23

23
Arlene
"Arlene."
The sound of my name made me pause just as I was about to enter the building. I froze for a moment, instantly recognizing the voice, and turned slowly.
Lucas.
He approached me with the hesitant air of a man unsure whether to smile or grovel. His usual confidence had evaporated, leaving behind something pitiful—almost pleading.
"Lucas," I muttered, my voice cold and detached. A surge of revulsion swept through me. I wasn't angry that he'd moved on; it was who he had moved on with that made my stomach churn. Daisy—my sister. Of all people.
It only confirmed what I had refused to acknowledge before: Lucas had likely never loved me. He had been fulfilling a family obligation, going through the motions for appearances' sake.
His family's plan was obvious now—engaging him to Daisy after my supposed death.
"I was dying to see you," he said, a strained smile tugging at his lips as he stepped closer, arms outstretched as though expecting a hug. "I waited for you. I thought—"
I stepped back and raised my hand to stop him. "You should have booked an appointment," I said icily, my expression hardening. "Rather than waste time waiting when you should probably be working."
Lucas blinked, his smile faltering. "An appointment?" he repeated incredulously.
"Yes," I said curtly. "That's how professional adults handle things, isn't it?"
"I wasn't sure I'd even get one," he admitted, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I just... I couldn't wait. I haven't slept since the moment you came back, Arlene. I've been—"
"Spare me," I cut him off, narrowing my eyes. "I don't have time for this. If it's not profitable, we'll have to do this another day."
My gaze flicked to the doors of my company—a silent reminder that I had more important matters to attend to than dealing with a man who had shamelessly entangled himself with my sister. I turned to leave.
"Wait."
His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist. I turned back, my patience hanging by a thread. Slowly, I pulled my arm from his grasp, disgust evident on my face.
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know I messed up, but please, Arlene, hear me out."
"Why?" I snapped, irritation rising. "So you can tell me how your heart now conveniently belongs to me after you've been playing house with Daisy?"
Why did I even sound like I cared?
"I wasn't playing house with her," he said, his voice softening to a pleading tone. "You don't understand. It's you, Arlene. It's always been you. I—"
"You've been ignoring Daisy's calls," I interrupted, tilting my head. Daisy had been fuming this morning, even slapping a domestic worker for her own mistake. "So why aren't you 'reconnecting' with her instead of coming here to spew nonsense?"
He looked away, guilt written all over his face. "I'm sorry about Daisy. I really am. But you have to understand—I can't go on with her. My heart belongs to you."
A dry laugh escaped me as I shook my head in disbelief. "Unbelievable."
Before I could lash out further, Daisy's voice interrupted.
"How dare you, Arlene?"
She stormed toward me, her bag slipping from her hand and crashing to the floor. Her face was red with fury, her eyes blazing as she fixed her glare on me.
"Isn't humiliating me and taking everything from me enough?" Daisy spat, her voice trembling. "Now you want him too?"
Before she could get to me, Matilda stepped forward, blocking her path.
I exhaled sharply and turned back to Lucas. "Dinner, right?" I asked, my voice calm yet edged with steel. "Contact my secretary for my number and send me the details. We'll meet tomorrow."
If Daisy wanted to make a fool of herself, she was welcome to do so. My tone remained clipped and professional, a clear dismissal of any lingering thoughts Lucas might have had about having power over me.
Then I turned to Daisy, my gaze icy. "I warned you about misbehaving at work, didn't I? Effective immediately, you'll be running errands for the entire team you're assigned to—for a week."
"What?" Daisy gasped, her anger melting into shock.
Without waiting for a response, I addressed Matilda. "Make sure the rumor about Daisy's demotion spreads. Have it signed off under my name."
Matilda nodded curtly, her expression neutral as she absorbed my instructions.
Without sparing another glance at Lucas or Daisy, I strode into the building.
As the glass doors slid shut behind me, I caught a glimpse of Daisy out of the corner of my eye, pleading with Lucas—desperation etched into every line of her face.
I scoffed softly. I hadn't thought Daisy could sink this low.
Inside my office, I sank into my chair, the tension in my shoulders finally easing. The stack of files on my desk was a welcome distraction—a reminder that my life had moved far beyond the petty dramas of my past.
A light knock on the door drew my attention as my assistant stepped in, placing a new file on my desk.
"The board has approved the new marketing strategy," she said, her tone all business.
I nodded. "Good. I want updates on its implementation by the end of the week."
She hesitated for a moment. "One more thing, ma'am. There's a reporter from The Daily Herald asking for a comment on the partnership deal."
I sighed but nodded. "Send them in. I'll give them five minutes."
As she left, I opened my laptop, scanning the latest sales reports. I was deep in thought when my phone buzzed—a message from Matilda.
"Don't you think it's time to book an appointment with the doctor, ma'am?"
I understood her concern, so I typed back. "You can arrange it."
My gaze dropped to the slight curve of my stomach. A painful reminder of my foolish marriage to Cole.
Wrapping a hand around my abdomen, I made a silent vow. I would erase every trace of Cole from my life—no matter the cost.