Astra froze, her surprise evident as Elias' actions took her off guard. Gradually, an unforeseen warmth radiated from where their lips met, permeating her being.
It felt like a magnetic pull she couldn't resist. Astra's response was instinctive, and her lips responded to his touch.
Initially tender and unhurried, the kiss deepened into an intense fervor. Elias drew her close, his embrace refusing to let go.
The world outside vanished as their hearts pounded in unison, the elevator's ambient noise drowned by the rhythm of their excitement.
Their kiss became an unspoken revelation, a fervent expression that transcended words. Every touch was like a spark igniting within her.
Just as the doors began to open, Elias intensified the kiss, his fingers tangled in her hair. All external distractions dissolved, leaving only their mingling breaths and the intoxicating taste of one another.
Astra's hands sought refuge on his chest, fingers clutching his shirt as if seeking an anchor. When the doors were wide open, they drew apart, their breaths ragged.
Their eyes locked, both bewildered by the magnitude of their shared moment. Amid the bustling lobby, they found themselves encapsulated in a cocoon of mutual astonishment.
Elias, a man acquainted with eternity and its detached emotions, felt a sense of surprise at how a solitary kiss had unraveled something profound within him.
Astra, her cheeks flushed and heart still racing, grappled with the rising emotions that had surged forth.
For a fleeting instant, they remained connected, before the world around them slowly reasserted itself.
The lobby buzzed with activity, people bustling about, yet Astra and Elias remained suspended in their personal realm of astonishment.
"Astra, are you okay?"
Turning towards the lobby, Astra met Cole's concerned blue gaze. Beside him stood Lucian and three maintenance workers.
It seemed they had sent the elevator to the lobby after Astra and Elias had halted it. They must've assumed there was a malfunction.
Stepping out of the elevator, Astra reassured, "I'm fine."
Cole's touch grazed her cheek, and he inquired, "What happened? The elevator stopped twice. We reviewed the camera footage, but there was nothing visible."
Elias, looking off into the distance, turned his attention to Astra upon hearing her explanation.
"Just a couple of brief stops before the elevator continued to the lobby," Astra clarified.
Cole nodded and followed up, "Were you hurt?"
Astra shook her head, her smile returning. "No, I'm perfectly fine."
Cole's smile mirrored hers; his relief was evident. "I'm glad you're okay."
Astra's cheeks tinged with a flush as she looked away, a hint of embarrassment coloring her demeanor. Cole's gaze softened in response.
Meanwhile, Lucian glanced at Astra and then shifted his attention to Elias. An eyebrow arched, he brazenly questioned, "What the hell are you doing here?"
Astra's gaze flicked between the two men, her frown deepening. Did Lucian truly possess a death wish to address the leader of the shadow guards so insolently?
Elias shifted his focus from Astra to standing before Lucian. "I'm staying here for a couple of weeks. Any issues with that?"
Lucian's response was curt, "Yes, I do. Didn't my brother and I clarify that you're not welcome here?"
As Lucian shoved Elias, Astra's brows furrowed even more. She turned her attention to Cole, who had been observing the scene with a smile, and implored, "You should intervene."
Cole raised an eyebrow inquisitively, "You don't find fights entertaining?"
Astra shook her head. "I don't. Words hold more power, and their impact lasts longer than physical altercations."
Both Lucian and Elias, overhearing her, found amusement in her statement. Lucian remarked, "And this comes from the most empathetic soul in the galaxy. If I hadn't met you, I might have believed your fans' portrayal of you as an angel and Violet as a demon."
Astra responded with a playful smirk, "My fans have great insight. Maybe you should take notes."
Lucian continued, "Your day must've been quite satisfying, considering the galaxy's response to the footage from the party."
Perplexed, Astra turned to him. "Footage? What happened?"
Lucian explained, "The galaxy seems to have turned against your family after someone recorded events at the party."
Astra's confusion seemed to linger. "Family?"
Lucian clarified, "Whether you accept it or not, Violet is your step-sister."
Astra responded, "Contrary to your assumption, I don't have an issue with that or with her, unless she spreads falsehoods about me."
Lucian inquired, "Aren't you tired of perpetuating the image of yourself as a victim?"
Astra countered, a mocking smile curving her lips, "Aren't you tired of being Violet's little bitch?"
A shadow crossed Lucian's eyes, and he advanced toward Astra. Facing him squarely, Astra held her ground. Lucian cautioned, "Be cautious with your words, Astra."
Taking a step closer, Astra's resolve remained firm. "And you too, Lucian. My patience is running thin."
A humorless chuckle escaped Lucian, though his demeanor hinted at anything but amusement. He harbored a deep anticipation for the day when he could squeeze everything away from her.
A pang of pity struck when Lucian reflected on Violet's tearful phone call. After the video's release, the comment section had been flooded, leaving Violet emotionally distraught.
Astra had tormented Violet ever since her arrival at their household, and now the entire galaxy believed it was the other way around.
With the video's unveiling, Violet faced a barrage of insults and smears while Astra appeared to relish in her predicament. Lucian couldn't wait for the day he would destroy Astra.