Chapter 52 Chapter 52
Lucien's POV
I woke up before the first rays of the sun. My body felt heavy and stiff. For a moment, I forgot where I was but then, I felt the warmth beside me.
Slowly I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was the faces of Cynthia and Aurora. Even in deep sleep, Cynthia looked alert and ready to defend while Aurora slept between us curling into a small ball, sleeping carefree.
After staying alone for so many years, this morning felt like a dream to me, but last night was never part of my plan. I was drunk and went out of my own control after losing the deal. Cynthia has no idea what her little foolish step has cost me.
A deep sigh passed my lips.
I looked at my hand. It was just inches away from her skin. Her wrists were still bruised from the marks of the belt I tied around them. My heart clenched.
The sound of Aurora's cries echoed in my head. I would have never stopped if it weren't for her cries. I was the boogeyman in her nightmares.
I don't know what or how to feel about last night. All I know is that I just want to forget about it.
Quickly and silently I got off the bed because I didn't want to wake them up.
Glancing at them for one last time, I walked to my own room through the secret door. I stripped off my wrinkled shirt and stepped into the shower without looking at myself in the mirror.
I wanted the ice-cold water to wash away the memory of last night but the guilt still stayed under my skin.
I want Cynthia to fear me. I want her to remember who owns every inch of her body but not like this.
She has hidden a lot of things from me and she believes I don't know them. But I know every single thing about her and her relationship with Adrian.
My jaw clenched when I thought about how she tried to manipulate me. But she forgot that she could play with the world but not me. I completely lost my mind the night I came to know about the truth and the same night Adrian met with an accident.
I will definitely make her pay for every betrayal, for every lie but when I am in my self-control.
By the time I finished getting ready, I looked like the "King" again. My suit was perfectly pressed, my hair was neat, and my face was as hard as stone. No one could see the mess I was in.
I walked out to the hallway where my head of staff, Mrs. Halloway, was waiting for me.
"The breakfast is ready, sir," she said softly.
"I am skipping breakfast today" I told her
She turned on her heels to go to the kitchen.
"Mrs. Halloway," she turned to me. "Cynthia and Aurora are sleeping. Do not wake them up. Let them rest as long as they need."
"Of course, sir."
"When they wake up, make sure the kitchen prepares whatever Aurora wants"
She nodded.
I licked my lips and swallowed hard before adding "And for Cynthia... make sure she eats something healthy."
She was a little surprised but she hid it quickly.
"Also call the doctor for Aurora's checkup and ensure the doctor checks Cynthia too. You will be paid well if you do all this without making Cynthia suspicious. Okay?"
She swallowed and nodded
"Okay sir"
She was the most trusted servant. I know she will deliver what I have asked her. I don't need to tell her twice.
I walked out of the house and headed straight to the car. I didn't need to command the driver. He already started driving towards my office. The same building where I lost a million-dollar deal yesterday.
I sighed and rested my head back, pinching the bridge of my nose.
Why Cynthia, why? Why do you have to make it harder for yourself than it already is?
The car stopped in front of my building and on my way to my cabin, the employees tried not to make eye contact with me. A pin drop silence spread in the surroundings, the kind of silence that didn't feel good.
Ignoring everyone, I walked into my office and immediately froze when I saw a man sitting on my chair with his back to me.
Who dared to enter my cabin and sit in my own chair!
Before I could lash out my frustration, the chair turned around and my body froze in my place.
Father?
"Dad?" I was a bit surprised at his visit. "Why didn't you..."
"You're late," he cut me off in his grave voice.
I inhaled a deep breath, reminding myself who I am now.
Dad was always punctual. He is very disciplined and strict.
"So this is how you are handling the business. Hmm?"
My jaw tightened and my fists clenched to my sides as he stood up and started walking to me. My breathing started becoming uneven.
"I have grown it a lot since you handed it to me" I tried to defend myself, even though my heart was hammering against my ribs.
"I can see how you have grown it" he hissed "By losing a fucking four hundred and fifty million dollars deal!"
"It was a mistake. I’m handling it," I said, turning to face him.
SLAP
The sound echoed through the massive office. My head snapped to the side, my skin stinging from the force of his hand. I didn't move or flinch. I already saw it coming. I had felt his hand many times growing up, even for the smallest mistake and this was a blunder that I have committed. But today, the shame felt different.
"You aren't handling anything!" he roared "You are weak! You've turned this empire into a playground for your obsession. If you can't control your desires, how do you expect to control the market?"
My jaw clenched and fists tightened.
"Give me some time" I could barely mumble.
"Time?" let out a dry, mocking laugh. "It's been five years and you are still chasing that girl like a dog!"
My head snapped to him.
"And I have heard you have an illegitimate daugh..."
"Dad no!" I cut him off.
Silence.
His eyes widened slightly. He looked taken aback because it was the first time in life that I had cut him off.
I licked my lips and inhaled a sharp breath.
"I cannot hear a single word about Cynthia or my daughter"
His eyes narrowed at me.
"So even after everything she did to you. You are still not over her. Aren't you?"
I decided not to say anything. I have already made a mistake in reacting like that naming the same of Cynthia and Aurora.
He cocked his head, took a small step back, and shoved his hand in his pockets.
"I’ve already decided for you. There is a gala this weekend. You will be there, and I will announce your engagement to Sophia. Her father is already moving his shares to back our next project. This is the only way to fix the mess you made."
"I won't marry her," I rasped.
"You will," he replied in an ice-cold voice "You already know the consequences of going against my will. Don't you?" He chuckled.
Since childhood, he has just blackmailed me to make me what I am today.
I so badly wanted to punch him right now but I stopped by reminding myself that he is still my father.
He walked toward the door, stopping only to look back at me one last time.
"Fix your face, Lucien. You have your engagement soon"