It was a quiet drive home from the gala.
Lorna twisted the fabric of her gown on her lap while she sat in the passenger seat of Lucas's sleek black sedan. Her thoughts were fixed on a face she hadn't seen in five years, on eyes that still managed to see her in a way no one else could, even as the night outside passed by in a flurry of lights and movement.
Michael,Hudson.
It had been years since she had used that name. Not aloud. She had assured herself that it wasn't even in her mind. However, seeing him again had opened a sealed box in her soul, and now all of the emotions she had suppressed were resurfacing in the light like dust.
You've been quiet," Lucas said, glancing at her. His voice was casual, but his tone was laced with quiet concern. "Is everything alright?"
Lorna smiled artificially. "Just worn out. The night was long.
Lucas nodded, but before he turned back to the road, his gaze lingered on her for a bit too long. After the toast, you appeared to be preoccupied. Has something occurred?
She paused. "All I saw was someone I didn't anticipate seeing."
Lucas took a while to reply. "Someone from earlier times?"
The gown made her fingers tense. "That kind of thing."
Soon after, they reached their home, a sophisticated glass and stone home tucked away in Oakridge's peaceful hills, far from the bustle of the city. Lorna excused herself as soon as they were inside and went straight to the kitchen to get some water. Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths as she leaned against the cool marble countertop.
Lucas appeared a few minutes later, loosening his tie, his expression unreadable.
"You know," he said softly, "you don't have to hide from me."
Lorna looked up.
"If seeing someone tonight upset you, I'd rather you just tell me."
She nodded slightly, her tone wary. It was Michael. Hudson, Michael
Lucas froze. "The ex?" Lorna nodded slowly. His jaw tightened—not out of jealousy, but with a hint of caution, possibly fear. "I didn't even know he was back in the country," she added, her voice trailing. "You don't owe me an explanation for your past, Lorna. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice the shift in you tonight." She turned her head away. "I didn't expect it to affect me. But it did." Lucas nodded, his voice calm. "I just want to know if I still have your heart.
The question hung in the air between them. Heavy. True. Lorna opened her mouth, but no response came. Not yet. Later that night, after Lucas had gone to bed, Lorna sat by herself in Jason's nursery. The little boy's gentle breathing calmed her, and she stroked his hair tenderly as her thoughts drifted. Michael had once dreamed of becoming a father. She closed her eyes tightly, dismissing the thought. It didn't matter; she had moved on, hadn't she? But in the quiet, with the shadows of memory swirling in the corners, Lorna knew one thing for sure— Her past wasn't finished with her yet, and neither, it seemed, was Michael Hudson.