Luc's POV
"Make sure that all the board members are intimated of the changes. I need a detailed plan about the new research wing on my table by evening." Mitchel is taking notes of my instructions. Lia and James are also with me.
"Mr. Alastair, Mr. David wants to book a meeting to finalize the draft on contract with Aviation International."
Lia's hand stops momentarily on her keypad, but she never looks up. I know she is listening keenly. I admire her stubbornness.
"Very well, Mitchel. Ask David to prepare the final draft. But I have to check on that before the discussion."
Mitchel utters her understanding and leaves the room after. I turn to look as James is trying to control his laugh
Lia's POV I stare into the screen saver displaying Alastair Corporation's logo. As if the monitor is tossing it across space like a ball. Not that it is the exciting thing in the world to look at. But my thoughts are too chaotic to do any work. It is only two months since we got married. But it seems like years. What an exciting time frame. And I haven't thought about the ball this Saturday. I am not a person who buys a new dress for every occasion. I suppose it is normal to feel like that. Why should I have to buy a dress for every new event? I will use one of my evening dresses in the wardrobe. I shake my head at the thoughts. Why am I thinking about the dress when we have more pressing matters in hand? We have a meeting planned with Stephanos and David on the contract at 11:00 am.
Lia's POV Days fly fast, and it is Saturday morning now. The Ball is in the evening, and Kate insisted I accompany her to a salon. I am not a spa person. I don't understand how people feel refreshed after spending a day in the spa. I feel dead tired and will sleep hours together hence why Kate and I are sitting on this pedicure chair after a good facial. Kate was explaining what and why about the Ball. I was surprised to hear that Kate was a foster child. She and Ricardo met in high school. Even though their start was rough, the spark was there soon, and their love is growing deep till now. Based on what Kate said, the story is entirely worth being a plot for a good romantic movie. Even though Kate was blessed with suitable foster parents, who gave her a roof over the head and three m
Lia's POV I join Thea in the collection booth. The job is quite simple. First, we have to list the items donated, confirm the same with the donating person by signing below the list, put them on a bag, and pin them in with the number mentioned in the form. Then, the cash donations are collected in a separate booth, handled directly by Emma and Kate. I see mom helping Kate, dad and Jax are talking with Ric. I should applaud Kate, Emma, and Isabella. All the booths are working seamlessly. This is not a closed event, and we have much common public attending the event even though there are no significant issues aroused. I cannot help but glance at Lucian's booth here and then. We are set nearby so that I can see the happenings there. To be true, it is the most crowded booth. However, I ca
Lia’s POV “Thea told that you want to see me.” I look up hearing Luc. Seeing my confusion Luc asks me again. “You wanted to see me? Thea sent me here.” Why? That little... “No... Yes... Maybe...” I stop blabbering when Luc raises his eyebrow. I sit down with a sigh, not looking at him. After admiring my beautiful nails for a long time, I look up as there is no movement from him. He is standing with his hands in pant pockets and looking aimlessly. “You want to talk?” I whisper the question, half hoping that he will not hear. But no, my prayers are not listened. He looks at me back. “Do you
Lia's POV What? Haven't he told that Jake and Diaz were in love with each other? How could he? I cannot hear any more of it. Even though it had happened in the past, my heart feels heavy hearing this. When I stand up to leave from there, Luc catches my wrist. "Lia, I asked you to listen with an open mind." I shake my head as I was not ready to hear anything further. "Whatever we hear doesn't mean the same. I hope you will understand once I tell the story completely. But will you listen?" Do I want to? Yes. Would I? I don't know. Considering the benefit of the doubt for Lucian, I sit back. I look towards the forest, not facing him. I know it is not fair on his part, but I am afraid. What
Lia's POV It has been three weeks since Luc has gone for the movie shoot. He didn't come home last weekend as planned. Because of the movie's unexpected turn, they are shooting nonstop for another two weeks. James and I are directly handling the negotiations with Japan. After David, no one new is appointed for the position of Eurasian COO. David's associate is looking after that under the direct supervision of James and me. I don't want to decide on appointing a new person without discussing it with Luc. Even though we are constantly updating Luc on the significant ongoing activities, I am still not getting used to his absence. Whenever I hear the door knocked in my office, I expect to see his face. Every morning when I enter the kitchen for breakfast, I hope to see him sitting in the island chairs, eating breakfast scrolling on the
Lia’s POV I ask Thea to drop me back at the office immediately. I haven’t told her any news. I don’t know any details to tell. James hasn’t mentioned anything except Luc being in trouble. I tell Thea that I have an urgent meeting scheduled and need to be in the office immediately. I rush into the office. Seeing the surprised looks from the security, I understand that whatever the news is, it is not out. My hands are shaking to press the correct button in the elevator. I run out to see James waiting in front of my room. “What happened to Luc? Where is he?” words came stumbling out despite the catch in my throat. “Lia, relax. Luc is not hurt. He is fine.” I almost sunk to the floor hearin
Luc's POV What? No. Does Lia believe Diaz? A sense of dread spread inside me. "No. Lia, look at me." I search for anger in her eyes, but all I find is a disappointment. I am confused. "What is it, Lia? I did not have any relationship with her. Believe me." Thud. Thud. She starts hitting me with closed fists. "Why didn't you called me? Did I not come into your mind to reach out? I thought... I thought.." She sobs as words have failed her. I freeze for a moment on her questions. Relief floods through me when I realize that Lia believes me. I hug her tightly. "Lia, please, I never thought of
Lia’s POV I laugh seeing Luc’s discomfort on the way the females are falling on him. It is again the annual ball for the foster children. I could not believe it is a year since the last ball. Time is flying like anything. After the disastrous incident, Diaz, her mom, and Mitchel were arrested by cops. Poor Diaz killed herself in prison. Bella could not bear the shock of her daughter’s death and became mentally depressed. She is currently in the psychiatric division of state prison. Mitchel is still behind bars and has six more years to serve. Even though Hal was also behind the conspiracy, having Mary and kids in mind, Luc did not press charges against him. But Luc cut ties with him, and Hal is no more in the media industry. Luc is still in the media industry but more on production. He is taking up only selected roles once in a while. James is his manager, associate, and bodyguard. As for the Alastair Corporation, Luc is the Chairman. I am the Vice-Chairman having the complete aut
Lia’s POV I wake from my deep slumber and turn to see Luc lying head down. He is asleep, sitting next to me, holding my hand. I try to release my hands, keyword try. Once I move my hand, he grips even tighter and jerks up. He looks at me first as if to believe that I am awake. Then he smiles slowly. “Hi,” I say, not knowing what to say. He chuckles at me. “Hi yourself.” “How are you feeling? Any pain?” He asks me, looking at my mid-section. I shake my head at his question. “No. Just thirsty.” He gets up to bring a glass of water with a straw. I sip the water to cherish the chill feeling s
Luc’s POV I sit stoically in the hospital chair. The surgeons are operating for Lia right now. I could see James talking to the cops. Dad has gone to complete the formalities in the reception. Mom is sitting next to me, holding my hand. I am observing everything but detached from everything at the same. My eyes often drift to the doors of the operation theatre. I could not forget the way Lia fell with the gushing of blood. My heart will be scarred with that forever. I have failed to save Lia and failed my promises to her. Mom never says a word but sits next to me. That is all I want now. She understands that I cannot talk or listen to anything but need someone for me. How have I got blessed with such understanding parents? Why have I thought that they will blame me for Jake’s death? I
Luc’s POV Dad listens to everything and shocks me, saying that he already has suspected something like that. “How?” I ask him. “Lucian, I am your dad. But, just because I am not with you in your daily life doesn’t mean that I don’t know my children. Did you think that I never noticed the change in your behavior? Or the way you started treating Diaz and Bella differently? And, I am talking on behalf of your mom too.” I am speechless. How can I think so less of my family? A streak of guilt passes in along with my other emotions. Let me deal with that later. Right now, Lia is my priority. Dad says that he will be getting all the help he can, starting from the cops in that locality. I close the call and realize that we were almost near.
Lia’s POV I feel heavy over my head and try to shift in my sleep. I am stiff like I am tied up. I pry open my eyes, wondering what is happening. My eyes slowly get used to the light and find myself in an unfamiliar room. I try to rub my eyes but cannot lift my hands. I look down to see my hands tied up in the armrest. My neck is stiff and pain at the side. Possibly my head is at the wrong angle. But Where am I? Slowly memories flood back. Someone hit Patrick on the head, and I got sprayed. Panic surges through me, and I try my best to keep calm to assess the situation. Who did this? Why do they want me? I hear footsteps nearing and look up to see Diaz walking inside. “You?” I ask in surprise.
Lia’s POV “Thank you, Scarlet. Keep us updated on the progress.” I close the call with Scarlet. The operations have started in complete form in Japan. But there are some glitches beyond our anticipation. Some of the senior members on the board are slightly unresponsive as they are afraid of their jobs. But nothing too complicated to handle. Scarlet is doing a great job there. Making a mental note to inform Luc, I bid bye to James before leaving for lunch. I am meeting Mitch and Als today and haven’t spoken to them since my birthday. Patrick is driving me to the restaurant. Luc is still obsessive about my security. *** I wait in our regular booth for Als and Mitch. I am browsing the menu, deciding on the order by the time.
Lia’s POV We board the jet to Japan. Tomorrow is the final signing of the merger—one closer step to Luc’s dreams. My heart elates at this thought. James and Patrick are accompanying us along with Scarlet, Regina, Mitch, and, unfortunately, Cindy. I need to endure her stare for another 12 hours. I let an involuntary sigh at this thought. Luc raises an eyebrow at my reaction. I blush, shaking my head. We have settled inside the seats. There is a big living lounge and for everyone to settle down. The chairs are comfy enough for a small nap. The crew is available in the kitchen cabinet in case of any need for refreshments and food. James and Patrick are seated next to us. Luc is involved in his laptop. I start browsing the documents to do a final check.
Lia's POVIt's Christmas Eve. Luc, I, and James are here in our little hideout. Yes, the same beach house. He has excused us from the family dinner, citing the shoot. We are traveling to Japan in a couple of days and planning to visit both our parents after New Year's Eve. I know it is because he doesn't want to face Diaz soon. He is still contemplating the idea of how to avoid Diaz without the family's knowledge. He is afraid that his actions towards her will make the details of Jake's death known to everyone.I am sure that his parents and Thea will understand Luc, but he is still afraid of their reaction. I think he doesn't want to take the risk of getting rejected and so distancing himself from them. I am sad to hear this because I know Kate, Ric, and Thea are even more worried about Luc. I hope Lucian will overcome his fear soon.
Lia's POV It's Thanksgiving Eve. Lucian and I have come to the family feast along with Ric, Kate, and Thea. James has gone to visit his sister. It is pretty odd to have a family gathering without James, who has become good support like Jax. It is fun to prepare for the feast as a whole family—especially Thea, who is curious to do everything. Kate, as usual, organized an excellent lunch. Fortunately, it is only a family dinner, and hence we don't have to face Diaz. Luc has told me that he will take care of her, but I am becoming more restless after her latest stunt. We are happily chatting along with the lunch. "Thea, you are graduating next month. What is your plan? Are you ready to join the office?" Ric asks Thea.