Chapter 52 Afraid To Get

Chapter 52 Afraid To Get
Author's POV

“What if she forgets me?” The thought came without warning.

He hated it, so he pushed it away immediately.

Lucian hated how weak it made him feel.

He didn’t even realize when he clenched his fists inside his pockets and held his breath without knowing it.

He knew he was doomed if Riley ever lost the part of her memory that held the secret of where she hid everything she stole from him.

After the doctor was done delivering the news, he placed a hand on Lucian’s shoulder and gave him an encouraging nod before walking out of the room.

Lucian stood there, staring as the doctor walked away and disappeared down the hallway.

Dominic remained quiet too.

But then, Tessa suddenly stood up from her seat, and walked slowly towards Lucian.

Her legs were shaking like she was walking on thin ice.

When she reached him, she couldn’t even look at his face.

She lowered her head and began to speak in a cracked voice. “Master… I… I want to apologize,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

She didn't wait for Lucian to speak before she continued again, “About what I said earlier… about Riley… I was angry. I shouldn’t have said those things.” She swallowed hard.

By now, Tessa's hands were already shaking badly. “I’m sorry. Really sorry.” Tears were already forming in her eyes but she didn’t let them fall yet. She was too scared to cry in front of Lucian.

Lucian looked at her quietly. Then he said, “It’s fine.”

Tessa nodded quickly but still couldn’t relax.

She kept thinking about how easily Lucian could have killed her earlier just by grabbing her throat.

She could still feel his hands around her throat.

The memory alone made her shiver.

Lucian eventually spoke up, his voice quiet but dangerous. “You should go home now, Tessa. I think you need some rest.”

Tessa had already expected the worst, but when she heard Lucian was simply asking her to go home and rest, the fear in her chest slowly melted away.

Without hesitation, Lucian stepped closer to the waiting room glass door and opened it for Tessa to step out.

Though his action was like that of a gentleman, his face was still hard and unreadable.

Tessa didn’t hesitate. She walked out slowly, looking back one last time before turning around and walking away.

When Tessa left, Lucian did not close the door immediately. He just stood there, holding it open.

He turned his head slightly and looked at Dominic. Dominic looked back.

Both men didn’t need words to understand each other.

Dominic knew Lucian was struggling and Lucian knew Dominic was worried about him, yet none of them was willing to speak yet.

After a while, Lucian was still holding the door open when he finally spoke.
His voice was cold and tired. “You too. You can leave. I can handle this myself,” he said.

Dominic opened his mouth immediately. “Boss, but—”

Lucian raised his hand sharply. “No. Just go home.” His voice was firm, carrying that familiar edge of finality

Dominic sighed deeply. “You’re being stubborn,” he said quietly.

Lucian heard him but didn’t respond. He just kept staring.

Dominic shook his head slowly, frustrated but understanding. “Fine,” he said. “But don’t destroy yourself waiting here alone.” Then he turned and walked out of the waiting room.

Once he was gone, Lucian finally closed the door and walked back to the chair and sat down slowly.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands covering his face.

His breathing was slow and heavy at the same time.

He was alone now with his thoughts. With his fear. With his past. And with the woman he was afraid to lose again.