Chapter 32 I Can’t Ignore…
“Do you want to tell me about this person?” he asked, his tone softening.
“Uh, no! I mean, not now. When the right time comes,” I mumbled, clearing my throat awkwardly.
My father furrowed his brows, staring at me for a few seconds before he said, “Alright, baby, I'll be leaving in a few hours.” His frown was replaced with a warm smile.
“You're traveling?” I asked. He giggled.
“No, honey, I meant I'll be leaving for work in a few hours,” he mumbled.
“Oh,” I sighed in relief. “Me too,” I said.
“Alright, baby, let me leave you to that. I'll be in my room,” he said, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on my forehead. Finally.
Although my father wasn't the same bubbly, cheerful dad I knew or wanted back, his kiss gave me reassurance. Whatever he is going through, I hope it gets resolved. (sigh)
I watched my father leave my room as he gently closed the door. I immediately jumped out of bed, heading to the bathroom. My father had taken most of my time, but it was worth it.
A few minutes later, I was all ready. I quickly had breakfast because my mother wouldn't let me leave without eating anything.
“Do not step out without having breakfast. I don't want you being sick again, and I hope you have your medications with you?” she asked.
“Yes, I do,” I said, rolling my eyes.
After breakfast, I hurried my way to the exit door, about to book a cab when my eyes landed on my car.
In shock, I stood still for a few seconds, close to a minute. How come? Maybe Mr. Mattias had sent someone to drive it here. How did he remember such a random thing?
There was no time for questions; I quickly hurried my way to my car. My car was automatic, and I could control it with my phone, so I quickly whipped out my phone from my bag so that I could unlock it. (Without my keys! How cool is that?!)
I drove to the parking lot, about to get out when a car pulled in front of me. I wanted to react because, what the hell! But seeing Lucas step out of the car hurriedly made me pause.
“Shimma!” he said, advancing towards me.
“Lucas,” I mumbled.
“What happened?” he asked. I stared at him, confused.
“I don't understand,” I said.
“Why didn't you come yesterday? Is everything okay?” he asked, his voice filled with so much concern.
“Oh! That, I felt ill, but I am fine now,” I said as another car that had just pulled in behind Lucas caught my attention.
“Ill? Oh God! Why then did you come today? Are you on medications? How are you feeling now?” he asked, his eyes running all over me. I smiled, holding him by his shoulder so that he would stop.
“I'm fine! Trust me.”
“You got me worried sick,” he cursed.
“Huh?!” I asked, raising a brow. I must have heard him wrong.
Just before he could utter another word, Mr. Mattias's voice broke in.
“What is going on here?” he asked, his expression cold—too cold!
As I watched Mr Mattias approach me and Blake, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as I exchanged a quick glance with Lucas. He looked concerned, but I could sense he was frustrated.
“Mr. Mattias,” I said, trying to defuse the situation.
“We were just talking about..,”
“About what? Why was your hand on him?“ Mr Mattias asked.
“Matt—sorry, Boss, why do you act like it's a crime?“ Lucas asked. His expression mixed with frustration and fear.
“Are you out of your mind Lucas? It seems like you have forgotten your place?“
“It's always about my place, why can't you let me have a casual conversation with her, you let me talk to other employees, but not her, why?“ Lucas grumbled. Mr Mattias was about to speak but I quickly chipped in.
“Sir, I know you're only looking out for my good, but Lucas was also doing the same,” I said, trying to convince him, but it didn't look like it was working.
“Lucas, I want to see you later in my office, Shimma, come with me,” Mr Mattias said to me as he began approaching the entrance door.
I turned to steal a glance at Lucas, I couldn't read his expression. All I know, he wasn't pleased. But why is he this concerned? Does it mean?… no! Shimma, you're over thinking things.
I slightly shook my thoughts as I made my way inside, following behind Mr Mattias.
LUCAS'S POV.
I stood in my office, my thoughts tangled around Shimma. She’s only on her second day here, but I feel drawn to her in a way I can’t explain. Gosh! She's so pretty, I find myself wanting to kiss her every time I set my eyes on her like.
But Mattias, his constant hovering is killing me. Every time I try to talk to her, he steps in, his expression cold and serious, as if I’m a threat. I'm I?
When Mattias called Shimma to his office outside, I could feel my stomach tighten. What’s going on? Why is he so protective of her? She’s a capable person, not a child. Damn!
I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to their relationship than what he claims it is. I think there is a hidden connection, I can feel it in my nerves. Maybe Shimma doesn't know this, but my cousin has more intention than just being an uncle and a boss to her.
I don’t know but the way he looks at her—there’s something deeper there, something that makes me uneasy.
I want to know Shimma, to explore whatever this is between us, but Mr. Mattias is in my way. His overprotectiveness feels suffocating, as if he’s trying to control her choices, my choice! I can’t let this opportunity slip away. I need to figure out what’s really happening and why he feels the need to keep me at a distance. This feels like a challenge I can’t ignore…..