Lucas's POV I woke up with a start, my heart racing as I reached for my phone on the nightstand. Seven missed calls from Claire. Two unread messages. Shit.I jumped out of bed, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I couldn't call her back. I needed to see her, to hold her in my arms and reassure myself that she was okay. Especially after that meeting with Eddie Spencer. That smarmy bastard had set my teeth on edge from the moment I laid eyes on him. And don't even get me started on Chloe's little ambush. I shook my head, trying to dispel the lingering unease. I had plans for today, dammit. I was supposed to take Claire and Brian to the art gallery, to nurture Brian's budding love of drawing. But now...I brushed my teeth in record time, barely pausing to rinse before I was thundering down the stairs. I snagged my keys from the hall table, my mind already three steps ahead."Lucas! Your phone!"I skidded to a halt, whirling to see Margaret, my long-suffering housekeeper, holding up
Claire's POVI clung to Lucas, drawing strength from his solid warmth, his unwavering presence. How did he always know just what to say, just what I needed to hear?"Thank you," I murmured, pressing a kiss to his chest. "For being here. For...everything.""There's nowhere else I'd rather be." He squeezed me tight, dropping a kiss to the top of my head. "I love you, Claire. So much.""I love you, too." The words came easily, naturally. A simple truth that anchored me, even in the midst of this chaos.We stayed like that for a long moment, just holding each other. Breathing each other in. And slowly, gradually, I felt the knot of tension in my chest begin to ease.Lucas was right. We would get through this. Together. Just like we always had.As if on cue, Brian came barreling back into the room, his face scrubbed pink and shining. "Pancakes now? I'm starving!"Lucas and I broke apart with a laugh, the heaviness of the moment dissipating like mist in the sun. "Pancakes now," Lucas confi
Claire's POVMy heart swelled with joy as I watched Jason and Anna walk through the door, their arms laden with gifts and bright smiles on their faces. I never expected them to arrive so quickly, but the surprise was a welcome one.I knew Anna was aware of Brian's birthday, but how did Jason know? The question flitted through my mind, but I quickly brushed it aside. Now wasn't the time for puzzles. It was a time for celebration.I joined the throng of guests, the laughter and chatter wrapping around me like a warm hug. Brian bounced on his toes, his eyes wide and eager as he tugged on my hand."Mommy, are we still having the party again tomorrow?"I smiled, smoothing a hand over his wild curls. "No, darling. Tomorrow we'll rest and open your presents. But tonight, we celebrate!"Lucas appeared at my side, his arm sliding around my waist as he grinned down at Brian. "And tomorrow, buddy, we're going to the park for a real party. Just like I promised."Brian's face lit up, his smile bri
Chloe's POVThree days. It had been three interminable days since Lucas unceremoniously chased me out of his house, his eyes cold, his voice sharp with disdain. Three days of silence, of waiting for a call, a text, some sign that he'd cooled off, that he was ready to talk.But there was nothing. Radio silence. As if I'd ceased to exist, as if those perfect months we'd shared had been nothing more than a fever dream.As if I meant nothing. Was nothing.The thought festered like a splinter under my skin, hot and painful. Maddening. Lucas was mine, dammit. Mine. And no small-town single mother was going to waltz in and steal him away. Not without a fight.So here I was, marching up the familiar path to his front door, my heels sinking into the lush grass. The house loomed before me, stately and proud, a monument to generations of Andersons.To the life Lucas and I were meant to share.I lifted my hand to knock, but hesitated. Glanced down at myself, taking in the artfully torn jeans, the
CHLOE'S POVI was unable to sleep all through the night as I tried to hatch up good plans to be able to get Lucas Anderson all to myself but nothing was forthcoming. My eyes itched as tears spilled out of them every now and then and it infuriated the hell out of me. I mean, this isn't the time to cry but to think. But how am I supposed to be able to think when everything is suggesting that Lucas is probably seated somewhere with that bitch, probably having dinner and laughing maniacally at something that is probably not funny.Why does this have to be happening to me? Suddenly, a plan crept into my head, and I smiled to myself.I kept rolling from one part of the bed to the other as I counted the ceiling. I couldn't even wait for the day to break, and it was as though the night had been intentionally long.I soon dozed off and woke up with that nostalgic feeling you have whenever you forget to do something really important.I immediately turned on my phone, and the time read 2:14 am,
Jack’s POVPuppies“I’m waiting Lucas.” For years I had tried and tried to get him at his weak point but nothing seemed to be working and now, I have him just where I want him to be. “Jack Evans.” I smile hearing my full name. “Hmm? I really have to thank you, Claire for giving me the chance and making my dreams come true. Who knew you would be the one to help me see Lucas this way? Weak and pathetic.” I bring out my gun enjoying the feel of it. “Just for the fun of this. You know? To make it more entertaining.” The ghastly look on their faces gives me an even greater level of joy. “I never for one day thought myself to be a sadist. But you see, certain situations carve out image of personalities we never foresee ourselves wearing.” “You are a sick psychopath. From the very beginning, I refused to stink with your filthy ass because you have no feelings whatsoever. I do not want anything to do with you. Just hand me back my son and get lost.” She wipes her tears but I can see it i
Chloe’s POVThe Comeback “Do you know if he will be back today?” I stand in front of the door tensed, for days, Lucas had completely ignored my call. This would be the fourth day Lucas has neither returned home nor returned any of my calls. I was starting to feel really bothered. “None of us have been able to reach him for days as well, Ma’am. If anything, he would have contacted us. Young master is just fine.” She had a look of annoyance on her face but anybody in my shoes at this moment would be really exhausted. I haven’t seen my man for days. “Grrrrrr,” we all turn back and I see Lucas’s car drive in, from where I am standing, I see shadows of human beings, one in the car holding a child. I squint to take a closer look just to be sure. “Who? Who’s in the car?” I stand with my spine straight ready to see this man snatcher. “Babe.” The moment he opens the door, I pout waiting for an explanation. What’s the meaning of all this? I stare at the woman in the car with the child. My
Claire’s POV I stood there with Brian in my arms rooted to the ground. Chloe? I furrowed my brows in confusion; I know that name, but why, why was she here at Lucas’s place? “Lu-“ I shut my mouth unable to call his name. I blinked the tears away from my eyes. I feel a hot, piercing gaze on me, and when I lift my eyes, she is staring at me with so much hatred. “Mark my words Bitch, this isn’t over.” She whispers in my ears and I know exactly why. She doesn’t want Lucas to figure it out. I squeeze my gown refusing to say a word back to her. “Man snatcher.” “Chloe! That’s enough! Get out.” I stared at his back and I couldn’t help but wonder. Is this now going to be my fate? The cold side of Lucas? “Your whole family would hear of this, I want to see how you get this thing to be your wife. You will only be frustrating her!” She stares at me like I’m some piece of trash. “I said get out.” He turns to stare at the security guards and she finally leaves. I stand there at the entrance
CHLOE'S POV My mom was still around; I mean, this time, I was fed up and needed to be alone. She was never going to understand the language, Especially now that she thinks she is winning whatever battle with Lucas. Unknown to her that Lucas wouldn't give up easily, Lucas would never give up easily.I have seen and given more threats to him but he risks his life for Claire.This morning, I needed to walk out to find peace but the weather wasn't favourable in any way.I made warm tea and stood outside to drink it.“Chloe, how are you doing?” Mom came out of the room wrapped with her blanket.“Mom,” I answered without looking behind.“Good morning,” I greeted with a forced smile.“You know it's cold and you choose to take that outside,” she pointed at the cup in my hands.“Ohh, o just needed some air.” I waggled my eyebrows and entered the house.She followed me in and closed the door behind me.“This is warmer, and that's the air you should be seeking for.” Mom pulled out the blanket
Christabel PovIt was the second day of my job and I was happy working there already. I loved the fact that everyone concentrated on what they had to do. No one had the time to talk about people."There will always be people," I smirked when I passed some set of humans.They used their eyes to communicate. That is something I always do so I can detect it within a minute."Hey." I greeted them anyway even when I knew they wouldn't answer me.“why does she always want to show off where she isn't needed?” One of them whispered.“She's trying to get the attention of the boss, or probably her husband.” She grinned.“Shut the fuck up. No one says that's her husband.” Another warned.“What!”I heard all this conversation and acted like I heard nothing; my hearing was perfect and sharp. I mean, I've worked for a Mafia boss as a spy; I'm good at these things.“Hey, Miss.” I knocked at Mirabel's door twice.Until I got the permission, I didn't go in.“How are you doing today?” She smiled with
CLAIRE'S POVI was still in shock, trying to recover from Chloe's looks. Her eyes were worse than that of a killer.When she stared at me I almost fell to the ground. My heart raced for seconds before Lucas gave me a warm hug.I don't know what to do anymore. I was still confused about everything even when Lucas told me to go home.I found myself several times talking about the whole issue.“Wait…” I halted my car and leaned backwards with a sigh.“Am I falling for Lucas again? I mean, I fought this feeling for months, and now, here it is all burning like it's a new love.” I sighed.I started my car recklessly without looking behind.The trailer from behind horned like they were about to fall into the gutter “What is going…. Oh shit!” I was quick enough to put my car to the side.“You piece of shit, watch where you are going.” The passenger shouted through the window.I held my chest from the shock. I hope I don't die before I get back home.I checked my back before moving my vehicle
LUCAS POVThe whole scene wasn't clear to me enough.I needed an explanation for all the shit that was happening. I mean, Dad would just sit there and watch these people lie against me.It is a new day and I expect everyone in the house to forget about everything that happened. I don't see myself forgetting about it very soon but I wish my parents would forget about it immediately.“I have to get to work.” I sighed.My head is not in a good state to go to work. I had stayed away from work, trying to prove some stupid points to people.My father had been silent since the day that issue was addressed. I know very well that he would talk about that, he just needs time and something to remind him of it.I got up from the bed to the kitchen as tired as I was. I could barely think of something to say to anyone.“Good morning, mom.” I greeted her with a low tone.She snubbed and continued with what she had to do. My strength wasn't enough to greet her twice or ask what the matter was.I assu
CHLOE'S POVMy mom was my savior, but that didn't last for long.I had to defend myself at some point and I had to follow my mother's rules."Let the victim defend herself." When Lucas said that, my heart sank.I was shivering already, the man wasn't frightening but his looks and body movements says it all.I don't know how observant he was but I had to be careful so that he doesn't detect the lie.After the whole shouts and screams and argument. The father came to a conclusion that didn't favour Lucas. He was annoyed at this but his father...? He is the same to everyone including his sons.Lucas didn't give up, he shouted at us and did whatever he wanted but our decision stood firm."Before I leave, this is to remind you that if you don't accept my daughter after being a traitor to her...I will call the police into this case and her father..." My mom scoffed."You wouldn't love to see his madness here." With these words we walked out.I could tell that Lucas was mad. He kept stutte
LUCAS POVIt was a pleasure to see Claire. I mean, I didn't expect to see her, but here she was anyway.She looked like one who had been running a helter-skelter to look for me. Chloe's mother made a threatening Sentence that made her almost lose control. I don't see any reason why she should be Afraid."Go home," I instructed her and I made sure she drove away before I joined them in my house. "Who do we have here?" My mother came out to welcome her supposed daughter."Hold those greetings to yourself." Chloe's mother interrupted.My mom stood there shocked; She was probably trying to process why she would act that way."You might want to have a seat mom," I said to her,I fell on the sofa and took a deep breath. "Mom, where's dad?" I asked while looking around.I found him coming downstairs."What is going on here?" My dad stepped inNow I was certain the so-called meeting should start; at least I have someone who doesn't support them in any way."Chloe came over." Her Mol pulled
CLAIRE'S POVI don't know how things were going with Lucas and that fool. I lost concentration at work, especially when he came to me in the morning and asked where I found her.He was so impatient that before I could get out of my office to meet him he was gone."Ma'am, the files you requested are here." One of the new workers said to me, I just kept staring at the papers without having in mind what I wanted to do with it."Ma'am, we have to leave with this immediately, so please, I would need you to finish with it...." I interrupted her before she finished speaking."Just leave," I said to her,"Ma'am?""Am I stuttering? I said you should leave." I raised my voice at her.I wasn't comfortable with that after some minutes but I didn't have a choice."Shit! What is going on with me?" I hit the table in anger.There was no way I would have to leave the company papers unsigned. Even when I shouted at the lady, I knew that I couldn't deny my work. I still have to do itI began with the
CHLOE'S POVI woke up with a severe headache. My head began to spin, I could barely think. My eyes were heavy, and my visions were blurry. I tried to get up but my pounding headache kept me back on the floor."Argh." I groaned.The pain was unbearable.I was in chains, my hands were tied to my back."What's happening?" I struggled to get myself free and that's when I noticed I was knocked out."What the fuck is happening?" I shouted.It took minutes before I could see clearly, Lucas was standing right in front of me."You are awake scum?" He asked.What the hell was going on? I was pissed hearing that he had to call me that."What....what do you mean by scum?" I asked him, annoyed."Are you done playing with your little whores like you?" He resigned.I didn't even get a clue of why he reigned insults at me. "What are you talking about?" I struggle to sit upright."Can you recall the last place you were?" He asked.He squatted and faced me.I thought about it, so hard to remember wh
LUCAS POVThe message sent a shock to my whole body; I couldn't move for the next few seconds that passed."Chloe?" I found myself repeating the words. I put the phone back into my pocket and looked around. I found my mom staring at me through the window."Your daughter is back, and you have to start praying for her, or you might not see her the same," I muttered and got back into the car. I drove away in anger. At first, I planned to meet Claire, but after getting the massage, I had to change the plans."I hope not to find you anywhere." I gnashed my teeth.This message was sent to me by Claire. It's early morning, and she will probably be heading for work; I hope she arrives there safely.My doubts were too much for me to ignore; I had to call you to find out what was going on."Will she ever pick up?" I threw the phone on the passenger seat.I was close to the company when she finally picked up the call."Finally." I sighed."Hel..." She didn't let me complete the greetings befo