AUDREY'S POV Lucas was a damn good actor. I almost fell for his unbelievable performance on how hurt he was. So this was why he wanted us to come to work separately. I had misunderstood him. I could tell that the lady who kept trying to defend Isabella was working for her. However, Lucas had come prepared and she just unknowingly fell into his trap. “You want the whole truth? Nothing but the truth to prove myself right? No problem!” He said with a smirk and I folded my hands in surprise to know what he was up to. “I recently found out that my so-called fiancee, Isabella, gave me drugs that made me lose my memory. She claimed that those drugs were supposed to help me with the headaches I had been having but the drug turned out to be memory wiping.” He announced, and a gasp escaped my lips in shock, and I could see that everyone was shocked as well. I definitely did not expect that to happen at all. So Isabella was the reason Lucas didn't remember me all this while? “How can we bel
LUCAS' POV “Will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?” I asked Audrey with my knee on the ground and my heart in my throat. I knew that she could reject me instantly, but I was willing to risk it all for her. “Say yes, say yes, say yes, say yes.” The employees started to echo that mantra, and even the journalists joined in while she stood there in front of me with an expression of surprise and nervousness. “Audrey?” I called out and she glanced at me before crouching down to my level as she pulled me in for a tight hug. “So that's a yes?” I asked softly and she nodded softly before mumbling a soft ‘yes’ as she buried her face in my shoulders, causing me to grunt in satisfaction. “It's a yes, everyone,” I announced and everyone started to cheer as I hugged her tightly. I could hear her sobbing, and it made me worried as I tried to pull away, but she held me even more tightly. “Don't. I'm too embarrassed. I don't want them to take a picture of me crying.” She mumbled
AUDREY'S POV “Why are you guys on TV?” Claire asked and I let out a sigh as Lucas rubbed my back gently to comfort me. I felt so safe when I was in his arms. “Claire, relax. We're on TV but did you watch the content? It's not like we murdered someone or committed a huge crime.” I mumbled into the phone with my head on Lucas' chest and she mumbled something I couldn't pick up. “Oh, you're getting married? Lucas proposed to you on TV? Oh my goodness, that is the most romantic thing I've ever seen my whole life!” She exclaimed and I chuckled in response as she continued to express her shock. “Why were there so many reporters at his office, though? Did he invite them, or did they show up unannounced?” She asked in confusion and I yawned for a second before handing the phone to Lucas. “You should answer her; I'm tired,” I said as he took the phone from me and continued to stroke my hair before he placed the phone on his ear. “Hey Cl,aire.” He said and I could picture her rolling her
AUDREY'S POV My heart pounded loudly in my chest as I stared at the woman who barged into the office. It was Lucas' mother, Mrs Kent. And the look on her face wasn't happy at all. She definitely wasn't pleased to see the both of us together again. “What are the both of you doing?” She shrieked as she slammed the door shut, and I moved to get off Lucas, but he held me tightly in place, his gaze turning cold as he stared at his mother. “What does it look like we're doing, mother?” He asked with a calm voice but I could hear the disappointment in his voice as he glanced up at her. “How could you cheat on Isabella with this… this thing! Have you forgotten who you are? Why would you stoop so low for someone below your class?” She asked in anger and I clenched my fists at how derogatory she sounded. “You either respect my wife or leave, Mom. I remember everything that happened five years ago. How you threatened to hurt her if I didn't leave, how you connived with Isabella to make me tak
LUCAS' POV “Twelve hours? How could I have been asleep for twelve hours?” Audrey asked in confusion and I took a seat beside her as I held her hands in mine. “I haven't spoken with the doctor but I feel it must be the stress you've had to go through all these while. I'm sorry you had to go through them because of me.” I replied and she immediately shook her head as she wrapped her hands around me and hugged me tightly. “Don't be sorry for anything. I'm sure it's nothing. I'm probably just very tired and need some rest. See, I'm fine now. I don't even feel any pain at all.” She said and I let out a sigh of defeat as I gently stroked her hair. If anything happened to her, I wouldn't be able to take it. “Alright, I had to make sure I was here when you wake up, I'll go see the Doctor now. Stay here and don't move, alright?” I asked and she nodded before placing a soft kiss on my cheek, causing me to smile. “I'll be fine, you should go now.” She said and I held onto her hand for a whi
AUDREY'S POV “Where is everyone?” I asked in panic as Lucas placed me down gently and took out his phone. Before he could turn on the flashlight, the lights suddenly came on and I turned around to see Claire and Aiden standing behind me. “Surprise!” They both yelled, and I let out a sigh of relief as I immediately moved to hug them tightly. The bodyguard was behind them as he smiled at us and I couldn't help but feel relieved. I thought something had happened to them. My heart, which was pounding harshly, slowly returned to normal as Claire grinned at me while Lucas crossed his arms in anger. “Claire, what was that?” He asked as I pulled away and her smile faded as she turned to look at him. “What was what? We just wanted to surprise her.” She replied and he immediately facepalmed as he pulled me closer before placing his head on my chest. “Her heart is beating irregularly, what will you do if she passes out again?” He asked and she looked at both of us in confusion as she crosse
AUDREY'S POV My phone wouldn't stop buzzing and I had to place it on silent so it wouldn't disturb the dinner we were having. There was this sinking feeling in my stomach and I just couldn't place my hand on it. I knew things weren't going to be easy for us ever since Lucas found out the truth about our relationship but I couldn't help but feel like it might take a very harsh turn soon. Isabella was vicious and I knew that she would stop at nothing to bring me and Lucas down. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom,” I said with a smile as I stood and took my phone while Lucas looked at me in worry. “Would you like me to come with you?” He asked as he moved to stand up but I placed my hand on his shoulder before pushing him back to his seat. “It’s just the restroom, I'll be back in no time. No need to worry so much.” I replied with a reassuring smile as I walked out of the room and headed for the bathroom. I tried to calm my heart down as I unlocked my phone and a frown formed on
LUCAS' POVI could feel it within me, I knew that something was bothering her. When she came out of the restroom, I noticed how puffy her eyes were and it looked like she had been crying.It made me worried to know that she was hurt about something but she couldn't tell me about it. She tried her best to put up that brave front and act like everything was fine.But I knew her. And I knew that she was worried and scared about something.I couldn't fall asleep because she was awake. She kept tossing and turning, and she couldn't take it anymore; she left the room.I got up and quietly followed her with confusion written all over my face. What was the problem? What was she hiding from me? She took a seat outside and my heart broke when she started to cry.I let out a sigh as I walked over to her side slowly before gazing up at the moon that shone over her perfectly.“The moon is beautiful, isn't it?” I mumbled, and she turned around to look at me in shock, with tears running down her pre
Meanwhile, doors swing outward into a corridor of burning neon lights that seethe with maddened intensity.Lucas's bodyguard had captured a group of men attempting to break into the boardroom. They had masks over their faces, but there was one man with a red tie in his hand—a detail which I'd seen in Michael's reports the last two years.I felt sick. "Lucas, is that you?" I stuttered into the receiver, speaking the words out loud.I received only mumbling answers over the phone. My tears began recalling Lucas's vow to stay with me, and I vowed to myself only that I would fulfill the vow to the very core of my soul. Soft knocking on the door of the safe room persisted. My throat had been grabbed and I pushed my ear into the door, pushed the door. "Who is that?" I shrieked, trembling.Low murmuring, soft breathing, "Audrey, I'm here. Open it."I was shocked and didn't want to open it for her. The voice was soothing, yet it wasn't anyone special—I didn't know who it was. My phone beeped
Audrey's POVI sat on the railing of our penthouse balcony as the city awakened askew under the wan, uncertain dawn. The sharp morning air did little to placate the storm raging within. Lucas had been so firm last night, so firm that he would shield us. Even now, I could not shake the disquieting fear that Michael's promises were far from over with us. I gripped my phone hard, reliving that anonymous text:"The truth is still hidden. Prepare for what comes next."It resonated within my mind like a curse. I could not help but wonder if it signaled another turn, another betrayal lurking just around the bend.Inside, Lucas walked into the room. His footsteps were measured, every sound sharp in the quiet stillness."They inform us that someone was seen outside the hotel last night—someone with a black hoodie. And now we receive new warnings from the estate."I shivered down my spine. "Do you think Michael's men have come back?"Lucas shifted his head slowly. "I don't know, but we must pre
Audrey's POVI sat quietly in our penthouse as the aftershocks of the boardroom battle slowly faded from my mind. The adrenaline high was gone, but my heart thudded angrily against the walls of my chest. The phrases Lucas uttered during the meeting still lingered in my mind, every sentence a mix of pain and protest. I could not shake the threat of Michael as well as the uncertain future that lay in wait for me.I gazed out the window at city lights burning below like false promises. The silence was heavy with my own hope and fear. I didn't know if our love, hard-won, could even shield us from the forces of darkness on the horizon.Lucas entered the room quietly. He sat with me on the old creaky sofa, his hand extended for mine. I felt his heat, comfortable and strong, and all was right in the world for that moment. But that moment was like glass.Audrey, he started, his voice barely above a whisper, "I couldn't help but wonder what Michael had said. I think he's got other ideas for us
Audrey's POVThe sun was up in the sky, but its light was miles away from me. My heartpounding as I remained there in the quiet of our bedroom, still warm from last night on my body. Lucas slept beside me, his even breathing a reminder of how much I longed for peace. But as I looked at him, doubt consumed me. I stood up quietly, not to disturb him, and moved towards the window. The ocean sparkled below me, endless and merciless. I looked around warily—someone was there. Within seconds, my world was turned right-side up. Lucas stood before me to take another step, his eyes taut with urgency. "Audrey, we must leave—now!" he commanded, his voice firm and gentle simultaneously.Guards let out low commands of warning as security cameras tracked our every step. I could sense a tempest building—a tempest that would tear all we'd built apart.In the car outside, Lucas's grip on my hand was tight, knuckles white. "Something has happened," he breathed rapidly. "The board… they're having an eme
Audrey's POVThe soft roll of the ocean was ringing in my head as I sat with Lucas on scorched sand. Blazing kisses and blazing vows had set the night ablaze, but now there was some unhappiness within me that churned a storm within, thudding my heart with an arrhythmic beat.Lucas had his arm across my shoulders and looked up at the moon that hovered above a sea that withdrew from it."Sometimes I think we can really leave it all behind," I told myself more than anything else. A tug in the heart—a mixture of hope and fear—warned me the peace was only temporary.I barely got the next word out before my cell phone rang in my hand. I answered it in hope. On the screen, a new message from an unknown number:"You can hide in love, but secrets always come to the surface."My gut roiled over, and I looked up as Lucas's eyes began filling with fear. "What did it say?" he snarled, his voice harsh but uncertain.I wrapped my hand around the paper into a fist, breathing nearly silently. "It says
Audrey’s POVSea salt surrounded me as I walked along the beach of the private island, my feet sunk in the warm golden sand. Blue waves caressed softly, like the kiss of a lover. Everything was so calm, so like a dream—a false guarantee of the next storm. Lucas? Not even close to being calm. He was a couple of feet off, looking at me with that infuriatingly smug grin, his top half-shirt open, the golden sheen of the setting sun on his chiseled chest. He had something concealed behind his back."What are you hiding?”"So impatient. Aren't surprises supposed to be fun?I folded my arms. "Not if you're the one who does the surprising." Lucas flashed a smile and moved in on me, gradual and deliberate, the type of pace that got my heart skipping a beat faster. "You hurt me, Audrey. Suppose I told you it was a gift? Something that I specifically picked out just for you?"My gaze flew down to his hands, but he quickly moved to fold them behind his back again. "Lucas," I cautioned."Oh, you c
Audrey's POVLucas didn't move. Because he knew. I stepped forward carefully. "Yes, I do." I took another step forward. "What do you want, Isabella?" She laughed. I breathed in. She was furious, out-of-rhythm. One misstep, and this would end in blood.Lucas stepped forward with me. "Isabella, listen— She shoved the gun into Lucas. Her face twisted in rage. "Say it." He looked at her. "I never loved you." A scream was torn from her body. "You liar." And she turned on me. I had no chance to defend myself before she fired. Bang. Lucas caught me before I hit the ground. "Audrey!" His voice frantic, his hands on my wound.Isabella smiled. "See? Now we're even." And then, before anyone could stand up and take her— She put the gun to her head. Lucas strained. "No—" Bang. Her body crumpled to the ground. Silence. The world ended. I felt the thudding of my own heartbeat, racing. Lucas was trembling, with me in his arms. Then there were voices. Guards rushing in. Somebody called for an ambula
Audrey's POVIt was to be a calm night.But calm was something we still needed to learn.Lucas had me wrapped around him, hugging me, as we lay on the bed, his arm wrapped around my waist to stop me from squirming. His body heat was not intended to soothe me, but the grip in my chest would not ease up. Something was amiss.I was in bed, staring up at the ceiling with my mind elsewhere. I couldn't sleep with her face in front of me, her own face contorted in anger. We might have been physically out of the room or not, but we weren't finished with her section yet.And desperate people, if there was one thing that I had learned so far, weren't to be underestimated. Lucas rolled onto his side next to me, his gentle kiss following the line of my shoulder."I cannot sleep. My mind will not rest."His eyes grew softer. "Tell me." I hesitated. "What if she comes back? What if she has something much worse planned?"Lucas drew in a breath, pushing back my hair with his fingers. "She won't hurt
Audrey's POV I trembled in fear as Lucas's words hit me. "Isabella." I knew she would never let us be. That woman was never bad, but now? Now, she had crossed a line that I wasn't sure she could ever turn back from. I grasped the sheets, struggling for breath. "She was scheming with him? The hoodie guy?" Lucas brushed his hand through his hair, his teeth clenched. "Security cameras filmed her entering the hotel with me. They were careful, but not careful enough." Anger and fear fought for dominance within me. Isabella had already done as much as she was capable of ruining me—to accuse me, shame me, try to destroy me. Now she's involved with my son. That was unacceptable. Lucas's eyes grew darker as if he could see directly into my mind. Not you, not Aiden.” His fists tensed in my arms. "You won't have to.". Lucas Kent was done playing games. I shut the TV down quietly. Aiden had padded into the doorway, in pajamas, and scrubbed at his eyes. "Mommy?" I scooped him up and hel