Lia’s POV
“Thea told that you want to see me.”
I look up hearing Luc. Seeing my confusion Luc asks me again. “You wanted to see me? Thea sent me here.”
Why? That little...
“No... Yes... Maybe...” I stop blabbering when Luc raises his eyebrow.
I sit down with a sigh, not looking at him. After admiring my beautiful nails for a long time, I look up as there is no movement from him. He is standing with his hands in pant pockets and looking aimlessly.
“You want to talk?” I whisper the question, half hoping that he will not hear. But no, my prayers are not listened.
He looks at me back. “Do you
Lia's POV What? Haven't he told that Jake and Diaz were in love with each other? How could he? I cannot hear any more of it. Even though it had happened in the past, my heart feels heavy hearing this. When I stand up to leave from there, Luc catches my wrist. "Lia, I asked you to listen with an open mind." I shake my head as I was not ready to hear anything further. "Whatever we hear doesn't mean the same. I hope you will understand once I tell the story completely. But will you listen?" Do I want to? Yes. Would I? I don't know. Considering the benefit of the doubt for Lucian, I sit back. I look towards the forest, not facing him. I know it is not fair on his part, but I am afraid. What
Lia's POV It has been three weeks since Luc has gone for the movie shoot. He didn't come home last weekend as planned. Because of the movie's unexpected turn, they are shooting nonstop for another two weeks. James and I are directly handling the negotiations with Japan. After David, no one new is appointed for the position of Eurasian COO. David's associate is looking after that under the direct supervision of James and me. I don't want to decide on appointing a new person without discussing it with Luc. Even though we are constantly updating Luc on the significant ongoing activities, I am still not getting used to his absence. Whenever I hear the door knocked in my office, I expect to see his face. Every morning when I enter the kitchen for breakfast, I hope to see him sitting in the island chairs, eating breakfast scrolling on the
Lia’s POV I ask Thea to drop me back at the office immediately. I haven’t told her any news. I don’t know any details to tell. James hasn’t mentioned anything except Luc being in trouble. I tell Thea that I have an urgent meeting scheduled and need to be in the office immediately. I rush into the office. Seeing the surprised looks from the security, I understand that whatever the news is, it is not out. My hands are shaking to press the correct button in the elevator. I run out to see James waiting in front of my room. “What happened to Luc? Where is he?” words came stumbling out despite the catch in my throat. “Lia, relax. Luc is not hurt. He is fine.” I almost sunk to the floor hearin
Luc's POV What? No. Does Lia believe Diaz? A sense of dread spread inside me. "No. Lia, look at me." I search for anger in her eyes, but all I find is a disappointment. I am confused. "What is it, Lia? I did not have any relationship with her. Believe me." Thud. Thud. She starts hitting me with closed fists. "Why didn't you called me? Did I not come into your mind to reach out? I thought... I thought.." She sobs as words have failed her. I freeze for a moment on her questions. Relief floods through me when I realize that Lia believes me. I hug her tightly. "Lia, please, I never thought of
Lia's POV It's Thanksgiving Eve. Lucian and I have come to the family feast along with Ric, Kate, and Thea. James has gone to visit his sister. It is pretty odd to have a family gathering without James, who has become good support like Jax. It is fun to prepare for the feast as a whole family—especially Thea, who is curious to do everything. Kate, as usual, organized an excellent lunch. Fortunately, it is only a family dinner, and hence we don't have to face Diaz. Luc has told me that he will take care of her, but I am becoming more restless after her latest stunt. We are happily chatting along with the lunch. "Thea, you are graduating next month. What is your plan? Are you ready to join the office?" Ric asks Thea.
Lia's POVIt's Christmas Eve. Luc, I, and James are here in our little hideout. Yes, the same beach house. He has excused us from the family dinner, citing the shoot. We are traveling to Japan in a couple of days and planning to visit both our parents after New Year's Eve. I know it is because he doesn't want to face Diaz soon. He is still contemplating the idea of how to avoid Diaz without the family's knowledge. He is afraid that his actions towards her will make the details of Jake's death known to everyone.I am sure that his parents and Thea will understand Luc, but he is still afraid of their reaction. I think he doesn't want to take the risk of getting rejected and so distancing himself from them. I am sad to hear this because I know Kate, Ric, and Thea are even more worried about Luc. I hope Lucian will overcome his fear soon.
Lia’s POV We board the jet to Japan. Tomorrow is the final signing of the merger—one closer step to Luc’s dreams. My heart elates at this thought. James and Patrick are accompanying us along with Scarlet, Regina, Mitch, and, unfortunately, Cindy. I need to endure her stare for another 12 hours. I let an involuntary sigh at this thought. Luc raises an eyebrow at my reaction. I blush, shaking my head. We have settled inside the seats. There is a big living lounge and for everyone to settle down. The chairs are comfy enough for a small nap. The crew is available in the kitchen cabinet in case of any need for refreshments and food. James and Patrick are seated next to us. Luc is involved in his laptop. I start browsing the documents to do a final check.
Lia’s POV “Thank you, Scarlet. Keep us updated on the progress.” I close the call with Scarlet. The operations have started in complete form in Japan. But there are some glitches beyond our anticipation. Some of the senior members on the board are slightly unresponsive as they are afraid of their jobs. But nothing too complicated to handle. Scarlet is doing a great job there. Making a mental note to inform Luc, I bid bye to James before leaving for lunch. I am meeting Mitch and Als today and haven’t spoken to them since my birthday. Patrick is driving me to the restaurant. Luc is still obsessive about my security. *** I wait in our regular booth for Als and Mitch. I am browsing the menu, deciding on the order by the time.