Lahat ng Kabanata ng UNCHARTED PATH : Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

Lucas’s chest ached. He stared at the far wall, not really seeing it, because all he could see was Alex’s face from that day. The worry in his eyes. The way his voice had softened when he said Lucas’s name, like it was something fragile he was afraid to drop. Lifesaver…That was all Alex told Nathan. Lucas swallowed. So this was part of the price. Being the unseen center of a breaking point. Being the reason a dear friend of his was unraveling on the couch. Then the man he cared about was somewhere else, probably standing in the ruins of a choice he had finally made. Guilt curled in Lucas stomach. He hadn’t meant for this to happen. He hadn’t meant to come back into Alex’s life and disrupt it. He meant no harm, he had only wanted to return what had been given to him…sweetness he had never felt before. Something to live for and be grateful for. Unfortunately, his presence had brought chaos to another's happiness. He glanced at Nathan. He felt his pain. The red eyes, the slack

Lucas stiffened. “That’s not true.” “Really?” Alex’s gaze held his, unblinking. “Because from where I stood, you agreed the moment she asked but my question is why?” Lucas opened his mouth, then stopped. His eyes flicked away. “I have my reasons why.” Alex’s control cracked…just enough. “Why, Lucas? Why do you say yes to her.” The words came out sharper than he intended. Lucas’s shoulders tensed. “Why does it matter to you?” The question landed hard as well. Alex’s lips parted, then pressed together again. His hands clenched slowly at his sides. For a moment, it looked like he might step back. But instead he stepped in too close and Lucas stepped back. The more Lucas stepped back, the more he moved forward. Until Lucas’s back hit the wall. Alex locked him in with his gaze steady on him “Maybe it shouldn’t, and yet here I am with my heart aching in every minute that passes by because my Lucas refused to smile with or for me.” Alex said quietly. Lucas stared at

With that decision made, Alex chuckled bitterly, knowing that defensive distance sometimes could cut deeper than confrontation. “I’ll keep it controlled and quietly devastating, so he will come back to me,” Alex whispered to himself. When they closed for the day, Alex watched him leave from his office. He wished he could take him home but he had to keep to his decision. But he wondered why he had not seen him with his bike yet. He decided to dig into him. Instantly, he checked on Westman's family but there were many with such names. He called Dan immediately to gather any information he could on Lucas. By the next day, Alex's attitude changed not loudly, not suddenly but just enough to be felt. He stopped looking for Lucas.No more hovering pauses. No more casual excuses to pass by or let his body intentionally brush him. When Lucas spoke, Alex answered, but briefly, and professionally. His tone was calm, almost cool, as if nothing had ever flickered between them at a

Zenith smirked and glanced toward the field. “He looked like he was losing something.” Lucas’s heartbeat quickened, while Zenith straightened, tone returning to neutral. “Anyway, enjoy the rest of the outing.” And just like that, he walked away, leaving Lucas standing thereall alone with his thoughts. His mind replayed minutes ago, how Alex clenched his fists and suddenly exited. The way he had looked during the games, especially after the blindfold round. Was it jealousy? Or was Zenith right? Was Alex reacting because he hated not being in control? The laughter around him suddenly felt distant as his head swirled in confusion. Margaret called his name from across the lawn. He looked toward her. Then toward the parking area where Alex stood earlier. His expression became more conflicted. Unknown to him, somewhere not too far away…Alex was watching. He didn't attempt to approach or interrupt him. He just watched Lucas stand there with a false thought that he didn't c

He was about to take advantage of his situation. Unaware that Alex was coming their way searching for Lucas. Then Alex saw him trying to force a kiss on him. Angrily, he snapped, “Zenith, let him go! What the heck are you doing?” Without wasting time, he rushed over and gave him a hard punch on his jaw. “How dare you touch him? Didn't I warn you not to cross the line?” Fear gripped Zenith. He stuttered, “A…Alex calm down, it's not what you think. There is sand in his eyes and I…” “Are you saying I'm blind? You're harassing him. You're trying to kiss him!” He gave him another blow, again and again until Lucas shouted his name, ”Alex, please stop.” Then staggered, and fell to the ground. Alex stopped and rushed over to Lucas, realizing he wasn't himself. He turned to Zenith, his eyes glaring. “What the heck did you give to him?” He rushed back towards Zenith but he screamed, “I didn't give him anything, I swear! Maybe it was his wife!” Alex paused and stammered, “Wha…his