Chapter Two

Lucas's POV

Did you get the document?" I asked, barely turning to glance at Smith, my PA. He was practically glued to my side, looking too stiff in that ugly corporate suit.

"Yes, sir," Smith replied quickly. He checked his watch. "The document will arrive in ten minutes."

"It better be right," I said coolly. "I need things sorted out today."

I didn’t wait for his response. My polished shoes echoed softly against the marble floor as I strode into the hospital, my usual security team trailing after me like shadows. Heads turned. Some bowed. Others just stared like I was some kind of god.

Maybe to them, Lucas Blackwood — CEO of Nova Media — was a god. One of the richest, most powerful men in New York. But none of it mattered today.

Today, I was just a son.

The nurses behind the reception desk bowed their heads quickly as I passed. I didn’t acknowledge them. I wasn’t here for pleasantries. My focus cut through the corridor, the sterile hospital air doing nothing to mask the weight pressing down on my chest.

My mother.

I reached the center of the hall and stopped in front of a door with the inscription 'VIP'. Through the glass, I caught a glimpse of her lying there — pale, frail... too damn small for the woman who once ruled boardrooms with a snap of her fingers.

My hand hovered over the handle. I hesitated for a second.

Then I pushed the door open.

The faint sound of my footsteps whispered across the floor as I entered. Before I could even take a breath, her voice sliced through the silence.

"Someone finally decided to show up."

I looked at her, lying there, somehow still managing to look expensive even in a hospital gown. That was my mother for you. Vivian Blackwood. A queen, even at death’s doorstep.

"Mom," I said, forcing a smile. "Please, don't start. I just walked in."

"But that’s exactly what you’ve been doing.... avoiding me," she said, laughing between coughs that stabbed at my heart.

"Be careful," I said quickly, stepping closer. "Please. And can we not argue today?"

She gave me that same mischievous look that used to make board members sweat. "Oh, Lucas. You should know by now, being a pain in your ass gives me life."

I dropped into the chair beside her bed, setting down the bouquet of her favorite lilies. She barely glanced at them.

"I don’t need flowers anymore," she said quietly. "Maybe you can bring some to my grave."

I stiffened, feeling the air being drawn out of the room.

"Stop it, Mom. You’re not going anywhere," I said, my voice low but firm.

She smiled, a sad, knowing smile. "Then do the needful."

I blinked. "The needful?"

Her eyes sharpened, and her voice rose with alarming energy. "Grandchildren, Lucas! I should have grandkids running around by now!"

I choked slightly. "Grand—children?" I repeated dumbly. "I thought you just wanted me to get a bride! Now kids too?"

"You’re thirty-two, Lucas," she said, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "Do I need to explain what marriage leads to?"

Every time. Every damn time. This conversation had become a noose tightening around my neck.

After my father died, it was just me and Mom. Then she got sick, diagnosed with Stomach cancer. And her one wish now? See me married before she left this world. And if I didn’t? She’d hand over the family entire empire — Nova Media — to my loan-shark cousin, Brentford.

"Mom," I said, leaning in, keeping my voice calm. "I know what marriage entails. And for your information..." I paused dramatically, "I have a bride already."

The room went quiet.

Mom’s mouth dropped open like I’d just confessed to murder.

"You... have a bride?" she said slowly, like she didn’t believe a word.

Before I could say anything more, the door creaked open. Smith hurried in, holding a brown envelope like it contained the damn crown jewels.

"Sir, the document has arrived," he whispered into my ear.

Mom watched him like a hawk. She didn’t miss a thing.

I took the envelope and waved it at her. "See? I’m legally hitched. Married and now at peace with you."

Mom snatched the certificate from my hand and read it carefully, her sharp eyes missing nothing.

I leaned back, exhaling slowly. Maybe now she’d finally relax.

but i was wrong.

She lifted her head and smiled sweetly. Too sweetly.

"Where is she?"

I frowned. "She?"

"Your wife, Lucas. Where is she?"

Panic slammed into me. My mind scrambled.

She’s at home, I almost blurted.

"She’s... she’s resting at home," I lied through my teeth.

Mom’s smile widened, but her eyes darkened. She tossed the envelope back at me like it was trash.

"This isn’t valid until I meet her," she said coolly. "Bring her to me."

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to suppress the urge to scream.

"I need to rest," she added, turning her back on me like a queen dismissing her court. "And don’t bother coming back without her."

I stood there for a moment, fists clenching and unclenching uselessly.

Damn it. She was so good at making me mad.. thought this could convince her but no, it just got worse!

I stormed out of the ward, slamming the door behind me harder than necessary.

"Smith," I barked.

"Yes, sir?"

I shoved the marriage certificate into his chest. "Find her."

"Sir?"

"You heard me. Find her. Now."

Smith nodded and hurried off, leaving me and the rest of the boys in the hallway.

I stared at the VIP ward again.

Of course I was married, maybe married on paper but still... and to a stranger whose face I couldn’t even remember clearly.

And now, if I didn’t find her fast and make her act the part, everything I’d worked my entire life for would crumble.

The worst part?

She dared to disappear on me. We had a deal—one year. But she ran… with my money and an unfinished contract. She thinks it’s over? No. She just started a game she’s not ready to lose.