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 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 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.
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.
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
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
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
Lucian’s (Luc) POV: "I know what you are trying to do. For the millionth time, Hal, Don't convince me, and the answer is still NO". Hal finally understood that my patience is wearing off. And I could see his mind was thinking fast to trap me in other ways. I knew him very well. I could have got a few film offers at the start because of my looks and acting ability. But it was Hal, and his brain made me this successful in the media industry. No one can negotiate and win this man. I sighed again, anticipating his next move to manipulate me. Everyone knew me as Lucian Alastair, a famous movie star. I have been blessed and cursed with all that was dreamed for and envied by both men and women. Looks, fame, money, success, you name it, I have it. But those made me lose one thing I treasure in my life, my family. No, I will not succumb to self-pity anymore. Hal's words penetrated my ears somehow. "Have you checked these tabloids" Hal thrown down the Nation's top weekly magazines? I narro
Luc’s POV: I blared the horn at the truck in front of me. Everything was worse from the morning. My sleep was disturbed by the old memories, and I woke up late. I had already sent James to the office with all the necessary documents. I had to be at my office in another 30 minutes for a cross-continental meeting with my Japan office. We recently acquired a Heavy Industry, and some issues prevailed still on the merger. We were one of the top manufacturers in Air Crafts and recently stepped into Helicopters. It was Jack's idea. Thinking of Jack made me zoned out, and I came back with a start when I heard someone honking from m back. The truck was nowhere to be seen now, and I cursed myself for getting distracted. I then saw her smiling and waving at me. It was the same female from the restaurant yesterday and was wearing an oversize sweatshirt and stone-washed denim. The sweatshirt was oversized.
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.