A long sigh slides off Lucas’s lips when his Uber pulled to a stop in front of the Monson group. He shuffled outside and stretched his eyes at the skyscraper looking at him.
He doesn’t know why he’s been called but what Lucas wants the most is to earn Sia’s forgiveness.
Today marks three days since he told her the truth. Three days of wallowing in sorrow, guilt and anger.
With the thickness that formed in his throat, Lucas smoothed the invincible crease in his shirt and gave his Uber driver his paycheck. Nodding at him, he barreled into the building to the receptionist.
After following the due processes, Lucas got access to the CEO’s floor.
He’s nervous as he cuffed his hand on the door handle, trying to flutter it open when he heard Sia’s permission ring from the other side.
Sia paused what she was tapping on her computer, her hands hung in the air as she trailed her eyes and mind to the man standing a few feet away from her.
She gave him a once-over while savoring his bergamot scent.
“Hi, Mrs. Monson. Good day.” Lucas’s words slapped Sia in the face, hard.
Did he just call her Mrs. Monson? Heck! He no longer tries to coax he by addressing her by her name?
Sia wanted to react but remembered instantly that she actually demanded such from him.
Spilling a laden breath, she gestured for him to have a seat with a faint smile. Whoever told her that today or any other day she’d kindly request to see Lucas and tell him he’s forgiven Sia would have doubted it.
She thought it was over and nothing between them can be mended. She thought the anger she felt will outweigh every other feeling bubbling inside her but it was all futile.
Estrella made her realize this is meant to be. She opened her eyes to things fate does. Things that can’t be avoided even if our minds decide against it.
Sia peered at the anxious Lucas not knowing where to begin. She’s just as nervous as he is.
Clearing her throat to regain her voice, Sia begin.
“Welcome, Lucas.” She hummed and drew open her drawer where she glided out some documents. Sia flipped through it and scroll her eyes on it before handing it to Lucas.
Getting a quick look at the files, he whipped his eyes up, a look of surprise coated his face. A fleeting grin slides across his lips.
Lifting the documents, he asked in sheer surprise, “You’re giving me total control over the Evangelista group again?” His voice came out hoarse, and every beat of his heart signals gratitude.
This will surely pan out well.
Sia just did what he thought she’d never do.
“Yes, you deserve it. I guess you’ve to prove to your late father you can do it.” Sia said leaning forward on the table. She held his gaze, feeling a swirl of emotions. “I’m giving you the benefit of doubt, Lucas. Now, everything lies in the palm of your hand. Prove your capabilities.” She hummed.
Lucas dropped his head between his shoulders. Relief, joy, and gratitude all sway inside him. Sia is giving him a chance again.
He bets this time his father is looking up to him.
No more relying on the Woods for survival. This time he has gained his lost glory. Now, he can beat his chest and tell the whole States he is Lucas Evangelista.
Hefting his head, he pegged his stare at Sia. “Sia, I…I don’t know where to begin in sprinkling my appreciation. This…” He raised the document, swaying it in the air . “This means a whole lot to me. It means I’m that son my father can count on. It means everything thing concerning the success of the company is now in the palm of my hand.”
Lucas could go on and on about what the document means to him and this very meeting won’t come to an end.
The day he found out Sia is the anonymous who counted his days for him, he was sad. But now he thanks goodness she’s actually the one ’cause looking at it now, it all favors him.
He dipped his head on the desk, trying to rein on the tears threatening to burst out but Sia shot to her feet and rounded the table to him.
Sending her fingers through his hair, warmth pervaded Lucas’s body. He has almost forgotten the tingles that breakout through his body feeling Sia’s touch.
He didn’t budge rather he stilled, drinking in the feel of her hand.
“Lucas…” Her muffled voice traveled to his ears. He hoisted his head and knit his eyes with hers.
Sia perched her bum on the edge of the desk but Lucas instantly assembled on his feet, towering over Sia.
She cupped his cheeks, both staring into their eyes but it was as if they were looking into their soul. Their bleeding soul. Lucas is hopeful the bleeding will cease and the scars will be erased. It all will take time.
“I know…” She blew out a breath that caressed Lucas’s lips. “I swore to make you pay. It’s a promise I made to myself that day but I was unbeknownst of your inner battle. I kept to my word, Lucas…” She trailed her finger on his lips, its silkiness lanced through her insides.
“The day Mr. Monson proposed to me. I accepted him all because I wanted to make you pay. I did it. A few months after his death I launched my revenge on you. But I was unaware of the sorrow and guilt that became your company over the years.”
Lucas lifted his hands and nestled it atop hers, his eyes glued shut as her words roved through his head.
“But after hearing your side of the story, I wondered what will heal you and amend the broken pieces that’s me.”
Lucas dipped his forehead and knit it with hers. Their feeling mingled, their desire for each other rearing its head.
They can no longer hide their longing of being together. Lucas pared his hands from hers and rested them on her cheeks too.
He bored his eyes on her face, watching every twitch of her lips as she talked.
“Then I found out two things that can heal you and pieced together the broken me. And it’s forgiveness. And also giving each other chance to see if being together will rid off the ugliness of the past six years.” Sia gushed.
Lucas’s thumb caressed her cheeks, her heart thumped beyond control.
“Sia…” He crooned. Sia fluttered her eyes open, tears glued to her lashes as she refrained it from rolling down her cheeks. “I want to say a million things to you but I can only say two things today, this minute and seconds. You’re brave. Thank you for according us a second chance, Sia.”
Lucas immediately clamped her in a hug. They held onto each other, swearing to not to let circumstances break them. Swearing to stitch the gaps that will warrant to separation.
“You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Sia. I was another person altogether since our separation. I wasn’t me. But today you brought me back to where I should be. In your arms.” Lucas said, swiping the pad of his tongue on her lips.
Their gaze stilled for what seemed like forever before Lucas dipped his head and claimed Sia’s lips.
Her hands slid into his hair, as she tilted her head, taking all remnants of Lucas’s lips.
A feeling of warmth spread through them. Their hunger to be together was sealed by their kiss this very moment.
Disappointment dampened Sia’s face when Lucas parted from her. She wants all of him.
Lucas looked down at her wondering if it’s too early to spill this but he did anyway. “I love you, Sia.”
Before Sia could move her lips, Liam barged into the office, startling them.
“Oh, um…I’m sorry, ma’am.” He gushed instantly as Sia and Lucas distanced themselves.
Sia mortifyingly smoothed her hair and dress, rounding the table to her chair.
“I should be on my way now,” Lucas said and dashed off without waiting for Sia’s response.
Sia didn’t utter a word to Liam after Lucas ran out. He only dropped a file and exited the office.
“Be at my villa tomorrow.” She texted Lucas and her phone pinged in a heartbeat.
“Okay.” She read and rested her phone on her chest, smiling dreamily.