UNSEEN OBSESSION

About Lucas

Lucas Blackwood seemed like a man who had it all. With his charismatic appearance, immense wealth, and a successful company under his control, no one doubted Lucas's position in the business world. He was known for being calm, assertive, and always in control. Yet, behind the perfection he projected, Lucas carried a heavy emotional burden.

That morning, like every other, Lucas began his day with an intense workout in his private gym before heading to the office. Exercising had become his way of forgetting life's pressures, even if only for a moment. This routine had become a form of escape, giving him time to think and maintain control over any emotions that tried to surface.

After finishing his workout, he prepared in his spacious bedroom. As usual, he stood before a large mirror, critically examining his appearance. A crisp white shirt, a perfectly tied tie, and a suit that radiated authority. From the outside, Lucas was the epitome of success. But his eyes held something deeper—a silence he never allowed others to see. Yet, none of them knew what was really happening in his personal life, especially the ongoing conflict with his stepmother, Miranda.

Since his father’s death three years ago, Lucas’s relationship with Miranda had become increasingly strained. Miranda was a manipulative, ambitious woman, always trying to gain control over the Blackwood family’s wealth, even though Lucas was the rightful heir. Time and again, Lucas had caught Miranda trying to meddle in the company’s affairs, attempting to claim more power than she deserved.

That day, after a hectic morning at the office, Lucas received a call from his lawyer. An emergency board meeting had been arranged, involving Miranda, without his knowledge. Lucas felt his heart race. He knew what this meant.

With a firm and cold tone, Lucas ended the call, the anger slowly rising within him. Miranda had always wanted more than just social status. Since marrying his father, she had tried to infiltrate the family business. But to Lucas, this company was the last legacy from his father, something he would never allow to be taken by someone who was only after power and money.

That afternoon, after finishing some work at the office, Lucas decided to head straight to the family home. A confrontation with Miranda could no longer be avoided. When he arrived, she was already waiting for him in the grand living room, sitting elegantly on a luxurious sofa, wearing a maroon dress—looking more like a queen ready for battle than a sincere stepmother.

"Lucas," she greeted him with a voice full of deceit, "I heard you've been making some big decisions without involving me. That doesn’t seem fair, considering I'm also part of this family."

Lucas stood calmly, but his gaze was cold and full of control. "Miranda, we've discussed this before. I’m the one in charge of this company. You have no right to interfere, especially without my permission."

Miranda smiled, but it was far from genuine. "Oh, darling, you're still young. You may have brought the company far, but there are some things you don't understand about the politics of the business world."

"What I understand, Miranda, is that this company belongs to me. Not you. You only married my father, and that doesn’t give you any right over what he left behind," Lucas replied firmly.

The conversation quickly escalated into unavoidable tension. Miranda tried to sway Lucas with emotional manipulation, attempting to gain sympathy by claiming she only wanted to protect the family's legacy. But Lucas remained steadfast. He knew Miranda's true intentions—to seize control and ensure her own place at the top of society.

This argument wasn’t their first, and it likely wouldn’t be their last. But for Lucas, maintaining control over his father’s legacy was everything. He had worked hard to prove himself as a capable leader, and he wouldn’t let Miranda take that away.

***

Lucas had just returned to his office after the heated meeting with Miranda when his assistant, Mark, knocked on his door. "Mr. Blackwood, there's something you need to know. A client named Donovan came by the office earlier today. I just received a report from Sienna that he behaved... inappropriately," Mark said cautiously, his tone serious.

Lucas stopped reading the document in his hand, his brow instantly furrowing. "Donovan? What do you mean by ‘inappropriately’?"

Mark swallowed before continuing, "He came to see you, but when he found out you weren't here, he acted disrespectfully towards Sienna. It seems he tried to flirt with her and... well, made her feel very uncomfortable."

Anger surged through Lucas. His fists clenched on the desk, though he fought to maintain control. Sienna, his invaluable secretary, a professional who never left room for mistakes, had been disrespected by someone like Donovan?

Lucas stood from his chair, his posture rigid and his gaze sharp. "Did Sienna report this herself?"

Mark nodded. "Yes, sir. She didn’t want to make a big issue out of it, but she felt it was important to inform me after Donovan left."

Lucas exhaled, attempting to calm his emotions before speaking. "Give me all the details on Donovan. Check what contracts we have with his company. I want to make sure this never happens again."

Mark quickly exited the room, leaving Lucas with his thoughts. The burning frustration inside him became harder to contain. For Lucas, people like Donovan—those who used their power or position to belittle and humiliate others, especially someone as valuable as Sienna—had no place in his world.

Soon after, Mark returned with a stack of files in hand. "These are all the contracts we have with Donovan’s company, sir."

Lucas swiftly took the files and began reviewing them. The partnership between Blackwood Corporation and Donovan’s firm was significant, but to Lucas, the value of the contract didn’t outweigh a person’s dignity. He didn’t care how profitable the deal was—Donovan’s audacity to treat Sienna in such a manner was enough for him to consider cutting all ties.

"Contact the legal team," Lucas said coldly. "I want us to terminate all contracts with Donovan immediately. Find a way to do it as quickly as possible."

Mark looked a bit surprised by Lucas's swift decision, but he didn’t dare argue. "Are you sure, sir? These contracts are worth a lot, and..."

Lucas cut him off with a sharp gaze. "Nothing is more valuable than the integrity of this company, Mark. If Donovan can behave like that towards Sienna, he can do the same to others. I won't allow my name to be associated with someone like him. I’m certain."

Mark nodded slowly, realizing there was no point in arguing further. "Understood, sir. I’ll contact the legal team right away."

Once Mark left, Lucas sat back down in his chair, his thoughts still churning. He felt a deep sense of anger and protectiveness. But he didn't know what the exact reason was for what he was feeling.