‘If you love him at all, you’ll come.’ The message flashed in Audrey’s mind over and over. It was easy to love him when he was like this. When he was sweet and sexy, it was impossible to resist him. When he was kind and vulnerable, it made her heart ache. She did love him despite every alarm bell going off in her mind telling her not to. Battles between the heart and the mind were seldom won by logic.​ Lucien’s eyes fluttered open and he caught her staring at him. A slow, lazy smile spread across his face.​ “Good morning,” his voice was low and gravelly with fresh sleep.​ “Hmmm, morning voice,”Audrey cooed, tracing circles across his bare back.Lucien smirked.​ “We’ve never done this before, have we?”​ “If by this, you mean wake up next to each other or go more than 20 minutes without fighting, then yes. We’ve never done this before.”​ “Who do you think will ruin it first?” Lucien asked, propping himself up on an elbow.​ “If we review the records, it’ll probably be you,” Audrey

This was unbelievable. Not that long ago, they were in a reverse situation where Lucien was the one trying to explain and she wouldn’t let him. Being on the other side of it was frustrating. She couldn’t understand why Lucien didn’t want to hear her side of things. When she shut him out, it only made things worse. So, why was he doing the same thing when he knew how bad it got before?​ “Ugh!” Audrey yelled to no one. Her hands flew into her hair, and she pulled at it in anger. “This is insane! We’ll never get out this damn cycle!”​ She threw on some clothes and huffed out the house. When she arrived to the hospital, she was surprised to find Mia alone in the room.​ “Where is he?” Audrey asked in lieu of a greeting.​ “How funny,” Mia sneered. “Your husband had chosen to spend all of his free time with me.”​ “He made it seem like you weren’t doing well. Where is he?”​ “A few well timed tears and whimpers can do wonders to convince someone.”​ “Where. Is. He?” Audrey asked through

They hung up and she opened her email. As promised, Damian’s message was there.​ Dear Miss Audrey Wilson,Congratulations on your employment with Dezick Design Studios, Inc. We are pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to work with us and we look forward to nurturing and growing your design talents. For starting compensation, we would like to offer you a salary of $70,000 annually. Also, a signing on bonus of $14,000 will be awarded to you. A full medical, dental and vision benefits package is also included for you and a family member.Other perks can include, company housing, company vehicles and paid travel. If this is agreeable to you, please respond to this email. Again, we are glad you have chosen to have your talents represented by Dezick Design Studios.​ Respectfully,​ Damian O’Connell, CEO​Audrey blinked as she reread the email several times. Her starting salary was more than she could have hoped for, and that sign on bonus would greatly assist her in finding a

“That would be nice.”Audrey replied.​ “There is a good spot close to you. I’m at the studio now. I’ll pick you up in a few minutes.”Damian texted back.​ “No that’s okay. If it’s close, I’ll walk. I need the air.”​ “Are you sure?”​ “Positive. I’ll meet you there.”​ Damian sent her the name of the bar, and it was right down the street from her. A five-minute walk tops. As she walked towards the bar, her mind wandered in every direction except the one she wanted it to.All she wanted was to get Lucien out of her mind, and he just wouldn’t leave. Would she be able to run from him forever? Eventually, they would have to hash this out.​ Damian was waiting for outside when she arrived.​ “Are you all right? He asked when he saw her. “You look troubled.”​ “I feel troubled,” Audrey admitted. “I checked my dad out of the hospital, and moved us into the apartment without telling Lucien.”​ “I thought he knew,” Damian said as he escorted Audrey inside.​ “If he did, he’d never let me go.”

“I should be happy.”He thought.‘Mia wants me back. It’s what I wanted, right? Then why I feel so… empty?’He stood there for what felt like an eternity. The divorce agreement felt like lead weight in his hand. He didn’t want this.​ “I wanted to try,” he said to no one.Audrey heard him on her side of the door, and did everything she could to muffle her cries.Lucien put the paperwork against the door, and signed it before he changed his mind. “Goodbye, Audrey. I’m sorry.” He pushed the signed agreement under her door and left.Audrey sank to the floor and let her heart shatter.​ “I wanted to try too,” she whimpered. Deep, painful sobs took hold her of her and she tried to let every ounce of her feelings for Lucien die.​Lucien walked to his car, feeling disconnected from his body. Audrey’s past words swirled through his mind.*I like him. Despite everything, and I tried not to. I really tried. But I’m falling in love with him. I know right? How stupid of me. How could I let that h