Semua Bab UNCHARTED PATH : Bab 31 - Bab 40

His father’s expression hardened, the warmth draining from his eyes as he shot to his feet. “Derby is the future of this family. That marriage secures alliances you don’t even understand.” “I don’t care about your alliances, Dad,” Lucas shot back. “I want my own life.” His father laughed softly, a sound devoid of humor. “Then you’ll earn it the hard way.” Lucas frowned. “What do you mean by that? You're threatening your own son?” “If you’re my son then do as I say!” His father snapped, stepping closer, voice low and deliberate. “As long as you refuse to marry Derby, no company will hire you. No doors will open. No peace will find you.” Lucas’s jaw tightened. “You think starving me into submission will work?” “I know it will,” his father replied calmly. “You know why? Because this world answers to power and power answers to people who wield it.” Lucas shook his head, disbelief and rage colliding inside him. “So, you’re willing to destroy your own son’s future for a

By dawn, Lucas woke before his alarm. His heart was already racing, the weight of excitement pressing against his ribs. For a moment he lay still, staring at the ceiling, then it hit him again—he had a job. Not just any job, but as an assistant chef at Benson’s. His lips curved into a smile before he could stop it. He sprang out of bed. The small room buzzed with purpose as he moved quickly, almost nervously. He showered longer than usual, scrubbing away the exhaustion of the past weeks, as if washing off the fear of uncertainty with it. He rehearsed the day in his head—arrive early, listen carefully, speak respectfully, follow instructions, and work hard. Make no mistakes and impress everyone. He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt, smoothing imaginary creases, studying his reflection as if it belonged to a different man. This wasn't Lucas who had been counting his last coins or wondering how long Nathan’s kindness would last. This was a young man with a future a

Alex smiled at his reaction and muttered, Not to worry my Lucas, we will get used to each other's eyes soon. Raising his voice again, “Lizzy, make it less spicy, please.” He said, and the girl responded, “Yes, sir.” He started his normal routine, in the kitchen, making sure everything was going well. Lucas's heart kept pounding. He wondered, “Has he left? Please heavens, let him leave. I don't understand what is wrong with me; this is my first opportunity after days of searching. Please help me not to fuck this up,” he muttered in prayer. After about a minute, he didn’t hear the voice again, and a relieved breath slipped past his lips. “Thank goodness,” he muttered, forcing his focus back onto the cutting board. Lucas was excellent with knife work—one of the skills he had drilled relentlessly during his culinary program. The blade moved smoothly before his fingers, swift and precise, the steady tap-tap against the board almost soothing. This was familiar territo

Lucas struggled, trying to pry Zenith’s hands off him, but the man only tightened his grip, his breath hot against Lucas’s ear as he whispered, “Come on, sweetheart. Relax. Stop behaving like a child.” Something snapped within Lucas. His hands were struggling to loosen the rope on Lucas’s pants. “Take your goddamn hands off me,” Lucas growled, fury ripping through his voice. He didn’t wait for a response. Gathering every ounce of strength he had, Lucas jerked his head back and slammed it hard into Zenith’s face. Zenith cried out with a sharp, pained moan and instantly released him, staggering backward. He clutched his nose, eyes blazing. “Damn it, Lucas! You hurt my nose,” he cursed, struggling to steady himself. Lucas spun around, chest heaving, his anger boiling over. “Sorry, sir, but this is all your fault. You’re fucking harassing me,” he shot back. “I’ve told you already that I’m not gay.” Without waiting for another word, Lucas yanked the door open and sto

“What?” The word slipped from Lucas’s lips before he could stop it. He stared at Alex, genuinely confused. A hug? Were they really that close? Or was he reading far too much into this? His heart betrayed him instantly, slamming hard against his ribs as he imagined… the image that stood a few feet away from him. His tall frame, those striking green eyes, and his arms pulling him close. Heat rushed to his face. “Get a grip on yourself, Lucas. He is your boss, and you need this job. Besides, you're not gay.” Lucas cautioned himself as he straightened, forcing his feet to stay rooted as their eyes locked with each other. The moment stretched, charged, and seemed uncomfortably intimate. His breath hitched again. “Oh dear goodness, help me control myself,” he prayed silently, finally tearing his eyes away, lashes dropping as shyness crept in. Alex caught it. Every bit of it.A small, knowing smile curved his lips. “Do you remember bumping into someone at the Mayor’s birthday