Under His Spell

Part 8

Lucius: Eden, I've been thinking about us a lot lately. How have you been? I miss our conversations.

Eden: I'm doing well, Lucius. I hope you are too. It's been a while.

Lucius: Too long, indeed. I was thinking, perhaps we could have dinner sometime? There are so many things I'd like to catch up on.

Eden: I appreciate the offer, Lucius, but I'm not sure that's a good idea.

Lucius: Eden, I understand your hesitation, but I've changed. I just want a chance to show you. Maybe a weekend getaway? Just the two of us, away from all the noise. I know a place that you'd love.

Eden: Lucius, I'm seeing someone. It wouldn't be appropriate.

Lucius: Who is he? Anyone I know?

Eden: It's not your business, Lucius. What we had is in the past.

Lucius: Surely you can't deny our history together, Eden. We were incredible together. You can't say you haven't thought about it too.

Eden: Lucius, please respect my current relationship. I don't think we should continue this conversation.

Lucius: I just want to understand who could possibly measure up to what we had. I only want you to be happy, Eden. Surely, you can grant me a dinner to explain?

Eden: My happiness isn't up for discussion, Lucius. I'm very happy where I am. Thank you for your concern.

Lucius: Just dinner, Eden. As friends. For old times' sake. I insist. I can send a car Friday night.

Eden: No, Lucius. I'm sorry, but no. Please stop. I won't be joining you for dinner or anything else.

[Missed Calls: Lucius Malfoy - 3]

Lucius: Eden, why are you not answering my calls? I just want to talk.

Eden: Lucius, I've made myself clear. Please respect my decision.

Lucius: It's just dinner, Eden. Why are you making this so difficult? I'm trying to be patient here.

Eden: There's nothing left to discuss. I'm asking you nicely, please stop calling me.

Lucius: So, you're just going to ignore everything we had? Just throw it away like it meant nothing?

Eden: It's not about the past. I'm focusing on my future, and I'd appreciate it if you did the same.

Lucius: I don't understand you, Eden. After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me? By turning your back on me?

Eden: I'm not repaying you with anything, Lucius. I'm living my life. Please stop contacting me.

Lucius: You can't just cut me off like this! Who is he, Eden? Who are you seeing that you'd risk burning bridges with me?

Eden: This isn't about him, or you, Lucius. It's about me respecting myself and my choices. Please, I won't ask again.

Lucius: You're making a huge mistake, Eden. When you realize that, don't expect me to be waiting.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as the shadows lengthened and the day began to fade, Eden found herself grappling with an unexpected and unwelcome resurgence of her past. She hesitated only briefly before pulling out her phone and dialing Severus's number. His voice, when it came through, was both calming and attentive.

"Severus," Eden started, her tone wavering slightly with unease, "I need to talk to you about something."

Severus immediately picked up on the concern in her voice. "What is it, Eden? What's happened?" he asked, his voice sharpening with concern.