Lucian’s POV
I sat behind my desk, hands resting on the leather surface, eyes fixed on the report before me. The numbers added up. Everything did. But my mind wasn’t really on the report, at least not these days.
A slight shuffle outside caught my attention. It wasn’t unusual, and normally I wouldn’t look up. But I recognised it instantly…it was Celeste.
She moved differently from anyone else here, always quiet and careful. I had started to notice the small things,how she avoided lingering where others watched, how she handled interruptions, and how she carried herself even when she thought no one noticed.
Watching her was tiring, but it also made me want to watch more.
I waited until she handed me the files and started to leave, then I called her back.
“Miss Celeste.”
She lifted
