Chapter Hundred: Fifty-Two

Luci was in her room, straightening her hair and adjusting her outfit when a soft knock came at the door.

“Come in,” she called.

The door slowly opened and Ann appeared, peeking in with a soft smile. “Good morning, honey. Breakfast is ready,” she said.

“Morning. I will be out in a minute,” she finished fixing her hair before heading to the dining room.

But when she stepped into the room, she froze mid-step. Her brows furrowed at the sight of a familiar face. He was seated beside Emilia, who smiled at her, motioning for her to join them.

“Good morning, dear,” Charlotte greeted warmly as Luci settled down. She returned the greeting to the couple, but her eyes kept drifting back to Kaicus.

“Why are you here?” she asked, confusion lacing her voice.

“To save my neck,” he replied calmly, picking up a piece of bread as if that were the most normal thing in the world.

Luci understood without asking questions but she was surprised that he was in the house. Well, he was a good man to her, even if it was complicated. She quietly ate her breakfast, her thoughts shifting to her uncle and Kara again.

It had been five days since she had last seen or spoken to them. Her wrist had healed enough for her to use her phone again. She made a mental note to ask Alejandro about it later, though she wasn’t eager to talk to him directly. She also needed her phone to contact friends, Miguel and Edward.

By early afternoon, Alejandro arrived with the last batch of supplies to restock the kitchen. They had many mouths to feed, and after unloading, he stepped outside to fetch the final items. Luci followed him.

He turned and was surprised to see her standing there.

“I need my phone,” she said, stretching her hands forward.

His eyes fell on her wrist. The bandage was gone, replaced by a small, neat plaster protecting the wound.

“I will give it to you when I’m done,” he said, holding her gaze before trying to step back inside but she moved closer.

“Where is it? In the car?” she asked carefully, not wanting to mention if it was in his room. He was staying in Leo’s now, occupied by him and Kaicus.

Alejandro shook his head. “In my room.”

She tried not to react. “Exactly where, so I can get it myself.”

He swallowed hard, then told her the location. She nodded and walked inside. His eyes followed her, heart pounding. The boss was recovering quickly and talking now, so denying her the phone could easily push her temper to a boiling point.

He finished putting the last items away in the kitchen and went to his room to see if she had found it. When he opened the door, he found her crouched in front of a drawer, rifling through it. Her top had ridden up, revealing pale skin beneath. The sight twirled an emotion he thought he had buried inside him.

She looked up, startled by the door opening. “I can’t find it,” she said in a slightly loud, breathless voice.

“It’s not there, but over here,” he said, moving to a drawer near the wardrobe. He pulled out the phone and handed it to her.

She grabbed it instantly, but her eyes widened as she noticed it was on. She looked up at him, questioning.

“Someone keeps calling you,” he said calmly.

Her heart skipped. “Did you answer my call?”

“Nope,” he said honestly, meeting her gaze.

Her chest eased, and she held his gaze for a moment before turning to leave.

“Wait,” he called. She hated how her legs obeyed, stopping her. She turned around, arms crossed defensively.

“W-We can still talk, right?” he asked, his voice slightly shaky.

Her heart stuttered. He looked nervous, so unlike the emotionless man who had once broken her heart.

“No,” she replied flatly, stepping out without looking back. Alejandro gripped his hair, trying to calm his racing heartbeat.

.

.

“Ugh, that’s fvcking bitter, babe,” Jairo groaned, scrunching his face as he swallowed the medicine.

“They’re supposed to make you better,” Kara replied, closing the pill container and arranging it in her bag.

Watching over him, she realized he doesn't like taking drugs. She opened his food, settling beside him with a spoon in hand. He looked away.

“I’m not hungry,”

“Jairo, quit acting like a child. You need to eat.”

“My tongue tastes bitter,”

“That’s what you get for shooting yourself,” she said, bringing the spoon closer, her expression hard but caring. Her eyes were fixed on his lips.

He quietly watched her, noticing her hair clinging to her sweaty temple. When he didn’t open his mouth, her gaze met his. He smiled faintly at her determination.

“You’re exhausted, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice soft and concern shining through.

“I’m fine. Just eat.” she replied, moving the spoon closer.

“You should get some rest.”

“Tell me that after you drink this soup,” she countered firmly, guiding the spoon to his lips.

“Donald can stay here,” he added. Kara opened her mouth to protest, but he raised a hand, earnest. “Please. I need you at your best, not stressed to the point of collapse. I will be fine.”

She stared at him, her emotions swirling. “The last time I left you alone, it got me this you. I’m not leaving until you’re discharged. If you’re worried about me, then eat and take your meds so we can go home sooner. Deal?” she forced a smile.

His chest warmed at her words. He opened his mouth, taking the soup without complaint.

“What are we doing after we leave here?” he asked teasingly between spoonfuls.

“I don’t know. Probably making sure you’re strong,” she said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Nah,” he held her hand, stopping her from bringing another spoon of soup to his lips. She looked into his eyes, puzzled and saw him staring intently. “We might be having a wedding,” he said softly, making both their hearts skip a beat.

~~~

Apologies for not updating for a while now. I'm currently writing my exams and I will be rounding up middle of February. Updates might be on hold until then.

Thanks for understanding and please bear with me.

Happy new month! ♥♥