TIMELESS LONGING

eakfast table. Evelyn, Lucas's mother, moved gracefully around the kitchen, arranging plates of fresh fruit and pastrie

warm yet authoritative. "Breakfa

from sleep. He glanced at the spread on the table and frowned slightly.

t. "You need to eat, dear. You've been working yourse

'm fine, Mom. I've got a lot on my plate right now, especially

pushing yourself like this, Lucas. It's time to heal, esp

ter. He set his cup down, a shadow crossing his featu

's been months, Lucas. Holding on to that pain won't b

ce. "You don't understand. I have to keep this company r

d gently. "Your sister would want you to live your life

ave of his hand. "I'll be fine. I just need to make

words. "I hope you're being very hard on them. You know I

who had become a valuable asset to the team. "Nadia will be fine. She knows

s, Not everyone is as naturally gifted as you. Besides, mentoring som

. I've got meetings to attend." He turned and strode

shed her son would be more tougher than this.A part of her always wanted him to be t

her past relationship with her ex-boyfriend crept in, taunting her with whispers of inadequacy and fear. She remembered the harsh words, the belittling c

ning her clothes. "You can do this," she whispered to herself. "Ju

she couldn't shake the feeling that her fir

osing building once again, she felt her heart racing. Just as she was a

she stood at the entrance with Lucas, her concern pal

doing well, but I don't want her near the

s. She deserves a chance to prove herself, whi

rking at Lucas's company. Would she be facing not only the pressure of her n

ound, his eyes locking on Lila. "What are you doing here?"