LUCIAN
I woke to a warm feeling I haven't felt in years. I have never slept this peacefully in years, but for the first time with her again, I already did.
Her body curled beside mine, exhausted, breathing softly like the night had drained every ounce of strength from her. Well, I did.
For a brief moment, I stayed still, watching her chest rise and fall, memorizing the curve of her shoulder, the faint crease between her brows even in sleep.
I leaned down and pressed a small kiss to her neck, she did not stir, and I smiled.
I pulled away slowly, making sure the sheets covered her properly before leaving the room. The door closed behind me with a soft click, and only then did I allow myself to breathe.
I strolled toward the living room as I picked up a cigarette from the table, lit it, and took a long drag, the smoke filling my lungs as those painful words crashed into my head.
"Let's break up."
"I am sick and tired of this relationship."
My jaw tightened as I exhaled sharply recalling those dreading moments.
Five years of that sentence rotting inside me.
Then I pulled out my phone.
"Hello, boss," my assistant answered immediately.
"Morning," I said flatly.
Then I paused, staring out at the city beyond the glass walls. "I need you to check everything about Georgie Sandals."
There was a brief silence. Well, he knew of that last name and how much I had researched it. "Sandals, sir?"
"If the last name does not rhyme or match properly with the name, dig deeper," I continued. "You can check the girl I was with last night. I want every detail about her."
"Yes, boss."
"And make sure nothing gets to the news," I added coldly. "
"On it, boss."
I hung up and then took another drag, my mind already racing ahead. I am pretty sure she would want to leave this morning again, and that thought alone is making me feel rage.
As if summoned by the thought, soft footsteps reached my ears.
I crushed the cigarette immediately and waved the smoke away and straightened my posture before turning.
Crazy how just her footstep is getting me to do things I have never done in five years.
I turned to her, seeing her barefoot, her hair loose, and I watched how she moved with a slight limp. A smirk tugged at my lips before I could stop it, of course, I am satisfied with my job.
"I need to leave." That was the first word from her.
"Good morning to you too," I replied dryly but she returned it with a scowl.
"You said you had my whole night. I did everything you wanted, I need to leave now. Get me a driver and take me out of this house."
I stepped closer to her without thinking, but she lifted her hand quickly.
"You just finished smoking," she said coolly. "I get that you hate me, but do not tell me you plan to kill me early." I sighed and nodded.
How does she do this? I would have broken anyone who spoke to me like that. Yet she kept doing it, and I kept letting her go freely.
"You could at least have breakfast before you leave," I tried to persuade her.
"I am not hungry, Lucian. I want to leave this place." she retorted and that was the last straw for me as my anger surged uncontrollably.
"What do you want from me?" I snapped. "You said I was too poor for you then, now I own almost eighty percent of this city. Why are you still running from me? You should be clinging to me, not trying to escape!"
She stared at me and the next minute she burst into a hearty laughter leaving both hurt and speechless.
"Maybe you got it wrong," she said lightly. "The man you are is exactly who I do not want to talk to. I do not care how rich or powerful you are. I have someone else I love and it isn't you."
My blood froze at the mention of this.
"What?" I asked.
"You slept with me last night," I reminded her.
But she laughed out again and this time not just softly but cruelly.
"Correction Lucian... You forced me to stay with you last night, no matter how much I tried running away you didn't let go until you had your way.
"Liana!" I shouted, Why does she always think any night we spent together is out of fun?" Why isn't she having a better thought for the both of us?
She strutted gently closer to me with that same look I hate seeing on her. "Again," she let out calmly, "I will correct you for the last time. My name is Georgie." With that, she walked past me.
"If you will not get me a driver, I will leave by myself." I could only stand still watching her walk through the door.
The realization burned deeper than rejection ever had. Even if I had power, money, and control. I still couldn't have her.
"How dare she," I muttered, slamming my fist into the wall. I pulled out my phone, fingers flying across the screen.
"Drive the girl who just left to her destination.." I texted the chauffeur, no matter how much she hurt me I could not hurt her back.
Almost immediately, another message popped up.
"Hey.... About to board a flight. Do not forget to pick me up." I stared at the screen with my jaw clenched.