---- Chapter 6 On the way back, I ended up chatting with Cody the whole time, and to my surprise, I found out we lived in the same neighborhood. "No way," Cody said with a grin. "I didn't expect us to be neighbors." "small world," I replied, smiling back. "Theard there's a photography summit next week. Are you going? If you are, maybe we could go together?" he added, extending the invitation. "Sure," I agreed without hesitation. We talked the whole way, effortlessly. It was the kind of conversation that never ran out of fuel. Before I knew it, I was already at my doorstep. I reached into my bag for my keys but froze mid- motion because standing at the door was a figure I knew all too well-Lucien. He looked exhausted. His eyes were rimmed with ---- fatigue and maybe grief. However, the moment his gaze met mine, his entire face lit up. "Mia!" he exclaimed, surging forward to pull me into a hug. "I finally found you!" My body went rigid, and I shoved him away with force. "Alpha Lucien, please have some respect." Lucien stood there, stunned, eyes wide in disbelief. " Mia, what are you saying? You walked away without even saying goodbye, and now you're questioning me?" His expression dimmed with every word. "and who was that guy you were just with?" he demanded, his tone suddenly sharper. I met his gaze, unflinching. "Mr. Lucien, we're not together anymore. I don't owe you any answers." I turned and unlocked the door, ready to go in, but Lucien grabbed my wrist. "Mia! Tell me why you left." His voice cracked, raw. It was filled with an unspeakable desperation. ---- I took a deep breath and looked at him quietly. " Lucien, have you forgotten? The day I brought you your suit... I heard everything. I stood right there and listened as you said that Summer was the one you truly cared about-that staying with me was just a sense of duty, not love." Lucien's face went pale, and his lips trembled. "Those were just words-just for show! Mia, I swear, I've always loved you. I've never done anything to betray you!" "No, you haven't." I shook my head with a bitter smile. "But you hesitated. You wavered between us. Lucien, can you look me in the eye and say you never felt anything for her?" His eyes turned red as he looked at me. "I'm sorry, Mia... I-I was confused, okay? But now I know. I know it's you. I love you!" His voice rose in volume and emotion, bordering on frantic. I shook my head slowly, my voice calm but firm. " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!