SILICON AND SILK

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Lucas found himself sitting on a low stone wall just outside Amelia's favorite botanical garden. He had come here on impulse after leaving the café where he had met with Emma. His mind felt cluttered, and he needed a place that would allow him to think things through clearly.

The flowers were in full bloom, their vibrant colors painting the air with a sense of calm he desperately needed. He looked at the entrance of the garden, where Amelia had once stood, pointing out her favorite orchids, her laughter as bright as the sun that day. He missed that carefree version of them, and it pained him to see how quickly that joy had been replaced with uncertainty.

He turned when he heard the crunch of footsteps on the gravel path. Amelia was approaching, her face a mix of determination and worry. Lucas stood, his heart skipping a beat as he saw her walk up to him.

- I thought I'd find you here - Amelia said, her voice soft but steady.

- I just needed to clear my head - Lucas replied, running a hand through his hair. - After everything that happened with Emma, I realized we needed to talk, properly. Without interruptions or misunderstandings.

Amelia nodded, stepping closer to him. Her eyes searched his face, and Lucas could see how tired she was—how all of this had drained her. He reached out instinctively, wrapping his hand around hers.

- I met with her, Amelia. I told her everything. About us, about you. I set boundaries, made it clear that my life is with you now. That she can't be a part of it the way she once was - Lucas said, his voice earnest.

Amelia's eyes welled up, her lips parting slightly as she took in his words.

- I want to believe you, Lucas. I really do - she said, her voice shaky. - But when I see her, when I see the way she looks at you, it's hard not to feel like there's still something there.

- There isn't - Lucas replied, his voice resolute. - Not anymore. She's a part of my past. You are my present, Amelia. My future. And I swear to you, nothing—no one—can ever change that.

Amelia looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to gauge the sincerity in his eyes. Then she let out a slow breath, nodding.

- I just need time, Lucas. Time to let go of the fear. Because I do love you. More than anything.

Lucas felt his heart swell, and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

- Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere - he whispered.

As they stood there in each other's arms, the distant sound of a car door shutting pulled their attention away. They turned to see a figure walking towards them, a petite woman with dark hair and an air of confidence about her.

- Amelia? - the woman called out, her voice filled with warmth.

Amelia pulled away from Lucas, blinking in surprise.

- Clara? What are you doing here? - Amelia asked, her eyes widening.

Clara smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

- I was in the area, visiting a friend. I didn't expect to run into you here, though - she said, her gaze shifting to Lucas, her brows arching slightly. - And who might this be?

Amelia turned to Lucas, a soft smile forming on her lips.

- This is Lucas. My partner - she said, her voice filled with affection. - Lucas, this is Clara. We worked together a few years back.

Lucas extended his hand, giving Clara a polite nod.

- It's nice to meet you - he said.

Clara shook his hand, her eyes glancing between the two of them.