Mission To The Billionaire

ChapterFour

Lucia, stood in Mr. Smith's study, nervously smoothing down her apron as she waited for him to notice her. As he finally looked up from his paperwork, she gave him a shy smile, trying to appear demure and innocent.

"Ah, Lucia, is there something you need?" Mr. Smith asked, his eyes lingering on her in a way that made her skin crawl. But she forced herself to act coy.

"I... I was wondering if there's anything else you need me to do, sir. I've finished cleaning the kitchen and the living room. Is there anything else you need me to do?" she asked, her voice soft and sweet.

Mr. Smith fixed a gaze on Lucia, as if he was seeing her for the first time.She was wearing a fitted uniform that accentuated her curves, and her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail. He couldn't deny that she was an attractive woman.

"Um, yes. Actually, there is something you could help me with. Come over here, please."

Lucia walked over to his desk, her heart pounding as she tried to keep her composure. She couldn’t believe she was about to go through with this, but the thought of making Mr. Smith pay for rejecting her spurred her on.

As she reached the desk, Mr. Smith held out a file for her to take. As she reached for it, he let his hand linger on hers, sending a shiver down her spine. "Thank you, Lucia. I must say, you're doing an excellent job around here. I appreciate your hard work."

Lucia forced a smile, all the while seething inside at his patronizing tone. "Thank you, sir. It means a lot to me to hear that."

Mr. Smith hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Listen, Lucia, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner one of these evenings. As a way to show my appreciation for all your hard work, of course."

Lucia fought to keep a smug smile off her lips as she looked up at him with feigned surprise. "Oh, Mr. Smith, I would be honored! I'd love to have dinner with you."

She watched as his expression changed, a flicker of something more than just professional interest entering his eyes. Mr. Smith found himself unable to resist Lucia's charms. But just as things seemed to be going well, they were interrupted by the sound of a loud cry coming from upstairs.

"Excuse me, Mr. Smith, I need to go check on Martin," Lucia said, quickly getting up from the table and rushing upstairs.

Mr. Smith stood on the balcony overlooking the beautiful compound of his mansion. He took in a deep breath and exhaled, his eyes fixed on Lucia as she gracefully swept the path, unaware of his watchful gaze. The sight of her filled him with a sense of warmth and admiration that he had never quite experienced in a long time.

His thoughts wandered to Lucia's closeness with his son, Martin. He had noticed their bond, and it both intrigued and pleased him. He couldn't help but compare it to the relationship he had once shared with Angel, his ex-girlfriend. The striking resemblance between them further fueled his fascination and desire for Lucia.

Gathering his courage, Mr. Smith decided to abandon the confines of their professional relationship and pursue the fire burning within him. He knew it was a risk, but he couldn't resist the pull any longer. As he descended the staircase, he rehearsed his approach in his mind, attempting to frame his emotions appropriately.

Meanwhile, Lucia continued to sweep, completely oblivious to the thoughts racing through Mr. Smith's mind. Lost in her work, with Martin securely tied to her back, she hummed a melodious tune under her breath.

Mr. Smith approached Lucia cautiously, slightly nervous about revealing his feelings. "Lucia," he called, his voice betraying a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Startled, Lucia turned around, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, Mr. Smith. Is there something you need?" she asked, gently placing Martin down on the ground.

Mr. Smith took a deep breath, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. "I couldn't help but notice the incredible dedication you bring to your work, Lucia. I've been watching you from afar, and I must say, you have impressed me greatly."

Lucia blushed slightly, unsure of Mr. Smith's intentions. "Thank you, sir. I am just doing my job as best I can."

Mr. Smith continued, his voice softening. "It's more than just a job, Lucia. You have a genuine care and affection for my son. Your kindness reminds me of someone I used to know."

Curiosity flashed in Lucia's eyes. "Someone, sir? I guess your wife?" Lucia asked, curiously waiting for his response.

Mr. Smith shook his head slowly, his gaze intense. "Not my wife, but Angel, my ex-girlfriend. You bear a striking resemblance to her. I've realized that being around you reminds me of her. She was very dear to my heart."

"I loved her dearly but unfortunately had to let go.", Mr. Smith chipped in, before Lucia could ask another question.

"You let her go? Why did you let her go if you loved her so much, Mr. Smith?" Lucia asked, trying so hard to suppress her emotions.

"Well, you see, I discovered a mistake in her past life. Something I thought was too big for me to overlook.. I... I regret it now, but I thought it was the right thing to do at the time.", Mr. Smith replied.

"So, you left her because of a mistake? A mistake that she might not even have control over? How could you claim to love someone and then just abandon them like that?" Lucia asked, in an emotionally laden voice.

"I know, Lucia. I was foolish, and I realize that now. But I promise you, I've changed. And seeing you, being around you... it's opened my eyes to what I lost.". Mr. Smith said.

"You broke her heart, Mr. Smith. Do you have any idea the pain she went through because of your rejection?" Lucia asked, her voice stern and loud.

"I know I can't change the past, Lucia, but I want to make it right. I want to be there for her, for you. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove to you both that I've changed."

"Then find her and make amends. I am not your Angel", Lucia furiously retorted.

"Lucia, I… I can't find her as she left without a trace". Mr. Smith replied.

"So how do I come into this? Should I help you find her, Mr. Smith?" Lucia asked, taking a deep breath..

"I was wondering if… if you would like to go out with me sometime. Maybe for dinner?" Mr. Smith asked nervously.

Lucia's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly schooled her features. "I'm sorry, Mr. Smith, but I am your employee. It would not be appropriate for us to have that kind of relationship. I hope you understand."

Mr. Smith felt his heart sink, but he pleaded with her. "Please, Lucia, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just… I thought there was something between us."

Lucia's eyes softened for a moment before her mask returned. "I'm sorry, Mr. Smith. But I cannot accept your invitation. If you continue to pursue this, I will have no choice but to resign."

Mr. Smith's eyes widened in panic. "No, please, Lucia. Don't resign. Think of Martins, my son. He's grown attached to you. Please, I beg you."

Lucia hesitated for a moment, the emotions threatening to overwhelm her, before she turned and fled from his presence.