chapter 1

~Lucas~

I sat behind my desk, scrutinizing the financial reports in front of me, when the door swung open. I raised my head to see my best friend, Gavin Wellington walk in, he’s the only one who comes into my company like he owns it. Always grins like he's the most handsome fella in the world, but today his usual carefree demeanor somehow felt broody.

I became alert, wondering what was disturbing him.

“What’s wrong?” I asked my tone firm but laced with concern, leaning my back on the chair comfortably as I studied him. He dropped into the leather chair not far away from my desk, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me.

He let out a sigh and scrunched his aristocratic nose up, “I’m sick,” he declared.

My brows furrowed, “Well, this place ain't a hospital my dear friend. Get your ass outta my office and go meet a doctor,” I said and he let out a sarcastic laughter.

Of course, I knew that wasn't the main purpose of him coming here, the Gavin I know doesn't like it when I know his weakness. We are always competing with each other even though our line of business is way different, but that's why we were close.

He'd been such a hardass until he met his wife and became a weakling.

He became a pet to love which was crazy, sometimes I wish he hadn't met Bethany but then she alone was the person who could light up his world, well with the exemption of his daughter.

“I have a tumor, here in this brain of mine. Such a messed-up life, guess I might Bethany soon,” he joked and I creased my brows.

“Are you just going to give up on life like that?” I challenged, feeling angry that he didn't want to fight this and give up. My gaze narrowed to the man not far away from me.

Gavin's tailored black suit and white shirt looked oddly out of place, his chiseled features normally radiant now appeared dull.

Bethany died in an accident shortly after his daughter's birth and ever since then he'd lost it. The only person making him be sane was his daughter and that's why I'm mad. Mad that he just wants to give up on life so easily without fighting the tumor.

“I need you to watch Abby for me,” He requested and I lost it. I shouldn't be this mad but hearing this bastard talk about leaving this world and giving his daughter to my care must be so aggravating. I stood up from my chair and rushed at him, I held his shirt and glared at him, his blue eyes locked into mine.

All I could see was defeat.

“I could make your daughter's life hell. I can take all of your property and give her none, I could even blackmail her emotionally and make it look like she's mentally ill, is that fine with you?” I growled, trying to keep my anger in check.

He smiled.

That bastard FUCKING smiled at me.

The Gavin I know would have fought back, gotten angry at my resort and even hit me because I'd mentioned his precious daughter in this matter. Of course, he loves his daughter and when it comes to her, he is overprotective.

I gritted my teeth and let go of his shirt,

“You are no fun,” I muttered and sat down on the couch opposite where he was standing. He adjusted his shirt and sat down back.

“The chance of survival is 16%, it has spread rapidly and my health is deteriorating. Thankfully, it hasn't gotten to stage 4 and no sign of leukemia,” he announced and the heavy burden in my chest was laid off.

I crossed my legs, and undone two buttons, “That’s high enough. Give me your words that you'll survive and compete with me and I'll give you my word that I'll take care of your daughter,” I proposed and he chuckled.

“Nice request, Lucas. Just tell me you don't want to lose me and stop acting aloof. I never knew you loved me this much,” he joked and I rolled my eyes Internally.

“Up to you Gavin, your choice,” I said, as if this was going to be a nice deal for me. Deeply, we both know it's a win-win situation for both of us.

“Fine, I'll beat death and come and compete with you. Abigail is coming home this Sunday, I don't want her to know about it,” He stated, his jaw clenched.

“She’s starting her internship here. I don't want her to worry,” he added. I could see his worry.

He is revealing his weak side to me again, I had so many things in my hands that I could use to bring him down, but somehow I decided not to.

Not that I pity him, Gavin just didn't make things easy for me and that's why I liked him though he is very annoying.

His daughter had just recently graduated from college and Gavin wanted her to join my company he'd already told me before. Seems he knew that he was sick then and he just wanted me to know now.

“I won't tell her, but if you get sick again I'm going to fry your brain and kill you myself,” I threatened.

“Sure,” he agreed and stood up, getting ready to leave.

“Would you like to have a drink with me?” he offered, I glared at him for a while before shrugging.

I could come back for the reports later, let me have a drink with him before he goes for his surgery.

“Wait, isn't alcohol bad for your health?” I asked, getting my coat from the back chair.

“Do not worry, Lucas. It's just a sip and nothing more, I need to clear my head of things,” He replied, bringing a lighter from his side pocket.

“No smoking in my office, old man, get that lighter off your mouth,” I warned and snatched the cigarette from his mouth.

“Stop nagging at me, people might think you're my nanny,” he joked as we stepped out of the office. At least, he isn't brooding anymore. That's fine for now.

“You better beat death, Gavin.”