Chapter 41 Their connection
Lucas smiled and nodded. “Okay, boss—whatever you say,” he replied casually, his grin easy and unguarded.
Alex didn’t answer with words. Instead, he reached for Lucas’s hand and gently pulled him along. They crossed the office, heading toward the other side where the space opened into a stylish sitting area. The shift in setting felt intimate and intentional.
Lucas’s eyes widened as he took everything in. “Oh—this is so cool,” he chortled, slowly turning in place as he admired the room. His gaze swept over the plush seating, the tasteful décor, the quiet elegance of it all. “This is the biggest and most beautiful office I’ve ever seen.”
He glanced at Alex, genuine admiration shining in his eyes. “You’ve achieved a lot,” he commented again.
They settled down opposite each other. A neatly arranged tray of food was waiting between them, the moment hanging warm, or could I say more than warm.
Lucas reached for the cutlery, still half-distracted by the grandeur around him. “I’m telling you,” he said with a soft laugh, “if I worked in an office like this, I would never want to go home.”
Alex chuckled as he poured something light into their cups. Still grinning…“You will get used to it,” he said lightly, then added, “because comfort stops feeling special when it becomes a routine.”
They both chortled and began to eat, the conversation flowing easily—small jokes, gentle teasing, the kind that slipped in between bites. Lucas talked about the kitchen, his first impressions, and the staff, omitting Zenith's lies and harassment.
Alex listened closely, eyes lingering on him a little longer than necessary than the food before him.
Suddenly, almost casually, Alex said, “You know… none of this would have existed without you.”
Lucas paused mid-bite, blinking. “What…what do you mean?”
Alex set his fork down. His voice remained calm, but something deeper stirred beneath it. “Everything you see here, this office, the other four eateries, every other thing including the life I built…it all started after that day.”
Lucas frowned slightly, memories flickering in his mind. “Alex, I didn’t—”
“You saved my life, Lucas” Alex cut in gently, meeting his eyes, their heart racing fondly. “If you hadn’t been there to stop me, I wouldn’t be sitting here. I wouldn’t have had the chance to become any of this.” He gestured vaguely around them. “Your words, this pendant you gave me, and the hope of seeing you again kept me going”
Extending his hands across the table, he took Lucas’s left hand in his right and held it firmly but gently. “Thank you so much, my Lucas.”
Lucas swallowed, his throat suddenly tight. “I…I just did what anyone would’ve done,” he said quietly.
Alex smiled, releasing his hand. His smile was soft but unwavering. “Maybe. But I’m the one who’s alive because of your reaction that day.”
He picked up his fuck again and resumed eating. For a moment, there was silence. Only the clink of cutlery was the only sound between them.
A light chortle slipped from Lucas’s lips, breaking the quiet. “You’re really making me feel special. Thank you, boss.”
Alex lifted his gaze, his smile soft but intent. “Did you just say, special?” he echoed gently. “Do you even realize what it means to save someone’s life and encourage that person to live on?” His voice lowered, sincere. “Lucas, you are very special. You mean a lot more than you think, to me. If you feel like talking to someone or need anything at all—share it with me. Don’t ever hesitate, okay?”
Lucas’s cutlery dropped softly onto the empty plate but he froze at Alex’s word. He stared at Alex like he was afraid to blink and lose the moment. Admiration shone openly in his eyes.
“Just seeing you again…” he murmured, almost breathless, “…feels like a longtime wish finally answered. It fills me with so much joy and you talking… like this…” A shy smile curled his lips, fragile and honest.
Alex reached across and massaged his hand gently, “I meant every word.”
As he pulled his hand, he reached for the intercom on the table and pressed a button. “Margaret, please come and clear the dishes,” he said calmly, then set the receiver back into its cradle.
He rose to his feet, and Lucas followed instinctively. Alex shifted away from the table, angling himself toward the sitting area.
Lucas hesitated, glancing at the wall clock. The ticking seemed suddenly loud. Alex caught the look and smiled knowingly, then tapped the empty space beside him.
“Come on, Lucas,” he said warmly. “Sit a little longer with me.”
Lucas smiled lightly, a bit conflicted. “Sir, I’ve already overstayed my break. The head chef might lose his temper, so—”
Alex waved it off casually, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I’ll handle the head chef.” His tone left no room for argument. “Right now, I just want you to sit beside me a little longer.”
Lucas started, “But…”
“No buts…” Holding Lucas’s hand, Alex drew him down onto the seat—so close that their shoulders brushed. The sudden pull caught Lucas off guard, stealing his breath as a soft, startled “Ooh” slipped past his lips.
Lucas swallowed, then tried to control his racing heart…not from fear but from the quiet, overwhelming realization that some connections never fade… they simply wait.
Alex chuckled at his reaction, clearly amused, then turned fully to him, his gaze steady and warm.
“Lucas, my heart is racing wildly due to your presence and I like it. I wondered, could yours be racing due to my presence? But, don’t answer that.” He smiled mildly.
Lucas’s eyes locked on his, trying to hold himself from confessing that his heart was going crazy.
Alex smiled, “Lucas,” he said gently, “the head chef answers directly to me. So don’t worry about anything.” His tone softened. “And from now on… call me Alex. Okay?”
Lucas nodded. “Okay”
“Say it my Lucas, say my name, call me your Alex.”
There was a silence; everywhere was quiet, the only sound seemed to be their heartbeats.
Then he said, “My Alex.”
The way his name sounded on Lucas’s lips made Alex’s chest want to burst open. He lifted his hand and gently stroked Lucas’s cheek, a smile lingering fondly. As he managed and withdrew his hand which couldn't stay on its own. His hand went on to hold Lucas’s hand.
“My Lucas, if only you knew,” he added quietly, “If only you were so aware how much brighter my life just got, when I realized I've found you and now have you in the same building with me. I felt like I might do something stupid.”
Lucas’s heart somersaulted, then picked up again. He swallowed hard, heat spreading all over him. The words felt… too warm. Too close and almost dangerous.
Alex’s emotion pulled hard on him, he couldn't help it anymore as his eyes kept locking on Lucas’s flushed face. Then Lucas gazed down shyly, speechless, his heart thudding in his chest.
Damning whatever consequence his actions might bring, Alex lifted his hand to Lucas's chin and tilted his face.