Unspoken Truths

Chapter Thirteen – Unspoken Truths

Alina’s Pov

I walked out of the office with my head low. My chest was heavy, like a stone sat inside it. All day, I could still see Vanessa’s hand on Lucien, her lips brushing his cheek, her laughter filling the meeting room like she owned everything. And the worst part… he didn’t even stop her.

I clenched my bag tighter and stepped out into the evening air. My heart was already hurting, and then I saw him—Lucien, leaning against his car, waiting.

“Get in,” he said calmly, opening the door for me.

I froze. My throat felt tight. “No, thank you,” I whispered.

Before he could say more, I raised my hand, stopped a cab, and quickly got in. The driver started moving, but when I looked out the window… he was there. Lucien. Driving behind us. Slowly. Patiently. Not once losing sight of me.

My chest burned. I didn’t know if I was angry, or scared, or… something else.

By the time I reached the house, I walked straight in without looking at him. The maids rushed over, greeting me politely, but I didn’t have strength to answer.

“I’ll eat alone,” I said softly, sitting at the dining table. My hands shook as I picked the spoon. “Only my food. Don’t serve him.”

The maids looked at each other nervously but nodded. They placed a plate in front of me. I forced myself to eat, but every bite tasted bitter. My mind was not here. It was still in that meeting room. Still on Vanessa. Still on Lucien.

I pushed the plate away and stood up, heading straight into my room. I closed the door and leaned against it, breathing hard.

A knock came. Firm. Steady. His knock.

“Alina,” his voice was deep, but softer than usual. “Open the door.”

I stayed silent. My chest thudded so hard I thought he would hear it.

The handle turned, and before I could protest, he stepped in. His tall figure filled the room, his eyes sharp yet calm, like he had been waiting for this moment.

“Why don’t you want to talk to me?” he asked quietly.

I turned my back to him. My hands fisted at my sides. I didn’t want him to see the tears that were threatening to fall.

He walked closer, each step heavy. “If this is about Vanessa…” his voice dropped lower, almost like a plea, “I want you to know, there’s nothing between us. Everyone calls her my girlfriend, but that’s only for the public. For business. We are not together.”

I closed my eyes tight. His words cut into me, stirring something I couldn’t control.

“Are you sure?” I finally whispered, my voice shaking.

He didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

I turned slowly to look at him. His eyes were steady, holding mine like he wanted me to believe him with all my heart. And before I could say anything more, he leaned closer.

His lips brushed my cheek. A soft, lingering peck. Simple, yet it sent fire racing through my veins.

I froze. My breath caught. My chest screamed at me to pull away, but my heart… my heart wanted to stay.

When he pulled back, he gave me one last look, then quietly walked out. I stood there, rooted, my fingers touching the place his lips had touched.

Later, I heard the sound of cutlery in the dining room. He was eating. Calmly. Like nothing had happened.

But for me, everything had changed. My mind was spinning. My chest wouldn’t stop aching. I didn’t know what to do, or why I felt this way.

Why was my heart beating so fast for him?

Why did I care so much about what he said, what he did?

And why, why did I want him to kiss me again?