Saturday arrived quicker than Lara anticipated. The past few days had flown by in a blur, with her mind preoccupied by the school's English Month event. The busy schedule served as a temporary distraction, allowing her to momentarily push aside the haunting memory of Lucas calling out another woman's name in his drunken state.
But just because she was distracted didn't mean she had forgotten. The wound was still fresh, buried beneath layers of denial and forced smiles.
She hadn't seen much of Lucas since that morning. He would come home late—long after she had fallen asleep—and leave early in the morning before she could even catch a glimpse of him. The small voice in the back of her mind whispered cruel suspicions—was he meeting Riah? Was that where he spent those long hours away? She knew she was overthinking, maybe even being paranoid, but the thought gnawed at her relentlessly. She didn't want to doubt him. But how could she not when he had already broken her heart without even realizing it?
Now, Saturday had come—the day they'd visit her parents.
She woke up earlier than usual for a weekend, glancing at the clock—8:00 AM. After stretching lazily, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As expected, Lucas was already gone. He had come home late last night and left early again today.
She sighed, trying to push the disappointment away.
They were supposed to leave for her parents' house by 11:00 AM, just in time for lunch. She could only hope Lucas hadn't forgotten.
Deciding to make pancakes, Lara busied herself at the stove, flipping the golden batter when her phone buzzed from the pocket of her shorts.
Ali Calling...
A small smile crept onto her lips as she answered.
["Guess who's back in town?"] Ali's voice rang out, full of energy despite the early hour.
Lara raised an eyebrow, amused. "Good morning to you too."
["I'm serious, Lara. You won't believe this—Duke's back!"]
Lara froze mid-flip, blinking in surprise.
"Duke? As in our Duke?"
["The one and only."] Ali confirmed with a dramatic sigh. ["He called me yesterday—asking about you, by the way—and said the three of us need to meet up."]
Lara's heart warmed at the news. It had been three years since Duke left for New York—three years without any contact.
"He's really back?" she asked softly, the corner of her lips curling into a smile.
["Told you, didn't I? I was going to tell you last night, but I got home late and forgot. But whatever, now you know! We need to set a date ASAP."]
Lara couldn't help but chuckle. "Of course! I'm up for it! It's been three years—I wouldn't miss it for the world."
["Great! How about today, then? I'm free!"] Ali suggested excitedly.
Lara's excitement faltered slightly. "I can't. I'm visiting my parents with Lucas today."
At the mention of Lucas, Ali let out an exaggerated scoff. ["Ugh, fine. Tomorrow, then. I'll text Duke and let him know."]
"Sounds good," Lara agreed. Then she pouted slightly. "Still, it's unfair that Duke contacted you first. I was his friend before he even met you."
Ali snickered. ["Maybe he still hasn't moved on,"]
Lara frowned. "Moved on from what?"
Ali just laughed. ["You're so adorably dense."]
"What are you even talking about?"
["Nothing, nothing."] Ali's voice was laced with amusement. ["Anyway, I'll text you the café's address later. I need to get some sleep now."]
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
["See ya, wifey!"] Ali teased before ending the call.
Lara shook her head, a soft smile on her lips.
Duke was finally back. He had been one of her closest friends since college. They met during freshman orientation and had clicked instantly. Duke was the kind of guy everyone liked—smart, kind, and charming without even trying.
Women used to fall head over heels for him back then. Even Ali had a brief crush on him at one point—though it quickly faded, moving on to the next handsome face that caught her eye.
Lara, however, had never seen Duke that way. Their bond was purely platonic. He was like the older brother she never had, and she knew Duke only ever saw her as a little sister.
The last time they'd spoken was before he left for New York for a job offer. He hadn't even been able to attend her wedding. But none of that mattered now. What was important was that he was back.
"I wonder if he's married now..." she mumbled to herself, flipping the last pancake onto her plate.
After finishing breakfast, Lara went back to her room to get ready.
She stood before her wardrobe, scanning the hangers before settling on a delicate blue mid-length dress adorned with a ditsy floral pattern. The fabric hugged her figure before flowing just below her knees, giving her a casual yet elegant vibe. The V-neckline, accentuated by black piping, added a subtle charm, while the short sleeves gave the dress a soft, feminine touch.
She paired it with sleek black open-toed heels that wrapped delicately around her ankles, adding just the right amount of height.
She decided to wear her hair down, curling the tips slightly for soft waves. A touch of light makeup—just enough to brighten her complexion—completed the look. Finally, she put on small gold earrings and stepped back to examine herself in the mirror. Satisfied, she grabbed her black handbag and headed downstairs to wait for Lucas.
As she walked down the staircase, she fished her phone out of her bag, intending to text Lucas to ask when he'd be home.
But before she could type the message, the main door swung open.
Her gaze snapped to the person entering.
Lucas.
He stepped inside, his sharp eyes immediately landing on her. Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow.
Lara suddenly felt self-conscious under his stare. Was it the dress? The makeup? She instinctively smoothed the fabric of her skirt before making her way down the remaining steps.
"You're home," she said softly, offering him a small smile. "I was just about to text you."
Lucas's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he abruptly looked away.
"Let's go."
His voice was flat. Detached.
As if whatever flicker had passed between them was nothing but her imagination.
Lara's smile faltered, but she quickly composed herself and followed him outside. Stopping in front of his car, she watched as Lucas went straight to the driver's seat without a second glance at her.
She wasn't surprised. He never opened the door for her.
She had long stopped expecting him to.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the passenger door herself and slid inside.
The silence between them was heavy, but Lara didn't say anything.
She simply fastened her seatbelt, keeping her gaze fixed outside the window as Lucas started the car.
And just like that, they drove off—two people sitting side by side yet miles apart.
...
Lara's childhood home came into view as Lucas drove past the gates, pulling up in front of the main house. The sight of it sent a familiar warmth through her chest, but it was quickly overshadowed by the nerves twisting in her stomach. She wasn't sure what to expect from this visit. Would her parents notice the cracks in their marriage? Would her father pick on Lucas like he always did?
She exhaled slowly, willing herself to stay calm.
Lucas was the first to step out of the car. She reached for the door handle to follow, but before she could, Lucas appeared beside her and pulled the door open, his hand extended toward her.
She blinked in surprise, her gaze meeting Lucas'.
It was such an uncharacteristic gesture that it caught her off guard. But then, realization hit. Of course. They were at her parents' house. This was part of the act.
Swallowing her emotions, she took his hand, stepping out of the car. His palm was warm—comfortingly so. A part of her wanted to hold on longer, to pretend for just a moment that this was real. But Lucas let go almost instantly, instead he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, keeping up their perfect facade of a happy couple.
She told herself it was enough.
As they stepped inside, the scent of home-cooked meals filled the air. The house hadn't changed—same warm, inviting ambiance, the faint floral scent her mother always loved, and the sound of a television playing in the background.
"Lara, sweetheart!"
Her mother's excited voice pulled her from her thoughts. In a heartbeat, her mother, Emilia, rushed toward her, enveloping her in a warm embrace.
"I missed you, darling. You don't visit enough," her mother said, pulling away to cup her face.
"I know, Mom. I'm sorry."
As soon as her mother released her, she turned to Lucas, her expression filled with warmth.
"And my handsome son-in-law," Emilia beamed before pulling Lucas into an embrace as well.
Lucas visibly stiffened, clearly unprepared for the gesture. Lara almost laughed at the rare sight. But, he quickly composed himself, managing a small, polite smile.
"Thank you for having me," Lucas said.
"Oh, come now, you don't have to be so formal," Emilia scolded playfully, waving her hand. "You're family."
Lucas gave a curt nod. "Of course… Mom."
Lara's father, Manuel, who was seated on the couch with a newspaper in hand, finally spoke. "Hmph. Took you long enough to visit."
Lara approached him, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Hi, Dad, I missed you. Sorry, we've been busy."
Manuel's features softened as he looked at her. "You've lost weight," he commented. "Are you eating properly?"
Lara chuckled. "I am, Dad."
His gaze then moved to Lucas, who was now standing beside her. For a long moment, he simply stared, eyes sharp and assessing.
Lucas, ever composed, nodded respectfully. "Sir."
Manuel snorted. "Sir? What am I, your boss?"
"Dad," Lara scolded gently.
Her father raised brow. "What?"
"Manuel!" her mother scolded, hands on her hips. "Honestly, could you be any ruder? Our daughter and son-in-law barely visit, and you can't even say a proper hello?"
Her father snorted. "If he's that eager to hear it, fine. Hello, son-in-law."
Lucas only gave a polite nod in response.
Emilia sighed dramatically. "Ignore him, dear," she told Lucas. "You know how he is. He thinks being grumpy is a personality trait."
"I am not grumpy," Manuel muttered, flipping a page of his newspaper.
Lucas remained composed, his expression unreadable. Lara sighed inwardly.
"Anyway," her mother huffed, linking arms with Lucas. "Come, I've prepared lunch. I hope you two will stay for dinner as well."
Lara smiled. "I can stay, but Lucas has to leave after an hour." she said carefully.
Emilia's face fell. "Oh." She turned to Lucas. "Really? But it's the weekend."
Lucas reached out and gently held her mother's hand. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'd love to stay, but unfortunately, I have a business meeting later." His voice was smooth, apologetic. "I promise I'll stay longer next time."
Lara nearly scoffed. That was a lie. There wouldn't be a next time.
Emilia sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Business calls. But I'm holding you to that promise."
Lara said nothing. She knew better than to hope for more.
They moved to the dining area, settling at the table. Lara instinctively plated some food for Lucas, the action so natural she didn't even realize she was doing it until her mother cooed.
"Oh, look at you, Lara. Such a devoted wife," Emilia gushed. "Lara always takes such good care of you, doesn't she, Lucas?"
Lucas, who had been silently observing her, glanced at her mother. "She does," he said, his tone smooth. "She always does."
Lara momentarily stiffened.
"Oh. You two are just the sweetest." Emilia cooed, hands clasped together.
Manuel snorted. "Sweet? Hah. That man barely opens his mouth."
Lara shot her father a look while Lucas remained unfazed, quietly thanking her before eating.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Emilia said pointedly. "Lucas is the perfect son-in-law. Handsome, successful, and devoted."
Manuel let out a scoff. "Devoted? If he were truly devoted, he'd spend more time here instead of always being 'too busy' with work. He barely spend time with her as it is."
Lara's stomach tensed. "Dad—"
"Manuel," her mother warned.
"What? I'm just saying. A husband should be home for his wife, not always out on business."
Lara clenched her fists under the table.
Lucas, however, remained calm. "You're right," he said, cutting his steak. "I should try to be home more."
Lara nearly dropped her fork. She turned to Lucas, but his expression remained unreadable. Was he… actually agreeing with her father?
Manuel, clearly not expecting that response, grunted before returning to his food, while Emilia smiled, pleased.
They continued eating, with her mother filling the silence with small talk. "I'm really happy you two visited. The house has been too quiet lately. Your brother is rarely home with his busy schedule. I miss having life in this house."
Lara smiled, but before she could respond, her mother's next words made her stomach drop.
"It would be nice to have little feet running around again." she mused.
Lara almost choked on her food.
She knew it. She knew her mother wouldn't let this visit pass without bringing up this topic.
She stole a glance at Lucas and found that he, too, seemed slightly taken aback.
Emilia raised a brow, feigning innocence. "What? I'm just saying." Then, she smiled, eyes glinting mischievously. "But honestly, I'd love it if it became reality. When are you two planning to have children?"
The room fell into silence.
Lara stiffened. Lucas, too, went completely still. For the first time since arriving, he looked genuinely caught off guard, as if unsure how to respond.
Lara quickly tried to intervene. "Mom, we've already talked about—"
"I know, dear." Emilia interrupted. "But I'd like to hear Lucas' opinion." she pressed, turning to Lucas expectantly.
Lara panicked internally. What was he supposed to say?
Lara opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Lucas reached for her hand on the table.
Lara froze.
Lucas turned to her, his expression softer than she had ever seen it. His fingers laced through hers, and he turned to Emilia with a small, affectionate smile.
"I'm ready to have kids anytime," he said smoothly.
Lara's breath hitched.
Lucas' thumb gently brushed against her skin, his grip firm yet gentle. "But I don't want to pressure Lara. I want her to be ready first. And besides…" He turned his gaze back to her, his lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "I'm not ready to share her attention with anyone yet."
Emilia nearly melted. "Oh, Lucas, that's so sweet."
Manuel scoffed. "Hmph. Sounds like an excuse to me."
Lara, on the other hand, was completely speechless.
Her heart pounded as she stared at Lucas, searching his face for any hint of insincerity. But his expression was unreadable. His words echoed in her head, each one hitting her like a carefully aimed arrow.
She knew it was an act.
She knew this was just for show.
And yet, her heart betrayed her, clinging onto the lie like a fool.
She tore her gaze away, feeling warmth creep up her cheeks. She focused on her plate, trying to regain her composure.
Lucas still hadn't let go of her hand.
Emilia looked delighted. "Well, take your time, then. But don't make me wait too long!" She laughed before moving on to another topic.
As soon as the attention shifted elsewhere, Lucas released her hand and continued eating as if nothing had happened.
But Lara felt it.
Even after the warmth of his touch disappeared, its ghost remained, lingering in her skin, in her chest—reminding her that, despite everything, her heart still foolishly longed for something that was never real to begin with.
And that terrified her the most.