Lucas stared blankly at his laptop screen, frustrated as he failed at trying to get Charlotte to admit the truth. He was more thwarted at the fact that he couldn't bring himself to tell her that he saw her with Ella at the club. He felt that would have made her feel like she was special for him to have trailed her to the club.The more she lied, the more angry he got, but he wasn't going to give up. He was willing to do anything to make sure she admitted to the truth, he was desperate to know why it was so difficult for her that she had to lie.They went around in circles like that for a week, but Charlotte fended off his advances, still maintaining her innocence and refusing to budge. The more Lucas saw her, the angrier he got that she considered him to be a fool.Charlotte threatened his ego so much because he knew that there were thousands of girls out there willing to have him all to their selves, but she was there denying his existence. The annoying part is he doesn't understand
Charlotte sat in a secluded place at the office building as soon as she left Lucas's office, she reminisced how she watched Lucas caressing the hands of his girlfriend, and an unfamiliar feeling settled in her chest.She didn't understand if it was jealousy, but why would she be jealous? When she knows that they can never be together. She wasn't in his class, to begin with, and she thought that the reason he was so bent on knowing her identity was that he wanted to have his way with her again, even when he knew he had a girlfriend. She sat there lost in thought as she found it difficult to understand the emotions she was feeling at that moment. Then suddenly she got a beep from her phone, it was a text message before she opened it, it indicated that it was a text from Maxwell, and her mood worsened. “What does this scumbag what from me again?” She mumbled.She opened the text message and read that he was requesting to meet her up at her office by 7 pm to take her out to dinner, threa
The feeling of jealousy tightened in Lucas's chest as he remembered how he had seen Charlotte enter into a car while he drove past. What could that man possibly have to offer her that he couldn't? He thought.As the feeling tightened by the minute, he called his friends to meet with him at the club, as he was going to make the most out of the night to get Charlotte off his mind for good. He could not be here killing himself over a girl when there were thousands of girls waiting at his beck and call.At the club, Lucas and his friends were partying with the girls while he lavished so much money. Money was nothing to him, he could shut down the club if he wanted to.In his intoxicated state, one of the girls he was partying with caught his attention, and he decided to take her to his hotel. When they got into his hotel room, they started making out immediately. Lucas carried her up and leaned her against the wall as he kissed her intensively, then after a few minutes he stopped as flas
Charlotte exited his office at his behest, feeling apprehensive as she had never witnessed that side of his personality before. His eyes were ablaze with anger, and if they possessed the power to set her ablaze, she would surely be consumed by now.As she sauntered down the corridor, she pondered what could have triggered his outburst, causing him to hurl his phone in a fit of fury. It seemed she was always around his office whenever he was in a foul mood, becoming the target of his misplaced aggression.The following day, which happened to be a Saturday, Charlotte met up with Ella and a few friends at a restaurant to celebrate Ella's birthday. They were all enjoying themselves when Charlotte noticed a man at a nearby table staring intently at her.Ella noticed first and brought it to Charlotte's attention. The man's intense gaze and smirking visage made her uncomfortable, causing her to stop dancing. Before she knew it, he had approached their table, pleading for the opportunity to sp
Lucas's gaze gravitated towards her as he saw her enter his office, and the chattering sound from his cousin Alexis faded into the background as he gazed lustfully at Charlotte, following her every move with his eyes till she left with the trash bag.Alexis, amused by his lustful gaze, asked “Do you like her? Because obviously, you weren't listening to anything I was saying when she entered”“… Like, who? Lucas jolted back to his senses."The cleaner who just walked in. The way you were gazing at her soul, I think you like her," Alexis said with a smirk.Without much thought, Lucas brushed off the notion, "Alexis, don't be absurd. She's just a cleaner."Alexi giggled, enjoying Lucas' attempt to play it cool. "Come on, cousin. I know you well. I've never seen you look at anyone that way before."Lucas cleared his throat, trying to change the subject. "I have no idea what you're talking about. You're mistaken."Alexis continued to giggle, "Sure if you say so. I heard from Uncle that you'
Charlotte was overcome with a whirlwind of emotions as she exited Lucas's office. She couldn't help but wonder how many other women were vying for his attention, as she had witnessed numerous females entering and leaving his office.A mixture of annoyance and jealousy churned within her as she gained insight into the true nature of Lucas. He was the type of person who played with women's affections like they were mere toys.As she strolled down the hallway, she overheard some cleaners gossiping. Curiosity piqued, she approached them and inquired about the company's annual dinner party she had heard them talk about. Leah, as always, eagerly filled her in on the details."Wait, there's a dinner party? I had no idea," Charlotte muttered."Of course, you're coming, right?" Leah urged."Cleaners are invited too?" Charlotte questioned.Leah rolled her eyes, knowing Charlotte was trying to come up with an excuse to decline. "Yes, Charlotte. Everyone is invited. Please come, so we can sit toge
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
"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