CH- 18

CH- 18
Lucas’s POV

Meanwhile, I couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling in my gut. It wasn’t like Nathan to go silent after a launch—especially not one as monumental as yesterday’s. He was always buzzing with energy, eager to dissect every detail, celebrate the wins, and strategize for what came next. But today? Silence. No calls, no texts, nothing.

Less than twelve hours had passed since the event, and already the tech world was ablaze with chatter about our products. Reviews were pouring in—good ones—and yet, there was no word from Nathan. Something felt off. Way off.

After two hours of trying unsuccessfully to reach him, I finally managed to pry myself away from my daughters—they’d been begging me to stay longer, but duty called.

As I drove toward the hotel where Nathan had stayed last night, I let my mind wander. How far we’d both come because of each other.

To the outside world, Nathan was the epitome of success: cocky, arrogant, untouchable.

But I knew better. Beneath that polished exterior was a man carrying burdens money couldn’t fix. A man screaming silently for help he’d never ask for.

When I arrived at his penthouse suite, the door gave way before I even touched it. Unlocked? That alone sent alarm bells ringing in my head. Nathan didn’t leave doors unlocked—not ever.

My heart pounded as I stepped inside, relief washing over me when I spotted him sitting on the bed, staring out at the sprawling cityscape beyond the window.

“Hey, man,” I said, forcing a light tone. “You gave me a scare. Pick up your phone next time.”  

But Nathan didn’t respond. He sat frozen, his back unnaturally straight, like he was holding his breath or bracing for impact. Something wasn’t right.

“Nate, what’s wrong?” I asked, moving closer. When he turned to face me, my stomach dropped. His eyes… they were empty. Lost. There was none of the usual fire or confidence that defined him. Instead, he looked at me curiously, almost like he didn’t recognize me.

“Damn, Nathan. Stop scaring me. Say something.”

Finally, he spoke—but his voice was hollow, uncertain. “Is that my name?”

I stared at him, stunned. “What do you mean, ‘is that my name’? Of course, it’s your name!”

He repeated it slowly, testing the sound of it on his lips. “Nathan.”

“Yes, Nathan!” I practically shouted, frustration bubbling to the surface. “And I’m your best friend, Lucas. What the hell is going on here?”

“I don’t know who you are,” he admitted quietly. “But I feel like I should trust you. Like I’ve known you for a long time.”

I blinked, trying to process this surreal conversation. “Okay, okay. Let’s start simple. Do you remember anything? Anything at all?”

He hesitated. “The last thing I remember is falling asleep on this bed. Now I can’t figure out where I am—or why I’m here.”

My pulse quickened. This wasn’t just a hangover; something was seriously wrong. Nathan didn’t play pranks like this, and liquor had never messed with him like this before. Unless…

“What else did you drink at the launch last night?” I demanded sharply.

His brow furrowed. “Launch? Last night? What happened last night?”

That was it. I couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m calling someone.”

“No!” he barked, louder than I expected.

We locked eyes for a tense moment. Finally, he broke the silence. “Please. Just tell me what’s going on.”

“You tell me,” I shot back. “You’re acting like you’ve lost your memory or something.”

He swallowed hard. “Maybe I have. All I know is, when I woke up, I found… something.”

My stomach churned. “Something? What are you talking about?”

“Come with me.” He led me into the bathroom, his movements stiff and unsteady. “Look inside. And please… don’t shout.”

I peered into the bathtub and nearly choked on the air I was breathing. A young blonde woman lay lifeless, her skin pale and cold. She was naked, her blonde hair fanned around her like a tragic halo. My mind raced. Who was she? Had she been at the launch? Why was she here?

“Oh, my God,” I whispered hoarsely. “Who is she?”

Nathan shook his head, panic flashing across his face. “I don’t know. She was here when I woke up.”

A million questions collided in my brain. Was this some twisted setup? Or had Nathan done something in a drunken blackout? No—it didn’t add up. Liquor might impair judgment, but it wouldn’t erase memories entirely. Not like this.

“A billionaire has a lot of enemies,” I muttered grimly.

“What?” Nathan snapped, his confusion giving way to desperation. “Am I a billionaire?”

That sealed it for me. Whatever had happened, Nathan genuinely had no memory of who he was—or how this woman ended up dead in his tub.

Still, we were running out of time. Someone would discover her soon, and when they did, all roads would lead straight to Nathan.

“Did you see anyone this morning?” I asked urgently.

“No. You’re the first person I’ve seen.”

“Good.” I exhaled shakily. The fewer witnesses, the better. “What about last night? Did you see anyone after I left you?”

Tears welled in his eyes. “I don’t know. The last thing I remember is closing my eyes.”

“Alright.” I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. “Get dressed. We’re leaving.”

“What about the body?” he asked, pulling on a shirt with trembling hands.

I stepped back into the bathroom for one last look. There were no visible bruises, no signs of strangulation or torture.

Her skin was smooth, her features peaceful—as if she’d simply fallen asleep. Whoever planted this scene knew Nathan well enough to make it believable.

Just as I turned to leave, I noticed a faint tattoo on her arm. It didn’t ring any bells, but I quickly snapped photos of her face and the tattoo with my phone.

Evidence could be crucial later.

“We’re going to my car,” I instructed firmly. “Keep your head down and don’t talk to anyone. There are cameras everywhere.”

“Alright,” he murmured. Then, hesitantly, “Why are you helping me?”

The question stung more than I cared to admit. “Because I’m your best friend, Nathan. And I’d move heaven and earth to keep you safe.”

He nodded, though doubt lingered in his expression. “Where are we going?”

I forced a tight smile. “The only place I know you’ll be safe.”

“And where’s that?”

“The only place you hate.”