Twists of Tension

Lucian glanced at Elias and spoke teasingly, "I always figured you had good taste and wouldn't lower your standards, but I guess I was mistaken."

While saying this, his mocking gaze shifted toward Astra. Astra looked back.

Elias approached Lucian and casually draped an arm around his shoulder. "Are you done yet? We haven't seen each other in months, and this is how you act?"

A faint smile appeared on Lucian's face as he responded, "You're right. I'm just glad you're here."

As the two embraced, Astra's gaze dropped. Utilizing her perceptive abilities, Astra observed their connection through Archana and struggled to contain her frustration.

Elias shares a strong bond with the idiot twins. Technically, Liangyi became their friend after assuming control of the body.

Their relationship goes beyond mere acquaintanceship; they're genuinely close friends. Together, they exude a sense of unity, akin to triplets.

Sensing Cole's gaze on her, Astra turned to leave, but he gently clasped her wrist. "Astra?"

Attempting to free herself from his grasp, Astra's back remained turned, and she met resistance. Cole gently pulled her closer, locking eyes with her.

Astra quickly disengaged from his grip, averting her gaze once again. "Let me go."

In those brief seconds of eye contact, Cole discerned the distress Astra concealed—she was suppressing her tears.

With narrowed eyes, Cole directed his gaze at Lucian. How could Astra develop feelings for them if he persisted in insulting her? Lucian and Elias redirected their attention to Astra.

Gently lifting her chin, Cole prompted Astra to speak, "I have a date with Zoe and need to prepare. Can you release me?"

As her tears fell, Cole brushed them away, prompting Astra to bite her lip as she implored, "Please..."

Witnessing Astra's evident distress made Cole uneasy. In the midst of the silence, Lucian regarded Astra thoughtfully.

He won't offer an apology. Astra, in his opinion, deserves every bit of the criticism she's received, especially after how she treated Violet. As Cole reminded him earlier today, though, he needs to restrain his comments if they're to stick to the plan.

The most frustrating part is that even though he's furious with Astra, he can't shake off this strange attraction he feels toward her.

Lucian is in the same boat as Cole, but unlike his twin, he finds it challenging to reconcile these conflicting emotions.

Cole seems capable of compartmentalizing and enjoying his time with Astra as they work toward revenge, but Lucian finds it harder to do the same.

Nonetheless, he had always believed that Astra could handle his jabs, considering how she responded to each one of them.

This time, however, it appears he crossed a line unintentionally, leading to her evident distress. Observing her desperation to escape unsettled him.

"Don't cry," Cole said gently, his voice a soothing balm amidst the turmoil.

As Cole spoke, trying to comfort her, Astra managed a forced smile, insisting, "I'm not crying, just allergies acting up. I have my medication in my suite. I should head back."

Cole gently wiped away her tears and suggested, "How about watching a movie at our penthouse after your date with your friend?"

Her gaze remained downcast as she whispered, "I can't do it tonight."

He pressed further, inquiring, "What about tomorrow?"

Astra shook her head, still avoiding his gaze, and murmured, "I don't think..."

However, Cole gently lifted her chin, his smile warm as he stated, "I want to spend time with you. Will you come tomorrow?"

Their eyes met, and after a moment of contemplation, Astra nodded softly, barely audible, "Okay."

A pleased grin crossed Cole's face, and he decided, "Give me your phone."

She handed it over, looking down. After a brief moment, Cole returned it to her, informing her, "I'll send you the password for the penthouse. Without it, you can't access it."

Astra nodded in acknowledgment. Despite his efforts, Cole sensed her lingering sadness, indicating she might be close to tears again.

He drew her into an embrace, feeling her arms wrap around him in response. Gently, he traced patterns on her back, a comforting gesture.

Lucian and Elias gazed towards Astra. Her eyes remained closed, lost in her thoughts.

After a brief pause, Astra pulled back from their shared moment and softly spoke, "I'll see you tomorrow."

With a nod and a warm smile, Cole acknowledged her words. Astra stepped away, heading for another elevator. As Elias prepared to leave, he added, "I'll change first and then meet you at the penthouse."

The twins nodded in response, watching Elias as he entered the same elevator as Astra, the doors shutting behind them.

Once they were alone, Cole turned his attention to Lucian, his expression questioning. "Did you have to be so harsh?"

Lucian's features bore a touch of remorse as he admitted, "I didn't anticipate her taking it this badly. She always carries herself with such pride."

Exasperation tinged Cole's voice as he retorted, "If you can't handle this, maybe we should reconsider our plan."

Determined, Lucian replied, "I can handle it. I won't make any more thoughtless comments."

Meeting Lucian's gaze skeptically, Cole pressed, "You're sure about that?"

Lucian affirmed with sincerity, "I promise. You'll see for yourself tomorrow."

Cole's doubtful expression softened into agreement as he nodded in response.

Meanwhile, Elias and Astra remained in the elevator, silence enveloping them. As the doors opened, Astra stepped out. Elias followed her, a silent presence at her back.

Astra entered her suite. As she closed the door, she met Elias' eyes. Why did his suite have to be directly across from hers?

Leaning against the closed door, Astra's fingers grazed her lips, the memory of their kiss lingering. Could kissing always evoke such sensations?

She speculated that she might uncover the truth when she kissed someone else. The future held the answer, and she contemplated what might unfold during her upcoming kiss with Cole tomorrow.

Understanding why the twins put so much trust in Violet's words was easier now. Lucian's guilt was plain to see, evident in his reaction to her tears. It was fortunate that she could shed tears on command.

Astra had merely wanted to gauge Lucian's susceptibility, and the outcome had pleased her. Reflecting on Cole's expressive blue eyes lighting up when she agreed to their date for tomorrow brought a smile to her lips.

She found Cole endearing, a revelation that surprised her. Despite his intentions to make her fall for him, she sensed a genuine fondness in him.

The cold, distant façade he presented to others seemed to vanish when he was around her. The Cole she encountered was a different, more adorable version.

It helped that her targets were so attractive. Astra anticipated having fun with them and any men who caught her fancy, while she pursued her vengeance.

After her revenge mission was accomplished, her ultimate plan was to share her life with Kalel, her soulmate, for all the days to come.

All the things she had previously hesitated to do, she was now determined to embrace wholeheartedly. Astra's smile grew as she ascended the stairs, her thoughts consumed by her upcoming date with Zoe.