Dinner Disaster

Sophie stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed but apprehensive. She slipped into a comfortable outfit, preparing herself for supper. "I just have to avoid him," she mumbled to herself as she tied her hair up. She took a deep breath before heading to the dining room, but the moment she stepped inside, her heart sank.

Lucien was there.

Sophie froze, her grip tightening on the doorframe. He was casually seated, removing his suit jacket with an air of effortless dominance. He looked up, and their eyes met. She immediately looked away, biting her lip and gritting her teeth.

"Oh my God," she thought, feeling all the courage she had mustered earlier evaporate like morning dew under the sun. Without thinking twice, she turned on her heels and bolted.

---

A Hasty Retreat

Lucien raised an eyebrow, watching Sophie dash away like she'd seen a ghost. "What now?" he muttered under his breath, loosening his tie. He settled into his chair and began eating, but his mind wandered to Sophie's odd behavior.

Meanwhile, Sophie slammed her bedroom door shut, leaning against it and panting as if she'd just run a marathon. "What was I thinking? I can't face him yet!" she scolded herself, clutching her head.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She opened the door a crack, expecting Mrs. Madeline with a tray of food, but instead, she found Lucien.

Her heart nearly stopped.

---

A Visit from Lucien

Lucien stood at the door, his presence as commanding as ever. "Can I come in?" he asked casually, though his tone made it clear it wasn't really a question.

Sophie stammered. "N-no… I mean, y-yes, you can." She stepped aside, her palms sweaty as he entered her room like he owned the place—which, technically, he did.

"I heard you're not feeling well," he began, his deep voice laced with unexpected concern.

Sophie blinked, wondering why Mrs. Madeline had betrayed her. "It's just a small headache," she said, avoiding his gaze. "I think I just need some rest."

Lucien tilted his head, studying her. "Do you need to see a doctor?"

His genuine tone threw her off. Was this… caring Lucien? She shook her head quickly. "No, no! I'll be fine with some sleep."

"Hmm," he hummed, stepping closer. "Apart from me keeping you here, have I done something to upset you?"Lucien asked noticing her odd behavior to distance herself from him.

Sophie froze. Was this a trick question? She shook her head again, too nervous to speak.

Lucien smirked. "I feel bored in my room. Maybe I should stay here with you. What do you think?"

Sophie's eyes widened in panic. "No!" she blurted. "I mean, no, staying here will make me more sick—I mean, I'm already stressed, so… I need to rest. Alone!"

---

A Bold Move

Lucien chuckled softly, his smirk deepening. Sophie noticed something different—he was smiling. Not the usual menacing smirk, but a real smile. And oh no, he looks even more handsome when he smiles, she thought, biting her lip.

"Are you avoiding me?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

"No!" Sophie said quickly, her gaze darting everywhere but at him. "I'm just… tired."

Lucien took a step forward, and Sophie instinctively backed up until her back hit the wall.

"Don't ever avoid me, cutie," he murmured, his voice dripping with authority. He smirked again and turned to leave, but Sophie, summoning all the courage she had practiced earlier, stopped him.

"I… I can do this," she whispered to herself before blurting out, "Don't ever come so close to me again! L-let's maintain social distancing!"

Lucien turned back, his smirk transforming into an amused grin. He stepped closer instead, closing the distance until they were mere inches apart. Sophie's heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

Lucien leaned in, his voice dangerously soft. "I own you, Sophie. I can do whatever I want with you. Don't ever tell me what to do."

---

Aftermath

The moment he released her, Sophie slid to the floor, her legs too weak to support her. She stared at the door as he left, his words replaying in her mind.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Madeline, who was bringing food to Sophie's room, paused in the hallway when she saw Lucien walking out with a genuine smile on his face. She blinked, stunned.

"It's been years since I've seen him smile like that," she whispered to herself. She glanced at Sophie's closed door and nodded knowingly. "Only Sophie can bring back the Lucien we used to know."

Inside her room, Sophie buried her face in her hands. "What the hell have I gotten myself into?" she muttered, her cheeks burning.