All Chapters of THE BILLIONAIRE'S BEAUTIFUL MARIONETTE : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Lucia's pov There was a certain weightiness to the air over the past few days,probably filled with fragile peace and unsaid words between Lucas and I … so I made up my mind to get out of the penthouse today, trendy cost in my hand as I slipped into the organized chaos of the city streets where no one even thought to spare me a look. They were all just minding their businesses which was refreshing. I didn't plan to visit a bakery today but it just looked so homely and I couldn't resist it.A tiny bell chimed as I walked inside. The scent of pastries and fresh coffee surrounded me, sweet and soothing. A few customers were already seated at the window seats, some stirring their coffees while others were chatting away about whatever in particular. For a short moment, I was jealous of them. How easy it must be to exist without the heavy weight of duty, obligation and image pressing on every breath.The middle aged woman behind the counter smiled nicely.“Good morning, love. What would y

Lucia's pov.Sometimes between arguments and silence. Arguments are the best choice no one talks about. Because silence corrodes like poison, filling the air between meals, footsteps and even breaths. It followed me everywhere,in the living room,down the halls and even when I tried not to think of him desperately.And somehow he was always there…well not surprising as this was his house after all but the tension between us amplified the silence.The day after my little escape to the bakery,we slipped back into our normal routine. He'd leave for work and if I got lucky I'd see him when he got back but most times I just miss him entirely, typical.I couldn't even decide which was heavier,his absence or his presence? They both affected me the same either way.I left for the kitchen…I wanted to prepare breakfast for myself and Sophia today.Sophia was already in the kitchen singing softly under her breath, happy and carefree while her hair looked like a nest of birds which made me chuckl

Lucia's pov I had no idea where me and Lucas were headed until he stopped the car. Sure,I agreed to go with him to this dinner but it would be nice if he said more.Lucas seemed relaxed,he was quiet the whole drive but his clenched knuckles made me think that he might not be as relaxed as he wished.The awkwardness between us still hadn't stopped but it now felt somewhat familiar, like a second language we both respected.But something in his eyes and tense posture made me really suspicious of this dinner…it seemed like it was going to be far different from the gala.He finally stopped the car and I unlocked the door at my side, stepping into the cool evening air. The structure towering over us was decorated with sparkly glass and media banners..the Richards tower.A name that haunted me..one which I wished I could desperately erase from my life.My breath hitched but Lucas was beside me instantly,his hand resting at the small of my back as if holding me steady.His touch felt like a

Lucas's pov The second she left me standing there, regretting all my stupid choices…I knew i had royally fucked up.Now,here I was.. alone and motionless, still feeling the weight of her words as if they were buried in my chest.My mind replayed a particular threat of hers that shook me..“If you pull a stunt like that again, I'll be gone from your life, consequences be damned.”And then I chuckled bitterly because honestly,threats weren't new to me at all.In fact, I've spent a good portion of my life giving and receiving threats, turning situations in my favor and the likes.But Lucia's threats weren't empty.They weren't the ramblings of a broken ballerina.They were real and scary as hell.I'd hurt her..I'd driven her to the point of scary threats.I tussled my hair in frustration, the black mass now falling over my eyes.I should chase her… go after her or something.Explain and try to right my wrongs.Mend what's left of any bond we had.But the truth made me stop in my tracks,

Lucia's pov.Receiving early morning apology gifts was quite nice if I do say so myself.A light pink bouquet of roses and tulips,a poshly tied beige box with another pink ribbon and a neatly folded note made of expensive paper tucked in the bouquet to tie it all together.I'll admit, I was caught off guard for a moment. Everything I was looking at was sweet but I couldn't shake the feeling of suspicion because I could guess who it was from.I crouched down to touch the flowers…suspicion or not, they were lovely and lush against my fingertips. He must have stepped a bit out of his comfort zone to do this. That realization alone made me feel a mix of complex emotions I didn't want to unpack right now.I decided to carry everything inside because as angry as I was…this was too beautiful to throw away.My room suddenly felt warmer than before, maybe it was the flowers. They looked so pretty as I set them on my nightstand and the cake box went on my bed as I plopped softly onto my mattres