~ 3 ~

LILA'S POV

The moment was surreal.

I stood at the front of the store, my employees positioned neatly behind me, as six impeccably dressed individuals strolled through the entrance. Their presence alone shifted the air in the room, commanding attention without a single word.

"Welcome to KAI-Apparel," I said, my voice steady, despite the pressure suddenly pressing down on my chest. "I’m Lila Grayson, store manager. It’s an honor to have you here."

Sophie, ever the bright spark, chimed in with a beaming smile. "It’s such a pleasure to have the board here! We’re all excited."

The man leading the group stepped forward first, extending a hand. He had a sharp, clean-cut appearance—his navy-blue suit tailored to perfection, his stance exuding quiet confidence. His handshake was firm but not overpowering, his gaze assessing but not intimidating.

"Theodore James," he introduced himself, a polite but businesslike smile on his lips. "Executive Director of KAI Group."

I returned his handshake, keeping my own firm, professional. "Nice to meet you, Mr. James."

"Please, call me Theo," he said with an easy nod before turning to gesture at the others. "These are members of the board."

Each one stepped forward, shaking my hand, murmuring their names. They were all varying degrees of poised, some more curious about the store, others simply going through the motions. I nodded, keeping the polite smile on my face, acknowledging them as they spoke.

And then, he spoke.

"And this is Lucas Crawford."

The words barely registered before I felt it.

That energy. That undeniable, magnetic pull that I had convinced myself was a thing of the past.

I looked up, and there he was.

Lucas stood at the end of the introductions, effortlessly towering over the others, his posture relaxed but alert. The three years apart had changed him—but not enough to make him unrecognizable. He still had the same sharp jawline, the same piercing blue eyes that had once made my pulse quicken. But now, there was an edge to him—something more refined, more controlled.

"Lucas," I said, his name leaving my lips before I could stop it.

His gaze settled on me like a weight. He didn’t reach out to shake my hand, didn’t acknowledge me beyond a small tilt of his head.

"Lila."

It wasn’t a greeting. It was a statement. A single word laced with an undertone only I could decipher.

I forced my expression to remain impassive, locking away the rush of emotions threatening to rise. I was Lila Grayson—store manager, not the girl who once knew every line of his face by heart.

Clearing my throat, I shifted my attention back to Theo. "Would you like a tour of the store?"

Theo smiled. "Lead the way."

I turned on my heel, ignoring the prickling sensation running down my spine as I led them deeper inside.

The tour went smoothly—at least on the surface.

I spoke with precision, detailing the store’s layout, the high-demand inventory, and how my team had streamlined efficiency. Every word was measured, every movement controlled.

Mia and Ethan trailed alongside us, chiming in when needed, seamlessly blending their expertise into the conversation. Customers moved around us, some curiously eyeing the powerful group, others too engrossed in their shopping to care.

The board members asked questions, nodding in approval as I answered. They were pleased—impressed, even.

And yet, through it all, I felt him.

Lucas was silent, but his presence was overwhelming.

Every time I glanced toward the board, my eyes caught his. He never outright stared, but I felt his gaze linger, observing, dissecting.

And I hated that it still affected me.

I clenched my hands behind my back, forcing myself to focus.

"Your team works well together," Theo noted as we passed the changing rooms.

"They do," I agreed, glancing at Mia, who was helping a customer. "I’m lucky to have them."

Theo gave a thoughtful hum. "To have such a well-maintained store in just one month of management is impressive. The board and I are always looking for strong leadership."

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "I appreciate that. But all credit goes to the team. This wouldn’t be possible without them."

"A humble leader," one of the women on the board said approvingly. "We like that."

Lucas remained silent.

Theo, however, turned toward him. "What do you think, Crawford?"

For the first time, everyone’s attention landed on him.

A pause stretched between us, suffocating in its weight.

Lucas’s expression remained unreadable. His eyes met mine once more, and I could swear they darkened—just slightly.

But all he did was nod. "The store is well-managed."

That was all.

No elaboration. No real praise. Just an impersonal statement.

It was ridiculous that it stung.

Theo gave me an apologetic smile, as if reading something in the exchange. "Don’t mind him. He’s not always this cold." His tone turned teasing. "Just don’t get on his bad side."

I smiled, pretending my stomach hadn’t just twisted into knots. "I’ll be sure to remember that."

The board’s visit came to an end soon after.

They exchanged final words with me, greeting some customers on their way out. Theo shook my hand one last time, giving a nod of approval.

Lucas said nothing.

But as the others stepped past the entrance, he lingered.

I knew because I felt it before I saw it.

That same heavy presence. That same unspoken tension.

I turned just in time to meet his gaze.

For a second—just a fraction of a second—I thought I saw something.

A flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. A hesitation.

But then, he walked away.

Just like he had three years ago.

I let out a breath, shoving down the emotions clawing at my chest.

He doesn’t affect me anymore.

At least, that was what I told myself.

The store was busier than ever after their visit.

Customers flooded in, the hype of the CEO’s presence drawing more attention than we could handle. Every employee was on their feet, moving swiftly to assist the rush.

And I did the same.

I didn’t allow myself to dwell on Lucas. Didn’t allow my thoughts to spiral into the past.

Instead, I stepped into the female fitting section, helping a customer with sizing.

Because this was my life now.

Not him.