The Bond of Trust

Celine's tears had dried, leaving a quiet tension between her and Lucien as they sat on the plush sofa in the study. The dim lighting cast shadows across the room, amplifying the gravity of their conversation. Lucien leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as he studied her carefully.

"I've been thinking about the Canada expansion," he said, breaking the silence. "I want you to oversee it when you feel better."

Celine's brows furrowed slightly. "Why me?"

Lucien's voice softened, yet it carried a weight of sincerity. "Because I trust you. You're the only one I know who can make it work. You've proven your capabilities before, and this project needs someone like you—someone meticulous and committed."

Celine's lips curved into a faint smile, her earlier frustration melting away. "If it's what you want, Lucien, then I'll do it. Living without you makes me feel bored and empty, but if this will make you happy... then so be it."

Her gaze lingered on him, full of an almost childlike hopefulness. She desperately wanted to bridge the emotional distance between them, and if taking on the responsibility of Canada's business would bring them closer, she was willing to do it.

Lucien nodded, his expression softening momentarily. "Thank you, Celine. I'll ensure you have everything you need to succeed."

She took his hand gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do my best, Lucien. But promise me one thing."

Lucien raised a brow, waiting for her to continue.

"Promise me that while I'm gone, you'll miss me... even just a little," she said with a faint, bittersweet laugh.

Lucien's lips twitched into a small smirk, his usual stoicism briefly giving way. "I'll try."

Celine let out a soft chuckle, though her heart ached. She knew Lucien's walls were impenetrable, yet she clung to the hope that someday, she might be able to break through.

As their conversation continued, upstairs, Sophie paced in her room, the echoes of their voices faintly reaching her ears. Her mind raced with questions she didn't want to answer.

"Canada expansion?" she murmured to herself, leaning against the wall. "What kind of life am I even stuck in right now? And why does it bother me so much to see him with her?"

Sophie shook her head, determined to shake off the strange feelings stirring in her heart. However, as the mansion buzzed with activity for the upcoming party, she couldn't help but wonder what role she was destined to play in Lucien's world.