CHAPTER SIX:
419 Words
By the time midterms approached, Isla had almost convinced herself that Lucien Drake was only a storm passing through her life — powerful, unpredictable, but temporary.
Then one evening, she saw something that changed everything.
---
The library was nearly empty. Isla stayed late to study, the soft hum of rain outside calming her nerves. She went to return a book to the restricted section — a quiet, dim corner few students ever entered.
That’s where she found him.
Lucien sat alone at one of the long tables, jacket off, sleeves rolled up. Papers covered in messy handwriting surrounded him. He looked different — not composed or intimidating, but tired. His hand was pressed against his temple, his jaw clenched.
She should’ve left, but something made her speak.
“You study too?” she asked softly.
His head lifted, eyes sharp at first — then softening when he saw her.
“Don’t tell anyone,” he murmured. “It might ruin my reputation.”
She smiled before she could stop herself. “You have one?”
He gave a low laugh. “Depends who you ask.”
---
She hesitated, then sat across from him. “You look… exhausted.”
Lucien exhaled. “My father’s company is going through a merger. I have to attend meetings before classes. I don’t sleep much.”
She studied him quietly. “So the arrogant prince of Harrington is human after all.”
Something flickered in his eyes — surprise, maybe even relief.
“You think I like being what they made me?” he asked suddenly. “Every move I make, every word — it’s all measured. And then you showed up. You don’t care about my name, my family, the money. That’s what drives me insane.”
Her heart skipped. “You don’t know me, Lucien.”
“I know enough,” he said, voice low but certain. “Enough to know you’re the only thing that feels real in this place.”
Silence filled the space between them, heavy and tender.
Then he leaned back, forcing a small smile. “You should go. It’s late.”
She stood, books in hand. But as she turned, he spoke again, softer this time.
“Thank you,” he said. “For not treating me like the monster they say I am.”
Isla looked over her shoulder. “Stop acting like one, then.”
And she left — heart pounding, unsure whether she’d just saved him a little… or doomed herself completely.
- Writer
