The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

He is hurt

*Lucas*

I’m drowning in legal jargon, surrounded by papers that feel like they’re closing in on me. The stress has me on edge, and as I pace my office, I can’t shake the frustration gnawing at my insides. I reach for the mug Ashley set down earlier, the rich aroma of hot chocolate wafting up to me, reminding me of simpler times… of moments when life wasn’t so complicated. I take a sip, and for a brief second, the warmth spreads through me, a soothing balm for my nerves.

It’s nice of her to make this, I like that she remembers these things about me. I know she means well, but the thought of our arrangement coming to an end hangs over me like a storm cloud. I don’t want to lose her, not when she’s been my anchor through all this chaos. Yet, she seems to be pulling away, and I can’t figure out why. I’m not ready for that conversation. I can’t even think about it right now.

Ashley does a good job, really. Most of the time, she plays her part exceptionally well. She’s resourceful, intelligent, and has a heart that’s bigger than I ever thought possible. But there’s one thing I miss in our relationship… the intimacy that comes with a real relationship. It’s something I can’t demand from her, not when we agreed on these terms. But damn, I can’t help but crave it, especially when she looks at me with those warm, understanding eyes.

I dive back into the mess of papers, trying to make sense of the contracts and obligations that feel like they’re spiraling out of control. I pop a caramel hard candy into my mouth, hoping the sweetness will help ease the tension knotted in my stomach. I suck on it, focusing intently on the legal issues at hand, when suddenly, without thinking, I bite down hard.

KRACK.

The sound seems to reverberates around the room, and I instinctively reach for my mouth. A sharp pain shoots through my jaw, and I realize… no, it can’t be. I’ve cracked a tooth. I let out a startled yelp, and it must have been loud enough to reach Ashley, because within seconds, she’s bursting through the door, concern etched all over her face.

“What happened?” she demands, her eyes wide with alarm.

“It’s nothing… just my tooth,” I brush off, trying to wave away her worry… I do not like her to be concerned for me. The pain is sharp and insistent, but I don’t have time for this. I need to focus on the deals I’m trying to salvage, and I can’t let a minor dental issue derail me.

“Nothing? It sounded serious!” she insists, stepping closer, her determination palpable. She reaches for my chin, tilting my head to get a better look. “Let me see.”

I try to pull away, but she’s surprisingly strong and in the end I let her have a look. “Ashley, it’s really not a big deal. I don’t have time to deal with a dentist today… it can wait.”

Her eyes narrow, and I can see she’s not buying my act. “You can’t just ignore this, Lucas. It’s cracked! You need to see a dentist.”

I feel my frustration bubbling over. “I can’t afford to waste time on this. I have deadlines, Ashley! I…”

“I don’t care about your deadlines,” she snaps back, surprising me, her voice firm as She continues. “You’re going to the dentist. I’m calling them right now.”

Before I can protest further, she whips out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen as she dials his office. I feel a mixture of irritation and something else… reluctant gratitude. It’s infuriating how she won’t let this go, yet there’s an undeniable warmth in knowing she cares enough to push back against my stubbornness.

“Hi, yes, I need to make an emergency appointment for Lucas . He cracked a tooth,” she says into the phone, her tone all business. I can’t help but watch in awe as her confidence shines through, her focus unwavering. “Yeah it needs to be fixed immediately, he is in a lot of pain.”

I want to deny it, but I realise she is right, so I don’t.

“Okay, thank you.” she says, hanging up. “You’re in luck. They can fit you in today. Now, put on your shoes and coat. I’m taking you.”

“Seriously? I don’t have time for this!” I protest, but deep down, I know she’s right. The pain is starting to throb, and the stress of everything else is weighing on me. I want to refuse, to dig my heels in and remain in my bubble of denial, but there’s something about her right now that makes it hard to resist.

“Lucas,” she says, her voice softening but still firm. “You can’t ignore this. You need to take care of yourself, or you won’t be able to handle anything else. Plus, I’m not letting you sit here and suffer in silence.”

I look at her, really look at her, and for the first time today, I see the resolve in her eyes. It’s a call to action I can’t ignore. “Fine,” I grumble, knowing I’m defeated. “But only because you won’t stop nagging me about it.”

A smile breaks across her face, and for a moment, the tension lifts. “Good. I’ll be right here while you get ready,” she says, stepping back to give me space.

As I move to grab my shoes, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe this is what I need… a moment to pause, to breathe, to let someone in. Even if it’s just for a trip to the dentist, maybe it’s a step toward something more. I glance back at her, watching as she organizes my things, and I can’t shake the feeling that this is somehow a turning point.

“Okay, let’s go,” I say, slipping on my coat.