The Flirting Men Time-Space Agency

"We now invite Mr. and Mrs. Donovan to cut the cake," the emcee announced, followed by another round of applause from the guests.

After Evan and Celeste Donovan had ceremoniously cut the cake, the emcee exchanged a knowing glance with a nearby server, who immediately proceeded to wheel the cake away.

The lights flickered back to full brightness, and the guests once again gathered in small clusters, murmuring quietly to one another.

"Lucas, you two continue your conversation; I'm going to sit on that sofa over there, I'm feeling a bit tired," Elora said.

"Mm." Lucas nodded, amused. He had noticed, even when the cake was moved to the buffet area, that Elora seemed distracted. He had expected her to act like a graceful lady tonight, but it seemed she was still the same mischievous cat at heart.

Elora, holding a small plate of cake, made her way to a dimly lit corner. After a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, she sank into a plush sofa.

With a small fork, she delicately cut a piece of cake and placed it in her mouth, her eyes fluttering shut in enjoyment. The cake melted on her tongue, the cream sweet but not overwhelming—simply divine!

In no time, she finished the small portion and, still unsatisfied, found herself heading back toward the buffet to grab more.

Lucas, turning around, couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her gracefully picking up plate after plate of food, barely stopping to take a breath. Hadn't she just eaten a moment ago? How could she not be full by now?

"Excuse me, I'll be right back," Lucas murmured, nodding to the person beside him. Without waiting for a response, he made his way to the buffet.

"Have you had enough?" Lucas asked, leaning over slightly to peer at Elora, who was busily inspecting the buffet's offerings.

"Uh... yes, I'm full!" Elora hesitated, her voice faltering as she almost admitted she wasn't quite done yet. But the moment she looked back and saw Lucas, she hurriedly changed her answer. She wasn't about to let him know just how much she had devoured.

Lucas couldn't help but smile at her sudden shift in expression. He could tell from her face that she was far from full—yet she was pretending to be. How had he never noticed before that she was so... contradictory? Had her years abroad changed her? Strangely, he found himself rather fond of this side of her.

"It's already past 11, let me take you home. Your parents will worry if we're late," Lucas said, glancing at his watch with an air of finality, as though he wouldn't take no for an answer. As her fiancé, he felt it was his responsibility to ensure she got home safely.

"Have you finished your business? Is it okay for you to leave now?" Elora asked, though it was more of a formality.

"Mm, we're nearly done. Let me just say a quick goodbye to Mr. Donovan," Lucas replied, walking away before she could respond.

After a brief conversation with Mr. Donovan and a polite nod to Milo, Lucas returned, taking Elora's wrist and guiding her toward the door.

Outside, Lucas released her wrist as they stood at the threshold. A gust of cold wind swept over them, causing Elora to shiver. Wrapping her arms around herself, she rubbed them briskly. Though it was spring, the night still held a chill.

Without a word, a coat was draped over her shoulders, and Elora looked up, surprised, to see Lucas standing close.

"Cough, cough, I'm a bit warm. Could you hold onto it for now?" Lucas said quickly, taking a step toward the street without waiting for her response.

Elora grasped the coat, feeling the warmth seep into her body. Her heart warmed as well. A faint, pleasant fragrance mixed with the scent of tobacco wafted from the coat, and she breathed it in with a small smile.

"Contradictory," she muttered playfully to herself, tightening her grip on the coat as she followed Lucas.

By the time she stepped outside, a Rolls-Royce Phantom—the hallmark of Lucas's status—was parked at the entrance.

"Miss Carter, please, the car is ready," Lucas's driver bowed slightly, opening the door with utmost respect.

"Thank you," Elora smiled at the driver as she slid into the car.

The driver nodded courteously before closing the door and taking his place in the driver's seat.

"To the Carter residence," Lucas instructed.

"Yes, sir!"

"By the way... Lucas, I'm riding in your car, but my car is still parked at the Donovan residence," Elora suddenly remembered midway through their journey. She had been so caught up in the evening's events that she'd completely forgotten about her car.

"I'll have my assistant drive it over tomorrow," Lucas replied, his eyes momentarily closing as he settled back into his seat.

With the problem resolved, there was nothing more to worry about. Elora, noticing his relaxed posture, decided not to disturb him and let him enjoy the quiet.

The car hummed steadily along the road.

Elora propped her head up with one hand, gazing absently at the streetlights outside.

The car slowly came to a halt. "Sir, we have arrived at the Carter residence."

Lucas opened his eyes and looked at Elora, who was still lost in thought. She stared back at him, slightly dazed.

"You've arrived!" Lucas said with a tinge of nervousness, feeling an unexpected tension in the air as he looked into her eyes.

Elora, still a bit tipsy and caught in the moment, didn't immediately register his words. Her gaze was hazy, somewhere between intoxicated and seductive, making Lucas's heart race and his cheeks flush. His nerves seemed to tighten in an inexplicable way.

Ding... Target's affection +3, current affection value: 48.

The notification broke through Elora's reverie. "Already? That was fast!" she exclaimed, now fully awake.

Lucas, amused by her confusion, couldn't help but smile. "What, are you planning to come home with me instead?" The words slipped out before he could stop them, and he froze, immediately regretting the flippant tone. When had he become so smooth with his words?

Elora, oblivious to his sudden discomfort, responded with a playful smile, "Hee hee, if you agree, I'll come with you." With that, she winked, then opened the car door and stepped out. "Thanks for tonight. Let's do this again sometime!" she waved as she walked toward her house.

By the time Lucas realized what had just transpired, he only caught a glimpse of her graceful figure disappearing into the house.

"Take me back," he instructed the driver, still dazed from the encounter.