Chapter 25
1188 Words
Lucy held her head high as she stepped into the building, every movement deliberate, measured, and elegant. She could feel the eyes of employees following her. Not that she cared, but it gave her a small thrill. Kelseay’s advice echoed in her mind as she adjusted her posture and smoothed her hair, appreciating the subtle changes she had made. A light curl at the ends, just enough makeup to highlight her eyes and cheekbones, nothing too flashy.
Maybe this time he’ll notice, she thought. Maybe this time he won’t overlook me.
Her mind drifted to Drake as she walked past rows of cubicles. She remembered how her charm had seemed useless before, how he had barely registered her existence. No longer. Today, she was stepping up, presenting herself in a way that matched the kind of woman he seemed to prefer: confident, composed, subtly alluring. She nodded politely to the employees she passed, her smile bright, yet her heart pounded with anticipation.
Just as she was about to press the elevator button, a familiar voice called out her name.
“Hi. I knew you were the most beautiful one I’d see today,” Daryl said, striding toward her with that wide grin and sparkling eyes.
Lucy allowed herself a small smile. Finally, someone who appreciated beauty, someone who actually noticed her.
“I already know that, Daryl. No need to say it,” she teased lightly, letting her confidence shine.
“Well, you’re the most beautiful in my eyes right now,” he said, winking, and she couldn’t help but roll her eyes playfully.
“In love with me already?” she asked, amusement lacing her tone.
“Obviously. Even more in love now,” he replied with a laugh, making her shake her head.
“You’ve got terrible style,” she muttered, stepping into the elevator. He followed, still laughing.
“How was your meeting with the boss yesterday? That strategy of his ruined our plans,” Daryl asked, leaning casually against the elevator wall.
Lucy paused, her thoughts briefly flicking to Drake. “It went fine. He closed a deal with an investor. You know how he is in certain moods,” she said, both of them chuckling softly at the memory.
“Boss can be ruthless in business,” Daryl said. “Anyway, if you’re free, want to have lunch later?”
“Sure, as long as it’s on you,” she answered quickly, masking the flutter in her chest.
“Great. Hopefully, the boss won’t cause a scene again. I want to look good in front of you,” he said, still laughing.
Lucy gave a small shrug as the elevator chimed. They exchanged small talk until Daryl reached his cubicle. She continued toward her own desk, the familiar hum of the office settling around her like a backdrop to her nervous anticipation.
Before she could even sit, Drake’s office door swung open. He stepped out, hair slightly tousled, brows furrowed in that way that made her pulse quicken.
“You’re one minute and thirty seconds late,” he said sharply. Lucy stiffened, forcing herself to meet his gaze. He scanned her slowly, deliberately, from head to toe.
Go ahead, stare all you want, Drakey, she thought, her lips curling into a sweet smile.
“Just a minute, Boss. Your office is on the eighteenth floor,” she said smoothly, masking the rapid beat of her heart. He rolled his eyes and tossed an envelope onto her desk.
“Fix these files. Give them back when you’re done.”
She watched him walk away, her smile fading the instant his back disappeared. That was it? No reaction. No compliment. No flicker of acknowledgment.
Didn’t notice my effort? Blind or what? she muttered under her breath.
She clapped softly, triumphant despite herself. “Probably speechless. Face of a goddess in front of him. Looks like it worked!”
Grabbing the envelope, she got to work, her hands moving quickly and efficiently. Once finished, she approached his office, gently tugging at a small smile as she caught his attention.
“Here are the papers, Boss,” she said cheerfully, placing them on his desk.
“You may leave now,” he replied curtly, eyes not lifting from his documents.
Lucy couldn’t resist. She leaned slightly on the edge of his desk. “Headache, Boss? Want me to give you a massage? Soft, hard, or average?”
Drake’s gaze snapped up, sharp and annoyed. “Stop that.”
“Stop what?” she asked innocently, tilting her head.
“Stop biting your lips. Are you trying to seduce me?”
She grinned. “Am I seducing you?” She fought to keep her laughter in check, enjoying the flash of color rising to his cheeks.
“Didn’t I tell you to stop? You won’t get me that way,” he warned, voice low but tense.
Her grin widened, and she took a subtle step closer. “I never said I’d stop, Boss. I don’t give up easily. My parents always said if prayer doesn’t work, you have to take matters into your own hands,” she teased lightly, eyes sparkling.
She could see it, the small betrayal of expression on his face, the heat creeping into his neck. Yet she remained unfazed. She wouldn’t give up, not for anything. Not even if he were the fiercest tiger.
“Do you think that’s effective? Whatever you do, you won’t seduce me,” he said, his tone cautious, almost wary.
“Wanna try me?” she asked, stepping even closer, delighting in the way he flinched back slightly.
“s**t! Don’t come near me or else—”
She ignored him, taking another step, her laughter bright and infectious.
“I said, don’t come near me, damn it!” he barked, exasperation rising in his tone.
“Relax, Boss, I’m just joking. Why so scared?” she teased, enjoying the thrill of seeing him lose composure.
“You’re crazy. What are you doing?” he snapped, running a hand down his face.
“You’re overreacting. I haven’t even done anything yet. See, you’re expecting me to make a move. Admit it, you want me,” she continued, relentless.
“Tsk, just get out and leave,” he muttered, flustered and twitching with irritation.
“Fine,” she said, taking a small step back, though her grin never faltered. “But remember this. I’ll do whatever it takes. Love isn’t impossible. It’s special, and everyone can feel it. Be fair. Love me the same way.”
“Whatever. Leave and lock the door after. I don’t want more disturbances,” he said, retreating toward his drink, trying to regain control.
Lucy lingered just a heartbeat longer, her eyes watching him, reading the slight tension in his shoulders, the faint clench of his jaw. She turned, making a show of peace signs and a playful bow.
Her mission wasn’t over. If he resisted, she had a plan. No escape, no retreat. She would see it through, step by step, teasing him, softening him… and one day, he would not resist her.
- Writer
