As the car drove off, Lucas froze at the sight of his enemy Sebastian Carnegie stepping out to open the door for Charlotte. Memories flooded back of their past friendship turned feud.He recalled their brutal altercation years ago when he ended things with Sebastian's sister because he was done with her and she threatened to harm herself. Sebastian had intervened, leading to a physical brawl between the two. Since then, they have despised each other and avoided crossing paths.And now, Sebastian was trying to take Charlotte away from him. He couldn't allow that to happen. He gritted his teeth, driven even more by his anger towards Charlotte for sleeping with other men for money.He was angry at himself for getting so upset over someone he deemed unworthy, a slut, and a liar. But he wasn't going to let it go. He vowed to make her regret the day she ever messed with him."How dare she deny my existence and go around with other men? What could they possibly offer her?" he growled, his rag
Charlotte fled from Lucas's office in terror, her dignity shattered by the hurtful remarks of his friends while he remained silent. She balled her hands into fists as their disparaging words echoed in her mind.Seeking solace in the restroom, she fought back tears that threatened to fall. It was all too much for her to bear. Endlessly tormented by Lucas, and now his friends too? She hadn't even completed her day's punishment and now this.Resentment towards Lucas surged through her, the sound of their mocking laughter lingering in her thoughts as tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. She was wrong about him, he was pure evil.As she dwelled on the events that had happened in his office, her anger only grew. But she was tired of it all. She couldn't handle it anymore, yet she had nowhere else to turn. How would she support her father and pay off their debts?Wiping away her tears, she returned to finish her job, viewing his torment and humiliation as her penance for sleeping wi
Without a word, he grasped her hand and pulled her close, a mixture of anger and frustration etched on his face as he gazed into her soul.She struggled against his hold, but he only tightened his grip, his eyes burning with fury."You think you can escape me?" He grunted, his fury evident."Let me go!" She choked, tears welling in her eyes."Never! I'll never let you go, Charlotte. I'll make your life, and your father's, a living hell if you try to escape," he growled.Her eyes widened in shock at the mention of her father. "What? My father?""Yes, I'll kill him if you dare try to leave. I know everything about you, Charlotte. Do you think you can just resign and disappear? Foolish bitch!" He yanked her hair, his rage escalating."You lied to me, thinking you could make a fool out of me? I saw you with that slut Ella. I followed you to the club and saw you both together. After all, she denied knowing you," he seethed, his face contorted in fury."Who do you think you are? That I have
The event that transpired with Charlotte plagued Lucas's mind deeply, provoking a range of emotions he had never experienced before. Her scathing words, fueled by resentment and anger, cut into him like no one's had before. Even the women he had used and discarded in the past paled in comparison to the intensity of her words. As he clenched his fist in frustration, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the realization of his selfishness.Charlotte's words echoed in his mind, shattering his ego and leaving him feeling exposed. "I regret that night with you every day of my life," she had said. The weight of those words bore down on him, stirring up a surge of emotions that he couldn't quite comprehend.The next day, haunted by his thoughts, Lucas entered his office with a heavy heart. He had hoped to make amends with Charlotte, to ease the burden weighing on his chest, but she was nowhere to be found. He desperately reached out to the supervisor of the cleaning staff to inquire a
Charlotte realized that the hands that pulled her was that of Lucas and fear gripped her. soon enough, her fears quickly turned to anger as she struggled against his grip, but it was too late. He pulled her into a dark room locked the door and forced her against the wall, his hands still holding hers.Silence lingered between them as they stared intensely at each other. Charlotte's lips trembled at their proximity and she tried to break free, but Lucas held on tightly. He gazed into her soul with his eyes fixed on her lips, causing her to struggle even harder."Let go of me!" Charlotte growled, her eyes burning with fury."No, Charlotte, I won't. How long are you going to keep running away from me?" Lucas gritted, refusing to release her."What do you want from me, Lucas? I'm tired of all of this. What did I do to deserve this torment? Let me go!" she pleaded, tears brimming in her eyes."Was it truly a mistake you to? Speak to me!" Lucas roared."What does it matter? All that matters
Charlotte entered the office, her footsteps echoing across the room. She walked straight to the lady and muttered "Good... morning... ma'am" but she was engrossed in her phone and paid no heed to Charlotte's presence. Feeling uncomfortable, Charlotte turned to leave, planning to return later. But before she could make her escape, the lady abruptly called out, halting her in her tracks."Hey, you!" the lady's brows raised in a questioning manner."Where do you think you're going? Aren't you here for a reason?"Charlotte quickly turned to face her. "I didn't want to disturb you, ma'am. I'll come back later."The lady's eyes scanned her up and down. "Have you seen any other women come in here? Specifically, anyone coming to see my fiancé?""Ma'am?" Charlotte muttered, caught off guard by the question."Are you deaf?" The lady's voice grew harsh. "I asked if you've seen any other women here to see my fiancé, Lucas"Charlotte felt her mind go blank, the word "fiancé" ringing in her ears. "
Charlotte was stunned as she saw Sebastian approaching, hastily freeing herself from Lucas' grip."Oh, look who decided to show up," Lucas sneered."Lucas, it's unfortunate that our paths had to cross like this again. What are you doing to Charlotte? Is this how you treat your employees?" Sebastian seethed with fury."What? How dare you meddle in my affairs?" Lucas growled."I don't care about you man, but when it involves Charlotte, it becomes my business!" Sebastian thundered."Charlotte belongs to me! You have no right to interfere in our affairs," Lucas retaliated."You must be insane to think I'll let you have your way this time. In case you haven't noticed, you make everyone around you miserable and I won't allow the same fate for Charlotte.""Miserable?" Lucas scoffed."Don't try to act like you know me, Sebastian. I'm trying so hard not to hit you. How dare you show your face to me?" Lucas growled, his eyes fixed on him and his jaw clenched.Charlotte watched in confusion, her
Charlotte stuttered, "Excuse me ma?" Her confusion was palpable as she tried to place the lady standing before her."You must be Charlotte Thompson", the lady stated, unfolding her arms and adjusting her long brown hair.Charlotte's brows furrowed, "Yes... is there a problem?""None at all. I just wanted to meet the girl who convinced the CEO to fire Ms. Elora," she retorted with a smirk.Charlotte observed her closely. There was something mischievous about her smirk, and it made her uneasy. She remained silent, not knowing who this lady was."I can't help but wonder what your relationship is with the CEO. What could make him dismiss such a talented employee? But well, I suppose luck was on my side. I got the job," she chuckled lightly as if she found the situation amusing."You must have mistaken me for someone else, ma'am. Ms. Elora was not fired because of me—" Charlotte tried to explain, but she was quickly cut off."That's not what I heard, Ms. Thompson. But anyway, I hope to see
"Hurry up, Charlotte!" Leah hissed, urging Charlotte as they rushed into the airport. The day had arrived for their retreat, and they were expected to meet the others at the airport before boarding their flight together.As they approached the rest of their group, they quickly joined them and boarded the plane when it arrived. Leah sat next to Charlotte, both of them bubbling with excitement for the trip. Who would have thought they would be traveling to California?As they settled into their seats, Charlotte couldn't help but gaze at the clouds outside the window. Her mind wandered back to Lucas and how their friendship had blossomed over the past three weeks. She was going to be away from him for a whole week, and the thought made her heart ache. She remembered their conversation from last night, where she had almost asked him to come along on the trip. But she hesitated, unsure if it was right to make such a request. After all, they were just friends, and he hadn't officially aske
At the behest of Lucas, Charlotte's eyes widened in disbelief, "Stay the night?!" She exclaimed, her gaze fixed on him, while he held her hand."Yes, I don't want you to go back home," Lucas declared, resting his head on her body."I really can't, Lucas. I have work tomorrow--" Charlotte hesitated, but Lucas cut her off."I'm sick. My body hurts, my head hurts, everything hurts," he grumpily complained, hoping to convince her to stay with him."Lucas, that's why you need to take your medications seriously and rest," Charlotte stressed, gazing over his head at her chest."I am taking them, but I want you to spend the night with me. I'll feel much better by morning," Lucas' lips formed a smile.Charlotte was taken aback by Lucas' childish behavior. "Why are you acting like a child?" She scoffed, running her hand through his hair."Because I'm ill, and you should take care of me," he insisted."And you'll feel better by tomorrow?" She asked, her brows furrowed in concern."Yes, as good a
Shockwaves coursed through her body, sending shivers down her spine. With quick reflexes, she turned around to see Lucas, holding her hands with his eyes barely open. A sense of relief washed over her as she met his gaze, her own eyes brightening with a smile."He...eyy, you're here," Lucas said softly, his voice barely audible. Charlotte moved closer to him, taking a seat beside him on the bed."Are you awake? How are you feeling? Are you in any pain? Are you okay?" she fired off the questions hesitantly, her concern evident.Lucas chuckled, "Relax, Charlotte. I'm not dying," he said, still holding onto her hands."This is no time to joke, Lucas," she scolded, removing her hand from his and placing it on his forehead to check his temperature. It seemed to have returned to normal."I was worried—" Charlotte began to say, before catching herself and stopping mid-sentence, avoiding his gaze.Lucas smiled, "Really? You were worried? I had to get sick for you to show me you care?" he tease
With Lilian gone, Charlotte's brisk pace became sluggish and lifeless as she trudged down the stark hallway, her mind frozen at what she had just heard from Lilian. How could he have collapsed two days ago when he had been the one to drop her off at home? Then it hit her - on that same day, he had looked pale and when she expressed concern, he brushed it off as a mere migraine. He was clearly unwell, but he chose to downplay it."Did he do that to spare me worry? How could he be so stubborn about his health?" Charlotte muttered to herself, growing frustrated at the thought of him being sick and worried about his well-being.Panic started to set in as she considered the worst-case scenarios of his collapse and she came to a halt. "I need to see him," she thought to herself, knowing she wouldn't be able to rest until she saw him and knew for sure that he was alright. As the day drew to a close, she hurriedly booked a taxi and made her way to his place. She didn't question her impulsive
Charlotte arrived at work the following morning, diving into her daily tasks before heading to Lucas' office to take care of the trash. Upon entering, she found the office empty, leading her to believe that Lucas had an early morning meeting and would return later. She left with the trash bag in tow.As she disposed of the trash, Leah informed her and the other cleaners that their supervisor had called for a meeting. This was unusual, and they immediately hurried to her office, curious about the reason for the sudden gathering."I have gathered you all here to share some great news. There has been a new addition to our annual workshop retreat at the company," the supervisor announced with a smile on her face.Whispers broke out among the cleaners, all eager to know about the new development."This year, the cleaning department will have the opportunity to participate, promoting growth and teamwork within our company," she continued, beaming at her staff.Excitement spread across their
Lucas's pulse quickened with anticipation for her reply. The question lingered in his mind, but he couldn't shake it - ever since Charlotte had revealed their night together was a mistake, he hadn't been himself. It wasn't just about his ego anymore.He noticed Charlotte avoiding his gaze and heaved a heavy sigh, "... No Lucas... It wasn't... I was just really mad at you —" she retorted, but Lucas cut her off."That's all I needed to hear," he said with a smile slowly creeping onto his face, his bruised ego finally healed."Thank you, Lucas, for the gift, the dress, everything. You made my birthday truly special," she stammered, nervously fingering the pendant of her necklace."You're welcome," Lucas replied with a grin, checking his watch for the time."Oh, it's getting late. It's already past 11, I should take you home," he said quickly, getting up and leading her to the car.The next day at work, Lucas was sitting at his desk, sorting through some documents when Vanessa knocked on
Charlotte observed Lucas let out a deep sigh, his expression shifting to one of disappointment. "Where did you leave it?" she asked, her concern evident."It must be at my place... I can't believe I forgot such an important thing. I'm sorry, Charlotte," he sobbed, making his way back to his seat."Let's go get it then," Charlotte suggested, trying to alleviate his disappointment and satisfy her curiosity about the gift that had him feeling this way."Are you sure? I said it's at my place," Lucas replied, surprised by her insistence."Yes, I know. You'll get the gift and we'll go," Charlotte insisted, standing up from her seat. She couldn't help but notice a small smirk forming on Lucas' face.Charlotte wasn't entirely sure why she made that suggestion, or why she wanted to retrieve the gift from his place when she knew being in the same space would be suffocating for her. But she convinced herself they were just going to get the gift and nothing more as they walked to his car.Once th
Charlotte was engrossed in her dinner preparations when her phone rang, an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. Her curiosity piqued, she stepped away from the gas stove and answered with furrowed brows."Hello?" She responded, holding her phone to her ear."Hello, Ms. Thompson. It's Lilian. I have something important to discuss with you. Can you meet me at St. Viane's or should I send a driver for you?" Lilian's voice echoed through the phone.Charlotte's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't understand why Lilian would suddenly want to meet with her. Was there a problem at the office? But if there was, why not just ask her to come back instead of meeting at the most luxurious fashion house in the city?"Hello, Ms. Thompson?" Lilian's voice called out again, interrupting her thoughts."Yes, I'm here. Is there an issue at work?" Charlotte asked, her heart racing."No, no issues at all, Ms. Thompson. I just need to discuss something with you," Lilian replied."Ah, I see. Well, I'll m
Charlotte stormed into his office, her face seething with anger. However, Lucas seemed entirely unperturbed as he was engrossed in his documents, completely oblivious to her presence. She stood there, studying him intently and simultaneously scanning his office for any clues that would indicate whether he and Vanessa had something going in the office, but to no avail.Frustration only mounted as she clenched her fists and continued to stare at him, questioning if the kiss they shared had any significance to him. Was everything he said to her last night just a ploy to lead her on? Tears threatened to spill as she struggled to find the answers.Finally, Lucas looked up from his papers and noticed Charlotte, a faint smile playing on his lips. This only provoked her further, her confusion growing as she tried to decipher the meaning behind his smile. All she knew was that he was toying with her emotions."Charlotte... How was your night—" Lucas began, but before he could finish his sente