Heart Strings|GirlxGirl

Introducing Lucas

The park was alive with the rustle of trees swaying in the soft breeze and the distant laughter of children playing near the swings. Axel’s hand tightened slightly around Freya’s, a quiet reassurance as they ambled down the stone pathway. It was moments like these that Axel cherished—their lives were so often consumed by the demands of the music industry that these rare, peaceful outings felt like a treasure.

“I missed this,” Freya murmured, her gaze flitting over the lake where sunlight danced on the ripples.

Axel smiled, the edges of her lips quirking upward in that subtle, effortless way she had. “Me too. No fans. No cameras. Just us.”

Freya leaned into her for a moment, basking in the warmth of Axel’s presence. But as they turned a corner toward a quaint café nestled amidst the greenery, Freya suddenly stiffened.

Axel noticed immediately. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Freya didn’t answer. Her eyes were locked on a figure standing casually by the café’s entrance. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a sharp blazer that hinted at effortless charm. His dark hair fell neatly over his forehead, and his striking features were accentuated by an easy, knowing smile.

“Alex,” he called, his voice a smooth blend of surprise and something deeper.

Axel’s brows furrowed. She turned to Freya, whose usually composed face betrayed a flicker of unease. “Do you know him?”

Before Freya could respond, the man had closed the distance, his grin widening. “It’s been a while,” he said, his eyes lingering on Freya in a way that made Axel’s stomach churn.

“Lucas,” Freya said, her tone flat but her hands fidgeting slightly—a tell Axel had learned to recognize.

Lucas extended a hand to Axel, who took it reluctantly. His grip was firm, almost overly so, as if trying to establish dominance. “Lucas. An old friend,” he introduced himself, though his gaze remained on Freya.

Axel’s voice was calm but edged with suspicion. “Old friend?”

Freya’s reply was quick, almost clipped. “From years ago.”

Lucas chuckled lightly. “Don’t let her downplay it. We were close once.” He turned his attention back to Axel, his smile disarming but pointed. “And you are?”

“Axel,” she said evenly, her tone making it clear she wasn’t one for games.

Lucas’ brow lifted slightly, amusement flickering across his features. “Well, Alex, you’ve certainly been keeping interesting company.”

Axel’s jaw tightened at the way he said Freya’s name—“Alex”—a nickname only her closest loved ones used. The familiarity grated at her, but she kept her composure.

Freya, however, was visibly uncomfortable. “Lucas, it was nice seeing you, but we should get going.”

Lucas ignored her. “Leaving so soon? We barely had a chance to catch up.”

Axel stepped forward slightly, placing herself just ahead of Freya. “She said we’re leaving.”

Lucas smirked but stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, no need to get territorial. It was great running into you, Alex. Maybe next time we can actually catch up.”

Freya didn’t respond, pulling Axel gently by the arm as they turned and walked away. Axel could feel the tension radiating from Freya, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

As they walked in silence, Axel’s mind raced with questions. Lucas’ familiarity with Freya had struck a nerve, but she respected Freya too much to push her in the moment.

Back at Axel’s apartment, the air was heavy. Freya perched on the edge of the couch, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve.

“Who is he, really?” Axel asked, sitting across from her.

Freya sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “He’s someone I used to date,” she admitted. “A long time ago. It didn’t end well, and I’d rather not dig it all up again.”

Axel nodded slowly, though unease lingered in her chest. “Alright. But if he bothers you again—”

“He won’t,” Freya cut in, her voice firm. “I’ll make sure of it.”

Despite her words, Axel couldn’t shake the feeling that Lucas wasn’t the type to simply walk away.

---

Meanwhile, Lucas watched the couple disappear into the distance, a sly smile playing on his lips. This wasn’t a random encounter—it was calculated. Freya had moved on, but he wasn’t ready to let her go.

Lucas pulled out his phone, scrolling through a gallery of old photos, many of which featured him and Freya together. His thumb paused over one in particular—a candid shot of Freya laughing, her hand resting on his shoulder.

“Miss me yet, Alex?” he murmured to himself, his tone carrying a hint of possessiveness.

Whatever Freya and Axel had, Lucas was determined to disrupt it.