The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

Not feeling well

*Ashley*

The rain taps incessantly against the window, a steady rhythm that mirrors the dull ache in my head. I’m curled up on the couch in our apartment, wrapped in my coziest blanket, a steaming mug of herbal tea clutched in my hands. The warmth seeps into my fingers, but it only partially chases away the chill that has settled deep within me. I can feel the fever creeping in, and feel how my throat is getting scratchy.

I had been okay this Morning making breakfast and sending Lucas off to the office, but slow it crept up on me. I know it’s likely from standing around waiting for the limo last night after the charity event; there had been so many cars we had ended up waiting almost ten minutes, and that is when this dreary rain started.

Yesterday felt like a whirlwind… a glamorous blur of lights and laughter, with Lucas commanding attention like the king he believes he is. I played my part well, smiling and laughing, and I did good, keeping up appearances, even when that snobbish b***h tried to peck me down… I know she is a friend of Lucas’ ex Helene. I still can’t believe Lucas defended me, even if he did not want to admit it.

My phone buzzes on the coffee table, pulling me from my thoughts. The screen lights up with a message from Lucas: “Hey, Ashley, I forgot some important papers on the kitchen counter. Could you bring them to the office? Thanks, babe.”

I glance out the window at the relentless rain. I feel miserable, and part of me wants to send a quick reply saying I can’t make it. But I know that’s not an option. I’ve signed up for this role, and a good girlfriend wouldn’t let him down. With a resigned sigh, I push myself off the couch, feeling the weight of my fatigue settle heavily. I quickly send him a message telling him I am on my way.

“Alright, let’s do this,” I mutter to myself as I pull on a coat over my pajamas, the fabric feeling scratchy against my skin. The brisk air bites as I step outside, and I shiver, wishing I’d opted for something warmer. I have decided I should probably not drive so I hail a cab.

The cab ride is a blur, the city gliding past in streaks of gray, that fits well with my mood. I lean my head against the window, feeling the exhaustion seep deeper.

When I arrive at Lucas’s office, the lobby buzzes with activity. I walk up to the reception desk, trying to project an air of confidence despite my growing discomfort. “I’m here to deliver these to Lucas,” I say, my voice sounding weak even to my own ears.

“Of course. Just a moment,” the receptionist replies, her smile bright and cheerful. I take a moment to catch my breath, watching people rush around, the atmosphere electric with ambition and purpose.

Lucas appears moments later, his confident stride parting the crowd like a wave, Mike is hard on his heals as always. But as he approaches, I notice a flicker of concern cross his face. “Ashley?” He reaches out, his hand warm against my arm. “What’s wrong?”

“I am just a bit under the weather,” I swallow hard, my throat dry. “I might be getting the flu,” I admit, feeling a surge of vulnerability. I don’t want to be a bother, but I can’t hide the truth either.

His expression shifts from concern to frustration. “You’re such a stubborn silly girl,” he scolds, his tone both exasperated and yet weirdly tender. “You shouldn’t have come here when you are sick. What were you thinking?”

I want to protest, to tell him that I’m fine, but the truth is I’m not. I just nod, feeling smaller under his scrutiny. “I didn’t want to let you down,” I murmur, the words slipping out before I can stop them. “It didn’t seem like a bit thing.”

“Let me get someone to drive you home,” he insists, his voice leaving no room for argument. He calls over one of the young security guys, and I can’t help but feel both gratitude and a sliver f irritation at being treated like a delicate flower.

“Yes, sir,” the guard replies, looking eager to help as Lucas instructs him to drive me back. I want to argue, to say I can take a cab, but the warmth of Lucas’s concern wraps around me like a blanket, making me want to just give in.

“Thank you, Lucas,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “You really don’t have to do this.”

At first he doesn’t respond, merely watching me with a serious expression that makes my heart race. There’s something about his gaze that feels protective, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of appreciation, then he seems to close down and he mumbles. “I can’t have you running around on the Streets looking like this, the tabloids would have a field day.”

I step i to the elevator with the security guard, and go down to the barking garage where I slide into the backseat of the car, feeling the warmth of the interior seep into my bones.

It seems no matter how hard I try, I am always doing the wrong thing.

As the car pulls away, I lean against the window, watching the world outside blur into a watercolor of grays and blues. I might be contracted to play the perfect girlfriend, but there are moments when I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like to be more than that. Yet, I shake the thought away, reminding myself of my role. I’m here to support him, to fit into his world, no matter how much it drains me.

When we reach the apartmen, the security guy walk me up to the apartment making sure I get all the way home safely. I thank him for his help, before closing the door.

I am surprised when five min later there is a knock on the door, wondering who can walk by the doorman in the lobby without a call to the apartment first.

“Yes?” I croak, opening the door to a friendly looking elderly man.

“Hello my dear, I am Dr. Stevens, Lucas asked me to take a look at you.” He says.

I step aside letting him in. Lucas called the family doctor to come see me?