Chapter 5

  Lucien sat at his desk in his office at Headquarters, his usual disciplined and meticulous demeanor in place, but today, there was something different. The papers scattered across his desk weren’t military strategies or reports. They weren’t plans for the military strategy. No, today’s mission was of an entirely different kind.

  He was strategizing, just as he always did. But this time, it wasn’t about war or defense tactics, or survival.

  It was about Vanessa.

  Lucien leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin as his mind raced through possibilities. This felt absurd—he could face a squad of enemy soldiers without flinching, navigate the chaos of war with calm precision, yet here he was, grappling with something far more terrifying: how to ask a girl out.

  He let out a low sigh, his expression unchanging but the weight of the situation bearing down on him like a mountain. Every time he saw Vanessa at the bakery, there was that small connection—a moment where her smile eased the tension in his chest, where the world didn’t feel so heavy. He’d noticed it, and he couldn’t deny it any longer. But now, the question was how to move forward. How to say what needed to be said.

  How the hell am I supposed to do this?

  Lucien stared down at a blank sheet of paper in front of him, mentally listing all the steps, as if this were a battle plan. He needed to approach it carefully, like any mission. A misstep could result in a disaster. He couldn’t just blurt out an offer—no, that wasn’t his style. Everything had to be measured, precise. He needed a plan.

  His mind raced through the possibilities.

  Step 1: Timing. He couldn’t just ask her in the middle of a busy shift at the bakery. No, he had to find the right moment, when things were quiet, when there were no distractions. Maybe after she finishes for the day? That seemed logical. But what if she was too tired after work? He couldn't catch her off guard, not when she was likely exhausted.

  Lucien pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in frustration. This was more complicated than it should be.

  Step 2: Location. He couldn’t ask her out on a date at the bakery itself. That was her workplace, and it would feel too… impersonal. He needed somewhere quiet, somewhere where they wouldn’t be interrupted. Maybe a walk? But Lucien hated the idea of crowds, and the streets could be unpredictable. Maybe somewhere more private, but not too intimate. He couldn't make her uncomfortable.

  The tea shop, Lucien thought to himself, narrowing his eyes as the idea formed. It wasn’t too far from the bakery, quiet enough for a conversation without distractions. She liked tea—they both liked tea. That was safe, familiar territory. It wouldn’t feel like he was forcing anything.

  Lucien scribbled something down on the paper, though it wasn’t much more than a few keywords that wouldn’t make sense to anyone else. “Tea shop,” he muttered under his breath, as if confirming it with himself.

  Step 3: Approach. This was the hardest part. Lucien wasn’t exactly known for his conversational skills, and the idea of trying to be charming—whatever that meant—was laughable. He wasn’t some romantic fool, and he didn’t know how to sugarcoat things. But he didn’t want to be blunt either. That could come off too harsh.

  Lucien leaned back, staring up at the ceiling. What the hell do you even say? He’d faced down his enemies, but this? This was foreign territory. How did people do this? How did you ask someone out without sounding like a complete idiot?

  The words rolled around in his head, but none of them felt right. Hey, do you want to get tea sometime? That sounded too casual. Would you like to go out with me? That sounded way too formal. No, it needed to be something in between—something that wasn’t awkward but wasn’t too relaxed either.

  He could feel a headache forming as he stared at the blank sheet again.

  And then, as if on instinct, his mind went into familiar territory: planning for contingencies. He had to prepare for all possible responses. What if she says no? That was a very real possibility, and he couldn’t let it blindside him. He had to maintain composure, no matter what. A “no” wasn’t the end of the world, even if the thought of it sent an unfamiliar tightness through his chest. He’d back off gracefully if she wasn’t interested, but he had to try.

  Lucien tapped the pen against his desk, his irritation mounting as the silence of the office pressed down on him. This is ridiculous, he thought, narrowing his eyes at the paper as if it were his enemy. I’ve faced worse situations than this. I can handle this.

  But that didn’t stop the feeling of uncertainty gnawing at him. There was no formula for this, no manual on how to ask someone like Vanessa out. He couldn’t fall back on his usual tactical precision. This was… personal.

  He sighed, rubbing his temples as he tried to clear his mind. “I’m overthinking this,” he muttered to himself. He needed to act like he did in every mission: stay calm, be decisive, and don’t second-guess himself. He could do this. He had to do this.

  The thought of seeing Vanessa’s smile again—the warmth in her eyes when she looked at him—was enough to make him push forward.

  Lucien sat up straighter, his determination settling in like the calm before battle. I’ll do it after the next visit, he decided, his mind clearing as he formulated his approach. He’d find the right moment, ask her to tea—nothing extravagant, nothing over the top. Just a simple gesture.

  But it had to be genuine.

  Lucien allowed himself one last glance at the paper before pushing it aside, standing up from his desk. He’d thought this through enough. Now it was time to act.

  As he made his way out of the office, the usual weight of duty hung over him, but beneath it, there was something else. Something unfamiliar, yet not unwelcome.

  For the first time in a long time, Lucien Vale wasn’t planning for war.

  He was planning for something more personal—something that felt both terrifying and strangely hopeful.

  And it all started with a cup of tea.

  …

  The morning sun filtered through the windows of The Sweet House, casting a golden glow across the small bakery. The quiet hum of early customers filled the air, and Vanessa stood behind the counter, absentmindedly arranging a tray of fresh pastries. Despite the familiar routine, her mind was elsewhere, wandering back to the past few days and the strange tension that had been building between her and Captain Vale.

  What was it about him?

  She couldn’t stop thinking about how he had softened around her, how he had actually seemed... different when they spoke. It wasn’t something she could explain, but it was there. Subtle, but unmistakable.

  And now, as the bell above the door chimed, signaling Lucien’s usual arrival, Vanessa’s heart did that familiar little flutter. She looked up, trying to keep her composure as he stepped inside, his eyes immediately locking onto her from across the room.

  There was something different about him today, something that set her nerves on edge. His usual cool, collected expression was still there, but she noticed a faint tension in the way his jaw was set, the way his eyes seemed to flicker with a hint of something she couldn’t quite place.

  Lucien walked up to the counter with his usual quiet grace, the morning light casting soft shadows over his face. Vanessa swallowed hard, forcing herself to smile as she greeted him.

  “Good morning, Captain,” she said, her voice a little more breathless than she intended.

  Lucien’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though not in his usual way. He seemed… focused. More so than usual. “Morning,” he replied, his voice low and steady.

  Vanessa busied herself with preparing his usual tea and a roll, trying to ignore the way her hands trembled slightly as she worked. She could feel his gaze on her the entire time, and it made her heart race. She didn’t know what it was, but something about today felt different. Lucien’s presence was more intense than usual, and it left her feeling both nervous and expectant.

  As she placed the cup of tea and roll in front of him, Lucien didn’t immediately take them. Instead, he remained standing there, his grey eyes fixed on her with that unwavering, calculating look that always made her feel like he could see right through her.

  “Vanessa,” Lucien said quietly, his voice carrying a weight that made her pause.

  Vanessa blinked, looking up at him with wide eyes. The sound of her name—her real name, not the nickname her friends and family used—coming from him sent a shiver down her spine. There was something about the way he said it, so deliberate, so measured.

  “Yes?” she replied, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

  Lucien’s gaze didn’t waver. He remained silent for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. Vanessa’s heart pounded in her chest as the silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken tension.

  Finally, Lucien spoke again, his tone quiet but firm. “I want to ask you something.”

  Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat. The seriousness in his voice sent a wave of nerves through her, but she nodded, trying to keep her composure. “Okay,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Lucien shifted slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. For a man who had faced countless battles, who had survived horrors most people couldn’t even imagine, he suddenly seemed... uncertain. Like he was treading unfamiliar ground.

  “I’ve been coming here for a while now,” Lucien began, his voice low but steady. “And... it’s not just for the tea.”

  Vanessa’s eyes widened slightly, her heart pounding in her ears. Not just for the tea? She didn’t dare speak, afraid that if she did, she might say something to ruin the moment.

  Lucien took a deep breath, his jaw tightening for a brief moment before he spoke again. “I’d like to spend time with you,” he said, his voice quieter now, more deliberate. “Outside of this bakery.”

  Vanessa blinked, stunned into silence. Did Lucien Vale just—

  “I’m asking you,” Lucien continued, his tone almost impossibly calm given the weight of his words. “If you’d go on a date with me.”

  For a moment, time seemed to stop. Vanessa’s mind raced, struggling to process what she had just heard. Captain Vale was asking her on a date. Her. Of all people.

  Vanessa stared at him, her mouth slightly open, words failing her. She had imagined many scenarios over the past few days, but none of them had prepared her for this.

  Lucien, clearly sensing her shock, remained patient. His eyes, though intense, softened just a fraction as he waited for her response. “You don’t have to decide right now,” he added quietly, his voice steady but not pressuring. “But... I want you to know that I’m serious.”

  Vanessa swallowed hard, her heart still racing. She could barely breathe, let alone form a coherent response. But as she looked into Lucien’s eyes—those deep, grey eyes that had always seemed so distant, so cold—she saw something different. Something warmer. Something that made her chest tighten in a way she hadn’t expected.

  After what felt like an eternity, Vanessa finally found her voice.

  “I—um...” She trailed off, her mind still spinning. She couldn’t believe this was happening. But as the initial shock began to wear off, she realized something else—she wanted to say yes.

  A small, nervous smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she met Lucien’s gaze. “Yes,” she said softly, her voice trembling just a little. “I’d like that.”

  For a brief moment, Lucien’s expression didn’t change, as if he was processing her answer. But then, so subtly that Vanessa almost missed it, his eyes softened. The tension in his posture eased ever so slightly, and though his face remained as stoic as ever, there was something different in the way he stood. Something that felt almost... relieved.

  “Good,” Lucien said quietly, his voice calm and steady once again. “Tomorrow evening, then.”

  Vanessa nodded, still feeling slightly dazed but unable to stop the small smile spreading across her face. “Tomorrow evening,” she repeated, her heart still pounding in her chest.

  Lucien gave her a small nod, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer before he turned to leave, his movements as precise and measured as ever. But this time, there was a different kind of weight to his steps—something more deliberate, more purposeful.

  He had asked her on a date.

  And she had said yes.

  Vanessa’s cheeks flushed as the reality of the situation finally hit her. Tomorrow evening, she was going on a date with Lucien. Her mind raced with a thousand different thoughts—what to wear, what to say, how to act—but underneath it all, there was one feeling she couldn’t shake.

  Excitement.

  Because for the first time in a long time, something in her life felt... new. Something that wasn’t routine. Something that made her heart race and her stomach flutter in the best possible way.

  And she couldn’t wait to see where it would lead.

  The moment Lucien stepped out of the bakery, the door closing softly behind him, Vanessa let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Her mind was still spinning, her heart still racing from the sheer shock of what had just happened. Did that really just happen?

  But before she could fully process the weight of her agreement, there was a sudden burst of energy behind her.

  "OH MY GOD!!!"

  Vanessa barely had time to turn around before Emma and Robin came rushing out from the back, practically tackling her in a fit of excitement.

  "Vanessa!" Emma squealed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you serious? You’re going on a date with Captain Vale?!"

  Robin was jumping up and down, her hands clasped together as she tried to contain her excitement. “I can’t believe it! He actually asked you out! We knew it!”

  Vanessa felt her cheeks heat up, still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions. “I—uh—I guess so,” she stammered, still not entirely sure if she was dreaming or not.

  "Guess so?!" Emma exclaimed, grabbing Vanessa’s shoulders and shaking her gently. "Vanessa, you’re going on a date with Captain Vale! Humanity’s Strongest Soldier just asked you out!"

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Robin laughed, shaking her head. “This is insane. I never thought I’d see the day! Lucien freaking Vale, asking you out. It’s like something out of a dream.”

  Before Vanessa could respond, there was another loud, excited squeal from the kitchen, and suddenly, Vivian burst into the room, her face glowing with pride and happiness.

  "VANESSA!" Vivian cried, rushing over to her daughter with a wide grin on her face. "I knew it! I knew something was going on between you two! You’ve been glowing ever since he started coming in, and now look—he finally made his move!"

  Vanessa’s face turned an even deeper shade of red as her mother enveloped her in a tight hug. "Mom, please," she mumbled, her voice muffled against Vivian’s shoulder. "It’s not like that—"

  "It is like that!" Vivian said, pulling back just enough to look Vanessa in the eyes. "Lucien Vale is interested in you, and now you’re going on a date! I knew it! You’re such a beautiful, hardworking girl—he’d be a fool not to see that."

  Vanessa’s head spun as Emma and Robin started jumping up and down again, clearly unable to contain their excitement. Vivian joined in, clapping her hands together as she squealed in delight.

  "This is amazing!" Robin cheered. "You’ve gotta tell us everything after the date, Ness!"

  Emma nodded eagerly. “What are you going to wear? Oh my god, we need to figure out your outfit!”

  Vivian, still beaming, nodded in agreement. “Yes, yes! We need to make sure you look your best! This is Lucien Vale we’re talking about!”

  Vanessa, feeling both overwhelmed and touched by their enthusiasm, couldn’t help but smile despite her nerves. She still couldn’t fully wrap her head around the fact that she was actually going on a date with Lucien. Part of her still didn’t believe it. But seeing the joy and excitement on her mother’s and friends’ faces made it feel a little more real.

  “Okay, okay,” Vanessa laughed, trying to calm them down, though she was still shaking with adrenaline. “It’s just a date. It’s not that big of a deal.”

  “Not that big of a deal?” Emma gasped, her eyes wide. “Ness, you’re going on a date with the most intimidating man in all of Rosemoor! Of course it’s a big deal!”

  Robin grinned. “And you’ve totally got him wrapped around your finger. Did you see the way he looks at you? He’s into you, Ness. Big time.”

  Vivian clapped her hands again, a proud smile on her face. “This is it! You deserve this, Ness. Captain Vale knows a good thing when he sees it.”

  Vanessa, still feeling a bit lightheaded from the excitement, ran a hand through her hair, trying to calm herself down. “I just… I don’t even know what to say.”

  "Say yes," Emma teased. "Which you already did, so now all that’s left is to enjoy it."

  Vanessa bit her lip, a small, nervous smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She was still nervous—terrified, even—but underneath it all, there was something else. Something that felt like hope, like excitement. Something that made her heart flutter.

  “I guess you’re right,” Vanessa whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m… I’m really going on a date with Captain Vale.”

  And as her mother and friends continued to celebrate around her, Vanessa couldn’t help but feel that this was the beginning of something new. Something unexpected, but something she was ready to explore.

  Lucien Vale had asked her out.

  And she had said yes.

  No turning back now.

  …

  Tomorrow evening, the air was cool and calm as Vanessa stood outside the bakery, her heart pounding in her chest. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the streets of Wall Rose. She had spent most of the day agonizing over what to wear, what to say, and how to act. Now, standing there waiting for Lucien, her nerves were on high alert.

  She smoothed down the front of her light green dress, which hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her waist and hips. It was a simple yet beautiful piece, one that Robin and Emma had insisted would be perfect for tonight. Her hair, usually tied up in a ponytail, was down for the first time in ages, cascading around her shoulders in soft waves. She had even put on a bit of makeup—just enough to enhance her features—and wore simple jewelry that caught the fading light. The delicate scent of her perfume lingered in the air, adding a touch of warmth to the cool breeze.

  She wasn’t used to dressing like this. Most days, she was in her work clothes, hair pulled back, flour dusting her apron. But tonight was different. Tonight, she was meeting Captain Vale for a date. The thought still made her heart race.

  Just as she was about to start overthinking again, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Vanessa looked up, and her breath caught in her throat.

  There, walking toward her with his usual calm and confident stride, was Lucien.

  But this time, he wasn’t in his military uniform.

  He was wearing civilian clothes—simple, but somehow they made him look even more striking. A dark, fitted jacket, a plain shirt underneath, and trousers that were casual but neat. His usual commanding presence was still there, but there was something softer, more relaxed about him tonight. He looked like someone who wasn’t a soldier for once, and it caught Vanessa off guard.

  Lucien stopped in front of her, his sharp grey eyes taking her in for a moment. For a man who rarely let his emotions show, Vanessa noticed the slightest flicker in his gaze—something like surprise, maybe even admiration. His eyes lingered on her hair for a second longer than usual, before dropping down to her dress, which seemed to catch his attention in a way that made Vanessa’s cheeks heat up.

  “You look... different,” Lucien said quietly, his voice as calm and controlled as ever, but there was a subtle warmth to it that Vanessa hadn’t heard before.

  Vanessa smiled nervously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Is that... good different or bad different?”

  Lucien’s gaze flicked back up to her face, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw the corners of his mouth twitch ever so slightly, as if he was trying to suppress a smile. “Good different,” he said, his voice low but steady.

  Vanessa’s heart skipped a beat at the compliment, her nerves settling just a little. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. This was Captain Vale after all. She was lucky he’d said more than three words.

  “And you,” she said, glancing down at his clothes, “you look... different too.”

  Lucien raised an eyebrow, though there was no irritation in his expression. “I don’t wear the uniform all the time.”

  Vanessa laughed softly, though the sound was more from nerves than amusement. “I know, but I’ve only ever seen you in it.”

  Lucien nodded slightly, his eyes still fixed on her. “You ready?” he asked, his voice quiet but with a hint of something else—something that almost felt like... anticipation.

  Vanessa nodded, her heart still racing. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

  Lucien glanced around briefly, as if making sure everything was in order, before gesturing for her to walk with him. “Let’s go, then.”

  As they walked through the streets of Rosemoor, the soft glow of the evening lights cast long shadows along the cobblestone roads. Vanessa couldn’t help but feel hyper-aware of every step she took, her heels clicking softly against the ground. Lucien walked beside her, his posture as straight and composed as always, but there was a subtle change in his demeanor tonight. He wasn’t just a captain right now. He was... Lucien, a man out for an evening with someone.

  The tea shop wasn’t far from the bakery, a quiet place nestled between a few other small buildings. Vanessa had passed by it a few times but had never really thought much about it. Now, though, it felt like a perfect choice. It was quiet, intimate, and away from the busyness of the city.

  Lucien opened the door for her, and Vanessa stepped inside, immediately greeted by the warm, soothing scent of tea and herbs. The interior was cozy, with soft lighting and small tables scattered throughout the room. It was quiet, the kind of place where conversation could happen without interruptions.

  Lucien led her to a small table by the window, pulling out the chair for her before sitting down across from her. Vanessa couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of excitement and nervousness as she sat down, her hands fidgeting slightly in her lap. This was all so new, so surreal. But somehow, with Lucien sitting across from her, it didn’t feel as terrifying as she’d expected.

  For a moment, they sat in silence, the soft hum of the tea shop around them. Vanessa glanced at Lucien, who was looking out the window, his expression as calm and composed as ever. But there was a quietness to him tonight, something that made the space between them feel a little less intimidating.

  “So,” Vanessa said softly, breaking the silence. “This is nice.”

  Lucien turned his gaze back to her, his eyes flickering with something she couldn’t quite place. “Yeah,” he agreed quietly. “It is.”

  Vanessa smiled, feeling a little more at ease now. She didn’t know what this was, or where it was going, but sitting here with Lucien, in this quiet tea shop, it felt like the beginning of something—something she hadn’t expected, but something that felt... right.

  As they settled into conversation, Lucien’s usual bluntness softened just a little, and though he was still as direct as ever, there was a warmth to his words, a carefulness in the way he spoke. He wasn’t used to this—neither of them were—but they were figuring it out together, step by step.

  But Vanessa couldn’t help her usual self-doubt creeping up in her subconscious.

  She glanced down at her hands, fidgeting nervously in her lap. Lucien was a man of precision, of purpose. He didn’t do anything without a reason, didn’t waste his time on things that didn’t matter. So why had he been coming to the bakery every day? Why had he asked her on a date?

  Vanessa didn’t understand. She saw herself as completely unremarkable. Sure, she was a decent baker, but there was nothing extraordinary about her. She wasn’t a soldier, she wasn’t beautiful in the way other women in Paradis were. She was just… Vanessa. The quiet girl who worked in a bakery, lived with her mother, and hadn’t ever thought she would catch the attention of someone like Lucien Vale.

  She couldn’t help but steal a glance at him again, her thoughts swirling. His face was calm, unreadable as always, but there was something softer about him tonight. Maybe it was the way he seemed more relaxed in his civilian clothes, or maybe it was the simple fact that they were here, in this quiet moment, together.

  But still, that question remained in her mind, echoing louder with every second that passed. What does he see in me?

  Lucien, as if sensing her internal struggle, looked up, his sharp eyes meeting hers. Vanessa quickly averted her gaze, embarrassed that he had caught her staring. She shifted slightly in her seat, trying to push the thoughts away, but the words were already at the tip of her tongue, threatening to spill out.

  Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, she spoke, her voice quiet and unsure. “Lucien… can I ask you something?”

  He raised an eyebrow, his expression still calm but with a hint of curiosity. “Go ahead.”

  Vanessa swallowed, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. She wasn’t sure how to phrase it, wasn’t sure if it was even appropriate to ask, but the uncertainty gnawed at her. “Why me?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I mean… why are you interested in me?”

  Lucien blinked, his expression not shifting in the way she feared it might. He simply regarded her with that same steady, unwavering gaze, and for a moment, Vanessa worried she had overstepped. But instead of brushing her off or getting annoyed, Lucien leaned back in his chair slightly, his eyes never leaving hers.

  “Why not you?” he asked, his voice calm but direct.

  Vanessa felt her cheeks flush, a mixture of embarrassment and confusion flooding her. “I just… I’m not…” She struggled to find the right words, unsure how to explain what she was feeling. “I’m not… anything special.”

  Lucien’s expression remained neutral, but there was a sharpness in his gaze now, as if he was measuring her words carefully. “That’s not true.”

  Vanessa shook her head, still not convinced. “I’m just a baker,” she muttered, her voice dropping. “I’m not like the other women you must be used to being around. I’m not a soldier. I’m not strong or… or important.”

  Lucien was silent for a moment, his eyes studying her intently. Then, in a voice so low and quiet that it almost startled her, he spoke again. “You think that’s all I care about?”

  Vanessa’s heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his words. She hadn’t expected him to respond like that, and now she wasn’t sure what to say. She opened her mouth to reply, but Lucien continued before she could.

  “You’re strong,” he said, his voice firm but calm. “You’ve lived through this hell like everyone else. You work hard, you care about the people around you, and…” He hesitated, his eyes flickering with something Vanessa couldn’t quite place. “You’re genuine.”

  Vanessa blinked, stunned by his words. She hadn’t expected that. Not from Lucien, of all people. But the way he spoke—so direct, so sure—it made her chest tighten in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

  “I’ve been surrounded by death and fighting for most of my life,” Lucien continued, his tone quieter now. “People who only want power, or to prove something. But you… you’re different. You don’t have anything to prove, and you don’t pretend to be something you’re not.”

  Vanessa felt a lump forming in her throat as she listened to him, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn’t know what to say. She had always thought of herself as ordinary, as just another face in a crowd, but hearing Lucien speak like this—hearing him say that she was different—made her realize that maybe, just maybe, she was wrong about herself.

  Lucien leaned forward slightly, his gaze softening just a little, though his expression remained serious. “You don’t need to be a soldier or some important public figure to matter, Vanessa,” he said quietly. “You’re enough as you are.”

  Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening as the weight of his words settled over her. She had never heard anyone say that to her before—never heard anyone tell her that she was enough.

  For a moment, the air between them felt heavy, but not with awkwardness or tension. It was something else—something deeper. Lucien didn’t speak again, didn’t push her to respond. He simply sat there, waiting, as if giving her the space to process everything.

  Vanessa swallowed hard, her heart still racing. She looked down at her hands again, her mind reeling from what Lucien had said. She didn’t feel unremarkable anymore. Not in this moment.

  And as she sat there, across from Lucien, she realized something.

  Maybe, just maybe, there was something about her that was special.

  Even if she couldn’t see it herself, Lucien could.

  And that, more than anything, made her feel like maybe she was worth noticing after all.

  Vanessa let Lucien's words settle in. The silence between them wasn’t awkward, but charged with a new understanding. She had never expected someone like Lucien—so hardened by war, so distant from everyone—to see something in her that she herself had never noticed. It made her heart swell with an emotion she wasn’t quite used to: hope.

  Lucien, still watching her with those sharp grey eyes, seemed to sense her inner turmoil, though he didn’t press her. He was a man of few words, and yet, every one of his words felt heavy, deliberate. And in this moment, Vanessa realized that Lucien wasn’t just here to make casual conversation. He was here because he wanted to be.

  She finally looked up at him again, her voice soft but steady. "I didn’t think you noticed things like that," she admitted, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her cup.

  Lucien’s gaze didn’t waver. "I notice more than people think," he replied calmly. "And you’re not as unremarkable as you think."

  The sincerity in his voice sent a small shiver down Vanessa’s spine. She had always thought of herself as just a background character in the lives of others—supporting, but never the focus. Yet, here was Lucien Vale, sitting across from her, telling her she was enough.

  Vanessa took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I guess… I just didn’t expect someone like you to care about… someone like me."

  Lucien’s expression remained calm, but his eyes softened. "I don’t waste my time on things I don’t care about," he said, his tone straightforward but not unkind. "And I’m here, aren’t I?"

  The directness of his statement hit her like a punch to the chest, but not in a painful way. It was like a realization finally crashing down on her—Lucien cared. He had been coming to the bakery for her, had been showing up, and now he had brought her here, to this quiet tea shop, because he cared.

  Vanessa couldn’t help but smile, though it was small and a bit shy. "I guess that’s true," she admitted softly.

  Lucien leaned back slightly, his posture still as composed as ever, but there was something relaxed in the way he watched her now. As if a barrier had been lowered, just a little.

  "Stop doubting yourself," he said, his voice low but firm. "You’re more than you give yourself credit for."

  Vanessa felt warmth spread through her chest, her nerves slowly easing away. She had been so caught up in her own insecurities, so wrapped in the idea that she wasn’t enough, that she hadn’t even allowed herself to believe that someone like Lucien could genuinely be interested in her.

  But now, sitting here with him, hearing him say these things—things she had never expected to hear—it made her realize that maybe she was enough. And maybe, just maybe, she could allow herself to believe it.

  "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with a sincerity that matched his. "I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that."

  Lucien gave her a small nod, his eyes still focused on her with that quiet intensity. "You deserved to hear it," he replied.

  They lapsed into a comfortable silence again, sipping their tea, but now it felt different. The air between them was lighter, less tense. Vanessa’s heart wasn’t racing with nerves anymore, but with something softer. She still didn’t fully understand what had drawn Lucien to her, but for now, it didn’t matter. He was here, and that was enough.

  As they continued to talk, the conversation flowed more easily, and Vanessa found herself smiling more, laughing softly at some of Lucien’s dry, blunt comments. And though Lucien was still as serious and composed as ever, she noticed the small shifts in his demeanor—the way his eyes lingered on her just a bit longer, the way his lips almost curled into a faint smile when she spoke.

  It was subtle, but it was there.

  The evening passed in a gentle blur of conversation and quiet moments, and by the time they left the tea shop, the sky had darkened into a deep indigo, stars beginning to twinkle above them. Lucien walked beside her as they made their way back toward the bakery, the cool night air brushing against their skin.

  Vanessa felt a warmth inside her that hadn’t been there before, a quiet confidence that Lucien’s words had sparked. For the first time in a long time, she felt seen—not just as the girl behind the counter, but as someone who mattered.

  As they approached the bakery, Lucien stopped, turning to face her. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but there was a softness in his eyes that made Vanessa’s heart skip a beat.

  "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice low but sincere.

  Vanessa blinked, confused. "For what?"

  Lucien’s gaze held hers for a moment longer before he spoke. "For being you."

  The simplicity of his words made her chest tighten with emotion. She smiled, the warmth spreading through her again. "Thank you for being you too," she replied softly.

  Lucien gave a small nod, his eyes lingering on her for just a second longer before he turned to leave. Vanessa watched him go, her heart full, her mind still spinning from everything that had happened tonight.

  As Lucien disappeared into the night, Vanessa stood outside the bakery, the cool breeze playing with her hair. She didn’t know what the future held for them, or where this would lead, but she knew one thing for sure.

  For the first time in her life, she felt like she mattered. And that feeling, more than anything else, was enough to carry her forward into whatever came next.

  Because Lucien had seen her—truly seen her—and she finally believed it.