"We cooked together, so we should clean up together," Darcy insisted. "Don't worry about it. Go watch your show, it's about to start," Lucian said, already moving the plates to the sink. Darcy looked at him, surprised. "You know which one I'm watching?" "Yeah, you watch it every night. Hard to miss." "Okay, I thought you were always busy and had no time to notice me." Lucian chuckled softly, "How could I not notice you? I'm watching you all the time, worried you'll get into trouble." It wasn't meant as a romantic line, but it felt more intimate than any love confession. A warm flush crept up Darcy's neck. She ducked her head and retreated to the living room without another word, silently turning on the TV.She fiddled with the strawberry bear keychain in her hand, a quiet, sweet feeling blooming in her chest. Later, when it was time for bed, she saw Lucian once again carrying his bedding out of the bedroom. She couldn't help but pout. "Why are you still sleeping on the couch?" Lucian looked puzzled. "Where else would I sleep?" "Don't we sleep together?" Lucian's breath hitched. S-sleep together? Darcy blinked up at him with her wide, almond-shaped eyes. Fresh from her shower, they still held a hint of mist, making them look soft and alluring. It was a look that could make a man lose his head. Lucian turned his face away, clearing his throat. His voice came out rougher than intended. "Didn't you say I was punished to the couch?" "I said until you realize your mistake." "Yeah. I haven't realized it yet."Darcy was speechless. So what was the keychain for, then? What was my kiss for? Her face instantly darkened. She gritted her teeth. "Are you trying to piss me off on purpose?" Lucian raised a brow lazily and shrugged. "Nope. I genuinely don't know what I did wrong." "You—!" Darcy stamped her foot in frustration. With a loud thud, she turned and stormed back into the bedroom, slamming the door and throwing the deadbolt—twice. Lucian stared at the cold door, a smile tugging at his lips. Back in school, he'd always thought the guys who teased their girlfriends were utterly childish. Now, he was starting to understand the appeal. So she has this cute, fiery side too. Am I the only one who got to see it? His thoughts drifted, and he swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. Just then, his phone vibrated on the table. He picked it up. A message from that man. "Arriving Londyn tomorrow, 9 AM. You pick the meeting place." Nine in the morning? He was even more impatient than Lucian had expected. Must have hopped on the first flight after getting the news, leaving himself no breathing room. Lucian shook his head with a wry smile. He sat alone on the sofa. The warm glow from the living room lamp stretched his solitary shadow long across the floor. The tiny spark of desire that had flickered in his chest moments ago slowly dimmed, cooling completely. Only then did he curl his fingers and type a reply. "Give me one more morning. I'll return her to you after lunch." The reply came almost instantly, as if the man had been waiting by his phone."Okay." The next morning, Darcy was still asleep when Lucian woke her. "What time is it? You're waking me up now? Be honest—this is payback, isn't it?!" She rubbed her eyes, grumpy as hell, and glared at him. Lucian pointed at two big cups of coffee on the table, looking smug, like he had a plan. Darcy groaned, yawning as she dragged herself to the bathroom to brush her teeth. "Why do we have to get up so early?" Lucian pressed his lips together. "I told you I took the day off to take you out." "But it doesn't have to be at the crack of dawn!" "I'm worried we might run out of time." "Huh? We have the whole day! What are you talking about?" Lucian fell silent for a beat, then turned toward the kitchen. "How about soft-boiled eggs for breakfast? I just learned how to make them." Darcy frowned. This guy is definitely changing the subject. After breakfast, they drove to the bazaar. The moment they parked, Lucian watched as Darcy, like a sleepy kitten, stepped out and stretched, closing her eyes against the sunlight. "Such a beautiful day," she murmured. Lucian lifted a hand to shield his own eyes from the sudden glare. After a solid week of gloomy skies, the sun had finally broken through. Perfect. Even the sun comes out to see her off on her last day. He walked over and took her left hand, his fingers loosely wrapping around hers. "Let's go." Darcy paused and glanced down at their joined hands. Something felt off. This isn't right.It's not supposed to be this... tentative. Some deep-seated habit told her the grasp should be firmer, a larger hand enveloping hers completely. The temperature is wrong too. An instinct whispered that the other hand should be warmer, the palm even carrying a hint of restless heat. "What's wrong?" Lucian asked, noticing her stillness. He turned to look at her. Darcy looked up at him. The morning sun slanted across his profile, highlighting his sharp, strong jawline—all masculine angles and undeniable attractiveness. Lucian was handsome. She'd thought so from the very first moment she woke up and saw him. But now, another face abruptly surfaced in her mind. That face was gentle, refined, and elegant in its bearing.She shook her head, trying desperately to bring the features into focus, but it was useless. Only a vague silhouette remained, accompanied by a haunting, familiar sensation that fluttered against her heart. "Darcy, Darcy, what's wrong? Is your head hurting again? I'm taking you to the hospital!"