CHAPTER 12

AVA CLARKE

Night falls over the Fell mansion, creating a cozy atmosphere in the dining room, where I find myself with the family tonight. Seated at the table, I decide to keep secret what happened in the bathroom because of Elara. It is a difficult choice, but I weigh the consequences of revealing the truth to Lucius at this moment.

As I cut my food, I notice that Damien doesn't throw his usual sharp-witted jokes in my direction. It's a welcome change but, at the same time, strange. I can't help discreetly glancing at Damien, trying to decipher the reason for this unusual change in behavior.

Silence hangs over the table, broken only by the sound of utensils touching plates and the faint murmur of conversations. Lucius, the patriarch of the Fell family, decides to ask me a question.

"Ava, how are you adjusting to the city and the university?", Lucius asks, his eyes piercing mine.

With a restrained smile, I reply:

"I'm enjoying it a lot, thank you. I've made some friends at the university, too. Next weekend, I plan to visit the place where my parents lived before the car accident that took them."

"Oh, I'm happy for you, Ava! That's already a big step.", Lucius comments with a smile, and I nod quickly. A brief silence follows my revelation. The weight of family tragedy is still present, even though I try not to let it show.

Dinner continues, and I notice that Damien, though quieter, still maintains an intriguing expression. Can he understand the dilemma I face? Or is there something more behind his change in attitude?

As dinner comes to an end, Elara and Damien retire to their rooms. I'm ready to head to my own refuge when I'm interrupted by Lucius.

"Ava, would you like to hear me play the piano?", Lucius asks, indicating the grand piano in the living room.

I hesitate for a moment, but I agree with a nod. I settle on the sofa as Lucius approaches the piano. The first notes resonate through the room, filling the space with a gentle and captivating melody.

I close my eyes, letting his music completely envelop me. I love listening to him play; he is a very skilled man, and I can see that in him. Furthermore, I keep my eyes closed, swaying my head to the rhythm of the slow music. When I open my eyes, I realize Lucius is watching me as he continues playing.

While listening to the music, I try to disconnect from the dilemmas and secrets that loom over me. Lucius's melody is like a temporary escape, a breath amid the emotional turmoil surrounding me.

The piano echoes through the walls of the Fell mansion, creating a momentary truce for me. The silence of Lucius's music envelops me, but it can't calm the storm brewing within me.

As the final notes linger in the air, I feel completely lost in this large house. I'm back in the small town where I was born, and being here makes me feel strange in a way I can't yet explain.

"That's a beautiful piece.", I say this, smiling and standing up before approaching Lucius, who remains seated at the grand piano.

"I made this music for my wife; she loved to hear me play just like you, Ava," he comments with a smile, and I quickly nod my head.

I sigh before sitting next to him, and for a moment, I see surprise in his eyes. But he smiles at me seconds later, and I do the same, pointing to the piano keys.

"Well, now I'm curious. Teach me.", I say, and he smiles more before placing his fingers on the keys.

I mimic his movements as he guides and teaches me, and I see when he starts playing a new piece. I'm completely enchanted, watching Lucius play with so much passion.

He points to the piano, indicating that I should play along. I've never done this before, but he continues to help me, and seconds later, we're both laughing as we play together.

He watches me with a smile on his face, and I close my eyes, enjoying this music more. All the songs he plays seem melancholy, but I will always love listening to them.

I open my eyes, looking at Lucius's lips as if he's begging me to kiss him. I blink rapidly, remembering that he's my boss, and I shouldn't want to kiss someone like him.

"Is this song for her too?", I ask in a low voice when he stops playing. I furrow my brow when he shakes his head this time.

"No, I made this one just now.", he whispers, and I stop breathing when I see his eyes looking at my mouth.

Oh my god.

I need control right now, but I feel like Lucius also wants to kiss me, and we're alone at this moment.

"Lucius.", I whisper his name, sensing his scent, and my heart beats faster in my chest.

"Your heart is beating faster, Ava.", he murmurs, looking at my chest, and maybe he's just guessing what's happening to me right now.

My mind screams in my head for me to step back and return to my room, but I can't move now. It's as if something is preventing me from moving away from Lucius.

I remain silent, breathing slowly this time, as I feel him getting closer. He doesn't touch me, but he brings his face closer to mine, and I quickly close my eyes.

It's been a long time since I kissed a man, and I still can't understand what's happening to me.

My mind goes back to that crazy dream, and I can't shake it off. I feel that he's very close now, and I open my eyes quickly when I hear footsteps coming down the stairs.

I lift my head, seeing that Lucius stops looking at me in that intense way and moves away from me quickly.

Likewise, I turn my head, seeing Damien looking at us with a serious expression.

"Elara is still awake; I recommend you two go to a room.", he says, looking at me accusingly. Lucius gets up quickly, but Damien is already out of the house .

We're almost kissing, and he noticed, and I don't want my job here to be destroyed because I couldn't control the attraction I feel for my boss.