In Between

Chapter 2: Deep and Harsh

Lucas' POV:

"Come in!" I finally called out, unable to ignore the persistent knocking at my office door any longer.

As the door swung open, Lily, my ever-efficient secretary, stepped inside, her professional attire perfectly coordinated as always.

"Good day, sir," she greeted cheerfully, a bright smile lighting up her face.

"Hey, Lily," I replied, trying to match her energy.

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Sir, Mr. Tyson sent me to remind you to review those documents quickly. He needs them on his desk for a signature right away." Her tone was politely urgent, leaving no doubt about the importance of the task.

Fuck you, Mr Tyson.

I muttered a curse under my breath, the frustration bubbling up inside me.

"Alright, Lily, go ahead and tell him I'll send the documents over as soon as I can," I finally managed to reply, forcing a calmness I didn't feel.

"Okay, sir. Please excuse me," Lily responded, her voice polite as she stepped out of the office.

Leaning back in my chair, I let out a weary sigh. Exhaustion wrapped around me like a heavy cloak.

Here I was, stuck at Tyson's Global Ltd, my dad's company. Mr. Tyson is my father, but you'd never know it by the way he treats me. I couldn't shake the resentment; he acts like he's the one in charge, constantly barking orders and critiquing my every move. No matter how hard I try, nothing seems to satisfy him.

I've spent my entire life chasing his approval, but the harder I strive, the more elusive it becomes.

I'm so tired of this s**t.

I can't stand it here. Mr. Tyson just doesn't get it—he keeps pushing me into all this ridiculousness. First, he forced me into this expensive suit that looks completely out of place, and now I'm stuck perched on this spinning office chair, surrounded by mahogany furniture. The desk is cluttered with endless documents that I'm supposed to read and sign, drowning me in a tidal wave of never-ending office tasks.

Honestly, it's a nightmare. I practically forget what regular meals taste like anymore. My mornings start with coffee courtesy of Mum, but lunch? Forget it. There's no time for that. I'm so swamped I can hardly breathe.

Just yesterday, I pulled off a little heist and snuck out to grab some food, sprinting back like a thief in the night so Dad wouldn't catch me. I'm starving, and I think I'll have to pull the same stunt today. I can barely think straight with my stomach growling like this!

I sat up, the files spread out before me, eager to dive into the proposal from the other company. As I read through the benefits and conditions, I carefully noted everything, piecing together a comprehensive submission for my dad. Just as I was getting into the flow, my door swung open unexpectedly.

"Wtf? Can't you knock?" I nearly blurted out, catching myself just in time. I turned to see Mr. Tyson entering, his expression as stern as ever. It was a familiar sight—a reminder that focus and intensity were always expected in this place.

"How many hours would it take you to go through a file you fool" his deep and harsh voice sounded all over the room.

Deep and harsh as usual.

I've gotten used to the hatred and harshness in his voice.

The slurs.

The deep hatred in his eyes.

His strict face.

I've gotten used to it since my childhood days

His deep dark brown eyes bore into my soul as I stood still without saying a word.

"You're so rebellious and lazy" he spits "Are the files ready now? No mistakes, no conditions that will affect the company?" He asks with a sudden calmness in his voice but his strict face is still on.

"The files are ready" I reply calmly

He walks to my table collects the files from my hands and signs them "If anything should go wrong I swear I won't spare you Lucas" he shoots me a glare and I swear I could see venom in his eyes.

He walks to the door one more venomous glare at me he leaves shutting the door behind him.

Rude, strict, wicked—these are the words that come to mind when I think of my dad, Edward Tyson. Sometimes I wonder if he's even my biological father. He embraces everything I can't stand; he embodies everything I'll never be.

I find myself frozen, staring blankly at the wall, wishing I could escape my own skin, wishing to be someone—anyone—else. Life would be perfect then, right? But perfection is a myth, something Dad drilled into me repeatedly.

My stomach growls, snapping me back to reality. I glance at my watch—2:13 PM. I've survived solely on coffee since 7 this morning, and my stomach's now making its demands clear. It's time to eat.

With a resigned sigh, I grab my car keys and quietly slip out the back door, avoiding my dad's gaze like it's a sudden storm. It's amusing, really—sneaking out of my own father's company just to find something to eat. But my rumbling stomach won't give me a choice, so I roll with it.

I hit the road, my mind set on the closest eatery that I know won't disappoint. I pull up my white BMW and leap out, urgency propelling me forward as I rush inside.

Pizza and a cold soda—my order flies out of my mouth the instant I step up to the counter. In just ten minutes, I have my steaming box of pizza, and I can't help but smile. Fast service and delicious food—that's why this place is my haven.

Today, I decide to linger in this little escape instead of hurrying back to the office like yesterday. I need a break, not just from work, but especially from him. I sit there enjoying a box of hot pizza bite by bite.

As I finish my food, I find myself mindlessly fidgeting with my fingers. I can't shake the feeling of unease creeping in – what would my dad do if he knew I was here? But there's something about this place that keeps me rooted, something sweet and inviting that I just can't resist.

But let's be honest. The real reason I'm here is her. Yes, the girl who handed me my wallet yesterday. I can't stop thinking about her, even though it was our first encounter. She's stunning, with those big, captivating eyes and beautiful blonde hair that seemed to shimmer in the light.

Her pale green eyes are striking, and her full lips have this perfect shape that just draws you in. She's petite but exudes an undeniable charm. I caught just a glimpse of her, but it was enough to leave an imprint on my mind that I can't shake.

Now, don't get me wrong – I'm not just some infatuated teen looking for a fling. I genuinely want to be friends, to learn more about her, to unravel the mystery that is her life. I can't help but feel a bit foolish for not getting her number when I had the chance. I had a million things swirling in my head as she handed me my wallet with that sweet smile. Should I have said, "Hey, beautiful, can I get your number?" or maybe, "Hi, I'm Lucas. It was great meeting you. Can I have your number?" I can only imagine the look she would've given me – total weirdo vibes.

Truth is, love has been a rare visitor in my life. The only time I felt it was with Sarah, my childhood friend. But she vanished when she discovered the mess I've become. Since then, it's been a lonely road. I don't know what it's like to feel truly loved anymore, not by my dad, not my mom, not even my sister. They care, sure, but love? That's a different story entirely.

I'm so stupid I don't even know her and here I am thinking about true love

My phone rings and I answer the call

It's my sister Tessy

"Hey, Tess," I say dryly.

"Hey, Lucas. How are you doing?" she asked concerned.

"I'm okay. You?" I ask back. Yeah I'm not fine but I'm okay

"I'm fine. How's work?"

"I'm managing. How's Luce?" I ask after my sister's daughter, my niece, my fav 8 yro.I love her.

"She's fine. I'm going to pick her up from school rn"

"Okay" I reply awkwardly not knowing what to say

"I'm driving right now so I'll call you when I'm less busy okay?"

"Okay" and with that she ends her call

I scroll through my sss page I go to the one person I'm still thinking of, Sarah's profile I drop a message again I've left thousands of messages the past years none of which she's responded to although she keeps posting cute pictures of her only that reassures me she's fine if only she'd at least answer my calls or texts I'll be much happier but

I guess I'm a freak who doesn't deserve someone as lovely as Sarah.

I get up glance around but I don't see her I walk out to my car look around still not a sight of her

My phone beeps

It's a text from Lily

"Sir wherever you are please hurry to the office or you might get into trouble please hurry"

'On my way' she seemed so tensed I guess there's big trouble

I start my car engine and drive as much speed as I can.

I don't want to get in trouble.

Not today.