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1214 Words
“I can explain,” Cassie stammered, panic rising in her chest.
“Whoever you are, save your explanation for the police,” Luke said coldly, his piercing blue eyes fixed on her.
Cassie’s heart raced as the campus security officer stepped forward, pulling out handcuffs.
“Wait, please!” she pleaded, but they weren’t listening. She could feel the cool metal snapping onto her wrist, and in a surge of desperation, she grabbed the free cuff and, without thinking, latched it onto Luke’s wrist.
The action happened so fast that both Luke and the security officer froze, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
“Are you insane?” Luke hissed, glaring at her. “Of course you are! I’ll sue you for this!”
Cassie’s mouth opened, but no words came out. The absurdity of the situation was sinking in, and she realized just how deep she’d gotten herself into trouble. Luke turned to the security officer. “Get these off us. Now.”
The officer hesitated, a nervous look on his face. “Sir, the key is with the chief of security, and he’s out of town until tomorrow.”
Luke’s expression darkened. “What kind of incompetent—” He cut himself off, taking a deep breath as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. What about bolt cutters?”
The officer shifted uncomfortably. “It’ll take time to get those.”
Luke groaned, running his free hand through his hair. “I don’t have time for this. I have a meeting to attend.”
Cassie, still cuffed to him, tried to back away. “This isn’t my fault! You… ”
“Save it,” Luke snapped, pulling her toward his car. Cassie stumbled after him, too stunned to resist.
“Hey! This is k********g!” she protested as he opened the passenger door and shoved her inside.
“Don’t test me,” Luke growled, climbing in after her. He tried to start the car, but with his dominant right hand handcuffed to Cassie’s left, it was nearly impossible to maneuver.
Frustrated, Luke turned to her. His face was inches from hers, and his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
”Listen to me. I don’t know who you are or why you’re trying to sabotage my day, but you’re playing a very dangerous game. I can ruin your life with a single phone call. Do you understand?” He asked.
Cassie swallowed hard, her earlier defiance faltering. She knew he wasn’t bluffing. He was a billionaire with power and influence, and she was a nobody.
Luke leaned back, his eyes still burning into hers. “I can’t drive like this. So here’s what’s going to happen: you’re going to drive us to my office. Quietly. And if you even think about pulling any more stunts, I promise you, you won’t like the consequences.”
Cassie hesitated but eventually nodded. She climbed over into the driver’s seat, acutely aware of the heat radiating from his body as their handcuffed wrists brushed against each other.
Her cheeks burned, but she ignored it. She needed to focus on not making things worse.
The drive to Hudson Tower was tense and silent. Cassie kept her eyes on the road, determined not to think about the infuriatingly handsome man sitting beside her.
Once they arrived in front of the towering glass building, Luke wasted no time. He opened the door, yanked her out of the car, and strode toward the entrance, dragging her along.
“Hey, slow down!” Cassie protested, struggling to keep up. Her voice went unheard.
Inside, the polished lobby fell silent as workers stopped to gape at their usually composed boss walking in handcuffed to an unfamiliar woman. Whispers broke out, but Luke ignored them, his jaw set in determination.
“Good morning, Mr. Hudson,” one receptionist said nervously. Her eyes darted to Cassie, but she wisely chose not to ask questions.
Luke led Cassie straight to the conference room. The large meeting hall was already filled with impeccably dressed individuals, all seated around a long mahogany table.
When Luke entered, the murmuring ceased, and everyone turned to stare at the pair.
“Apologies for being late,” Luke said smoothly, his tone betraying none of the chaos they’d just endured. “Unexpected complications.”
Cassie stood awkwardly beside him, acutely aware of the handcuffs binding them together. Her cheeks burned as the room’s attention shifted to her.
Luke gestured to his assistant. “Get her a seat next to me,” he ordered.
The assistant scurried off, returning moments later with a chair. Luke sat down, pulling Cassie into the seat beside him.
She avoided meeting anyone’s gaze, staring at the polished table in front of her.
The meeting began, and Luke launched into his presentation. He was poised and articulate, effortlessly explaining the details of the project they were pitching to the investors.
Cassie couldn’t help but admire his composure, even as she resented him.
However, as the meeting progressed, it became clear that things weren’t going as planned.
The investors, a group of Japanese executives, seemed unimpressed. They exchanged skeptical glances, and their responses to Luke’s proposals were lukewarm at best.
Cassie watched the exchange, her mind racing. She didn’t know much about business, but she could see that Luke’s approach wasn’t connecting with them. Against her better judgment, she leaned forward.
“Excuse me,” she said, her voice hesitant but firm. All eyes turned to her, and she felt her stomach twist. “I have an idea.”
Luke shot her a warning glance, but she ignored it. “Instead of focusing solely on the financial aspects, why not emphasize the cultural and community benefits of the project?” She said.
“For example, incorporating local traditions into the design or creating spaces that celebrate Japanese heritage could resonate more with your vision.” She explained further.
“The investors murmured among themselves, their expressions softening. One of them leaned forward, addressing Luke. “Who is this young lady? She has an interesting perspective.”
Before Cassie could respond, Luke stood up, placing his free hand on her shoulder. “This is Cassie,” he said smoothly, a charming smile spreading across his face. “My fiancée.”
Cassie’s jaw dropped. “What—”
Luke tightened his grip, cutting her off. “She’s been instrumental in helping me refine this project,” he continued.
“Her passion for community values aligns perfectly with what we’re trying to achieve.”
The investors’ faces lit up. Family values were deeply important to them, and the idea of Luke having a supportive partner only strengthened their trust in him.
“We appreciate your transparency, Mr. Hudson,” one of the executives said.
“We’re impressed by your vision and by your fiancée’s insights. We would be honored to invest in this project.”
Cassie sat in stunned silence as the room broke into applause. Luke turned to her, his smile never faltering.
“Thank you for your support,” he murmured, his tone laced with something she couldn’t quite place.
Cassie narrowed her eyes. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to strangle him or burst out laughing at the absurdity of it all.
- Writer
