Chapter 5 The Return of the past

The bright lights of New York City buzzed around Maria Gomez as she made her way through the crowded airport terminal. The paparazzi were in full force, snapping photos of her at every angle, and her fans crowded the gates to get a glimpse of the famous singer. Maria loved the attention-the thrill of being the center of the world-but today, something gnawed at her, something far more important than flashing cameras and screaming fans.

She was here for one reason: Lucas Blackwood.

"Maria! Over here!" fans shouted, holding out signs, flowers, and phone cameras, desperate for a shot of the woman who had recently topped the global charts.

She flashed a dazzling smile for the cameras, her practiced wave sending the crowd into a frenzy. But even as she posed for pictures, her mind was elsewhere. Maria had just returned from her European tour, and as she made her way to the sleek black SUV waiting for her, one thought dominated her mind.

Lucas.

The memories of their past-of the way he looked at her, the way he touched her, the way he had once been hers-wrapped around her like a bittersweet melody. She refused to believe that was over.

The second she settled into the backseat, her assistant, Leah, leaned in, her phone screen glowing. The words from the latest tabloid were fresh in her mind.

"You won't believe what I just saw," Leah murmured, holding up her phone. "Lucas Blackwood is married."

Maria's smile vanished. She turned sharply. "Married?"

Leah nodded, scrolling through the article. "Yes, to a woman named Nora Martinez. It's all over the tabloids."

Maria didn't need to ask who Nora Martinez was. The name rang in her ears like an off-key note. She was a healer. Someone Lucas had obviously turned to for help with his grandfather. But now, Maria's heart began to race-not with the thrill of returning to her career, but with the sting of betrayal.

"A healer?" Maria said, her voice dripping with disdain. "Lucas married someone like that?"

Leah hesitated. "Well, some sources say it's not exactly a love match... more like an arrangement."

Maria's lips curled into a smirk. An arrangement. Of course. That made sense. Lucas wouldn't just fall in love with some nobody healer.

But that didn't mean Maria could ignore it. No, this Nora was a problem, one that Maria intended to eliminate.

---

Meanwhile, back at the Blackwood estate, Nora had just finished her daily routine with Henry Blackwood, massaging the herbal mixture into his skin. The elder Blackwood stirred slightly, his fingers twitching-a promising sign of recovery. Nora allowed herself a brief, satisfied smile.

"Impressive," a deep voice said from the doorway.

Nora didn't have to turn to know Lucas was standing there, watching her with that unreadable expression.

"But I think we both know your talents go beyond just healing, don't we?" Lucas continued, stepping into the room.

Nora remained calm, her voice measured. "I don't know what you mean."

Lucas crossed his arms. "I saw the way you and Andrew Molten were talking the other day. You two are more than just 'friends,' aren't you?"

Nora stilled. The accusation in his voice was clear.

"And if we are?" she said, her voice cold.

Lucas's jaw tightened. "You're my wife, Nora. You don't get to keep secrets from me."

"Wife?" Nora scoffed, finally looking at him. "You barely know what that word means."

His eyes darkened. "Careful, Nora."

She lifted her chin defiantly. "Or what, Lucas? What exactly do you think you can do to me?"

The tension between them crackled, neither one willing to back down. But before Lucas could respond, Nora's phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen. Andrew Molten.

Lucas stiffened. His entire posture shifted, jealousy coiling around him like a snake.

"Andrew?" Nora said, her voice warming slightly as she answered the call.

Lucas's fingers curled into fists.

"I didn't know you were free to talk," Nora continued, her voice softer now. "Is everything okay?"

Lucas snatched the phone from her hand without warning.

"Lucas!" she hissed, her eyes flashing with anger.

He ignored her, bringing the phone to his ear. "Andrew! My best friend, huh? Care to tell me why you're calling my wife?"

Andrew's voice crackled over the line, confused. "Lucas? What are you-"

"Lucas, give it back!" Nora stepped forward, grabbing for the phone. Lucas held it just out of reach, his eyes daring her to fight him for it.

"You've been quite the topic lately, Molten," Lucas continued, his voice mockingly pleasant. "Tell me, should I be worried about my dear wife's affections?"

Nora yanked the phone from his grasp.

Her green eyes burned into his. "Andrew, don't mind him," she said, turning her back on Lucas as she walked away. "He's just..."

Lucas watched her go, his entire body thrumming with frustration.

He hated how easily she dismissed him. Hated the way her voice softened for Andrew.

Why did this bother him so much?

---

Across town, Maria had just finished rehearsals for her upcoming concert, but her thoughts were still locked onto Lucas.

Sitting in front of her vanity mirror, she ran a brush through her hair, staring at her reflection with a cold, calculating gaze.

Lucas and some healer. It was laughable.

She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts before landing on Lucas's number.

Her fingers hovered over the call button. No. Not yet.

Instead, she dialed her publicist.

"We need to push forward the next press release," Maria said smoothly. "Make sure it highlights my return-and my connections in the Blackwood family."

There was a pause on the other end. "Maria... is this about Lucas?"

"Of course not," she lied, a smirk playing at her lips.

She ended the call, leaning back in her chair.

"Don't worry, Lucas," she murmured. "You'll remember soon enough who you really belong to."

Her lips curled into a determined smile.

She would make sure of it.

---

The drama between Nora and Lucas deepens, with Maria plotting her return and Lucas struggling with emotions he refuses to acknowledge. But as jealousy, secrets, and betrayal unravel, will Nora finally break free, or will Lucas be forced to confront what he truly feels?

Only time will tell.