Chapter Three

  Vanessa lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. The house was quiet, but her mind was anything but. No matter how many times she shifted or turned over, sleep refused to come. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself, trying to find some comfort in the stillness of the night, but all she could do was replay the events of the day over and over again in her head.

  Her heart raced as she thought back to every moment with Lucien—each glance, each word exchanged, each time his eyes had lingered on her. It didn’t make sense. Nothing about this situation made sense. She was just Vanessa Sinclair, a baker in Wall Rose, trying to live her quiet life after everything that had happened in the world. Why would someone like Lucien Vale, The Blade of the North, take any interest in her?

  He’s not interested, she told herself firmly, but the doubts wouldn’t leave her alone. Robin, Emma, and even her own mother seemed convinced otherwise. They had seen something she hadn’t—something she refused to acknowledge.

  But what if they were right?

  Vanessa squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the flood of thoughts, but it was impossible. She couldn’t stop analyzing everything. Lucien had come back to the bakery today. He had spoken to her again, asked about her nickname, and had even complimented her on her work. He had been… different. Not cold, exactly, but calm. Observant. She couldn’t help but think about the way he had looked at her, his eyes sharp yet not unkind.

  “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  The words echoed in her mind, making her stomach twist with nervous anticipation. Had he really meant that? Was Lucien Vale planning to come back again? And if he did, what would that even mean? She couldn’t imagine why he would bother to come back unless it was just for tea. It has to be just the tea, she told herself for the hundredth time.

  But deep down, she knew that wasn’t entirely true.

  He called me Ness, she thought, her heart skipping a beat. He remembered what my friends and my mom called me. Why would he remember that? Vanessa shifted under the covers, her mind racing with all the possible explanations. Maybe it was just part of his sharp attention to detail. Lucien was known for noticing everything around him, always alert and calculating. That’s what made him such an effective soldier, after all. But something about the way he had said it—calm, almost casual—made her wonder if there was something more behind it.

  Then there was the way he had handled her mother’s embarrassing behavior earlier. He could have easily brushed it off or even been irritated by it, but he hadn’t. He’d stayed calm, almost amused, as if nothing her mother had said had phased him. He had even made a comment about her mother being intense but meaning well.

  Why would he care? Vanessa thought, her cheeks heating up again as she remembered the exchange. Why would Lucien Vale care enough to comment on my mother?

  It didn’t make sense. None of it did.

  Vanessa turned over, pulling her knees up to her chest as she tried to make sense of everything. She had spent the entire day rejecting the idea that Lucien might be interested in her, but now, alone in the quiet of her bedroom, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was some truth to what Robin and Emma had said. The way he looked at her… It hadn’t been indifferent. He had noticed her—more than noticed. He had observed her, talked to her, even complimented her.

  Does that mean he really will come back tomorrow? The thought made her chest tighten with a strange mix of excitement and anxiety. What if he does? What would she even say to him? What would he want? The more she thought about it, the more nervous she became.

  Vanessa sighed, pressing her hands to her face in frustration. "I’m overthinking this," she whispered to herself. "It’s just tea. He’s not coming back for me."

  But no matter how many times she tried to convince herself, the doubt still gnawed at her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed, that Lucien had noticed her in a way she never expected. And now, she had no idea how to deal with it.

  Her heart thudded in her chest as she thought about seeing him again—about what it would be like if he did come back tomorrow. Part of her was terrified, but another part of her, a part she tried to ignore, was intrigued. The idea of him being interested in her was almost laughable, but the more she replayed their interactions in her mind, the more the possibility seemed to grow.

  What if he really does come back tomorrow? she thought again, her stomach twisting with nervous anticipation.

  Vanessa turned onto her back, staring up at the ceiling, her heart still racing. She was too worked up to sleep now, her mind tangled in thoughts of Lucien and the bizarre turn her life had taken over the past two days.

  If he comes back tomorrow, she thought, I’ll have to face him again. And this time…

  This time, she wasn’t sure she could handle it.

  Vanessa sighed, sinking deeper into her pillow, her mind refusing to quiet down. Tomorrow felt like a looming shadow on the horizon, filled with uncertainty and tension. She couldn’t help but feel like everything was about to change—and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.

  Lucien Vale… interested in me?

  The thought seemed absurd, but now it wouldn’t leave her alone.

  Vanessa finally closed her eyes, trying once again to block out the chaos in her mind, but she knew she wouldn’t sleep well tonight. Not with the possibility of what tomorrow might bring.

  …

  The next day, the bakery was bathed in the soft, golden glow of early morning light, and Vanessa had already busied herself behind the counter, trying to keep her mind focused on her work. She tied her apron tightly around her waist, the fabric pulling snugly over her dress, accentuating the curve of her hips and making her waist look even smaller. As usual, she had tried to put on a calm face and act like it was just another normal day.

  But it wasn’t.

  Because, sure enough, bright and early, he had arrived.

  Vanessa didn’t even have to look up when the bell above the door chimed. She could feel it in the air—the slight shift in the room as Lucien Vale stepped inside. The atmosphere became heavier, more charged, and even though she was determined to stay calm, her heart raced.

  She glanced up, just for a second, and saw him. Lucien was already making his way toward the counter, his posture straight, his expression as unreadable as ever. His black military jacket was missing this time, but his presence was no less commanding. He moved with the same quiet authority that made everyone else in the room fall silent.

  Vanessa’s throat tightened as she tried to suppress the panic bubbling up inside her. Stay calm, she told herself. Just act normal.

  But acting normal was easier said than done when Captain Vale was staring at her, and her mother, along with Robin and Emma, were trying their hardest to not make it obvious that they were very much watching—and eavesdropping.

  Vivian had been in the kitchen, but the moment she heard the bell and realized who had walked in, she made a point of stepping out to “check on something,” her face lighting up with that familiar, knowing grin. Robin and Emma were also at the counter, pretending to reorganize the baked goods display, but Vanessa could see them stealing glances at Lucien. They were all acting like they weren’t eavesdropping, but it was painfully obvious.

  Vanessa could feel her face growing warm with embarrassment as she quickly focused on preparing tea. She was determined not to make a fool of herself this time. No spilling, no awkward conversations—just tea. Simple. She could handle that.

  Her heart was pounding in her chest as she turned back toward Lucien, who had stepped up to the counter. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, and she swallowed hard, trying to keep her hands steady. But then, as she handed him the cup, she noticed something.

  Lucien’s eyes flickered—just for the briefest second—down to her waist and hips. It was so subtle, so quick, that anyone else would have missed it. But Vanessa didn’t. She saw it. The way his gaze lingered for a split second longer than usual, how his grey eyes briefly traced the curve of her body where her apron pulled tight over her dress, emphasizing her figure.

  Her heart nearly stopped.

  Was she imagining things? Did she really just see that? She told herself she was overthinking it—he didn’t notice things like that. Not about her. He was probably just scanning the room, being his usual observant self.

  But that flicker of his eyes haunted her. The way it had dipped down to her waist, the curve of her hips, before he had quickly looked back up to meet her gaze. And though his face remained stoic, the small moment of attention had set her mind spinning.

  “Tea and a roll,” Lucien said, his voice low and calm, as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn’t just—had he? No, stop it, Vanessa, she scolded herself mentally.

  Vanessa nodded quickly, her hands still trembling slightly as she reached for the roll. “Coming right up,” she murmured, trying to keep her voice steady. She moved behind the counter, gathering the items with more care than usual, determined not to embarrass herself again. But her mind was a whirlwind, her cheeks burning as she worked.

  Robin and Emma, meanwhile, exchanged glances, their smirks barely hidden as they pretended to focus on their tasks. Vanessa could feel their eyes on her, and it took everything in her not to snap at them to stop. She knew what they were thinking, and it only made her more self-conscious.

  Lucien stood there, patient as ever, his gaze never wavering from her. Vanessa did her best not to notice the tension that had settled in the room, the way her mother and friends seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for something to happen. She handed him the tea and roll with both hands, trying not to meet his eyes for too long, afraid she’d lose her composure.

  “Thank you,” Lucien said, his voice as quiet and impassive as always, though there was something in the way he lingered for a moment longer than usual, as if he was waiting for something.

  Vanessa swallowed hard, managing to nod. “You’re welcome,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

  Lucien glanced around the bakery briefly, his eyes flicking once again in the direction of her waist before he turned and moved toward his usual spot by the window. He sat down, sipping his tea, his expression calm and collected, as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

  Vanessa, on the other hand, felt like she was on the verge of a meltdown. She could still feel the warmth of his gaze, the way he had looked at her, even if it had only been for a second. Her hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the counter, trying to steady herself. This was ridiculous. She was being ridiculous.

  But before she could even take a breath, Vivian sauntered over, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “I saw that,” she whispered, her voice teasing.

  Vanessa’s heart dropped. “Mom, please don’t—”

  “I saw it,” Vivian insisted, raising her eyebrows as she gave Vanessa a pointed look. “Captain Vale… he’s definitely interested.”

  Vanessa’s face turned scarlet, her heart racing again. “Mom!” she hissed, trying to keep her voice down. She could barely even look in Lucien’s direction, too terrified he’d overhear. “He’s not—there’s no way. Stop saying that!”

  But Vivian just chuckled softly. “Vanessa, I told you. Men like that don’t come back for just tea.”

  Robin and Emma had heard enough to join in, their teasing grins widening. Robin leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. “We told you, Ness. He’s definitely into you. That glance? Come on.”

  Emma nodded eagerly. “And did you see how he looked at you? There’s no mistaking it.”

  Vanessa groaned, her entire body burning with embarrassment. “You’re all crazy,” she muttered, shaking her head fiercely. “He’s just…observant. That’s all.”

  But the way her heart pounded, the way she couldn’t stop thinking about the way Lucien’s eyes had flickered down to her waist, made it impossible to ignore the small voice in the back of her mind.

  What if they’re right?

  She tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, gnawing at her, refusing to be silenced.

  Lucien continued to sit at his usual spot by the window, sipping his tea quietly as the morning light streamed in through the glass. Vanessa tried to focus on her work, but every movement she made felt heavier under the weight of his presence. The bakery had a strange tension in the air, with Robin and Emma still sneaking glances at her and Vivian lurking in the back, no doubt waiting for another moment to jump in and offer more mortifying comments.

  Vanessa couldn’t help but notice how Lucien’s gaze seemed to flick back to her every so often. Each time, her heart did a strange little flip, and she tried to steady herself by focusing on cleaning the counter or reorganizing the pastries. But the memory of that brief flicker—his eyes dropping to her waist and hips—kept playing in her mind, making her even more self-conscious.

  Just as she thought she could manage to get through the rest of the shift without further embarrassment, she heard the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.

  Her heart skipped a beat. Lucien was standing up. And walking toward her.

  Vanessa’s pulse quickened, and her hands froze mid-task as she saw him approaching the counter again, his steps silent but purposeful. He came to a stop in front of her, the soft clink of his teacup on the counter drawing her out of her daze.

  She blinked up at him, unsure of what to say. Why is he coming back over here?

  For a moment, Lucien didn’t speak. His grey eyes studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, in his typical, no-nonsense tone, he spoke.

  “Ness.”

  Vanessa nearly passed out at the sound of her nickname on his lips. It was still so strange to hear it coming from him, and she hadn’t yet gotten used to the way he said it. Calm. Detached. Yet somehow… attentive.

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  “Yes?” she managed to squeak out, her voice unsteady as she met his gaze.

  Lucien’s eyes narrowed slightly, as though he was piecing something together. His sharp gaze flicked over her again, but this time, it didn’t feel like he was simply observing. There was a hint of something else—something Vanessa couldn’t quite put her finger on.

  “I’ve been here three times now,” Lucien said, his voice low and measured. “And every time, you’ve been… distracted.” He paused for a moment, as if weighing his next words carefully. “Is there something wrong?”

  Vanessa blinked, stunned by the question. She hadn’t expected him to be the one to ask if something was wrong. It was so out of character for what she imagined Lucien to be like—distant, focused, and always about business. Yet, here he was, asking her if she was okay. The sincerity in his tone caught her off guard.

  “N-No, I’m fine!” she stammered, quickly shaking her head. “It’s just been… a little overwhelming lately, that’s all.”

  Lucien’s gaze didn’t waver. He crossed his arms, his expression still unreadable, but there was an intensity in his eyes that made Vanessa feel like he could see right through her.

  “Overwhelming?” he repeated, his tone more of a statement than a question.

  Vanessa swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her chest. “Yeah, um… You know, with work and everything,” she added quickly, trying to brush it off as no big deal. She could feel her nerves creeping up again, her palms suddenly sweaty as she wiped them on her apron.

  Lucien’s eyes flickered down to her hands for the briefest moment before returning to her face. His gaze lingered just a second longer on her waist—again—and Vanessa’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. He wasn’t subtle, but he was careful. And for some reason, that made her even more flustered.

  “You’re a good worker,” Lucien said abruptly, breaking the silence. “But you let things get to you too easily.”

  Vanessa blinked, taken aback by the sudden comment. What did he mean by that? It was so hard to tell with Lucien. He was blunt, no doubt about that, but there was something almost… encouraging in his words. As if he was telling her to toughen up. To focus.

  “I… I guess you’re right,” she murmured, looking down at the counter to avoid his piercing gaze. “It’s just that… well, you know…” She trailed off, her mind racing with the thoughts of everything that had happened. The spilled tea, bumping into him, the mortifying encounter with her mother, the fact that Lucien kept coming back—and the way he kept looking at her.

  But before she could lose herself in overthinking, Lucien spoke again, this time softer.

  “I’ve seen worse,” he said, his voice carrying a weight of experience. “Much worse.”

  Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, her hazel eyes meeting his grey ones. She knew what he meant. Lucien had been through hell—facing Titans, watching comrades die, enduring battles most couldn’t even imagine. Of course, her clumsy moments in a bakery were nothing compared to that. It almost made her feel foolish for being so flustered in front of him.

  But the fact that he had said it—that he had taken the time to reassure her—made her feel something else entirely.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice soft, almost timid. “I… I really appreciate it.”

  Lucien didn’t respond right away. Instead, he stood there, watching her carefully, as if he was still assessing her. But this time, there was a slight shift in his expression—something barely noticeable, but there. His gaze softened, if only by a fraction.

  “You’re welcome,” he said, his voice low.

  The air between them hung heavy for a moment, thick with unspoken words and tension that Vanessa didn’t know how to interpret. She could still feel the heat in her cheeks, the way her heart was pounding in her chest. Every inch of her was hyper-aware of how close Lucien was, of how his gaze had lingered, and the way his voice had softened ever so slightly when he spoke to her.

  Just as she thought she might actually manage to stay calm, the silence was broken by the soft, not-so-subtle sound of someone clearing their throat.

  Vanessa glanced over to see Robin and Emma standing behind the counter, both of them pretending to organize the pastries but failing miserably at hiding their amused expressions. And Vivian? She was standing by the door to the kitchen, her arms crossed and a knowing smile on her face.

  Oh God, Vanessa thought, her face burning again as the mortification set in. She could only imagine what her mother and friends were thinking.

  Lucien, however, didn’t seem to care—or if he did, he hid it well. He gave Vanessa a small nod, as if signaling the end of their conversation, and then turned to leave.

  As he made his way toward the door, Vanessa felt a strange mix of relief and anticipation. He hadn’t said much, but the weight of his words—and the way he had looked at her—left her feeling more confused than ever.

  Was he really just here for the tea?

  And as the bell above the door chimed once again, signaling Lucien’s departure, Vanessa couldn’t help but wonder if this was only the beginning of something far more complicated.

  Because Lucien Vale wasn’t just a regular customer.

  And now, she wasn’t sure if she could ignore the way he had looked at her—or the way it had made her feel.

  …

  The next day came and Lucien was back at the bakery. The morning passed with an odd tension that Vanessa couldn’t shake. Even as she went about her tasks, preparing orders and keeping the bakery in order, her mind kept drifting back to Lucien who was here longer than he usually stayed. He hadn’t left yet—he was still sitting by the window, his posture as straight and composed as ever, but there was something different this time.

  Vanessa stole another glance at him while pretending to wipe down the counter. There it was again—his eyes met hers briefly before he turned his attention back to his tea. But that fleeting look was enough to make her pause.

  There was something different about Lucien today.

  His expression was still stoic, his usual intensity present, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor. He didn’t seem as cold or distant as before. It was like he was trying to be… what? More approachable? Friendly, even? Vanessa shook her head slightly, dismissing the thought as impossible.

  Friendly? Lucien Vale?

  But the more she thought about it, the more she couldn’t deny it. She had sensed it when he spoke to her earlier. The way he asked if something was wrong, the way he had tried to reassure her. It was all so… unlike the intimidating soldier she’d always heard about. And yet, here he was, in her bakery for the fourth day in a row, sitting calmly, almost as if he was waiting for something.

  Vanessa’s heart fluttered nervously as she wiped her hands on her apron, the fabric pulling tighter around her waist as she straightened up. Okay, just stay calm, she told herself. You’re overthinking this. He’s not here for you. He’s just here for tea.

  But just as she was about to turn away and focus on something else, she heard the familiar scrape of Lucien’s chair against the floor.

  Her breath caught in her throat. Oh no… not again.

  Lucien stood up, his movements precise and quiet as always, and made his way back to the counter. Vanessa felt her heart skip a beat as he approached, the weight of his presence making the room feel smaller.

  He came to a stop in front of her, his eyes locking onto hers in that steady, intense way that always made her feel like he could see straight through her. Vanessa swallowed hard, her hands fidgeting nervously with the edge of her apron.

  “Ness,” he said, his voice low but softer than usual. “You seem… distracted again.”

  Vanessa blinked, startled by how different his tone was. It wasn’t harsh or blunt, like it had been before. There was a gentleness to it, an awkwardness even, as if Lucien was making an effort to come off as less intimidating.

  And that’s when she realized it.

  He’s trying.

  Vanessa’s eyes widened slightly as the realization hit her. Lucien Vale—The Blade of the North, the most intimidating man she’d ever met—was trying to be… approachable. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it was there. The way he stood a little less rigidly, the way his voice softened, the way his gaze wasn’t as piercing as it usually was.

  He was trying to be friendly.

  Vanessa’s heart raced as she struggled to process the moment. She had no idea why Lucien would even bother making an effort like that, but it was clear that he was. And somehow, that made everything more confusing.

  “N-No, I’m fine,” she stammered, her voice shaky as she forced a smile. “Just… a little tired, that’s all.”

  Lucien’s gaze flickered over her again, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he didn’t fully believe her, but he didn’t push the issue. Instead, he seemed to consider her for a moment, as though searching for the right words.

  “I understand,” he said finally, his voice still low but more deliberate. “It’s been… a strange few days.”

  Vanessa couldn’t help but let out a small, nervous laugh. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  Lucien’s expression remained calm, though there was something almost… awkward about the way he stood there. Like he wasn’t sure what to say next but knew he should keep talking. For a man who had faced Titans and led countless missions, casual conversation clearly wasn’t his strength. But he was trying, and Vanessa couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of gratitude for it.

  She glanced down at her hands, her fingers still fidgeting nervously. “I guess things haven’t exactly been normal around here lately,” she said, her voice softer now.

  Lucien nodded slightly, his arms crossing over his chest as he leaned back just a fraction. The tension in his stance wasn’t gone, but it was lessened. “I don’t do well with normal,” he admitted, his tone almost dry, as if he found some humor in it.

  Vanessa smiled, surprised by the comment. “I can’t imagine you do.”

  There was a brief pause, the air between them growing heavier again, but this time it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was… different. Vanessa wasn’t sure how to describe it, but it felt like the wall between them—Lucien’s usual, cold exterior—had softened, even if just a little.

  Lucien shifted slightly, his gaze dropping to the counter for a moment before returning to her. “I’ve never been good at this,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a murmur. “Talking. It’s not… easy.”

  Vanessa’s heart thudded in her chest. Hearing Lucien say that—seeing him admit something like that—felt surreal. He had always seemed so composed, so impenetrable. But now, here he was, standing in front of her, struggling to come off as something other than intimidating.

  Vanessa swallowed, her nerves settling slightly as she looked up at him, meeting his gaze with a new understanding. “It’s okay,” she said softly, her voice gentle. “You don’t have to be good at it.”

  Lucien held her gaze for a moment longer, and in that silence, something unspoken passed between them. A connection that hadn’t been there before. A silent acknowledgment that neither of them was sure of what was happening, but both were willing to see where it went.

  Then, as quickly as it had begun, Lucien straightened up, his usual composure returning. His face softened for just a second before he nodded. “Thank you. For the tea.”

  Vanessa smiled, her heart still racing. “You’re welcome. Anytime.”

  Lucien gave her one last look—one that lingered just a moment too long—and then turned to leave, his steps as quiet and purposeful as ever. The bell above the door chimed softly as he disappeared into the morning light.

  Vanessa stood there, her mind racing, her hands trembling slightly. He had tried—really tried—to be less intimidating. And for the first time, she wondered if maybe, just maybe, Robin and Emma were right.

  Maybe Lucien wasn’t just here for the tea.

  As she watched the door swing shut behind him, Vanessa felt the weight of everything that had happened settle over her like a blanket. Things had definitely changed. And she wasn’t sure what to make of it.

  But one thing was certain.

  He had noticed her.

  And that realization was enough to send her heart racing all over again.

  The way he had looked at her, the way he had softened his words, tried to come off as less intimidating—it all pointed to something undeniable.

  Captain Vale was definitely interested in her.

  She stared blankly at the spot where he’d stood only moments ago, her heart still racing in her chest. The realization hit her like a freight train, knocking the air out of her lungs. Her hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the counter, trying to steady herself.

  Why her? The question screamed in her mind. Out of all the women in Rosemoor… why the hell would Lucien Vale—The Blade of the North—be interested in me?

  It didn’t make sense. She was just a simple baker, living a quiet life in Wall Rose, not someone who commanded attention or admiration. She wasn’t like the other women in the city, those who were elegant, beautiful, or captivating. She was… well, her. And the idea that Lucien could be interested in her felt absolutely absurd.

  “Vanessa!”

  Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Emma’s excited voice. She and Robin had been watching the whole time, and now that Lucien was gone, they rushed over to her, wide-eyed and buzzing with energy.

  Robin grabbed Vanessa by the shoulders, shaking her gently. “Ness, did you see that? Did you feel that? That man is so into you!”

  Emma nodded fervently, her face flushed with excitement. “There’s no denying it now! Lucien Vale is interested in you, and you can’t tell us otherwise anymore!”

  Vanessa opened her mouth to protest, to try and deny what was glaringly obvious, but the words wouldn’t come. She couldn’t deny it anymore. It had been right there in front of her, in the way Lucien had spoken to her, in the way he looked at her—especially when his eyes had briefly flickered to her waist and hips. And it wasn’t just once. It had happened multiple times, subtle but noticeable. Even she had caught it.

  Robin, seeing the panic and disbelief in Vanessa’s expression, grinned knowingly. “Ness, I know this seems crazy, but it’s happening. He’s into you, and I’m honestly not surprised.”

  Vanessa’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Why not? I mean, come on! There’s no way! I’m just… I’m nobody special.”

  Emma scoffed, rolling her eyes. “You are not ‘nobody special,’ Ness. You’re gorgeous. Like, do you even see yourself?” She gestured dramatically at Vanessa, as if she couldn’t believe how blind her friend was to her own beauty.

  Robin nodded in agreement. “Seriously, you’ve got curves that women would kill for, dimples that make everyone smile, and you’re sweet as hell. Of course Lucien noticed you. Who wouldn’t?”

  Before Vanessa could respond, her mother, Vivian, emerged from the back room, her face lit up with that all-too-familiar grin of hers. She had clearly been eavesdropping again, and Vanessa’s heart sank at the sight of her mother’s knowing expression.

  “Well, Vanessa,” Vivian said, stepping forward with a smug look. “It’s about time you realized what’s going on.”

  Vanessa groaned inwardly. “Mom, please don’t—”

  Vivian waved a hand dismissively, cutting her off. “No, no, you need to hear this. Captain Vale may be The Blade of the North, but at the end of the day, he’s still a man.”

  Vanessa’s cheeks burned as her mother continued, her tone light and teasing. “And you know what men do when the war is over, right? They want to settle down, retire, and relax. And what better way to do that than with a pretty girl like you, Ness?”

  “Mom!” Vanessa felt her face go red, mortified at what her mother was implying. But she couldn’t deny the truth in her words. Lucien was a man. A man who had been through hell and back, who had survived endless battles and tragedies. And now, with the war over, he had the chance to live a different life—one that didn’t involve fighting or constant danger.

  Vivian gave her daughter a knowing look, her smile widening. “It’s obvious, Vanessa. Captain Vale clearly likes what he sees in you. I saw the way he looked at you, especially your waist and hips. He’s noticed, and trust me, he likes it.”

  Vanessa’s face burned even hotter, her hands flying up to her cheeks in embarrassment. “Mom, please—”

  “No, Ness,” Vivian said, her voice softening as she stepped closer, placing a hand on Vanessa’s shoulder. “You need to understand. Men like Captain Vale don’t just stick around for no reason. He’s been coming back here, day after day, looking at you. You’ve caught his eye. And why wouldn’t you? You’re beautiful, inside and out.”

  Robin and Emma nodded in agreement, their grins wide.

  “Exactly,” Emma added. “He’s probably been through enough hardship to last a lifetime. He deserves someone like you, Ness—someone who can give him peace and happiness.”

  Robin grinned. “And let’s not forget how good you look in that apron. I mean, come on, Ness, even we can’t stop staring sometimes. He doesn’t stand a chance.”

  Vanessa wanted to disappear into the floor. This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t be real. But the evidence was right in front of her. Lucien had come back multiple times, talked to her, softened his demeanor around her, and… yes, he’d definitely looked at her curves more than once.

  He’s interested.

  As much as Vanessa wanted to deny it, the truth was staring her in the face. And the thought of it made her heart race, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in her chest.

  “But why?” Vanessa whispered, more to herself than anyone else. “Why would someone like him be interested in me?”

  Vivian smiled softly, her eyes warm as she gently cupped her daughter’s face. “Because you’re special, Vanessa. You just don’t see it yet. But he does.”

  Vanessa swallowed hard, her mind racing with everything she’d heard. Could it really be true? Could he truly be interested in her, a simple baker in from the countryside of Rosemoor? It felt impossible, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized that maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t so far-fetched after all.

  Lucien had noticed her. And he wasn’t the type to waste his time on things that didn’t matter.

  As that thought settled in her mind, Vanessa felt a strange mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and a sense of anticipation for what might come next.

  Because now that she couldn’t deny it anymore, one thing was clear.

  She had caught Lucien Vale’s eye.

  And the world, as she knew it, had just gotten a lot more complicated.