Chapter 373

Lucas watched Valeria's back as she walked away. When she suddenly walked off, he didn't get angry or take it personally. He simply waited until she was out of sight, then closed his eyes and drew in a slow breath, savoring the faint trace of her scent still lingering in the air, as if savoring the moment. His phone rang, but he ignored it. The ringing cut off, then started again a few seconds later. Only then did Lucas open his eyes. Gabriella's soft voice came through the speaker. "Luke, where did you go? Mom's looking for you." "Alright. I'll be there in a bit," he replied dismissively. When the call ended, even the faint trace of Valeria's scent in the air seemed to fade away. … Valeria stepped out of the lounge and wandered through the courtyard. Outside the cool of the AC, the air was stuffy. But by now, the sun was setting, the sky streaked with color, and the worst of the heat had finally eased. On either side of the courtyard's front gate stood a pine tree. Inside,