Claiming His Heart (English Version)

Chapter 35

Drake couldn’t deny it. Lucy was relentless. No matter how many times he tried to push her away, scold her, or feign disinterest, she remained an unstoppable force of energy and charm. She had this uncanny ability to occupy a room, to take control of a situation without even trying, and it unnerved him in ways he couldn’t quite articulate. And yet, part of him admired her. The sheer determination she showed, the unwavering focus on what she wanted, on him, was almost admirable. He had to admit, grudgingly, that her persistence was impressive.

He stepped back quickly, instinctively creating distance, his mind scrambling for a rational explanation for her behavior. Remind me to take her to a mental hospital when I fully recover, he thought with a groan, his inner monologue edged with sarcasm. She needs a daily dose of something to calm her down. She’s only getting more chaotic.

“Stop it, will you? Behave yourself! You’re starting to look like a… beast!” he barked, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

Lucy just grinned, leaning slightly on one hip, her eyes sparkling with mischief. There was no fear, no hesitation in her gaze, only a teasing challenge that made him want to groan in frustration.

“Why, scared, Drakey?” she teased, her voice lilting, playful, yet somehow comforting.

Drake smirked despite himself, trying to maintain his composure. “I’m not scared. I’m warning you. And don’t even try to seduce me. It won’t work.”

“Problem?” she replied, shrugging in mock innocence, though her sly smile betrayed her. “I have plenty of plans running through my mind, so don’t relax just yet.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. “Whatever. You can leave now. I’m feeling better, so thank you for the effort and concern. I can handle myself. Don’t worry. I’ll pay for your service.”

Lucy tilted her head, raising one eyebrow, then stood and brushed herself off in an exaggerated, graceful motion. That teasing smile of hers, the one that made his chest tighten every time, spread across her face.

“No worries, Drakey. My service was free. Besides, I’m more than capable of taking care of you. Lifetime care if needed. I’ll never tire of it,” she said, voice lilting with playful confidence.

“Enough with your lines. Go home. I don’t want anyone here. Especially you,” he said, attempting firmness, though his voice wavered slightly.

Lucy blinked once, then dismissed his words entirely, strolling toward the door with the grace of someone who knew she had already won this round. “If that’s what you want, Drakey. See you at the office tomorrow. Don’t overwork yourself. You might faint. And remember, I’m one call away. Anything you need, just call my name.”

Before leaving, she paused at the doorway, glancing back at him. Her smile softened, and for a brief moment, he caught something in her eyes, a mixture of determination, tenderness, and something he didn’t expect: understanding.

“Whatever you’re going through, trust me. You’ll get through it. Look around. There’s someone who will never tire of loving you. Open your eyes and your heart. You’re worth love. I hope you see that. Bye for now. I hope you’re feeling better by the time you return to work. I’m always here, hoping, wishing, praying. Have a nice day, Drakey.”

The door clicked shut, leaving Drake staring at the empty frame, a strange ache curling deep in his chest. Her words lingered, stubborn and persistent, echoing in his mind like a melody he couldn’t shake.

Why do her words affect me like this? he thought, frowning. There’s pain. Should I feel guilty?

“Come on, Drake. Here you go again, overthinking,” he muttered aloud, tugging at his hair in frustration. He sank onto the bed, the covers heavy against him, as confusion clawed at his thoughts relentlessly.

He wanted to bang his head against the wall, to shake away the whirlwind she had stirred in him, but her words haunted him. “You’re worth love. I hope you can see that. I’m always here, hoping, wishing, praying.”

She didn’t know the details of his past. She couldn’t understand the guilt and grief he carried, the night Thalia had saved him, the blood on his hands, the unbearable weight of loss that had nearly destroyed him.

I’m not worth loving. I never will be.

The more attached she became, the more she would get hurt. And he couldn’t, wouldn’t allow that. I’m just protecting her.

Drake closed his eyes, trying to clear the fog of thoughts racing through his head. He felt his chest tighten, frustration building, the familiar tug of self-imposed isolation returning. After a long moment of brooding, a decision crystallized in his mind. He needed to distance himself. Whatever happened, he had to keep her at arm’s length. Their connection could only ever be professional: employer and employee. He needed to be in control. He needed to protect her from the chaos of his world, just as much as he needed to protect her from himself.

Not just his world, her life too. She deserved someone better, someone capable of loving her fully. He would return to the version of himself that existed before Lucy entered his life: the playboy, the carefree man who flirted and laughed but never truly exposed the shadows lurking inside. That Drake was safe, familiar, and untouchable.

His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He reached out, seeing Leandro’s name flashing on the screen.

“Bro, where are you? I badly need your help,” Leandro’s loud, brash voice greeted him instantly.

“What is it?” Drake replied, trying to sound casual.

“Just come with me tomorrow. I’m buying a ring for Kelsey,” Leandro said, excitement lacing every word.

“Alright, I’ll come. I can recommend a jewelry shop I know. Tons of beautiful rings,” Drake said.

“Nice, thanks, bro. By the way, are you alright now? Lucy said you were sick. Did she really take care of you?”

Drake exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Yeah, I feel better. See you tomorrow. Bye.” He hung up before Leandro could ask more, unwilling to admit how much he actually thought about Lucy’s presence, about how much he dreaded losing her even for a day.

He groaned, leaning back into the pillows. Why do they keep pairing me with her? He thought. They know my story, and they push us together anyway. I don’t like it. I can’t explain it. And yet, I don’t want to let her go.

For a moment, he let himself stare at the ceiling, his mind spinning. Lucy was chaos, yes, but she was also light. And for the first time in years, Drake felt the faint stirrings of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time: hope.