Your pace slowed as you approached the lakeside path of the Albrecht estate while basket of flowers dangled loosely from arm yet, step faltered when a familiar figure appeared ahead.

It was him, the man you met two weeks ago.

With that same confident stride, the man who had turned your tranquil day into an afternoon of irritation two weeks ago. As if sensing your presence, he glanced over his shoulder and gave you a knowing smile, a look that sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

The memory of your first encounter flooded your thoughts.

Flashback: Two Weeks Ago

It had been a quiet, perfect afternoon. The sun filtered through the trees as you strolled along the lakeside path, picking apples from the orchard. The basket was soon brimming, and as you were just about to turn back, you felt the sharp impact—a sudden jostle that made the apples slip from your grasp and fall to the ground with a dull thud. Before you could even process what had happened, a tall figure brushed past you, not sparing a single glance. A man, wearing a dark coat, his attention wholly absorbed in the thick book he clutched.

The nerve!

Before you could even talk, he was already several steps ahead, continuing his walk as if nothing had happened. You glared at his retreating back, but he never once acknowledged your presence.

“Some people have no manners,” You muttered to yourself as you continued collecting the fruit. What an arrogant man, you thought. If this was how nobles behaved, you wanted no part in it.

Present Moment

Now, he's standing before you on the same path. Lucien’s lips curved into a half-smile, as though he were enjoying the spectacle.

“We meet again. It seems I’m destined to cross your path,” he said with that same infuriating nonchalance, though his tone was laced with amusement.