The Unexpected Visitor The next morning, as Lila sat at her studio, trying to make sense of her conversation with Alexis, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an unexpected call from none other than Lucas. She had not heard from him since their last encounter, when he had told her he needed time and space. His absence had weighed heavily on her, and she had wondered if their relationship—whatever it was—was truly over. But now, his name appeared on her screen, and for a moment, her heart skipped a beat. “Lucas?” she answered, trying to keep her voice steady. “Lila,” he replied, his tone sounding more serious than she had ever heard it. “We need to talk. Can I see you? It’s important.” Lila hesitated. After everything that had happened, she didn’t know what she should expect from

