Secretly Mine-Chapter 156: Hiding (2)

Unfortunately, this wasn’t a dream or a nightmare. I was wide awake, and I had to come to terms with the reality of the situation. I never meant anything to Christian.

"She’s not here. I haven’t seen her since the event started, so please leave before I call hotel security." Lucas’s tone got colder. I could tell that he was beginning to feel frustrated.

I expected Christian to give up and walk away, but instead, he shouted even louder. "Leslie! Leslie, if you’re in there, make some noise! I’ll break the door if I have to, just say something!"

This time, I could feel the concern in his voice. He was truly worried that I was being held here against my will. Instead of anger, I felt heartache. If it were earlier, I would have called out to him and had him sweep me off my feet. Now, however, I wasn’t falling for his games.

I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it, but I could swear I heard a tremble in his voice.

The conflicting emotions inside of me twisted and turned, making me feel nauseous. I hated how strongly I reacted to his every word. It was as if a strong magnetic force was constantly pulling me to him, and I had to use every ounce of strength to keep myself from running into his arms.

"You drugged her! You monster!"

What?! Why would he say something like that?

I glanced at Lucas apologetically. I knew he couldn’t see my facial expression right now, but I knew that I would need to apologize to him. He was being dragged into my problem and accused without having anything to do with the situation.

I don’t know how I’ll be able to apologize to him after this...

"For the last time, she’s not here. My patience is wearing thin, please leave!" Lucas said angrily, finally slamming the door in Christian’s face. We both looked at the door and waited for Christian to start banging on it again, but even after about a minute, there was nothing.

"Did he leave?" I asked, looking at Lucas apologetically.

The moment Lucas’s eyes met mine, his expression went from annoyance to a gentle concern. "It seems like it. Don’t worry, you’re safe here. He has no right to enter my room without a warrant, and there’s no reason for him to get one."

I nodded and walked over to his side, "Lucas, I’m so sorry. Because of me, you were--"

"Leslie," he smiled, cutting me off, "Please don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong. I am more than happy to help you out, even if it means I have to fight off a group of armed men."

A warmth spread through my chest as I hung my head, feeling guilty. His kindness brought tears to my eyes. The whirling emotions inside of me finally ate away at the last of my strength and poured out of me once again.

The next moment, I felt his arms wrap around me in a gentle hug. "I apologize if I’m overstepping, but you seem like you could use a big hug," Lucas said gently into my ear.

I leaned against his chest, accepting every second of the warm hug. He was right, it was exactly what I needed.

Lucas just held me in his arms, quietly allowing me to let my emotions out. His warm aura comforted me, and in only a few minutes, I had calmed down.

"Thank you, Lucas. I truly appreciate you from the bottom of my heart," I said, looking up at him.

He raised his finger to my face, wiping away the last of my tears. His mouth curved up into a smile. "Anytime, Leslie. I’m here for you whenever you need me."

I nodded, feeling grateful. "Please tell me how I could thank you for all of this. And don’t decline, I really want to do something for you."

He silently looked at me before nodding, "Well, if you insist, there is something you could do."

"Yes! Please, say it. I’ll agree!" I said quickly, waiting for him to state his request.

"I’d like to spend more time with you."

I looked at him with surprise. For some reason, my heart started beating faster and faster. It was such a simple request, and one that I would be more than happy to agree to, but for some reason, I felt a little shy.

"Did I ask for too much?" he asked after a few moments of silence. ƒreewebɳovel.com

I quickly shook my head, "No, not at all. It’s just that it doesn’t seem it’s enough..."

Hearing my words, he broke out into the biggest smile I’ve seen him have yet. I could feel his genuine happiness and excitement.

"It’s enough. Just being around you is enough."

My heart was racing. I didn’t realize it, but my entire face was flushed red. It felt like he was flirting with me, but I couldn’t be certain. His actions were always so reserved that I could never tell if he was flirting or being friendly.

"Then, how about we meet up tomorrow after work? I can pick you up, and we can try doing a painting lesson? You are my apprentice after all."

I nodded excitedly, then hesitated.

"I... I’m not sure what my parents would say..." I said with concern. I was technically engaged, so meeting up with another bachelor would not be appropriate.

Lucas smiled and gently patted me on the head. "Don’t worry about that. I will take care of it. I just needed to hear you agree."

"Of course, I agree. Why wouldn’t I?" I smiled back. Excitement welled up inside of me. It wasn’t every day that I had the chance to go out with a friend, and I really hoped that whatever method he used to get my parents to agree, it worked.

"Come, let’s try some of the dessert at least. It’d be a shame not to at least try a little bit," he said, leading me over to the table.

I glanced at the time and nodded. The closing event of the charity auction should start soon, so I only had a little bit of time before I had to slip away.

Lucas pulled my chair out for me to take a seat before walking over and sitting opposite me. He cleared the table and placed another platter in the center of the table, containing a variety of small desserts.

I still didn’t have much of an appetite, but I still reached out to try a few bites.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢