Uncharted Hearts: From Casual to Forever

004~ TO YOU,

Aria

The steamy tendrils of the hot bath enveloped me as I sank into the comforting warmth, soothing the tension that clung to my body after the eventful night. The scent of lavender filled the air as the gentle ripples caressed my skin. I closed my eyes, attempting to wash away not only physical fatigue but also emotional turmoil.

The tactile memory of his touch lingered in the recesses of my mind. Each caress, every brush of his fingers against my skin, played like a cherished melody. The sensation was vivid, as if he were there with me, his presence an intangible yet palpable force.

I closed my eyes, allowing the lavender-scented steam to wrap around me, creating a cocoon of tranquillity. In this serene haven, I let my mind wander freely, recalling the gentle warmth of his hands, the tender strokes that ignited a symphony of sensations within me.

Bitch you shouldn't be letting your mind wander.

Blame my f*****g hormones!

My fingers trailed aimlessly in the water, drawing ephemeral patterns as I grappled with the complexity of emotion.

Emerging from the tub, water droplets adorned my skin like liquid diamonds, shimmering in the dim light. Enveloped in a plush towel, I strode towards the bedroom, where Lucas's discarded coat lay on the floor—a tangible source of my simmering anger.

I recalled catching a glimpse of Ruby as the car drove away. They must still be in a relationship.

Why did he flirt with me while he was still with her?

And why did you allow it amid your relationship?

Shaking my head, I stomped on his coat, unleashing a stream of frustrated curses.

After drying off, I slipped into a comforting nightgown, its delicate fabric embracing my skin. Nestling into bed with my phone, I searched for Brian's number, dialling anxiously. No response. Trying again, he finally answered, promising to call back in five minutes, citing a momentary busyness.

"Why are you spacing out?" Lucas's voice, deep and resonant, sliced through the hazy dreamscape.

My eyes widened as I found him lying over me, a vision that both startled and captivated me. His proximity sparked sweet anticipation, and the delicate trail of his fingertips tracing intricate patterns over my skin sent delightful shivers down my spine.

I lay on the bed while he towered above, shirtless, his chest glistening with a sheen of sweat, rising and falling in a hypnotic rhythm with each breath. Wet strands of hair clung to his forehead, releasing droplets that landed softly on my face.

Without conscious thought, my fingers sought the contours of his chest, tracing the ripple of solid muscle. At that moment, reason abandoned me, and I didn't question how he materialized in my room.

"You are so f*****g beautiful, Ruby," he groaned.

"What?"

The dream's magic shattered abruptly, by the persistent ringing of my phone cutting through the surreal ambience. Eyes fluttering open, I found myself in the waking world, the fragments of the vivid dream lingering like echoes of heartbreak.

I retrieved my phone, only to realize that I had missed Brian's call. A pang of guilt gripped me as the residue of an intimate dream about Lucas lingered.

"Did you doze off? Apologies for the delay; work swallowed me whole," he confessed as I called back.

"No worries," I reassured, perching on the edge of the bed.

"How was the party?" His disinterest oozed from the question.

"Boring. Left early," I replied, keeping it succinct.

"Good to hear. Still swamped. Maybe next week. Goodnight," he uttered, hanging up before I could respond.

The phone lingered against my ear, a suspended moment of confusion, the silence of a question left unanswered.

Another relationship coming to an end.

I believed this one would endure, wanting to invest my all, yet it crumbled even with its longer lifespan—three months, a notable stretch compared to usual weeks.

Dropping my phone onto the bed, I headed downstairs for a glass of water, passing by Ivy's empty room.

she was likely still revelling at the party.

In the kitchen, as I filled my glass, the soft footsteps of someone approached.

It was my mom, draped in a bathrobe with a towel around her head. Her gaze met mine, a fusion of frustration and suspicion.

"Not surprised. You slink away like a rat when I was not looking," she accused, her eyes shooting a stare that could pierce steel.

I flashed a mischievous smile, attempting to ease the tension.

"If I said I just got back now, would you believe me?" I quipped, but my humour was met with the symphony of her clicking tongue and rolling eyes.

She swiftly confiscated the glass of water I had intended to drink, taking a long gulp before returning it empty.

"I am so tired; I don't think I can make it to work tomorrow. Too many hypocrites I had to fake a smile with," she sighed, handing the now-empty glass back to me.

"You could have just refused," I suggested, attempting to fill the cup again only to have it snatched away before I could take a sip.

"Thank you," she said, a hint of mischief in her smile.

"I'm buzzing with life now."

"They haven't made it home yet?" she inquired.

"Who?" I raised an intrigued eyebrow.

"Theo, George's nephew and our company's brand ambassador, called. Ivy's passed out drunk, and he's bringing her back. Expected them to be home by now," she explained, leaning on the counter, fingers dancing across her phone.

"Probably still on the way," I said, finally securing a glass of water.

"That reminds me, did you know Lucas Walker before today?" She turned, eyes narrowing.

Water sprayed as I coughed, surprised by the unexpected question. I asked why she thought I'd know him.

"Caught you two dancing, and it didn't look like a first meeting. Matilda was already accusing you of trying to snatch her daughter's boyfriend," she said, slamming the island in frustration.

"Matilda Hayes, she has been a b***h since high school. Can't believe I keep bumping into her," Mom grumbled, genuinely annoyed.

Wait, did Mom know Ruby's mom?

To divert attention before my lie unravelled, I deflected, "You know, Ruby's mom?"

"We were love rivals. She had feelings for George, too, that womanizer. I still don't know why I fell for him. Thankfully, I met your dad, and he saved me because I doubt I would have left on my own. Women need a lot of courage to leave a relationship, especially when you are in love. The red flags keep looking green," Mom shared, a mixture of nostalgia and wisdom in her smile.

Curiosity piqued, I linked my arm with hers, giving her my best puppy eyes. "I want to hear more about your high-school romance."

She ended up indulging me with tales of her high school days. She met Dad in her senior year, and despite opposition from her parents, they persisted in their relationship, eventually getting married without their blessings. The Lord's faithfulness prevailed, turning Dad's modest beginnings into a flourishing jewellery company abroad, while Mom became the most successful fashion brand owner in the country.

As she recounted their love story, it unfolded like the pages of an intricate novel, each chapter rich with emotions, twists, and unexpected turns. I sat there, captivated, surprised, and unable to comprehend why two people who seemed to share such a profound love story ended up divorced.

My curiosity bubbled to the surface, and I couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Why did you get divorced if you loved each other?"

A heavy sigh escaped my mom's lips, carrying with it the weight of unspoken complexities. "Sweetheart, there are aspects of our journey that you wouldn't understand," she replied, her gaze fixed on some distant point in the past.