Chapter 36
1159 Words
The next morning, sunlight poured into the office, turning the polished floors into a glittering canvas of light and shadow. Lucy practically floated in, her energy palpable, her smile radiating warmth that could melt the iciest of hearts. Her steps were light, almost bouncy, as if the air itself carried her forward. She could not wait to see Drake, to make sure he was fully recovered, to see him safe, alive, and most importantly, himself again. Every little thing about him mattered to her, every slight movement, every line of tension in his face.
Drake, however, had his own plans. He would remain composed, polite, and professional. Absolutely neutral. No warm smiles, no teasing comments, no sparks of flirtation. Lucy would see nothing but the stern, distant version of Drake Anderson. He had rehearsed it in his mind countless times, every gesture, every word. He would act indifferent, even cold, to protect them both.
As Lucy moved through the lobby, she almost collided with Daryl, who was leaning casually against the wall, coffee in hand, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Hey, Lucy, my friend. You’re glowing today. Better than yesterday, better than the day before. You’re practically radiant,” he said, nudging her shoulder lightly.
Lucy laughed, the sound bright and infectious, and rolled her eyes playfully. “You really are something, Daryl. That’s why I like being friends with you. You never lie,” she replied, matching his teasing tone, though a small spark of pride warmed her chest.
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out, the soft hum of machinery fading as the floor welcomed them. Daryl leaned closer, curiosity flickering across his face.
“You know me. I’m always honest with you. But tell me, how is our dearest boss? Is he okay? What really happened yesterday?”
Lucy’s eyes sparkled with delight. She had been taking care of Drake since early yesterday morning, ensuring he had eaten, taken his medicine, and stayed warm. “He’s perfectly fine. Yesterday, he had a fever, so I took care of him. You know me, I’m a good nurse. I make sure my patients recover quickly.”
Daryl chuckled. “I’d love to be cared for by someone as beautiful as you. You’d make an excellent nurse.”
Lucy shook her head, waving her hands dramatically. “Sorry, Daryl, but my services are exclusive now. Only for Drakey. I don’t take other patients anymore.”
“Ouch! Friends’ hearts broken daily, huh? You’re the only one who can fix mine,” he said, grinning, exaggerating his theatrical despair.
Lucy smirked and shook her head, amused by Daryl’s antics, and then, with a sly glance, she moved on. “Handle your own problems, Daryl. Only you can fix them.”
By the time Lucy reached her desk, her heart had begun to race, not from Daryl’s teasing, but from anticipation. And then she saw him.
Drake Anderson.
He moved into the office with a calm, controlled stride, deliberately avoiding her gaze. His movements were precise, his posture deliberately perfect, yet she could feel the subtle tension radiating off him. He was trying to remain distant, to act normal, but Lucy noticed every little thing, the slight stiffening of his shoulders, the faint crease between his brows. Her pulse quickened.
“Good morning, Boss Drakey. Are you okay? No dizziness? Did you eat properly? Any pain anywhere?” she rattled off, each question spilling rapidly from her lips, her tone bright but tinged with worry.
Drake did not respond. He passed her, stepping into his office with almost military precision, ignoring her entirely. Lucy’s eyebrows knit together. She had not expected the cold shoulder so early in the day.
He placed his bag on the couch and eased into his chair, spinning toward his desk. His fingers began organizing papers as though her presence were inconsequential background noise.
Lucy was not about to let him ignore her. She stood, folder in hand, walking briskly to his desk. “Boss Drakey, here are the documents you asked me to review. I’ve processed the deal for the next meeting, and Ms. Felicity’s lunch appointment is scheduled. She’ll come directly to your office so it’s easier.”
Drake only nodded, still focused on the papers in front of him.
“Okay. You may leave now,” he said tersely, his words clipped and precise.
Lucy’s smile did not falter. She leaned slightly closer, soft yet persistent. “Do you want anything else? Coffee? Fruit peeled? Are you—”
“Here you go again. Can you just leave me alone and go back to your place?” he snapped, irritation in his voice.
“I’m not deaf, you know,” Lucy replied lightly. “You’re grumpy this early? Calm down. Just call me if you need anything.”
She turned and left, the door closing softly behind her. Drake sank into his chair, gripping the armrests tightly. He tried to convince himself he did not care, but the truth gnawed at him. Why does she affect me like this? Why do I even?
He could feel a dangerous tug in his chest, one that unsettled him, making the idea of pushing her away almost unbearable. He did not want her to love him. He could not allow himself to be loved, not really. Yet a small, rebellious part of him wanted to hear her voice, see her smile, feel her presence close.
Meanwhile, Lucy leaned against her desk, taking a slow breath, forcing the sting of rejection aside. Her resolve was unwavering. This was not about pride. It was about love, pure and stubborn. Drake’s distant aura did not faze her. It only fueled her determination.
I will not give up, she told herself. I cannot. He deserves to be loved, and I will be the one to love him. If kindness does not work, I will use persistence. If persistence does not work, I will use strategy. He will not escape me.
Her smile returned, bright and fierce. “You cannot make me surrender, Drake Anderson. You cannot. I am not naïve enough to give up on what I have started. Never. Over my drop-dead gorgeous, hot, sexy, and irresistible body!”
She whispered it playfully, yet each word carried the weight of her unwavering determination.
If Drake believed he could control this game, he was about to discover that Lucy had an entire deck of aces up her sleeve, and she was just getting started.
The office buzzed softly around them, the hum of computers and low chatter filling the spaces between. Yet in that room, a silent war was brewing. Two forces, one stubborn, one relentless, locked in an unspoken battle of wills. Lucy had fire, determination, and the advantage of knowing Drake’s soft spots. Drake had pride, caution, and walls built from heartbreak. Neither was willing to surrender.
It was only the beginning.
- Writer
