EPISODE 16
1139 Words
The graduation banners fluttered lightly above the campus gates as students rushed in and out of buildings, their footsteps echoing the finality of something big coming to a close.
Marilyn adjusted the strap of her bag, her eyes flicking up toward the clear May sky. She had just submitted her final exam and turned in her internship project. There was a strange lightness in her chest—a feeling she hadn’t felt in months. Freedom.
As she crossed the courtyard, a familiar black car came into view.
Lucas.
He stepped out, dressed down in a fitted navy button-up and dark jeans. Not lawyer-Lucas. Just… Lucas. His smile was warm but cautious, respectful of the space she had asked for.
Marilyn slowed her pace. She hadn’t decided what she wanted from him yet—but part of her didn’t mind seeing his face.
“Hey,” he said gently.
“Hey,” she replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Lucas handed her a folder.
“I wasn’t sure if now was the right time, but this is for you. One of my clients runs a publishing firm in France . They’re looking for a junior editor with fresh vision. I told them about your work—your blog, your essays. They loved your voice.”
Marilyn blinked. “Wait… France ?”
He nodded. “Six-month contract. Remote flexibility. They want someone who understands youth markets, especially female readership. I thought… maybe it could be a fresh start. Or just an option.”
She opened the folder, eyes scanning the offer letter. The terms were generous. Too generous.
“Why are you doing this?” she asked softly, looking up at him.
Lucas shrugged, his voice calm. “Because I believe in you. And because I owe it to you—to support your dreams without expecting anything in return.”
A long silence passed between them.
“I’ll think about it,” she finally said.
Lucas smiled. “That’s all I ask.”
He didn’t press. He didn’t linger. He just turned and left, letting her breathe.
Later That Day – College Courtyard
Xavier leaned against a brick column, a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers. His eyes tracked Marilyn from across the courtyard as she walked with her friends, laughing lightly, her expression open and at ease.
She didn’t glance in his direction once.
Beside him, Theo watched with a lazy smirk. “Damn. She really meant it, huh?”
Xavier exhaled. “What are you talking about?”
“She’s done with you, man,” Theo said with a chuckle. “Look at her. She’s glowing. Like she finally got the dirt off her skin.”
Xavier’s jaw tightened.
“And your brother?” Theo continued, blowing a slow stream of smoke. “He doesn’t even look like he’s pretending. That man is here for her, not you. It’s so obvious.”
“Shut up, Theo,” Xavier muttered.
But Theo wouldn’t stop. He enjoyed poking the fire.
“I mean, Lucas doesn’t usually get involved unless it’s something serious. You think this is just a rebound for him? He’s got her smiling, bro. You ever manage that?”
Xavier flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his shoe. His knuckles were pale.
“You have no idea what went down,” he said coldly.
“Don’t I?” Theo tilted his head. “You bet on her. Then slut-shamed her. And now your big brother, the ‘golden lawyer,’ walks in and scoops up the mess you made. Honestly, if I were her, I’d be doing the same.”
Xavier pushed off the wall. “You talk too much.”
Theo grinned. “Yeah, well… someone’s gotta tell you the truth.”
Meanwhile – Library Garden Area
Marilyn sat with Jenna under a tree near the library, a stack of notes and coffee between them.
“I saw Lucas earlier,” she said, her voice unsure.
Jenna’s eyes widened. “And?”
“He gave me a job offer. Publishing house in France ”
Jenna’s jaw dropped. “France ? Girl, that’s huge!”
Marilyn looked down. “I don’t want people to think I’m running away because of what happened.”
Jenna shook her head. “You’re not running. You’re evolving. And if this is what your next chapter looks like, then take it.”
Marilyn bit her lip. “It feels right. But also scary.”
“Of course it’s scary,” Jenna smiled. “That’s how you know it’s worth it.”
They shared a quiet moment as the wind picked up, scattering cherry blossom petals onto their notes.
Next Day – College Hallway
Xavier finally cornered her.
She was walking out of the media room when he stepped into her path, his eyes searching hers. “Can we talk?”
Marilyn raised a brow. “About what?”
“I know I messed up. I was stupid. I let my ego—”
She put up her hand. “Save it.”
Xavier’s throat tightened. “You won’t even hear me out?”
“I heard enough when you called me a slut. When you accused me of things I never did. When you humiliated me in front of your friends.”
Xavier lowered his gaze. “I was angry.”
“And I was broken,” she said, her voice sharp. “But I fixed myself. Without you.”
He tried to speak again, but she was already walking away. Her heels clicked with finality down the hall.
Later That Night – Lucas’s Apartment
Lucas sat by the window, a file open on his laptop, when a message lit up his phone.
Marilyn: I’m ready to talk. Can I come over?
His chest tightened.
Lucas: Anytime. The door’s open.
Thirty minutes later, she arrived, eyes tired but purposeful. She handed him back the folder.
“I want to take the offer.”
Lucas blinked, surprised. “You’re sure?”
“Yes,” she said with a faint smile. “I want to build something new. For me.”
Lucas nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements.”
She looked around his place. “It’s quiet here.”
He chuckled softly. “I like the quiet. It gives me space to think.”
She walked over to the balcony and opened the doors, letting the night air in.
“I think… I’d like to stay quiet too,” she said.
Lucas looked at her, understanding in his gaze. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. With or without words.”
And in that silence, something delicate began to bloom—not romance, not promises. Just mutual respect, quiet company, and the healing of two bruised hearts.
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- Writer
