Julian's house dominated the heights of the city.
Julian was an old friend of Cid's, someone he had met several years earlier. Tall, slim, and always impeccably dressed, he had carefully styled chestnut hair and green eyes behind which hid a particularly observant gaze.
Unlike Cid, Julian liked being the center of attention and watching people.
And most of all, he had the unfortunate habit of noticing what others tried to hide.
That evening, Cid and Mia had been invited to his place.
When they arrived, a man in a black suit immediately opened the door for them.
"Good evening, Mr. Cid. Miss Mia. Mr. Julian is expecting you."
"Thank you," Cid replied.
They stepped inside.
Mia looked around in admiration.
The property was magnificent. The garden opened directly onto a large pool lit by soft lights.
"It's beautiful," she murmured.
Cid smiled.
"Wait until you see Julian. He's probably going to give us a tour of every square centimeter."
"I heard that!"
Julian's voice rang out behind them.
Cid burst out laughing.
"Still as discreet as ever."
"Still as talkative as ever."
They shook hands before Julian looked at Mia.
"And you must be Mia."
"Yes."
"Finally!"
Mia smiled.
"Finally?"
Julian shot an amused look at Cid.
"He talks about you so much I was starting to think you were made up."
Cid blushed slightly.
"Julian…"
"What? It's true."
Mia laughed.
The atmosphere seemed light.
But halfway through the evening, Mia noticed a presence that wiped the smile from her face.
Lara.
She was already there.
She approached them with a radiant smile.
"Cid!"
She almost threw herself into his arms.
Cid looked slightly surprised.
"Lara…"
"I'm glad you came."
Then she turned to Mia.
"Mia."
"Lara."
The two women looked at each other.
Lara's smile remained perfect.
Mia's was far less warm.
"I hope you both have a lovely evening," Lara said.
Then she walked back toward the other guests.
Mia followed her with her eyes.
"She's here too…"
Cid noticed her discomfort.
"I didn't know she was coming."
"It's fine."
Mia gave a faint smile.
"Enjoy your evening."