Boys Yet to have Books

(Morbius) Mr Crown P3 (Lucien / Milo)

Lucien looked out into the crowd and took a deep breath, steeling himself for the night ahead.

She smiled offering her arm for him to lead her in,

Lucien offered her a soft smile in return, taking her arm. Her gesture was a comforting reminder of her presence and support, and he took a moment to lean into her slightly, finding strength in their connection. Leading her into the gala, he did his best to appear cool and collected, ignoring the stares and whispers that came with their arrival. To the outside world, he was the suave businessman, the one in control. But underneath that facade, he clutched her arm tighter, silently grateful for her presence.

Anastasia made sure not to walk too fast, or too slow, letting him set the pace, and making sure not to rush him or make him feel at a disadvantage as they greeted various people they had business familiarity with, or well Anastasia did, Lucien was almost convinced he'd never see any of these people in his life until Anastasia whispered in his ear that they'd been his business partners for sixteen years,

Lucien had to bite back a grimace as she whispered in his ear, The realization stung, a stark reminder of how his failing health and memory had affected him. He pushed that thought aside as best he could, forcing a polite smile and engaging in small talk, nodding and shaking hands as he was introduced to the various businessmen and women.

Eventually the dinner began and she led him to their seats on a small table in the corner the organizers obviously placed Lucien there for reasons of his health, but he was thrilled to have Anastasia as without her he'd be sat eating alone,

She helped him to the chair in a way that didn't make it look like she was caring for him, setting his suit jacket on the back of the chair,

Lucien appreciated how she helped him to the chair without drawing too much attention to his weakening state. It was a subtle yet significant act that saved him from any more embarrassment. He settled into his seat, a small sigh escaping him as the effort of mingling and standing had taken its toll. He glanced around the small table, the intimacy of being seated together offered some comfort amidst the overwhelming crowd. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, admiring her elegance and composure.

"That's it walking now till we leave," she whispered reassuringly,

Lucien nodded, a soft sigh escaping his lips as she whispered to him about the plan for the evening. The thought of having to navigate the rest of the gala, socialising and standing, exhausted him. But with her by his side, reassuring him and offering her support, he felt a little less overwhelmed. He forced a smile, his expression weary but determined. "I'll make it till then."

"Will champagne help?"

Lucien chuckled, a slight smile curving up his lips at her suggestion of champagne. The thought of a bit of liquid courage was enticing, despite knowing full well how it might affect his already strained body. "Ah, yes... champagne. That might just do the trick to keep me afloat until then."

"Just a moment," she smiled tapping his hand before she went to the bar to get his drink,

Lucien watched as she left for the bar, his gaze following her figure as she navigated through the crowd. He admired her grace and charm, how she effortlessly navigated through the social scene. He waited patiently, his hand still resting on the table where she had touched him. The brief moment of contact had been grounding, a small comfort amidst the chaos of the gala.

"My, my, who is the charming little tulip?" A familiar face approached, Martin Aster the richest man in the city, the only man within a hundred miles richer than Lucien, he was an old man with little interest in his business just happy to drain the fortune one roll thousand-dollar toilet paper at a time,