 

"Thinking about me?" he teased, his voice was warm and playful. 

"I have so much to tell you," she said, pulling him into a hug. 

Lumian smiled, his tone gentle. "Take your time." 

Angela began to pour her heart out, telling him about the constant fights with Michael, the tension in their home, and how her marriage felt like it was falling apart. 

Lumian listened intently, his expression was a perfect mask of concern. When she finished, he leaned against the wall, with his arms crossed. 

"I can't believe he'd treat you like this," he said, his voice low and angry. "Take me to him. Let us handle this man-to-man." 

Angela placed a hand on his chest, stopping him. "No, Lumian. It's... complicated." 

"Complicated?" he shot back, his voice rising slightly. "Angela, you deserve better than this. That coward should get what's coming to him" 

She shook her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He's not even home. He left for a business trip." 

Lumian's expression softened, though inside he was already calculating his next move. "Is that so?" he said, feigning understanding. 

Angela nodded. "It's just... everything feels so wrong." 

Lumian stepped closer, his tone soothing. "You're not wrong, Angela. Michael doesn't deserve you. You're too good for him." 

Angela looked up at him, her resolve weakening. "Maybe you're right," she whispered. 

Lumian smiled gently. "It's getting late. Let me walk you home." 

The streets were quiet as Lumian and Angela walked side by side as if waiting for the event of the night to unfold. The glow of streetlights illuminated their path as they walked 

Angela seemed lost in thought, her gaze occasionally flicking to Lumian. "Thank you," she said softly. 

"For what?" 

"For listening. For being here." 

Lumian chuckled. "Always." 

When they reached the front of Angela's apartment building, Lumian made sure to position himself so that his back was to the spot where Michael was undoubtedly watching. 

He hugged Angela tightly, planting a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Take care of yourself," he murmured as he pulled away. 

Angela hesitated, her voice meek. "Lumian…" 

He turned, his eyes meeting hers. 

"Would you… would you like to see my apartment? Since, you know, Michael isn't home…" 

Jackpot, Lumian thought, though his expression remained calm and collected. 

"Sure," he said smoothly. "Lead the way."