I woke up early and maybe I haven't slept nicely at all because of Lucas's invitation about the run. And now just that, I couldn't get over the fact that he wanted me to come and meet his friends. But, I don't want to think anything weird or anything but it just feels weird that he wanted me to come. Isn't it strange for his fiancée especially Silvia is the type of person who hates being jealous that's for sure.

I already am prepared for the run, I already worn a sports outfit to get myself comfortable as I run.

When I looked at my watch, it is already ten minutes before five so maybe Lucas is already ready. I was tying the laces of my shoes when someone knocks on my door. That could be it.

I head over to the door and opened it, greeted by Lucas.

He flashes me his genuine smile while his hand are inside the pocket of his track pants. "Ready?"

I nod and smiled. "Yeah, just got finished."

"Great, then let us go." He motioned his head before I close my door behind him.

Bruno barks, catching my attention which made me grin and pet his head. "Hi, boy! Are you coming with us?" he barks once more, excitement evident in its face and I head downstairs with Lucas.

The park is just a few meters away so we are surely just going to walk and that would be an opportunity to be alone with again.

Ramon smiles upon seeing us and greeted us with his radiant happy face. "Good morning, Mr. Saavedra and Ms. Berkeley. Off to the gym?"

"No, Ramon. We are off to run today at the park." Lucas answered.

"Good morning to you too, Ramon. Looking handsome as ever, huh?" I winked at him and I'm sure he won't take it as a flirting.

"Thank you, Ms. Berkeley. You don't look bad yourself too." Ramon smiles back.

Lucas seems a little bothered at our exchange and didn't look pleased with it so I ended it there before he gets the wrong idea. We head out of the building and Lucas wasn't looking back to me. It is strange but it makes me want to laugh at his reaction. A smile is creeping out to from from me but I'm fighting not to show it.

"Talia, you do know that Ramon is married."

Uh-oh, he didn't like it.

I made a cheerful face and confidently smiled. “Of course I know. He’s a sweet guy and I don’t think I will let a guy pass through my fingers if he’s single.” I joked because I would be so comfortable Around Ramon if he’s single. I will ask him to go out with me but only as a friend though. I don’t think he’s my type of guy.

I thought my answer is fine with Lucas but instead, it seems like I made it even worse. The unpleasant expression he has is really entertaining me.

“Then why are you still flirting with him?” He glances at me with narrow eyes.

I laughed at his reply. “I am definitely not flirting with Ramon, Lucas. Calm down. I know my limits as a friend.”

“You winked at him.” He pointed out. “That’s something that a friend shouldn’t do.”

I madly want to tease him right now but I’m sure this is not the right time for that. I will be doomed if I did.

“Lucas, stop with the grunts. I don’t like Ramon, alright? He has a wife and I respect that so don’t misunderstand my kindness to him.” I wanted to clear things before she really believes that I don’t have a limit when it comes to guys. “Besides, it is my nature to be friends with the people working around me to make sure that someone is there to help me whenever I need it.”

Lucas slows down his pace and turns to me with sincerity in his eyes. “I will surely help you she you whenever are in need, Talia. I’m always here.” His voice went straight to my heart and it really freezes my world. Why does it sounds like he really means it less more than I had in mind?

It really gives me the strange shivers and it is just the beginning. Biting my lower lip, I cleared my throat and so did he. He regained his composure and even he, seems like he didn’t expect somethingike that. Does that mean he didn’t mean it? No, I don’t think so. Somehow, his true feelings were triggered there about me.

“I know you are.” I just muttered under my breath and proceeded our walk. When we reached the park, I didn’t know how many people will be joining this run but I hope that it will not throw me out of the picture.

Lucas finds his friends near the pond, three guys and two girls with them and in my surprise, Logan was one of them. When the group notice us coming, Logan quickly lunges towards us and pulled me into a huge hug.

“I can’t believe that you are here!” Logan was too shock to see me. “Damn, why didn’t you tell me, asshole?”

Lucas chuckles and made some quick high five with the rest of the group. “Talia, meet my friends...Stephan, Zephyr and of course Logan.” I shook hands with the two guys and these two look familiar to me and I’m sure where I saw them.

“Hey, Talia. So nice of you to join us.” Stephan shakes hands with me. “This is my wife Ariana.” He pulled the girl beside her which really looks familiar to me as well.

Ariana must have read my mind because I was surprised she recognizes me. “You’re Natalia Berkeley, am I right?”

I nodded. “Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”

All of them seems to be surprised as well that Ariana knows me but I don’t know her so it’s a shame. She just looks familiar to me.

“I recognize you, you are from Paris, am I righ?”

My eyes widen in agreement. “Yeah, how did you know?”

“How can I miss the famous artist who made the Grief of an Angel, I just came back from Paris a few weeks ago. I actually own LE SAINT-RÉGIS.” She replied, looking excited about the thought.

My smile widen upon hearing the name. “You own that? That café is amazing! I always go to that shop with my friends!” Okay, I’m getting too excited here.

“Arianna also studied in Paris so you two might get along.” Lucas buts in and gave her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.

“I’m sure we will get along.” Ariana commented and I winked at her.

“This is Zephyr Cloud and wife Eleina.” Lucas introduced the next couple who were seems to be lost in their own worlds at the corner.

“Nice to finally meet you, Talia.” Zephyr shakes hands with me.

His words made me confused. Finally? Wait, does that mean that they already knew me? Or is it because I’m an artist? Eleina greeted me next with a friendly grin and even pulled me for a hug.

“I read an article about you in a magazine and I am so amazed at your paintings.” She squealed causing me to get a little shy here.

“Oh thank you so much.” I replied and turning to Lucas who was talking to Zephyr at the moment.

“Since when did you came, Talia?” Logan asked me next.

Shifting my eyes towards to Lucas from time to time, I manage to stay focus my conversation with Logan and I found out that he became a successful engeeners and now also lives in a fine house. It is actually amazing that they manage to raise up from the pit at where they are now. They are now living with an awesome profession and living the life that dreamed. How amusing.

Ariana and I manage to continue a short conversation and she is very nice. It feels relaxing that I met someone that came from Paris like me. All of them are nice but I don’t feel comfortable around them. Somehow at the back of my mind, maybe Lucas might have said our past and how we have been before. I don’t feel that secure around them but I just wanted to know how Lucas keeps his friend.

We didn’t stay there long, we started jogging around the park for minutes after they explained the time and were to meet up. Lucas surprisingly didn’t leave my side even during the run and that gave me a chance to ask him.

“Do they know?”

“Know what?”

“About our past? How we broke up?”

“Yes, they know.”

I gulped at the knowledge of that. “Then was it really okay for me to stay? I don’t think it is right to have your ex join the group while you have your own fiancée.”

“Of course its okay, Talia. Don’t be bothered by it. I am open as a book to this guys and they are my family all these years. It is just a fair move of me to tell them the truth about me but you have nothing to worry about. I haven’t told them anything that they will feel bad about you.” Lucas replied while we run side by side around the park.

He never told them that I left him? So does that mean he told them that the reason we broke up is because he cheated on me, is that it? Jeez, I admire his balls for saying that.

“They were excited to meet the woman that once made me crazy.” He also added with a short husky chuckle. "Especially, Rune who couldn't be here because of his pregnant wife."

“Ariana seems nice.” I bring out the topic of my own observation.

“She is, and she’s a great friend.” Lucas told me. “Silvia hates going out for a run so there are no chance for her to meet them at occasions like this.”

Oh, typical Silvia. That’s what you get for dating a spoiled brat. She doesn’t care about the environment that you are working on, all she wants is you and not everyone around you.

“She gets along with the guys but she couldn’t be friends with their wives.” He added then he seems to regret telling me this afterwards. “Sorry, I was speaking out of my mind.”

I let out a quick laugh as I stare at him, “Nah, don’t worry about it. I actually want to know~”

“Talia, watch out!” Lucas immediately grabs me and pulls me closer to him at the same time, a cyclist was peddling too fast that he lost control on his mountain bike that it nearly bumps onto us. Good thing Lucas was fast and he manages to pull me to his arms and wrapped me the for a while. “Watch where you are going, asshole!” he hissed at the biker before letting me go. “You alright?”

Blood quickly rushes to my faces at the quick scene there when he wrapped me in his arms. Damn, that felt so good!

“Hey, you guys aright?” Zephyr and Eleina manages to catch us and notice the biker who rushes off.

I nodded and gave them an assured face. “Yes, didn’t get any scratches.”

“You sure?” Eleina asked concerned next.

I nodded and shows them my skin on my arms to be clear. “Besides, Lucas got my on time so I wasn’t really been bumped.”

“Great, then let’s continue the run.” Zephyr replied with a gentle smile before running again with Eleina following. I did the same and Lucas seems to be left behind a little causing me to stop on my spot.

“Hey, is everything okay?” I asked. “It looks like you are the one who was hurt.” Following a joke there.

Lucas shakes his head and run along side me. “Is that the fastest run you can?” he challenged me with a smirk.

A loud laugh escaped me. “Are you trying to challenge me, Lucas?”

“Are you up to it?”

“Of course, I always am.” I amswered, confidently. Then started running ahead and leaving him without any second glances. We no longer jogging, in fact we are more like chasing each other at the park. Two former couple acting like kids racing for the finish line.

We didn’t noticed but it’s been almost an hour already of running and the others already finished their lap. Lucas reached them first and I lost.

We are both panting heavily leaving the group to look at us with confusion because it looks like we were just playing around. I grab my bottle of water and drink it straight and when I’m done, I raised my eyebrows questioningly at Lucas because, I caught him staring at me.

“What?” I snarled.

He shakes his head and drinks his own. Damn, his neck are covered with sweat and so is his toned arms but boy, they are so salvitating. I have no doubt why Lucas became this breathtakingly handsome and hot at the same time because he really deserves an applause for his workout. I don’t even know if I can keep up with it.

I was actually about to engage a conversation with Lucas while we and the others are discussing a restaurant to eat when the moment of silence arrives for me and a spotlight to the woman who ruined comes into the screen with us.

In a distance, Silvia arrives somewhere around the park, wearing a very clean and proper work attire as she approaches us and I’m sure, she wasn’t expecting to see me here.

At the shade of the sunlight, I saw how the light reflect at her sunglasses and notice how her eyes widen upon seeing me in the group. So, Lucas didn’t tell her yet?

The right Mrs. Saavedra is here.

Silvia was walking in and dumbfoundedly staring at me if she is looking at the tight person that she thinks. Without further a do, I broke the small tension and smiled mischievously at her. Leaving a hint that there is darkness behind it. Don’t expect that I will be welcoming you with an open arms, Silvia. You are the one who really ruined our lives and I don’t care about the rest, I just know it is you who started this affair.

I sense the uneasiness of the group when Silvia comes to Lucas’s side and not leaving her eyes on me.

“I thought you are not coming.” Lucas broke the silence.

“I wasn’t really going to come but...I just want to make sure about the...rumors spreading.” Silvia replied then a fake grin plastered in her lovely face. “Hello, guys.”

“Hey, Silvia. So nice of you to finally join us once in a while.” Stephan replied, pulling his wife closer to him. Lucas is making some glances towards me to check my mood but his bitch really knows how to ruin it. He is probably adjusting the moment because he let’s two of his women came in one scenario and now, he doesn’t know which one to coax.

“We are going to grab something to eat, you coming with us?” Lucas asked his fiancée.

Silvia roams her eyes, clear that she doesn’t really want to come but she got into a situation  where she can’t reject or play safe because I’m here. Of course, she needs to protect her man from a past. Now, I’m the bad girl here huh? But I don’t want to prolong the agony, I think this is the time where I should back down and leave them be.

"Sure, I would love to." Silvia made a obviously forced smile, hooking an arm with him. A silent gesture telling us that he is hers. It's too late for that now, Silvia. Even if you tell me in my face that you are mine, I have the power to sue an adultery here. Fuck, just pray that I will not be a bitch while I'm here because I will really have my revenge on you two. "You should really come with us too, Talia."

"You don't have to tell me that, Silvia. Don't ask me to come if you just want to shove me in the face that you got my husband."
I badly want to take that back but I'm too pissed to control my mouth. “Actually guys, it was a great run and thanks for having me here but I think I must go.” I was about to walk back but they all reacted.

“What, you can’t just leave. Come and join us.” Arianna breaks from her husband to catch me.

“Yes, Talia. I don’t think they mind having you with us, right?” Zephyr turned to the two on the corner.

Lucas didn’t break a glance “Of course, I want you to stay longer with us.” He replied, making my heart flutter again which is I think, a little out place. And I can really sense the awkwardness in the air but I don’t know what are these people are thinking that they wanted me to come along?

I bit my lower lip and hesitating to nod or shake my head. If I come with them, I have the chance to get to know them more and have some little inspecting with the two couple. But if I don’t come, I will also have the benefit because I don’t have to fake around and pretend that I’m so happy about this right now.

But of course, I have a very weak heart. As much as I want to really ignore Lucas, I really can’t. So in the end, my idiocy won and I came with them to eat.

The restaurant wasn’t really that far and it is owned by Stephan Draco. The place is amazing and another trivia learned is that it was Lucas who designed this and did the structures. I’m really impressed though, he is an amazing architect whose background still is a mystery for me. I have some conclusions in my mind on how he got the money to even study but I won’t voice it out loud, he might get humiliated if I did.

I didn’t sit near Lucas and Silvia because it just doesn’t feel right so I randomly just sits everywhere which happens to be the only available seat is between Logan and Arianna. This chick is really nice and I appreciate that she is entertaining me because she feels my discomfort.

Honestly, I don’t really have to be friends with them.

I don’t have any right because they belong to a group where these men are best friends and they are just bringing their wife along but unlike me, I don’t have any position here. I don’t have a boyfriend with them and I was just asked to join because of a run. And now, I’m here and listening to their conversation which is obviously, can’t relate to mysrlf since I’m not really living here so the recent enes and happening are all strangera to me.

Silvia and Lucas seems to be a in a small disagreement because I can see that they are discussing something and obviously, it is about me. I’m sure Silvia is mad because Lucas didn’t tell her that I’m around. But, I wasn’t really bothered. This is my chance to really see if it was really worth it that he almost left me for her.

The lunch happens fast and I’m really occupied because Arianna made me comfortable and so at easy with her and Eleina. They are all nice and I don’t regret now for meeting them. Logan is a huge help because he makes me feel at home as well. Not trying to make me sound and feel a total strangers to everyone.

“Oh, come to my wedding next month, Talia.” Logan grabbed my attention when we are aboht to leave the restaurant.

My eyes widen at the news. “Wait, you’re getting married?”

“Why does it sounded like you didn’t believe me?” his head tilted playfully causing me to laugh.

“No, I am just really surprised.” I replied. “But, sure I will come. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Logan is such a nice guy and I will never forget that he opened his home when we were kicked out of the aparment. His heart is pure gold and I will always love him as my friend.

“Great, I’m very happy to see you again, Talia.” Logan hugged me close when we are about to part ways.

I hugged him back and treasured that moment. It is so nice that my friends are now seattlong down at this time and I’m sure, they made the right decision this time unlike what we did before. Where everything is all wrong and unplanned.

“Me too, Logan.” I gave him once last squeeze before pulling away. Lucas stated behind while Silvia suddenly left without even saying at the restaurant. Guess Lucas and I will be walking home again.

I was now a little uncomfortable to have Lucas standing next to me and walking back. After the Silvia incident, there is no string of pain inside me and I don’t understand. As if I was already looking forward for it and see how they are as a couple. But I don’t see any thing special between them but I know the others know her well.

“Silvia wouldn’t like it if we walk together like this.” I told him giving him a sideway glance to check his reaction. "Especially alone."

Lucas didn't reply anything after but he didn't ignore me.

"Are you two in a fight? I'm sure she like it when I appeared out of nowhere." I added,quickening my pace because he is walking too fast.

"Silvia is being Silvia. Nothing to worry about." He laughs and clearly avoiding the topic with his fiancée and suddenly, there was a lump in my chest realizing something.

It just hits me.

If I were Silvia, I wouldn't be happy to have my fiance with an ex lover especially when we are walking alone and heading the same place. Silvia was clearly unhappy to see me there and I honestly feel the same. As much as I can, I don't really want to see her again after what they did to me but, my heart is working beyond my brain. I just can't stop myself but with his encounter with Silvia, I must wake up and stop this thing.

Right now, I'm stepping in at their relationship. Yes we are married but his heart and devotion is definitely not mine anymore. It is in Silvia. As much as I want to get get angry aboht it, it is the painful truth.

Lucas will no longer be mine like before.

And I will never be like Silvia. I must stop this thing with Lucas already.

I don't want to involve myself where I will be the evil one here. If Lucas cheated on me once, he can do it to Silvia because if I don't stop mysrlf right now, I will keep on looking for him and asking him to love me again. Start over and be livers once again but that is the harshness in life.

You can never have the greatest thing twice and I already had his once. So it must end there...

When we reached the aparment and our floor, I wasn't talking at all because my chest just aches for the truth and what I should tell him. Before he can get inside his unit, I called him and he immediately puts his attention on me.

"Let's stop this."

"Excuse me?" His eyebrows touched in confusion.

"I don't want to redo it again and switch us up like before. If you really love Silvia, don't bother me again because I alresdy moved on. You're hurting Silvia right now for keeping me by your side. Besides, we are getting divorce and you must stop being all this friendly on me. Please just stop." I told him, without the power to look at him strisght in the eye. "Let us end it here. I'm sorry but I can't be friends with you, Lucas. What you did to me, don't do it to Silvia especially if you love her. Don't redo your mistake."

I want to say more but my throat is already as I fight for my tears not to show up.

Lucas stood there frozen and unmoved, so I just left him be and entered my unit. I was about to close the door when I hear his faint voice.

" What if I can't?" his voice is full of sorrow and it is like a stab in the heart to see hum like this.

My eyes jump back to him. "You can only pick one."

"I can't bring myself to forget you, Talia. I always have and will always think about you." Lucas stated, his voice husky and low.

"Then try to forget me." now my voice is about to crack as well. "You lost me once, you can't have me again." those are my last words before finally closing the door. "I will sue you two with adultery to make the process of divorce faster."

The happy days that I should spend while Lucas while I'm here is gone. But there will no more regrets, he chose to be Silvia then he must have one. I must stop embarrassing myself but there is no way we can be friends especially at what happened. Yes, I left him in the first place but he chose his path. He must know that he can't keep both.

If he wants her...then be with Silvia. I will not involve myself in a disgusting affair anymore. I don't want to be friends and I don't want to be close to them again. I can't. I don't have a problem with his friends but it was fun knowing them. But I must stop involving myself with him again. Just break all the ties and fixing the shattered glass that once broken.

Once the door closes behind me, tears rolled down and I'm literally breaking down. I crouch down and hugged my legs as I continue to cry while holding my mouth to keep myself silent.

What have I put myself into?

I spend the rest of the day burying myself in my works. My pain and hardship can only escape inside me through paintings so I did it. All I did was scatter my paints and do magic on my canvas. Without any care that my cave is a total mess right now, good thing there are to rooms available in my unit, one as my cave and one for the bedroom. No one can come inside my cave because no one will understand what I have in there. Only me.

But let me be clear with myself, move on and learn to let everything go.

To be continued...