Chapter 54
Juliana felt blood rush to her head. Yet somehow, she also wanted to laugh.
This man was truly... childish yet tyrannical.
In the end, under the assistant's reminder that "Mr. Sharp will pick you up at seven," she chose the most understated black gown with an expressionless face.
The gala was held on the top floor of the city's most luxurious hotel.
Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. The crowd glittered with elegance and wealth.
When Juliana walked into the ballroom on Lucas's arm, nearly every head turned.
The man wore an impeccably tailored bespoke suit, tall and commanding, his presence dominating the room.
The woman beside him wore a simple black gown, hair swept up, her bare face touched with a cool aloofness that somehow made her impossible to ignore.
"Mr. Sharp, good evening." Several corporate executives approached with glasses in hand.
Their gazes lingered on Juliana for a moment, curious and probing.
"And this is..." one of them asked boldly.
Lucas's arm tightened imperceptibly, drawing Juliana closer against him.
"Juliana," he said.
He didn't mention her status or profession. Just her name.
But that gesture, that posture, said everything.
These men were sharp enough to catch on immediately. Warm smiles spread across their faces.
"So this is Mrs. Sharp! Mr. Sharp, you're a lucky man!"
"Mrs. Sharp, you have such refined presence!"
The repeated chorus of "Mrs. Sharp" left Juliana somewhat dazed.
Heat crept into her cheeks beyond her control. She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but the man's grip only tightened.
She could sense he was in an exceptionally good mood.
Melodic music filled the air.
Lucas extended his hand, making a perfect invitation to dance.
"Dr. Wells, would you do me the honor?"
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Juliana couldn't refuse.
She placed her hand in his palm and let him guide her onto the dance floor.
He was an excellent dancer, leading her through turns and draws, hitting every beat with precision. They were close, so close she could smell the crisp woody scent on him, feel the steady, powerful heartbeat from his chest.
Juliana's own heart lost its rhythm.
The music ended, fading into silence.
Lucas didn't release her immediately.
He looked down at her, his dark eyes reflecting the brilliant lights and only her reflection.
Suddenly he spoke, voice low but carrying clearly to her ears.
"Juliana, will you marry me?"
He asked again.
In this glamorous, public setting, in front of everyone.
Juliana's heart contracted sharply.
She looked into his focused eyes, seeing something earnest and persistent she couldn't quite understand.
She thought of that investigation report. Of her hidden secret. Of that cold operating table seven years ago.
All the confusion, all the flutter—in this moment, massive panic and rationality doused them completely.
Slowly, she withdrew her hand from his palm.
Then she lifted her head to meet his gaze. "No."
The smile on Lucas's face froze.
But he quickly recovered, even maintaining his gentleman's composure as he nodded at her.
"Alright."
Just one word, then he turned and walked off the dance floor with perfect composure.
But Juliana saw it clearly.
The moment he turned, every light in his eyes went out.
Lucas maintained his composure beautifully. Even as he turned away, his back remained straight and dignified, without a hint of defeat.
But Juliana knew something had changed.
Just then, her wrist was seized.
Lucas had somehow returned. Without a word, he grabbed her and headed for the exit.
His grip was crushing, as if he wanted to break her bones. His stride was fast and urgent, giving her no chance to react.
Juliana stumbled as he dragged her along, her heels clicking erratically against the floor.
"Lucas, let me go!"
The man ignored her completely, pulling her through the heavy iron door leading to the rooftop terrace.
Bang. The door slammed shut behind them.
Night wind rushed in instantly, carrying the chill of the heights, whipping her dress around her legs.
Below, the city's lights blazed, almost blindingly bright.
Lucas finally released her hand, but immediately trapped her between himself and the cold railing.
Under his gaze, panic seized Juliana's heart. She instinctively looked away. "What do you want?"
"Why?"
His voice scattered on the wind but still carried that familiar, unyielding pressure.
Juliana's heart lurched.
She knew exactly what he was asking.
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
"Don't understand?" Lucas suddenly laughed. "Juliana, do you think I'm an idiot?"
"Rejecting me in front of everyone. That's your answer?"
His overwhelming presence made breathing difficult.
She bit down hard and forced herself to meet his eyes. "Mr. Sharp, I think we need to clarify things. We're just cooperating through an agreement, for the child. Beyond that, there's nothing else."
"Cooperation?" Lucas looked like he'd heard the world's biggest joke. He reached out, gripping her chin and forcing her to look at him. "You think I went through all this trouble—moving you into the villa, playing along—just for some agreement?"
His fingers burned against her skin, the pressure almost painful.
"At first, yes. For Dami, I needed someone to play the mother's role. You were the most suitable candidate." His voice turned cold. "But not anymore."
Juliana's heartbeat skipped.
"Do I mean," he stared into her eyes, enunciating each word, "anything different to you?"
Even a little bit of attraction?
Even a hint of special feeling?
She thought of his rough kiss in the car. Of his clumsy gentleness rubbing their son's stomach. Of that sticky note that said 'For you.' Of how he'd held her close and introduced her by name to everyone...
But immediately after, that investigation report, those words 'romantic complications,' and that cold nightmare from seven years ago surged up like a tide, instantly drowning the tender feelings that had just begun to sprout.
She couldn't let herself feel anything.
She couldn't.
Massive panic seized her. She used every ounce of strength to force out two words from her throat.
"Nothing."
Lucas's hand on her chin went rigid.
The light in his eyes, that desperate hope, died completely.
Slowly, he let go.
"Fine."
Then he turned and walked away without looking back.