Chapter 3: Unexpected Concern
559 Words
Days turned into weeks, and my double life continued.
At the office, Lucas was still the cold, demanding boss who never smiled. But little by little, I started noticing small changes. He no longer shouted when I made minor mistakes. He gave clearer instructions. Sometimes, when I worked late, he would leave a cup of coffee on my desk without saying a word.
It confused me. Was he starting to like me? Or was he just being a decent boss?
And at home... things were changing too. He started staying in the living room longer when I was there. He would glance at me more often. Once, he even asked, "How was work today?" in a low, neutral voice.
My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. "It was... fine, Sir. Busy."
He just nodded and walked away, but I couldn't sleep that night. He asked about my day. He actually asked.
One rainy afternoon, everything changed.
I was rushing to finish a pile of reports when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my head. My vision blurred, and my hands started shaking. I hadn’t eaten properly all day, too busy with work. I tried to stand up to get some water, but my knees gave way.
I thought I would hit the floor, but suddenly... strong arms caught me.
I opened my eyes. Lucas.
He was holding me tightly, his face unusually close. There was no coldness in his eyes now—only shock and... worry?
"Miss Santos! Are you alright?" His voice was rough, panicked.
"I... I’m dizzy, Sir," I whispered, feeling weak.
Without another word, he lifted me up in his arms—bridal style—and carried me straight to his private lounge inside his office. He laid me down carefully on the sofa.
He grabbed a bottle of water, opened it, and helped me drink. His hands were gentle, nothing like the hard, strict boss I knew.
"You haven’t eaten, haven’t you?" he asked, his tone sharp but concerned.
I nodded weakly. "Too much work, Sir..."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair—a rare sign of frustration. "You are an employee, not a machine. If you collapse, how can you work? Wait here."
He walked out, and came back minutes later with a warm sandwich and hot soup. He placed it on the small table beside me.
"Eat. Now." It was an order, but a soft one.
I ate slowly while he sat on the edge of the sofa, watching me silently. I could feel his eyes on me, studying every detail of my face.
He is so handsome... I thought, stealing glances at him. And right now... he looks like the husband I wish he could be all the time.
When I finished, I felt much better. "Thank you, Sir."
He stood up quickly, putting his cold mask back on. "Don’t let this happen again. I don’t tolerate weak employees."
But before he turned away, he said something so quiet I almost didn’t hear it.
"...But I don't want to see you hurt either."
My heart raced. Did he just say that?
He walked out fast, leaving me alone, my mind spinning.
He cares. He really does.
But did he care for Mia Santos the Secretary... or for Mia Santos his Wife... not knowing they were the same person?
- Writer
