Chapter 8: Precious Heirloom
Aurora's chest tightened, her breath catching at the sight of Julia's name on the phone screen.
She forced herself to keep her gaze on the plate as she tried to push down the unwelcome surge of emotions.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Lucas shift in his seat. His gaze landed on her, and for a brief second, their eyes met.
Aurora quickly dropped her eyes to her food, the fork in her hand moving aimlessly as she pretended to be absorbed in the meal.
Lucas's chair scraped against the floor and he stood, the sound sharp in the dining area.
With his expression neutral and voice flat, he announced. "I have something urgent to attend to."
Nana Rossi looked up, her brows furrowing with concern. "But is it really that important, Lucas? Family is more important than business."
Aurora's mind raced. 'It's not business, Grandma. It's Julia.'
The memory of Lucas's obsession with Julia during their marriage flooded back, the late nights where he would scour the internet for updates on her, longing for someone who wasn't her.
The realization that she had never truly been his settled heavily on her heart.
Lucas didn't offer any more explanations.