"Ruby, I haven't forgotten you," Layla said, her voice soft with regret. "So much has happened, and I couldn't reach out sooner. But I promise, I'll come see you soon." She hung up the call and glanced at the clock—it was already lunchtime. In a rush, she headed to the office, only to find Lucius reclining in his chair, seemingly at ease.
Her steps faltered as she noticed how peaceful he looked. 'Is he asleep?' she wondered, hesitant to disturb him. As Layla moved closer, she busied herself by tidying his cluttered desk, trying to make as little noise as possible.
The soft rustle of papers, however, stirred Lucius from his slumber. He blinked awake, but instead of speaking, he simply watched her, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of her figure with a quiet admiration.
When Layla finally turned around, startled to see him awake, she stammered, "When did you—"
