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“Yes, it was the day he was due to fly back from Arizona. Lycus had an accident on his way to the airport. The reports said he was speeding, but a truck ran a red light and was actually to blame for the crash. It was fortunate that it wasn’t more serious, but he couldn’t fly back for nearly a week, which is why we delayed the meeting in the first place, because we wanted to launch the project and have the ‘Wicked Temptation’ debrief with both of you there.” His words hang in the air, the weight of the unspoken truths between us palpable.
I feel a surge of conflicting emotions at the news of Lycus’ accident – relief that he wasn’t more seriously injured, guilt for not knowing sooner, and a lingering sense of unease at the thought of him going through such a traumatic experience alone.
The memory of our last interaction before everything fell apart flashes through my mind, haunting me with guilt and unresolved tension.
He said Lycus was speeding to the airport…chasing me because I ran. It’s all my fault…
I stand there, my mind reeling from Mr Alpine’s revelation. The pieces of the puzzle start to click into place, forming a picture I never could have imagined.
So was it all a mistake? A simple error that led to my public humiliation and subsequent resignation? The weight of months of bitterness and anger starts to lift from my shoulders, replaced by a sense of confusion and disbelief.
And guilt. So much fucking guilt. How could something so life–altering have been the result of a mere accident? Mr Alpine watches me intently, waiting for my response, his eyes filled with genuine regret and apology.
After a long moment of silence, I finally find my voice. "I... I don’t know what to say," I admit, feeling a mix of emotions churning inside me. “I had no idea,” I finally manage to whisper, my voice barely audible in the heavy silence of the room. Mr Alpine gives me a sympathetic look, as if he understands the turmoil raging inside me.
He nods solemnly, his gaze never leaving mine. “I know this must be difficult for you, Angelica. But I wanted to offer you a chance to know the truth. I understand that this may be hard for you to accept given the events that transpired after that day. But I assure you, it was never my intention to hurt you in any way. If there’s anything I can do to make amends, please tell me.”
I take a deep breath, trying to process everything that has come to light in this small office. The memories that have haunted me for so long suddenly feel less potent, less destructive.
It’s time to let go of the anger and resentment that has consumed me for so long. Now, I need to learn to deal with my guilt instead. Guilt for causing Lycus’ crash, guilt for not listening to his explanations, guilt for quitting a job I loved, for running away… I don’t even know where to begin unpicking all of this.
“Thank you for telling me the truth,” I say quietly, meeting Mr Alpine’s gaze with newfound clarity. “I... I think I need some time to think about everything. And I realise now that I’ve seriously fu—messed up with Lycus.”
Mr Alpine gives me a small, sad smile, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
“Angelica, don’t be too hard on yourself. It takes courage to admit one’s mistakes and even more courage to make amends. Lycus is a good man, and I believe he will appreciate your sincerity if you choose to hear him out.”
He stands up from his desk and walks over to me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Take the time you need. And remember, it’s never too late to set things right. He’s here tonight, by the way, if you want to take care of things sooner rather than later.”
As I leave Mr Alpine’s office, my mind is a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Lycus is here. As soon as I saw Mr Alpine and realised tonight was the opening for his club, I suspected he might be. But hoping for it – dreading it – and knowing it are very different things.
I make my way through the crowded club, the music pounding in my ears, my heart racing with nerves as I search for Lycus among the throngs of people.
Every time I think I catch a glimpse of him, a stranger turns or the light shifts and a stab of disappointment lances my chest.
He’s not here. Or maybe he is, but with someone else, in one of the private rooms. Either way, I’m too late.
Why does that hurt so much? I push through the sea of bodies, feeling a sense of panic rising within me. The lights are dizzying, the music deafening, and my thoughts are a chaotic mess.
A man I don’t recognise pushes past me, pinching his bloody nose, his face a swollen mess.What the hell happened to him?
“Your boyfriend is a fucking psycho,” he mumbles through a thick lip. Or at least that’s what I think he says.
He’s obviously mistaken me for someone else.
I spot a familiar figure near the bar, his back turned to me as he speaks to someone. It might be Lycus…I’m unsure now. Doubting everything I thought I knew.
My heart lurches in my chest as I make my way towards the figure, my steps faltering with uncertainty and apprehension. What will I say? How can I possibly make things right after all this time?
And then, like a beacon in the night, he turns and it’s all I can focus on. He’s leaning against the bar, a half-empty glass of whiskey in his hand, his gaze fixed on me with a mixture of surprise and something else I can’t quite place.
I take a deep breath and walk over to him, every step feeling heavier than the last. As I approach, he straightens up, his eyes never leaving mine. The noise of the club fades into the background as we stand there, facing each other in silence.
“Lycus,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper as I swallow round the lump of regret in my throat. “I... I don’t even know where to start. I’m so sorry for everything that happened between us. I should have listened to you... I never should have run.”
He studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. And then, to my surprise, a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips. “Angelica… Angel…” he says softly, setting his glass down on the bar. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I was so worried you wouldn’t come tonight.”
Before I can react, he reaches out and pulls me into a tight embrace, holding me close as if he never wants to let go. Some of the guilt and regrets that have weighed me down for so long start to melt away.
