Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)

Watching Roman's smile, Astrid's unease deepened.

A surprise? She just hoped it wouldn't turn out to be a fright.

Throughout the ride, Matthew and Amanda had showered Astrid with concern, conspicuously avoiding any questions directed at Elio.

They even took turns chiding him for not taking proper care of Astrid.

Focused on driving, Elio kept silent, though he agreed with Matthew's words. He wasn't careful enough. If it weren't for Robb's drone footage, they would still be wrangling with the situation.

No sooner had they pulled up in front of the Lampard family estate than Lucas Lampard burst out the door. "Astar, I've become a die-hard fan after watching the show! How do you manage to be so awesome?' "Next to your formidable presence, Uncle Elio just seems so... lame."

"Hmm?" A cold snort from Elio made Lucas shrink back.

Amanda tapped Lucas on the forehead with disdain. "What are you doing out here in the cold? Get back inside this instant!"

"And mind how you address people. 'Astar'? She's your aunt!"

"Granny, 'aunt' sounds so old-fashioned. All her fans are calling her Astar. There's nothing wrong with me doing the same!" Lucas knew where his bread was buttered; cozying up to Astrid was essential for a comfortable life in the Lampard household. Astrid was the real deal!

Astrid couldn't help but smile at Lucas' sycophantic display. "Make sure I get to see all the paperwork you've checked. And I need to run another check-up on you to ensure there are no lingering effects from the injury." Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"There's nothing wrong with me. Look, I'm as lively as ever!" Lucas intended to refuse, but then he thought of something he wanted to discuss privately with Astrid and quickly changed his tune. "But, a check- up wouldn't hurt. I can't risk any flaws tarnishing my pretty face."

"Vain as ever," Amanda scoffed at Lucas, then turned to Astrid. "Dear, come and have some nourishing soup after you're done. I'll keep it warm for you."

"Sure thing," Astrid replied, following Lucas upstairs.

Lucas' wound hadn't fully healed, and as Astrid was about to examine it, she noticed the bandage around his waist beginning to soak with blood, staining his shirt crimson.

She frowned and asked quietly, "What happened? Didn't you rest properly at the hospital?"

Lucas, usually carefree to a fault, found himself oddly nervous in front of Astrid. He confessed, "I did rest, but I received an anonymous message threatening to bomb the hospital if I stayed. I was worried others might be harmed, I took the chance to escape."

Before he could finish, Astrid slapped him on the back of the head. "Are you insane? That's a military hospital. Do you think Jay Lampard would dare to target it?"

"Astar, you don't know Jay. He'd stop at nothing to get what he wants. I was genuinely afraid he'd do something drastic in desperation," Lucas said, pausing before adding, "It was your people who got me out. I wasn't really in bad shape, and with the Lampard family doctors here, I'm in good hands."

"But there's something I need to tell you in advance, to prepare you."

Astrid grabbed the first aid kit and started changing Lucas' dressing. As she worked, she prompted, "Go on, tell me."