A LOVE SO CAREFULLY MADE LOVE MADE 14

LOVE MADE 14

Eva didn’t answer

Across the library, Lena was sitting with Lucien again. Laughing. Gesturing. Touching his arm. His hand. His shoulder.

Lucien was looking straight ahead

But his hand didn’t move.

Eva’s heart twisted like someone had their fingers around it, slowly squeezing.

Eva Derrin

I should go

Talia River

Eva---

But she was already walking.

.......

Lucien Hart

Eva?

Soft. Deep. Too familiar.

She stopped. But didn’t turn.

Lucien stepped up beside her, Lena still a few feet back, frowning at being left behind.

Lucien Hart

Are you avoiding me?

Eva Derrin

No *doesn't look at him*

Lucien Hart

You are upset

Eva Derrin

I am fine

Lucien Hart

that's the second lie

Eva Derrin

why do u care? *turns sharply*

He blinked. Just once.

But before he could say anything— Lena’s voice pierced the air.

Lena Voss

Lucien, we’re gonna be late for that thing, remember?

Lucien didn’t look at her

But Eva did.

And the fury in Lena’s eyes said everything.

Eva Derrin

I should go *her voice trembling*

Lucien reached out instinctively—fingers brushing her wrist.

She pulled away.

Lucien Hart

*He flinched*

Eva Derrin

If you don’t like her, stop letting her act like she owns you *her voice cracked a whisper*

Then she walked off

Lucien watched her disappear into the crowd, his hand still hanging in the air.

Behind him, Lena stepped up again, latching onto his arm with a forced smile.

Lena Voss

You coming?

Lucien didn’t answer

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