Is it really her?

Lucian's POV

A disgruntled sigh puffs through my lips as my phone starts buzzing again. I take it out of my pocket just to confirm if it's who I think it is. 

And I'm right. It's her. My frustrating chosen mate, Letty. It's just been two hours since I left our Pack but her annoyingly clingy ass won't stop calling my phone. 

Just a few seconds ago, I got off the phone with Drake. She was calling all through but I wasn't about to cut short my conversation with Drake just because of her.

And now, she's calling again. Trying to drive me nuts with her persistent calls. Getting into the elevator, I swipe to the receive button to finally hear what it is she has to say. 

But I think I know what all this is about. She didn't want me to come here alone. She'd been whiny about my plans of coming here and had insisted I take her along. I refused. So I'm sure this is all her way to frustrate me.

"Why do you keep calling me?" I snap, the second I take the call. "Why won't you let me have a little bit of peace of mind, Letty?"

"Lucian, son. It's your mother." Mum's voice replies instead. She seems agitated. 

"Mum. You've been the one calling?"

"Yes, son."

"I don't understand. Why are you calling me with Letty's phone?"

"Because…she's sick, son. She suddenly developed a high fever. I already called the doctor and he's on his way here. But she's asking for you. She wants you by her side."

I sigh, rubbing my palms on my sweaty forehead. Another lie. Another petty trick to mess with my head. Both Mum and Letty are my nightmares. And I'm getting genuinely sick of them. Sick of my life entirely. 

"Listen, Mum. I don't know what games you're on with Letty…"

"I'm serious, son. It's not a game…"

"Listen!" I hiss in anger. "I don't know what shitty game this is but I'm done. I'm done being your stupid, filial son. I'm done being your puppet. I'm done ruining my life just to please you…"

"Son, what are you saying?"

"I'm not coming home so you might as well take care of your sick daughter-in-law. And do well to stop calling me. Or I'll be forced to block your number. Bye."

I hang up, returning my phone to my pocket. A sad aura takes over me as I'm reminded once again of what agony and misery my life has turned into. 

Ever since Alexa walked out of my life, I've barely been able to get it together. Sure, I married Letty. Became Alpha, and then shortly after that, Father died. Letty and I have a beautiful daughter, who I adore with all my heart. 

My people love me and my Pack is running smoothly. But I'm not okay. Giving up on my love for Alexa remains my greatest mistake. 

I haven't been able to get over it. I don't have a strong enough will to do that. I still visit our shack, just to feel her presence sometimes. I still dream of her. I still cry over my loss. I still yearn for her in a very deep way. I miss her, every part of me does. And I still beat myself up for being such a coward and not learning how to stand up for myself sooner. 

And I've never been more depressed about losing her than I am today. Maybe because today is our breakup anniversary. Four years ago, on this date, I made the worst decision of my life.

So all that misery crashing harder on me today is the reason I wanted to get away from home. So when Drake invited me over to his Pack, I didn't hesitate to accept. I need the distraction. I need to get my mind off Alexa even if it's just for a few hours.

The elevator door opens and I step out, bumping into a kid. He falls to the ground with a short cry. 

"Hey, I'm so sorry," I crouch beside him, helping him up. "Are you alrig…" 

Awed by his very familiar eyes, I can't find the will to finish off my words. Those eyes are so familiar that they hurt. 

It's the rarest kind of eyes. And only one person in the world owns them. And now, this kid, with not just the same eyes but a bit of her facial features. 

If I don't know better, I'll think I'm staring at the male version of Alexa. He's…beautiful. And has a striking resemblance with her that crazily makes my heart flutter right now. 

"I'm fine, Sir. Thank you." He says in a very charming voice. I smile heartily. He kinda reminds me of my baby girl, Lucy. 

Like I said, she's the only reason I'm still not deciding to break my marriage with Letty. Our daughter is the only reason she's still in my house, driving me nuts. 

"How old are you?" I ask.

He counts with his fingers and shows them to me. "I'm four."

"Then you're still too young to get into an elevator alone. Where are you headed? Where's your Mummy?" I ask, cupping his face. He smiles, showing a rather beautiful dentition. 

"You're very handsome, Sir."

His compliment takes me slightly aback. And as stupid as it sounds, it again makes my heart flutter. 

"Am I?" I grin. 

"Yes. But I'm more handsome than you are. I hope that doesn't offend you." He grins back.

I laugh at his words. Smart and brave. Very nice qualities for such a young age. 

"You sure are more handsome than I am. And thanks for the compliment. So tell me, where's your Mummy? Why are you alone?"

And why's he even here? I know Drake doesn't allow his employees to bring their kids to work. So where did this enchanting kid come from?

"My Mummy works for Uncle Drake."

"Uncle?" I ask, slightly confused. Last I checked, Drake had no siblings. Except he didn't literally mean 'Uncle.'

"Yes. Uncle Drake owns this company. And my Mummy is in his office. I thought I might have a look around. But now I'm lost. I don't know how to find Uncle Drake's office."

"Oh. Alright. No need to panic. Can I tell you a secret?" 

"Sure. What is it?"

"Your Uncle Drake and I are kinda best friends and I'm on my way to his office. If you want, you can tag along."

"Really? Thank you so much, Sir!" He squeals, grabbing my hand and intertwining our fingers. 

I chuckle, standing and holding his hand tighter as we head to Drake's office. 

"You're one hell of a nice kid. Your parents must be proud of you."

"Just my Mummy. And I'm proud of her too."

"Why isn't your daddy proud of you?" I ask, not exactly understanding his words. 

"I mean, I have just Mummy. I don't have a Daddy. It's just Mummy and grandma. And my Nanny. And then Uncle Drake."

"Oh." A sense of sadness washes over me.

"Mummy said Daddy went away and is never coming back. But he loved me a lot. So I love him too. And I wanna see him. Even just once. But I don't tell Mummy that. She might get sad. She tends to get sad a lot when I talk about him…"

For a four-year-old, he knows how to keep a good conversation. I'm pretty much invested in his words that I didn't realize we've gotten to Drake's office.

"Mummy!" The kid shouts, letting go of my hand and running to meet someone. 

I snap out of my thoughts and realize Drake is standing next to his secretary's desk looking all worked up. He's with a woman who's hugging the kid so tightly. She's definitely his mother. 

I get closer to them. But then she stands, looks at me, and forces me to halt. The eyes. The face. Everything. Brings back heavy memories. 

My heart pounds harder as I keep staring at her. I don't wanna believe it too soon. I don't want to but the longer I stare at her, the more I'm falling for it. Is it really her?

"Alexa…?"