Chapter 70

Julie glanced at her phone and saw an unfamiliar number. She hesitated before pressing the call button. “Hello?”

There was no response, only heavy breathing. She hesitated, about to hang up, when a familiar voice said, “Jules.” Julie heard Zayn’s voice and abruptly ended the call.

Lucian cast a brief sideways glance and asked, “Who was it?”

Julie gripped her phone tightly and refused to let Lucian know. “Nobody,” she casually dismissed it and blocked the number.

Ten minutes later, the car pulled up smoothly to her neighborhood. She was about to say goodbye when Lucian stepped out of the driver’s seat.

Without waiting for her to speak, he flatly offered, “I’ll walk you upstairs.”

“Oh, okay,” Julie responded, leading the way to the building entrance.

Lucian followed at an unhurried pace, staying close behind until they reached her apartment door.

Julie paused and glanced at the door before pointing. “Do you want to come in for a bit?”

Lucian raised an eyebrow. A faint trace of a smile sparkled in his eyes as he asked, “It’s pretty late. Are you sure about inviting me in?”

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Julie chuckled. “Y–You’re not a bad person.”

He mused, “You trust me that much?”

Julie bristled at the amusement in his tone. “Forget it! Don’t come in!” She hurried to open the door.

Just as she was about to close it, a hand wedged itself in the gap, stopping the door from shutting.

Startled, Julie looked up at the man. “What are you doing?” she asked, confused.

“I’m coming in.” With that, he slipped inside effortlessly.

Once inside, he acted as if he were entirely at home. He casually shrugged off his coat and tossed it onto the couch before settling comfortably. Julie glanced at the coat and chose not to comment. Instead, she went into the kitchen and grabbed a clean glass to pour him a cup of water. “Thanks for tonight,” she said sincerely. Her eyes reflected genuine gratitude.

Lucian raised an eyebrow. A subtle smile played on his lips as his gaze flicked to the cup in her hand. He quipped, “Just water?”

Feeling slightly awkward, she bit her lip and explained, “I just moved in and haven’t had the chance to stock up on anything yet. Water is all I’ve got.”

His eyes drifted to the dining table, where fresh vegetables were neatly arranged. Those ingredients were meant for a dinner with Amaya, but the plan had fallen apart due to…

Julie followed his gaze and explained, “I was going to have dinner with a friend, but things happened, so…”

Lucian got up and walked to the table to inspect the mouthwatering ingredients. “Can I eat this?” he asked, though his hands were deftly moving on the stovetop to start cooking. Julie’s lips twitched. Why would he ask when he was already doing it?

As if sensing her inner complaint, Lucian looked up at her. “Julie, are you cursing me in your head again?”

She waved her hands in denial. “No, no.”

He chuckled and pointed the spoon at her. “Come and have some. Don’t be shy.”

Julie wasn’t sure how to react. The man had no shame.

She walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat across from him. The table was small but just right for two people.

Watching Lucian eat with relish, she couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you have dinner?”

He paused briefly and answered, “I did.”

Julie was stunned. He’d eaten and could still eat this much? He must be expensive to feed. Though she mused internally, she dared not voice the thought aloud.