Chapter 8: The Rejection
779 Words
My tears fell silently, tracing paths down my cheeks. Lucas looked at them, his expression softening instantly. The anger and frustration vanished, replaced by pure worry and tenderness.
He reached out, his thumb gently wiping away a tear from my face. His touch was warm, sending shivers all over my body.
"Why are you crying, Mia?" he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "Did I scare you? I’m sorry... I just... I can’t control myself when I’m near you."
I shook my head, unable to speak. If you only knew, Lucas... if you only knew the truth...
He sighed and dropped his hand, stepping back slightly to regain his composure. He looked at the small box Elena had given him, sitting on his desk.
"You said she suits me," he said, his tone flat and cold again. "But you are wrong, Mia. She doesn’t. No one does... except you."
He picked up the box, opened it, and glanced at the expensive watch inside without interest. Then he closed it and tossed it into the drawer like it was worthless.
"I won’t go," he said firmly, looking back at me. "I will tell her I’m busy. I have no interest in her dinners, her gifts, or her family connections."
My heart soared. He rejected her. He chose... well, he chose the feeling he has for me.
"Sir... people will talk," I managed to say, my voice still shaky. "She is powerful. Her father is an important partner of the company. And... your parents also like her."
He smirked, a rare, confident look crossing his face. "Let them talk. I am Lucas Montenegro. I do what I want. And right now... what I want is to stay here. With you."
He walked around the desk and sat on the edge right in front of me, crossing his arms.
"Tell me about yourself, Mia Santos," he said, looking deep into my eyes. "I realized I know nothing about you. Where do you live? Do you have family? Why do you work so hard?"
I froze. Where do I live? With you!
"I... I live simply, Sir. Just me and my work," I answered carefully. "I work hard because... I want to be independent. I want to prove I can stand on my own feet."
He nodded, looking impressed. "Just like my wife," he murmured, almost to himself. "She is also like that. Quiet, proud... keeps everything to herself. It’s maddening."
He looked away, staring at the wall as if remembering last night.
"She is beautiful, yes. Everyone says we are a perfect match. But when I am with her... I feel nothing. She is distant, cold, like a statue. I married her because of a contract, because of our families... but I never expected to feel so... empty."
He turned back to me, his eyes intense.
"And then you came. You walked into my office, nervous, clumsy, working until you faint... and suddenly, everything changed. You make me feel alive, Mia. You make me feel things I never thought possible."
I bit my lip to stop myself from screaming the truth right then and there. It hurt so much to hear him compare us, not knowing we were the same person.
"Maybe..." I whispered, "maybe you just haven't given her a chance. Maybe she is not cold... maybe she is just waiting for you to look at her the way you look at me."
He laughed bitterly. "I have lived with her for months. I have tried. But she never smiles at me like you do. She never speaks to me with kindness. She never..." He paused, his gaze dropping to my lips. "...makes me want to forget every rule I have, just to be close to her."
The air in the room grew heavy, thick with tension. He leaned closer, slowly, hesitantly. My heart was beating so fast I thought it would explode. His face was inches from mine. I could feel his warmth, his scent... everything I wanted.
Just one move, Mia. Just one word, and he will kiss you.
But suddenly, a knock on the door broke the moment.
"Mr. Montenegro? The board meeting is starting in five minutes," the secretary outside announced.
Lucas pulled away instantly, breathing hard. He ran a hand through his messy hair, looking frustrated and disappointed.
"Later," he said in a low, husky voice. "We will talk later, Mia. Don't go anywhere."
He grabbed his files and stormed out of the office, leaving me standing there, weak in the knees, my mind and heart in total chaos.
He almost kissed me.
He loves me.
And the truth... is closer than ever to coming out.
- Writer
