"So, when will you be returning home?" Nate asked. We are currently doing a video call in my tablet while I cook inside my kitchen.

"In three days, I have to attend the gallery." I replied, as I transfer the pasta noodles on plate. Living alone here in Paris helped me widen my knowledge when it comes to cooking. I keep on trying to discover more just to satisfy my tasebuds.

Nate is now in charge of the hotel and he's been handling it for almost three years now because Dad got into another attack. He gets weaker and weaker each passing year making him no choice but to give the power to my brother. Now, he is just resting while Mom still continues to help the hotel.

"How long will you be here?"

I shrugged "I don't know...maybe a few weeks? I was thinking, since this is the first time I will be coming home in seven years so why not make the most of it? After that, I will be back here anyway."

"Oh really? So you were thinking of a vacation?"

I nodded, focusing on pouring my pasta sauce on my noodles then add some toppings before placing them on the table. I only made one serving and it's more than enough for me. I turn to the tablet screen where Nate is eying me with suspicion. "What?" I asked with my mouth full.

"Is the vacation the only reason why you want to stay longer? Or is it something else?" there is mischief in his tone.

What is he talking about? Then it just suddenly hits me causing me to withdraw my eyes and focus on my meal. "Yep, that's the only reason that I see why I should stay long." I tried to play dumb about it. "I don't have any friends there to visit so...the only reason of coming home is really a vacation."

Nate scoffed at my answer and rolled his eyes. "I am referring about your husband, idiot. Don't you have any plans on filing a divorce? You two are separated now so what the legal process is the only thing missing."

I cleared my throat and wiped my lips using a napkin. "I'm thinking about it." I murmured silently then suddenly, someone was knocking on my door. "Someone is here, talk to you soon."

"Fine, tell me the schedule of your flight. I'll come pick you up."

I playfully narrowed my eyes at him. "Nah, you don't have to. I know how busy you are."

Nate chuckles. "I insist. It's the least I can do to my baby girl."

I cringed and made a disgusted face. "Eeew and bye bye!" I waved before closing my tablet then head towards to open the door. I look upon the peep hole and saw Val standing at the doorstep.

Shit, guess my boyfriend is here to see me. But, this is not the first time he's been here. Actually, he is so close to live here because he's always here. I opened the door and greeted him with a sweet smile. "Hi, come in." opening the door wider for me.

Once he comes in, he pulls me into a gentle and quick hug before giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Hey, you busy?"

"No, I was just talking to Nate when you knocked." I answered then head inside the kitchen with him following behind. He grabbed one beer at the fridge which he always do then sat down with me. "You want some?"

He shakes his head. "No, I just ate." his eyes roams round my aparment and I saw how his forehead frowns when he saw my luggage bag in the living room. It was open and the things that I will be bringing are all over the place. "You going somewhere?"

"Yeah, I was just going to tell you. Remember when I told you about the new Malikha Art Museum? Well, they sent me me a message last night that I got included so I will be attending the opening next week."

"Oh, that's great!" He cheered. "Wow, luck is born within you, Talia. I really envy you."

"What, luck? Can you repeat that?" I playfully chuckled then stood up to grab some water then slowly approaches the table. "Don you want to come with me? See my home and meet my family?" I sat down on his lap causing him to wrap around his one arm and rest it on top of my thigh.

Val gave an apologetic look. "I badly want to, belle. But you know I can't." he snaked his fingers to my hair then gather them on one side. "Take care care of yourself there, I won't be by your side to cheer you up."

I snorted and slapped his shoulder. "I can take care of myself, thank you." I got off his lap then went back to continue eating. "Besides, I will be staying there for a short time only. I have work here so I can't stay that long."

"Is there a reason for you to stay too long there?"

I nearly choke my pasta at his question. Why does this inner self in me doesn't want to tell him anything about Lucas. Shit, should I tell him about him? No, I should not because it will just complicate things. "Not at all!" faking a smile and quickly finished my food with quick munch then in a dash, they are already in the dishwasher.

I wiped my hands clean then head to the living room to continue packing my clothes. It is quite unsettled that I am hiding a big secret about him but it will just complicate things.

Nate is right, it would be better if Lucas and I should file a divorce to end this. That's the only thing missing in our life because we finally grew apart. The mess between us cannot be fixed anymore.

Val got down on the carpet to help me pack. Since we are now an official couple, things might turn out and have a change between us. We are not that best friends anymore because he has now the authority to do some intimate things with me. As a matter of fact, we only kissed once.

And that happened when I was drunk and I was the one who initiate the act. That was the time that I was too emotional again because I missed Lucas and when I do, I drink. It took me 2 years to even finally move on from it and there are episodes in my life that I would just suddenly feel depressed about it. The sorrow will just wash over me for a moment that I will do everything to throw them away.

About the kiss, it was a mistake. I should not have kissed Val and he promised that he will never kiss me again without my permission. So until now, the kisses are either on my cheek or on my forehead. That's all and nothing more. But he kissed me once on my hand when he was flirting with me but it was just nothing. We were joking around that time.

"So, how long will you be there?" He asked.

"Not too long." I replied, almost finished with the packing but my back already aches so I throw myself on my couch. I signaled Val to come and he obliged my little request and sat down beside me, making me lean half of my body on him. "Are you going to miss me?"

Val let out a throaty chuckle and pinched my nose a little. "Of course I will, my life is basically boring without you."

I laughed and wrinkled my nose in the process. He and his sweet words really makes me smile. And on this day forward, I plan on giving him a chance to make me smile as long as he plans to stay with me. Val is a really wonderful guy and I am lucky to have him in my life so I will do anything to keep him. He made a great role in bringing the lightness in me and I will always be thankful for him.

Val wraps his arms around me and buries his nose on my neck. Moments like this, I can't help to think about Lucas. Yes, I'm pathetic to even think of him. But it somehow registered in my brain that I will never let a man touch me unless it was Lucas and even now, it haunts me.

Whenever Val tries to wraps his arms around me or even kiss my cheek, Lucas always manifest inside me.

This effect Lucas had in me is killing me. I must vanquish it or it will destroy my life. I started my life without him and I must face what is right in front of me. Not the guy from my past.

This guy...

This guy in front of me.

I didn't notice that I've been staring at him causing him to give me a half, satisfied smile. "What?

My head shakes and I lean my head on his shoulder."Nothing...just let me lean on you for a while." I close my eyes and let his scent linger in my nose.

It's Valentin.

It's not Lucas.

Valentin is the one in front of you and not Lucas who turns his back on you.

Keep that in mind.

My eyes clenched tighter when Valentin kissed my forehead and keep his lips glued there for a moment. "Take care when you get home, Belle." he whispered which made me tingle. "I will miss you."

"I will miss you too." I whispered back and let the moment last.

I want to feel his warmth.

Valentin really helps me feel relax and calm. He is like my chill pill and he really knows how to keep me on my feet at rough times. What he gives me is security and calmness. Lucas is the fire in that he distinguished.

But once I get home and if our fate crashes again then we will talk about it.

I only have one fear when I get there.

One fear...

A fear that he might fire inside me again and I might not want to distinguish it.

And that is what scares me.

----

Alright, Crimson City here we go.

Stepping out of the plane, the jolty feeling inside me ravished over me.

This is home.

There is a feeling inside me that makes me want to tear up. This place gave me so many pain and I'm here, coming back home to do what I am destined to to.

I was walking out while pushing my cart where my luggage is when I saw a hand waving to get my attention.

And there stood my brother.

Nate ran towards me when he noticed that I finally saw him. He greeted me with a big hug and lifted me off the ground causing me to squeal. I don't care if there are people around me but I just missed my brothet so damn much.

"My little sis is back in town!" he joked and placed me back down. His eyes studied my face next and winced "Damn, Paris made you beautiful! Look at how perfect your complexion is."

I playfully slapped his hand from touching my face. "Jeez Nate, I'm already beautiful even before. Paris just enchanced me."

"What kind potion do you have there, give your gay brother some." Nate carried my things for me as we started walking to his car. When you look at my brother, you can never guess that he is gay because of how he suit up. Jeez, he can make any woman drool for him because he is hot and not to mention, very rich. He is now the CEO of the hotel so he is benefiting more money than he did before.

I slide inside the car and waited for him to get into the driver's seat.

"So, what do you want to eat? Do you want to go shopping or do you want to get some rest first?" he asked once the engine roared to life and he started driving off.

"I want to rest first, Nate. It's a 13 hour flight." I leaned back and raised both of my feet near the window. "So, how is Dad and Mom?"

"Well, they are both excited for your return. In fact, everyone in the hotel are looking forward to this day."

A smile formed in my lips. "Well, I do miss them too. Especially, Bill. I hope he always maintain his good looks even when he's old."

Nate laughed. "Well, our Bill will always be Bill." he chanted as his eyes are focused on the road. "So gallery opening is when? This weekend?"

"Yes, and addition to that, since clients heard that I will be returning here, they requested me to come into more art galleries, clients here are calling me...asking to meet with me because they wanted a paintings of themselves." I replied, getting a little excited. Come to think of it, even the mayor of Crimson City contacted me and told me to have do a portrait of him and his family. How cool was that?

Then the gallery will be a great opportunity for me to be known world wide as well because there are a lot of famous artists who were included in this opening. So I am kinda nervous that I might be overshadowed by them but I will just do what I have to do. Show them what I got and let's see if there are people who will admire my artworks. Either my sculpture or my paintings, they can choose whatever they want.

"You know, everyone is talking about this art gallery that you are included. They said that it was really a building that was well designed and structured to be the most artistic gallery in the world." Nate mentioned. "All the best artist are looking forward to be invited in such great event."

"Yeah, and I'm really happy to be a part of it." I murmured, grinning like a fool. It would be a great honour and like a dream come true to do this. "I am not the only one who sponsored it. There are others who contributed so it will be built amazingly. I saw the pictures and the internal structure of the gallery is really breathtaking."

God, words cannot express how happy I am honestly but other than that, it is like my hard works were finally paid off. Now I am here and I'm being recognized.

"Well, it is a total bum if the gallery is boringly designed." Nate joked.

We reached the hotel as there are many fanliar staffs who welcomed me, and one of them is Bill. I really appreciate his dedication to this hotel, even until now. His love to service us is admirable and I will forever be grateful to him for not leaving us.

Right now I am at the penthouse and I was greeted by a feast. There are tons of delicious food served on top of the table and they are all for my return.

"Welcome home, sweetheart." Mom went over to me to give me a hug. "You hungry? I had all of these cook for you."

I let out a soft chuckle. "These are too much, Mom. Look at these, I cannot eat them alone. All of you should join me."

Dad comes in next and he is walking floppy, he finds walking difficult now due to his recent knee surgery so he cannot walk without his staff. His face is his usual blank expression and didn't show any sign of excitement that I'm here. His eyes were simply on me and he tried walking closer but not too close.

"You look better." My Dad compliments me. "I heard you will represent your work at the new gallery. Congratulations."

I nodded a little unease before muttering "Thanks, Dad."Having a long exchange of conversation with my Dad is something that I should not expect because as far as I know, he doesn't really like to talk much. Unless it is about business and it aboht to lecture me like before.

"So, let's eat!" Nate broke the awkward silence and everyone moved to help Mom to prepare the table. I helped Dad sit down on his seat and I quickly walk over to my own as Nate next next to me.

We all have a decent meal together and it's been so long since we ate as a family. Now, i am starting to understand it and process it in my mind. It is not bad to at least share a table sith your own family. Maybe these difficulties inside me is my own problem and I chose to avoid them before and now, I kinda kissed the concept of having someone.

I always eat alone in Paris causing me to keep on inviting Val over or the girls to keep me company. It is tiring to be alone to be honest and I fear to be alone anymore.

"I am very happy you are back, Talia. How I wish that you could stay here for good but I know, you have a life that you built in Paris." Mom stated.

"Yeah, that's why I will make sure to enjoy this vacation while it last. Seven years is too long." I murmured while my mouth is full of muffins. "It's been so long." I breathe out.

Nate chuckles and shakes his head when he sees me eating like a child. What can I do, the food at the plane tastes horrible. Their coffee as well and I couldn't sleep for an unknown reason. Maybe because I'm being paranoid or excited.

It wasn't a talkative lunch but it is nice for a chance. I was never really attach to them but I want to give it a chance though. Probably, the missing pieces in my heart will form once I fix everything that I left unsolved here. Maybe, I will be complete. I will be fully happy and satisfied. Because even now, it feels like I'm not whole yet. I'm broken inside who is managing to escape the harsh truth.

And now that I'm here, let me solve everything.

And when I say everything, I mean.

Including with Lucas.

It is time to face him and deal whatever is waiting for us.

I'm ready.

......

3rd's POV

Meanwhile in Midnight Phantom Club, the outstanding and famous night club in the Crimson City...

Three boys are hanging out at the lounge area, exclusive only to these mysterious gentlemen. Currently there are three billionaires who were having a drink and catching up for the lost time. One of them is the handsome chef known Stephan, the mischievous owner of the club Zephyrus, and the secret agent Rune. These men are not famous only because of their strong appeal to the ladies but they are known for how powerful they are.

You can't mess with them because of their connections. Mess with one, you have to deal with all of them.

Suddenly, one came in, stomping in as a matter of fact and sat down in his spot with depth catching the attention of his friends.

His eyes were cold as ice and his face were blank. An unreadable expression plastered and nobody wants to deal with him at times like this. They know that there is something happened opposite of his liking.

The club is dimmed but they can really picture how arched his eyebrows and the dark aura coming within him. "Someone is grumpy." Rune broke up the silence while sliding a bottle of bear at him which he caught even without looking.

Stephan manages to read the bitterness in his face and senses something was wrong. "So, what happened this time?"

He remained unspoken as he turns his eyes toward the dance floor where people are dancing sexily and some are making out without any shame, causing another growl to come out.

Zephyr let out a husky chuckle while dunking the mouth of the beer between his teeth. "It was nice talking to you, my friend." he stated playfully making the others laugh.

But that just made his temper even worst. "Will you just fucking shut up?" he hissed.

"Woah." but none of them seems taken back and got used to his attitude. "Dude, seriously...what happened? You got dumped?"

"Tsk, by whom? His fiance? She is clearly head over heels in love with this man." Rune rolled his eyes and went back to finish his drink.

"Then what causes Mr. Salvador anger tonight?" Zephyr questioned with a smirk.

He let out a heavy sigh before having the courage to speak it up. "She's here."

"Who's here?" the three asked in unison, looking at him without any clue who he is referring to.

"My wife. She's here."

To be continued

So sorry, I have to end it here but I hope you like the little hint that I placed there. Comment down what you think and show some love for the characters that I will post a photo right now...

Talia

Lucas

Silvia

Valentin