Boy acted quickly. He immediately started the car and drove it. He did not know the exact location of Velia’s family’s house, but at least he would try to find it.
The neighborhood where Velia used to live was in a narrow area. It would not be difficult for Boy to find Velia. That should have been the case, but what happened did not match his expectations.
Boy spent almost an hour searching the area. He even waited in front of an alley. Boy should have been able to see Velia’s arrival since she usually used public transportation.
Could she be hanging out with her friends?
That possibility could happen, although Boy still remembered Mecca’s return earlier. But there was no harm in trying.
Boy waited again. He was patient, but his phone rang impatiently.
“Hello, Mr. Bell,” Boy answered the call. “I’m sorry, but I lost Velia.”
*
Uncontrollable anger surged within Ricardo upon hearing the news from Boy. He slammed the table and asked to confirm.
“W-What did you say, Boy? You lost her?”
“I waited for a long time until Mecca and her friends came out, but Velia wasn’t there.”
Ricardo massaged the bridge of his nose. “You should have waited longer. Maybe she came home late.”
“I even waited for almost an hour, sir. She really didn’t come out.”
“So, you think she stayed overnight at the office? Is that it?”
Boy remained silent. He did not respond to Ricardo’s sarcastic question.
“She definitely went home, Boy.”
“I really didn’t see her leaving the office.”
“Oh, my goodness. She can’t just fly away, Boy,” Ricardo growled while taking a deep breath. “Tomorrow, you must not make any mistakes again.”
Ricardo ended the call without further pleasantries or saying anything else. Anger had consumed his mind. All the hopes and plans he had in mind vanished.
There would be no long and hot night with the allure of Velia. Ricardo had to be patient even longer.
“Damn it!”
Ricardo might be able to be patient, but not with his desires that sought satisfaction. As a result, he quickly grabbed his car keys from the table and left the room.
“Is you going out?”
Linda Bell tried to stop her husband, but Ricardo was determined. He brushed off Linda’s hand and spoke curtly.
“It’s none of your business.”
Linda could not do anything. She could only watch Ricardo’s departure with a mournful expression. Of course, her question did not really require an answer. She knew where Ricardo was headed.
*
In reality, it was not just Ricardo who had to be patient that night. Kilometers away, in a luxurious and grand house, two people were having an unpleasant conversation. The presence of warm tea and snacks could not calm the uncertain atmosphere between them.
It was Clarissa who sighed deeply while looking at Sandra with hope in her eyes. Her face revealed more than it should.
“I’m really embarrassed in front of my friends. I told them that Lucas and I would be engaged soon.”
Sandra took a moment to enjoy a sip of tea. “Be patient, Clarissa. I know it’s a bit embarrassing, but the truth is, I am also angry with Lucas. He has gone too far with you. I feel uncomfortable. Luckily, you are a gentle and understanding woman, so you can forgive him.”
“That’s not all. I have rejected many men just for Lucas. As you know, it’s not just one or two people who have tried to get close to me.”
Sandra understood. As a model, Clarissa’s beauty and allure certainly attracted a lot of attention from men.
“I know. You have sacrificed a lot for Lucas. He should be grateful for being lucky enough to have your heart, Clarissa.”
Clarissa straightened her back and wore a proud, graceful smile. “Of course, but…”
Clarissa’s confident posture paused. One thing crossed her mind. It was related to the dinner the other day.
“… who is Velia?”
Sandra, who was about to enjoy another sip of tea, suddenly froze. The cup stopped right in front of her lips.
“Who is Velia?”
Sandra’s expression changed. Clarissa grew more curious.
“Is she Lucas’s girlfriend?”
Sandra’s eyes widened. She almost glared, but fortunately, she realized that it was Clarissa who asked.
“A Lucas’s girlfriend?” Sandra laughed. She placed the teacup on the coaster and shook her head. “Of course not. How could Lucas have a girlfriend like that woman? Impossible.”
Clarissa fell silent for a moment. She vividly remembered that night. But all her thoughts were interrupted as Sandra spoke again to calm her down.
“Enough, Clarissa. You don’t need to think about it. Trust me. Velia is just a past trying to take advantage of Lucas. You know, many low-class women are after wealthy men. Velia…”
Now Sandra regained some control. She could smile again.
“… is one of them.”
Sandra’s words made sense. For that reason, Clarissa whispered briefly.
“So, I hope you can be patient a little longer. Give me time to convince Lucas. Don’t worry. Aunt guarantees that you will get married soon.”
Clarissa’s eyes widened with hopeful anticipation. “Really?”
“Of course.”
For the promise made, Sandra had high hopes for Ricardo. So, it was not surprising that she immediately contacted Ricardo after Clarissa left.
I hope he has good news for me.
Sandra sat in a lounge chair, her gaze wandering to the starry night sky. She waited and grew impatient.
“H-Hello, Mrs. Hernandez.”
Instead of a hesitant greeting from Ricardo, Sandra heard a sigh that infuriated her.
“You’re still having fun when your task isn’t finished yet, Ricardo?”
“I-I’m sorry. I have planned to get rid of Velia.”
Sandra closed her eyes dramatically. She took a deep breath to suppress the anger that was beginning to boil.
“Your daughter,” Sandra whispered meaningfully. “What’s her name? Natalie Bell? A-”
“I promise. I can make sure everything is done before the end of this month.”
Sandra clenched her jaw. “Can your words be trusted?”
“Of course. I have carried out all your orders without any mistakes. You know for sure that I won’t disappoint you. So, I hope you can be patient a little longer.”
“I can’t be patient, Ricardo.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t act recklessly. Everything can go wrong if we make a mistake. The police might even suspect a connection between Velia’s death and the accident nine months ago. I have to be careful to ensure your name is not implicated in any way.”
“Are you threatening me, Ricardo?”
“I-I’m not trying to threaten you, madam. I’m just trying to do it as cleanly and neatly as possible. Just like the accident, no one suspects that the driver was our operative.”
The reality subdued Sandra’s emotions. Sound reasoning showed her Ricardo’s competence in carrying out orders.
“Fine,” Sandra said after a brief consideration. “I’ll give you two months, Ricardo. I want everything to be done properly.”
The call ended a moment later. Now Sandra was thinking of something else. She could not rely solely on Ricardo’s plan.
Who can guarantee that? Lucas might accidentally meet Velia.
Just like what happened to Sandra nine months ago. She accidentally saw Velia in the Greatech lobby and realized the terrifying truth that had been happening for three years.
Velia had been working at Greatech. At that time, Sandra thought Velia was still in Crestdale and suggested moving Lucas to Ashford City.
Sandra took immediate action. Two years passed without any meeting between Velia and Lucas, which was a miracle. But she could not rely on luck forever.
She devised a plan immediately. It seemed that Lady Luck was favoring Sandra. She took advantage of Velia’s engagement night.
Everything went smoothly and according to plan. A severe accident killed many people. Unfortunately, Velia, who was the real target, survived.
Sandra felt pressured. Although it was unlikely for Lucas to meet Velia, she could not remain idle. She had to try something else. That’s why she did not hesitate to meet her husband in his office.
Jeff closed his laptop upon his wife’s arrival. He stood up and approached Sandra, who chose to sit on the sofa.
“What’s the matter, Dear?” Jeff asked without beating around the bush. “Is this still about Lucas and Clarissa?”
Sandra’s face looked grim as she exhaled. It seemed she had to work hard to persuade her husband, and it would not be easy.
Sandra would still try. If she could do it before, she believed she could do it now.
“Isn’t it better, according to you, if Lucas returns to Crestdale? He can have a married life and his job there.”
Jeff looked at his wife. “Seriously? After what happened at the dinner table the other day, you’re still thinking of matchmaking them?”
A barely contained scoff escaped Sandra. Jeff’s pointed question left her speechless.
“Please, Jeff. Maybe with Lucas’s relocation, they can become closer.”
Silence. Jeff did not comment on Sandra’s statement. He just sighed deeply, and that silent gesture spoke volumes.
As a man, Jeff’s concerns were not only about Lucas’s personal matters but also his work, which was the top priority.
There was no need for detailed explanations. A glance from Jeff was enough to see Lucas’s excellent performance at Greatech. It was far different from when he handled other areas.
Sandra could not turn a blind eye to it either. However, keeping Lucas away from Velia was the priority. So, she would not give up.
“Please.”
*
The night grew late. The day had changed. Lucas had just entered the room when he saw that Velia was already asleep.
There was work that Lucas had to finish. It forced him to be late to join Velia in bed.
Lucas walked slowly, not wanting to make any sound that could disturb her sleep.
You look tired.
Lucas took his place on the side of the bed. He gazed at Velia’s peaceful face and stroked her hair.
Tired? That one word managed to bring a faint smile to Lucas’s face. He remembered the romance in his office earlier that day.
How enjoyable it was. How passionate. It would surely be one of the love affairs Lucas would enjoy. And perhaps Velia felt the same way.
Lucas would not miss any response Velia gave him. Subtle, but certain. He knew that everything would soon return to how it was before.
You won’t be able to let go of me, Ve.
Lucas’s caress stopped. He slowly lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on Velia’s forehead.
Do you realize it?
*