Chapter 5: Coincidences?

The main kitchen was empty as Alexia entered, wondering where everyone was, but dismissed it because it was Saturday, her first at that estate.

She opened the refrigerator, the cool air brushing her face. Last night's chaos lingered—hours lost in bold strokes and clashing colors.

She went for eggs and milk, searching for something to carry them in, with milk in one hand and two eggs teetering in the other.

"Looking for this?" said Elliot.

Alexia turned to find him standing five feet away, holding a container in hand.

"I needed eggs and milk," she replied. "Didn't get up in time for breakfast, so I thought I'd make my own."

He took a few steps closer and handed her the container. "Here you go."

"Thanks," she said without looking at him straight in the eyes.

As she turned toward the hallway, his words followed her. "Do you have a moment?"

"What for?"

"About last night—"

"I'd rather not talk about it," she cut him off. "I have to eat and get back to work."

Elliot stood motionless as Alexia disappeared down the hall, her steps firm, purposeful. He'd wanted to apologize—needed to—but the words felt worthless. She wouldn't believe him.

Last night he played on a loop in his head: the tension, the misunderstanding, the distance he hadn't meant to create but somehow always did.

I had no choice; but the truth felt thinner every time he repeated it. Alexia's mistrust had become a mirror of his own regrets, reflecting choices he couldn't undo.

He let the silence of the kitchen surround him, heavy and cold. Watching her walk away, he saw more than anger; he saw the walls he'd built between them, brick by painful brick. And for the first time in years, Elliot wasn't sure how to tear them down.

The warm glow of the vanity lights reflected off the silver clip purse sitting on Alexia's dresser. She adjusted her crimson top, its soft fabric clinging perfectly to her frame. Her dark auburn hair framed her face in loose waves. Green eyes stared back critically as she debated earrings—bold hoops or delicate studs. The studs won.

Her phone buzzed. Myra.

"Hey, I'm almost ready," said Alexia, holding a pair of silver heels in her hand.

"Don't forget, you're picking me up at eight," Myra said, her tone playful. "Reservations at 8:30, and then it's all heels and dancing."

Alexia laughed, sliding one heel on. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. You promised to wear heels, so I'm holding you to it."

"I am! Emerald green dress and all. What about you?"

"Black pant-skirt combo, crimson top. You'll see. We're going to turn some heads."

"Hot and dangerous," Myra teased. "We might catch someone's eye tonight."

"Or scare them off." They both laughed before Myra hung up.

Moments later, a soft knock sounded at the door. Alexia opened it to find Anna standing there, holding a small tray with a carton of eggs and milk.

"Mr. Cummings wanted to make sure you had these," Anna said, her eyes widening slightly as she took in Alexia's outfit. "Wow, you look gorgeous! Where are you going?"

Alexia smiled faintly, slipping the milk into the fridge. "Out to eat and dance. Back late."

Anna grinned. "Have a great time!"

As the door clicked shut, Alexia grabbed her silver clutch and headed for the door, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor.

The low rumble of engines and the glimmer of headlights lit the driveway as Alexia pulled up to Eclat, her Mercedes slipping smoothly into the valet line. Cascading greenery framed the restaurant's entrance. Myra sat beside her, adjusting the hem of her green dress, a confident smirk playing on her lips.

"Remind me why I agreed to heels," Myra teased as the valet opened her door.

"Because you promised," Alexia quipped, stepping out in her silver heels with practiced ease.

The valet handed Alexia a small ticket. "Enjoy your evening, ladies."

Inside, pendant lights glowed over rich mahogany tables and velvet chairs.

While they were seated, a waiter promptly appeared, handed them menus, and poured water into sparkling crystal glasses.

"You're still set on the club after this?" Myra asked, glancing at the menu.

"I promised, didn't I? Dinner, then dancing." Alexia glanced up. "Your dress deserves the spotlight."

"True," Myra said, grinning. "We'll turn heads."

As they ordered, the conversation turned naturally to the past few months. Myra leaned forward, her expression softening. "Why didn't you call me, Alexia? You know you could've stayed with me until you got back on your feet."

"I wish I had. But my pride got in the way. And honestly, I didn't want you to see how bad things had gotten."

"But Elliot shows up? Right when you're at your lowest?" asked Myra. "You really think that's a coincidence?"

Alexia sighed. "I don't. I know he had something to do with the exhibits being canceled, no matter what he said. He just... swooped in, like always."

"You should've asked me for help. I could've paid your rent, or you could've moved in with me. We'd have figured it out."

"I wasn't thinking straight," Alexia admitted, her voice quieter now. "And well, now I'm under a contract."

Before Myra could reply, Alexia noticed Elliot and Edward walking into the restaurant. Both were impeccably dressed, exuding confidence.

"Unbelievable," Alexia muttered.

"What?" Myra turned, her expression shifting to curiosity. "Oh. Is that Edward with him?"

"You know him?"

"Of course. Elliot introduced us years ago. Edward's... different." Myra's gaze lingered on Edward, who caught sight of them and nudged Elliot toward their table.

Alexia gritted her teeth as they approached. Elliot's calm, unreadable expression met hers, while Edward's easy smile was already aimed at Myra.

"Ladies," Edward greeted smoothly. "What a pleasant surprise."

Elliot nodded slightly, "Alexia. Myra."

"This is unexpected," said Alexia.

Edward chuckled. "We were in the area. Elliot suggested we grab a bite. Lucky us."

Myra smiled, her green eyes twinkling. "Well, lucky us, too. Edward, still charming as ever."

Elliot at Alexia. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Neither did I."

Edward gestured toward the menu. "Don't let us interrupt. Maybe we'll see you at the club later?"

"Aurora Noir?"

"That's the one," Edward said with a grin. "First round's on me."

Alexia didn't respond, but Myra smiled. As the men walked to their table, Alexia exhaled sharply.

"You know they're coming to the club."

"Let's just get through dinner." Alexia replied, picking up her menu, her grip a little too tight.

"She's beautiful," Edward said again, more certain now. "If that's who she really is... I'd be lucky."

Elliot turned to him; his words were deliberate. "Then don't hesitate. If she's what you want, do what you need to. And don't lose her."

Edward studied the door for a moment longer. "What about you?"

Elliot exhaled. "This time, I won't let Alexia slip through my hands. But it has to be on her terms. Where she wants to be... with me."

"I hope she is who she appears to be."

"You really are..."

"Attracted to her."

"Yes. I've never seen you this way before," said Elliot.

"And you, Elliot, don't let anyone or anything mess you up this time. Alexia's special."

"I know."