Velia did not know what feelings were currently raging inside her chest. Especially since she was in front of Lucas’s room.
As Velia recalled earlier, the CEO wanted her to come. But, for the sake of anything. she did not think that the CEO was Lucas Hernandez. The man who had been the most painful part of her past. Someone who made her go as far as possible to start a new life. So many years have passed, but why should they meet again?
Ironic, but Velia will never forget how that deep voice sounds familiar to her ears. Unchanged. Just like before.
Not only that but everything. Velia could see the current Lucas and compared it to the memories in her mind.
Lucas was still tall and big. His pair of sharp eyes still shone an aura of intimidation. Even his dense black hair was still as dark as Velia's last memory.
In Velia's view, nothing had changed for Lucas, other than the streaks of maturity that began to appear on the face. It gave the impression of strong and dashing at the same time.
Lucas was a point that Velia did not expect, but has recorded in the pages of her past. Born into a respectable and wealthy family. Blessed with intelligence and good looks. Blessed with calmness and an aura of dominance that can daunt anyone the interlocutor. As a result, it was not strange that many women fall in love even though he seems cold and scary.
Approaching Lucas was a real gamble. Between two choices, rejected or even hurt. He was like a God who will not be easily touched by just anyone. And being around him was a deal without words. Ready to feel hurt. Velia had already proved it and now she could only slump in her mind.
Of all the places I could work, why do I have to work here?
Knowing that no one could answer that question, Velia then tried to deal with the current situation. She took a deep breath, ventured to knock on the door. And Velia’s breathing stopped when she heard a voice from inside.
“Come in.”
Bracing herself, Velia forced her hand to press on the door leaf. Pushed slowly and her gaze immediately hit Lucas. The girl said nothing before she finally closed the door behind her back.
Finding Velia’s arrival, Lucas, who was behind the desk, suddenly stood up from his seat. For a moment, there was only silence between them. Not a single sound came from their lips. And then, as if waking up from the situation, Lucas seemed to move. Walking slowly approached Velia, who was standing in front of the door. His voice sounded hoarse when he called that name.
“Ve. Velia.”
Velia was not sure. Was the man in front of her really Lucas? Lucas who ever left her?
It was an old story that Velia wanted to bury deep. The memories that make her know that not all love stories would end happily. Instead, it would cause injury. It was a deep scratch and so difficult for her to forget. It took years for her to heal. And it used to be no small struggle.
Lucas stood in front of Velia. Reach out. Whether conscious, but the hand was outstretched to rub Velia’s cheek. But the girl moved a little, make his hand just touch the air. Holding the pain, he pulled down his hand. In the end, he pointed to the sofa.
Lucas nodded for a moment before he said. “Sit down.”
Once, Velia nodded briefly before she sat on sofa. So even with Lucas, who seemed to choose to sit in the chair opposite Velia.
“How are you, Velia?”
Velia held her breath in her chest for a moment. The possibility that Lucas was the CEO of the company where she worked was a different Lucas to the one she knew was gone. Of course, the Lucas in front of her was the Lucas she knew. And now, reunited after years of separation, Velia felt a dilemma. She did not know what to do with that guy.
Velia could only answer that question with a brief nod. With one word.
“Good.”
Lucas took a quick breath. Suddenly immediately welcomed Velia’s answer with his words.
“I’ve always been—”
However, Lucas’s words were cut short quickly by Velia. Forcing the man to hang his words in the air.
“I apologize for my negligence today, Sir. I sincerely apologize.”
Hearing Velia cut him off made Lucas stunned. He seemed to permeate Velia’s words to him just now. There was something wrong with her words.
“What did you say?” Lucas asked, as if he wanted to make sure that his ears did not hear wrong. “Sir?”
Velia gulped down her spit. She nodded. “Yes,” she replied softly. “Sir.”
Lucas was silent.
At that moment, Velia raised her face and trying to speak with a faint smile on her face. “You are the CEO of this company. Of course, I call you Sir, right?”
In the end, Velia knew what attitude she had to give Lucas. After a brief consideration in her mind, this was the safest path for her. Acting like nothing ever happened between them. Either in the past, present, or future.
Lucas’s heart stopped beating. His face looked incredulous. He was in shock. How could she call himself Sir?
Lucas cleared his throat. Then he stared at Velia. Unconsciously, he held his own chest.
“Ve, it’s me.”
“I know who you are,” Velia continued, squeezing her hands, which sweat. “You are boss here.”
“No!” Lucas was quick. “I’m Lucas.”
Velia took a deep breath. Lucas looked at her with a look that was difficult for her to interpret.
“You can’t forget me, Hon. No way. Sir? How could you call me that?”
Velia felt something hit her chest when she heard those words. But, as if ignoring the impact of his words on Velia, then Lucas stood up from his seat. As soon as possible moved to sit next to Velia.
As soon as possible, Lucas hold Velia’s hand until it eliminated the possibility of her to move. However, not enough to make Velia stunned by Lucas’s actions. A second later, she actually felt Lucas’s hand pulling over her body. Drown her in Lucas’s arms.
“Luc!”
Reflexively, Velia gasped at the man’s name. Both of her hands went up. Landed on his chest, trying to push him. She rebelled. But, let alone being able to break away, not even Lucas flinched. And for the action she did, Velia was stunned. Just when she felt that warm breath in her ears. In the quiet whisper she heard.
“I know you remember me, Velia. I know that.”
Gulping on the spit, Velia realized the mistake she had just made. Calling the man by name was the most fatal mistake she had made in her entire life. No exception. And maybe worse than it already is.
“Let go of me,” said Velia.
Lucas did not care. He instead tightened his arms. “I really miss you, Ve.”
Velia’s hands are clenched into Lucas’s chest. Lucas’s words made her feel even more confused. She could not express in words how messy her feelings were.
“Luc, let me go,” Velia begged as she took a deep breath. That actually makes Lucas’s body scent that she had not inhaled for a long time, jerking her olfactory nerves again. Velia did not want to, but it made her body remember the old days.
Lucas shook his head over Velia’s shoulders. “I won’t let you go, Ve. Will never let you go again.”
Velia’s eyes closed. “Lucas, don’t treat me like this. I’ve forgotten about you. Please.”
Lucas’s body instantly froze.
“I have completely forgotten you,” Velia continued. “I have long forgotten you. There is no relationship between us anymore.
“Ve.”
“We’re just superior and subordinate, Luc. Please. Don’t do this.”
Velia was desperate. Expected little, but in fact, she found how Lucas’s arms loosened. Make she can quickly disengage.
“Everything that happened between us is over, Luc. And I don’t want to remember it at all.”
For a moment, Lucas flinched. Only able to remain silent when blank, Velia stared at him. She shook her head slowly.
“W-what did you say?” asked Lucas.
“There is nothing between us anymore. It’s all over. We are nothing more than superior and subordinate. For what once happened between us, I just consider it the past only. The past is like an accident,” Velia said softly, with a sad smile. “An accident that I want to forget.”
*
Life never promises constant happiness. However, at the very least, destiny will provide reasons why everything should continue.In the turning of time. In the changing of days. Alongside the ever-rolling moon.One reason resurfaces. It appears, reinforcing the belief that this is how destiny works.There are times when tears well up. There are times when anger blinds the eyes and rebels.On the other hand, there is also laughter bursting forth. There is also joy overflowing, reminding us how priceless it all is.Precious. Like the morning sunlight that falls again and warms the smile within Lucas's embrace.Gavin Hernandez greeted them two months ago. He was born healthy, lacking nothing. Plump and now enjoying the routines created by Lucas.When the morning sun rises on weekends, Lucas spends time with Gavin. They enjoy moments filled with jokes and laughter that only they understand. It's as if they have their own language for ever
Love is never an easy thing. The beautiful tale of a princess and a prince living happily ever after is nothing more than a bedtime story. In reality, it's not as simple as expressing one's feelings and everything falling into place with joy.No, it's never that easy. Velia and Lucas have proven that. They were bound by a past that constantly tried to separate them. Resentment was deeply rooted in their hearts, ingrained in every breath they took, intertwining with their journey through life.They knew that suffering and anger would not easily fade away with a single apology. Realities and misunderstandings would forever remain as a chain of mysteries.Risk. A tremendous gamble. Velia and Lucas could have chosen to distance themselves as if they never knew each other. However, the love that grew between them had taken strong and deep roots in their hearts.There was no turning back. And even as they continued forward, destiny, with its whimsical ways, bro
“I'm pregnant.”Silence filled the room. The only sound that could be heard was Velia's whisper. She had been repeating the same words for a while now.Velia's mind drifted. Since returning from the hospital, she felt that the world had changed before her eyes. It felt different, leaving an indescribable sense of unfamiliarity.Everything felt empty. Everything felt uncertain.On the bed, Velia curled up, hugging her legs. Her head rested on her knees as the doctor's words echoed in her mind.“I'm pregnant.”A shocking reality was displayed right in front of her eyes. Velia could not deny the fact that there was now a life growing inside her womb, her and Lucas' child.“I'm pregnant.”Velia's breath caught in the onslaught of reality. The news came at a time when she had decided to leave everything behind. And one question arose.Is this the reason I needed?That questi
Diana looked helplessly at yesterday's untouched cooking. Nothing had changed at all. Even the position of the parsley garnish on the dish had not shifted.“I'm sorry.”Velia entered the kitchen and could guess what the middle-aged woman was thinking. She felt uncomfortable, but there was nothing she could do.“I don't have an appetite. Lately, I've been feeling tired and just want to rest.”“It's natural for your body to feel tired if you don't eat. You have to eat to stay healthy.”Velia smiled lazily. “Today, please cook chicken soup, Diana. I want to take it to the hospital.”“Alright, Miss.”While Diana started her task, Velia chose to sit at the kitchen island. There was a bowl of fruit that she could enjoy and a topic brought up by Diana.“Do you know that Neil got fired?”The fork stopped moving. Diana's question made Velia furrow her brow.
“Is Lucas inside?”Vlora nodded in response to the man who suddenly appeared in front of her. He seemed hurried, with a racing breath. Not as relaxed as usual.“Okay. Thank you.”It was none other than Andreas. He looked relieved with the nod Vlora gave him. Some of his worries eased, but he had to meet Lucas immediately.Andreas started to walk away, but something made him stop in his tracks. He turned around with one hand raised in the air. Then he spoke.“Oh, before I forget. After I'm done with Lucas, you have something to discuss with me.”Vlora's eyes widened. Unfortunately, she could not express her objections as Andreas had already walked away.Andreas opened the door. He entered and was met with Lucas's listless gaze. Lucas looked miserable, but he reassured himself. At least it was a sign that Lucas was still alive.“How are you?” Andreas asked without beating around the
Lucas did not budge at all. He sat still in the living room, enduring the uncertainty, waiting with a fixed gaze directed towards the door.It would open soon. Velia would come home.It was nearly nine o'clock at night. Lucas had been waiting for almost six hours. However, that meant nothing to him. He could wait longer if it concerned Velia.Lucas took a deep breath. For the umpteenth time, he tried to suppress the urge to forcefully bring Velia back from the hospital.Damn jealousy. Lucas truly wanted Velia to come home right at that moment.A glimmer of sanity managed to warn Lucas. Their situation and Velia didn't need to be aggravated by further conflict. Everything that had deteriorated could become even worse. Forcing Velia would only pour gasoline on the flames.Lucas tried to stay calm. He tried to be more patient.Velia would surely come back to me. She would definitely come home. She'll be home soon. I just nee