"Lucian, it's been a while," Melody purred, turning her body toward him with a radiant smile.
She sat with casual elegance, but the plunging neckline of her slip dress dipped dangerously low with every movement, practically demanding attention.
It was incredibly eye-catching.
Lucian didn't even glance her way. He offered a flat, noncommittal "Mhm" as a response.
Undeterred, Melody poured herself a drink. "Lucian, a toast to you."
Lucian didn't move a muscle.
The tension in the room grew suffocating for a brief second.
Julian desperately tried to smooth things over. "Melody, what a surprise! I don't remember putting you on the guest list."
"Jules, everyone in our circle knows it's your birthday. It's the event of the night," Melody chuckled, her eyes remaining locked onto Lucian. "I crashed the party. You aren't going to kick me out, are you?"
"Of course not! The more the merrier. Welcome," Julian laughed awkwardly.
He immediately shot a frantic look at one of his buddies.
Catching the hint, the guy slid over and tried to strike up a conversation with Melody, aiming to pull her focus away from Lucian.
But Melody completely stonewalled him, tossing out dismissive one-word answers before zeroing back in on Lucian.
Julian watched helplessly.
He could clearly see Lucian's patience wearing razor-thin.
In the past, Lucian might have entertained a brief conversation with Melody. But ever since getting married, his boundaries were an iron fortress.
No matter the setting, Lucian kept an icy distance from other women.
The rest of their friend group was already completely used to it.
"Lucian, I heard you're going to be a father? Congratulations," Melody's voice was sweet as honey, though a dark resentment swirled in her eyes.
"Thanks," Lucian finally looked at her, his gaze flat and utterly detached.
Melody felt a sharp sting to her pride at his cold expression.
When did they become strangers?
It all started when he married that woman, Seraphina.
Lucian used to treat her better than anyone else.
A suffocating tightness gripped Melody's chest. She raised her glass and took a massive, burning gulp of liquor.


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