A Summer Night’s Love

Saraphina let out a frustrated sigh, staring at the half-finished sketches in front of her. No matter how many times she picked up her pencil, nothing felt right. The ideas were there, but they refused to translate onto paper.

And Lucian watching her like a hawk wasn't helping.

She could feel his gaze on her—quiet, observant, filled with something she couldn't quite name. Curiosity? Amusement? Interest?

Is he into me?

The thought caught her off guard, and she quickly shook it away. No. It's nothing. It's just Lucian being Lucian.

But then, another thought slipped into her mind. One she had buried for too long.

Why not let go? Why not enjoy whatever this is, for however long it lasts?

She had spent so many years being careful, being closed off, thinking only of her children. But now, with them away on a trip, a small, reckless part of her whispered—be free.

Lucian's voice cut through her internal battle.

"Come on, take a break."

Saraphina glanced at him. "I can't. I need to figure this out."

Lucian leaned back against the desk, crossing his arms with that infuriatingly charming smirk.

"And how's that going for you?"

Saraphina narrowed her eyes at him before slumping over the desk. "Not well."

Lucian chuckled. "Exactly. So let's go out. Get some food, clear your mind."

She hesitated, but he wasn't finished.

"What's the theme for this collection anyway?"

Saraphina sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Love in summer."

Lucian's expression shifted—a mix of understanding and something unreadable.

Then, without warning, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet.

"Perfect. I know just the place."

Saraphina blinked at him. "What?"

Lucian squeezed her hand. "Get yourself cleaned up. I'll wait."

For a second, she considered refusing. But something about his confidence, his certainty, made her give in.

Maybe… just this once.

She took her time freshening up, brushing out her silvery-blonde hair and letting it cascade down her back. After staring at her reflection for a long moment, she slipped into a flowing blue summer dress with delicate floral embroidery—a piece she had designed herself.

When she stepped out of the room, Lucian froze.

His jaw literally dropped for a second before he forced himself to snap it shut.

She was breathtaking.

The way the fabric hugged her figure, the way the deep blue made her skin glow, the way her hair shimmered in the dim lighting of the hallway—she looked like something out of a dream. His dream.

Get it together, Lucian.

He forced his expression into something neutral before she could catch his moment of weakness.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice slightly rougher than usual.

Saraphina nodded. "Lead the way."

Lucian drove them out of the city, taking a scenic route that left Saraphina confused at first.

"Are we lost, or do you actually have a plan?" she teased.

Lucian chuckled. "A little faith, Saraphina."

A few minutes later, he finally parked the car and led her towards a hidden outdoor dining space nestled in a beautiful vineyard. Lanterns hung from wooden beams, casting a warm golden glow, and the scent of ripe grapes and fresh earth filled the air.

Saraphina's lips parted slightly in wonder.

"This is… perfect."

Lucian looked down at her, pleased with himself. "Told you."

They settled at a cozy table overlooking the rolling hills, a gentle summer breeze making Saraphina's dress sway lightly around her legs.

The food was excellent. The view was stunning.

But the company?

The company was infuriating.

Because Lucian, despite his sophisticated aura and powerful presence, turned out to be an absolute menace at dinner.

"You have something on your face," Lucian murmured, leaning closer.

Saraphina froze. "Where?"

Lucian smirked. "Right there."

Before she could react, he lightly booped her nose with his finger.

Saraphina stared at him.

Then, without thinking, she grabbed a small piece of bread and threw it at him.

Lucian dodged, laughing. "Did you just throw food at me?"

Saraphina grinned. "Maybe."

Lucian arched a brow. "You realize this means war?"

And just like that, the elegant dinner turned into an all-out food battle.

Lucian stole bites from her plate. Saraphina retaliated by sneakily switching their drinks when he wasn't looking. Lucian, in revenge, attempted to steal her napkin just to see if she'd notice.

The answer?

She did. And she smacked his hand away with an unimpressed glare.

By the time dessert arrived, they were laughing too much to even pretend they were civilized.

Saraphina had nearly choked on her wine when Lucian did an over-the-top impression of a rude fashion critic. Lucian, on the other hand, had almost fallen off his chair when Saraphina started mimicking a dramatic soap opera villain.

It was chaotic. Ridiculous. Unbelievably fun.

And in that moment, Saraphina realized something.

She was happy.

It had been so long since she had laughed like this. So long since she had let herself feel light, carefree, alive.

As Lucian paid for the meal and they walked back towards the car, she made a quiet decision.

She would stop fighting it.

Whatever this was—**friendship, something more—**she would let it happen.

She would let herself be happy.

Even if it was just for a little while