Beneath His Hidden Love

"Our engagement is off, Vera. I'm getting married to my father's choice of bride." The wine in her mouth splashed out before she could stop it. She glared at Lucian Romano across the table, certain she had heard him wrong. "Lucian." Her fingers trembled as she set her glass down. "This joke isn't funny." "Do I look like I'm joking?" He didn't. Lucian remained seated, his expression cold as he scanned the documents on his desk. "You're breaking our engagement because of a mere contract wife to be?" Vera's voice shook. He didn't answer. "Lucian!" She snapped. "After everything we shared, you're choosing her?" "My decision is final." "What happens to me then? You want to make me your mistress?" His jaw clenched. "I'm not discussing this with you." "You don't get to decide that!" She shouted. "You promised—" "I promise you nothing." Her lips parted. For a moment, no words came. She stared at him. Her fingers curled around her handbag. "You can't get rid of me that easily. Because I'm not going anywhere!" He kept his eyes on the file. "Close the door behind you." She slammed the door. He leaned back and rubbed his temple. Vera was the last thing he needed right now. Downstairs. Taran had just finished a meeting with one of the Romano family's top clients when he saw Lucian coming downstairs. He stopped. Fake scar. Plain clothes. He closed his eyes for a moment. "Not again." Lucian approached him. "Can I have the key to the black Jeep?" Taran narrowed his eyes. "Boss—" "It's Alexander," Lucian cut in. Taran gave an apologetic nod. "Can I come with you, Alexander?" Lucian sized him up. "I'm just going to get some wine, Taran Orlov. I won't kill anyone." Taran forced a smile. After the club incident, his grip tightened around the keys before he finally handed it over. He knew better than to argue. "Take care of things while I'm gone." "Understood." Lucian strode off, leaving Taran speechless. The morning breeze swept across Lucian's face as he drove through the busy street. His phone rang. He glanced at the screen. "Vera, b***h," he muttered. He tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. It rang again. He cranked up the music, drowning out the call. A figure stepped into the road. He slammed the brakes, tires screeching as the Jeep stopped inches away. "Goddamn it!" He threw open the door and stepped out. "Are you blind? Do you have a death wish?" "Oh my God. Nathalie, are you okay?" A faint voice asked while approaching the scene. "Even if you want to die, at least find somewhere safe to do it!" Lucian growled. Nathalie looked up and froze at the sight of his broad shoulders, sharp jaw, and cold grey eyes. For one foolish second, she forgot he had nearly hit her. "We are sorry, sir," Nathalie's friend said. "Sorry for your crazy selves." Nathalie's expression changed. "Mr. Crazy, or whatever your cursed name is. People like you should pay more attention to the road instead of driving like you own it." Lucian glared at her, his fists curling. Nobody had dared to speak to him like that. Yet his gaze lingered. Something about her features felt strangely familiar. For a moment, he could swear he was looking at his mother. "Impossible," he muttered. Nathalie frowned. "Why are you staring at me like a sick patient?" His gaze met hers. "Who are you?" His tone softened. "Excuse you. I'm someone you almost knocked down, your majesty." A humorless laugh escaped him. "There's no debating your madness. So you'd better control your tone." "Make me." Their eyes locked. The traffic behind them continued to honk, but neither seemed to notice. Zara pulled her back. "Nathalie, enough. Let it go." She turned to Lucian. "Please forgive her, sir. She's not always like this." "It's obvious you have a better sense of humour than her." He smirked. "Maybe you should teach her the tricks." He turned toward his car. Nathalie watched him briefly before scoffing. "You shouldn't have apologized, Zara. You can't expect an animal to behave any better." Lucian stopped. He glanced over his shoulder before facing her. "Did you just call me an animal?" "If the boots fit." Zara's face paled. Lucian smiled but there was no warmth in it. "I see you're one of those stubborn bitches in the city." He leaned closer. "I pray we don't meet again on a day I keep people like you six feet below the ground." Nathalie swallowed. Her confidence faltered. He got into his Jeep and drove away. She exhaled. "That was close." "That was awesome!" Zara exclaimed. "How did you do that? Nathalie's brow furrowed. "Whose side are you on?" Zara shrugged. "I was only looking out for you, bestie." "No you weren't." Zara grabbed her wrist. "Fine. Let's go before your parents get back." Lucian parked outside the wine cellar, Nathalie's face stayed with him. He couldn't understand why. His phone rang. He answered without looking. "Talk." "Your father is around, Boss." Lucian's grip tightened around the steering wheel. "What does he want?" "It's about your wedding plans with Mr. Boris's daughter." Wedding? His expression hardened. "Take him to my private office. And dismissed the maids If they're done. I don't want them gossiping about my absence." "Alright, Boss." "I'll be home in twenty." He ended the call. A few minutes later, Lucian drove into his estate. The atmosphere was unusually quiet. Guards stood alert at their posts, bowing as he entered the mansion. He pushed open the office door and found his father, Moretti Romano, seated. Moretti's brow knitted. "Where the hell have you been without your guards? Not even with your right-hand man?" "What brings you here, Father?" Lucian asked, gaze unmoved. "Speak, I have other matters to attend to." Taran remained silent. He bowed respectfully when his eyes met Lucian's. "Watch your tone, son." Moretti warned. "The last time you were out without your guards, it turned bloody. We agreed you'd always have them with you." Lucian poured himself whisky. "Your concern is fake." He studied his father's expression. "Besides, your precious heir is safe. I'm careful not to kill anyone. I'm a man—" "A dangerous one." Moretti interrupted. Lucian scoffed. "You mean the monster you created?" Silence filled the room. "Taran will brief you on everything we discussed." He looked at Taran. "Put your friendship aside. Do your duty and protect him at all costs" "He's not to be blamed." "That's my order!" Moretti left. Taran uncorked a bottle of whiskey. "Tough morning?" Lucian sank into his chair. "I saw the spitting image of my late mother today. Yet she was unbelievably disrespectful." Taran topped up Lucian's glass. "Do you need me to find her?" "Obviously." Lucian's finger traced the rim of his glass. "Find out everything about that bitch." "Alright, Boss." "What discussion was my father referring to?" "He wants you to meet your bride this evening. The Boris family will be expecting you." "I see." Lucian smirked and took a sip. "Make arrangements." "Ok, Boss." "Finally, I get to meet the unlucky daughter he's trading for freedom."