Lucien's indifference caught me off guard. It seemed I had failed to evoke any fond memories of our childhood, and instead, I had hit a nerve. I shouldn’t be surprised, though. Navigating the terrain of Lucien’s mind was like walking in a field filled with landmines now. Even the slightest thing could set him off. "Lucien, I didn't mean that. I just wish we were as close as we were when we were kids. We used to smile and be happy together." I instinctively tried to explain. "Shut up!" Lucien's voice was like ice. "That part of my life brings nothing but shame now. Mention it again, and I'll make you regret it." My pupils dilated as I sensed his intense aversion, and I found myself falling silent as he instructed. I was too afraid to say another word. "Tell me, Claire. Did you dre

