Kathryn’s POV:
Chapter 34
1 drove quickly, my focus entirely on the road ahead.
Lucian sat beside me in the passenger seat, absorbed in his iPad and scrolling through work documents Suddenly, he looked up and asked, “What happened to Grandma?”
His question surprised me, and I glanced at him. I hadn’t expected him to show concern. “Her diabetes has gotten worse. She might lose her sight. She’s already struggling to see clearly
Lucian didn’t respond.
I glanced at him again. He was focused on the iPad, and I couldn’t tell if he was paying attention or not. It was probably just a casual question.
“Grandma’s been hiding it from me because she doesn’t want me to worry. Make sure you don’t say anything by mistake,” I warned him.
This time, he replied, “Okay”
The car fell into an awkward silence after that
When we arrived at the house, I paused outside, taking deep breaths and trying to prepare myself mentally. I was worried that Lucian’s acting skills wouldn’t be convincing enough to fool Grandma.
Noticing my hesitation, Lucian grabbed my hand and pressed it on the fingerprint lock, opening the door without waiting.
“Wait, L… I started, but he cut me off with his calm, low voice “Grandma, we’re back.”
His tone was unusually gentle
Lucian! Come in, come in? You must be hungry Let’s eath
Grandma lit up when she saw us and tried to get up from the sofa to greet us.
But the sofa was too low, and she struggled to stand
Lucian quickly stepped forward offering his arm to help her up. “Next time, call us if you want to visit. Kathryn and I can pick you up. We don’t want you traveling alone and worrying us.”
His words were thoughtful and full of care
Who knew that when Lucian wanted to comfort someone, he could do it so well?
In all the time I’ve known him, this was the first time I’d heard him speak so much at once.
“You’re both so busy. I didn’t want to bother you. Besides, I know the way, I can come on my own,” Grandma said, patting Lucian’s hand with a bright smile
“It’s not a bother at all Lucian replied with a gentle smile
Grandma nodded, her grin growing wider, her happiness overflowing
At dinner, Lucian was so attentive to Grandma that I barely had a chance to do anything
watched him, filled with gratitude and even a hint of admiration.
He was acting flawlessly
I hadn’t been the one to brief him earlier, I might have thought he was entirely sincere.
Chapter 34
After the meal, I began clearing the table and went to wash the dishes in the kitchen.
To my surprise, Lucian, who had likely never done a chore in his life, asked for a cloth to wipe the table. “No, no, I’ll handle it! You should sit with Grandma,” I said quickly, gripping the cloth tightly.
Lucian was far too strong, and with no experience in housework, I couldn’t imagine what chaos he might create.
“Grandma wouldn’t like seeing you work while I just sit around,” he reasoned, extending his hand for the cloth.
His point was valid. After a moment of hesitation, I handed it over.
But I couldn’t help asking, “Do you even know how to clean it?”
Lucian didn’t answer, clearly not appreciating the question, and walked off with the cloth.
Grandma’s eyes sparkled with delight as she watched Lucian clean the table, sweep, and mop the floor methodically.
“Kathryn, Lucian treats you so well,” she said happily.
“Why do you think so?” I asked, feeling a little embarrassed. She didn’t know this wasn’t how Lucian usually behaved.
“If he didn’t care, why would a nobleman like him do chores?” She said, then called Lucian over to chat when he finished.
In just a few lines, Lucian had Grandma laughing heartily.
From the kitchen, I kept glancing over, relieved to see Grandma genuinely happy. Only then did I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
(By the time I brought out the fruit platter, Lucian had already coaxed Grandma into bed. Lucian’s phone rang unexpectedly. He quickly muted it and pointed toward the balcony.
My house was small, and the sound traveled easily. Understanding his intentions, I nodded.
He got up carefully and made his way to the balcony.
As I watched his tall figure move out quietly, I suppressed the sudden warmth I felt in my chest. This is just an act.
I couldn’t let myself fall for it.
Once he finished his call, I would ask him to leave.
I sat silently on the couch, waiting for him.
When Lucian returned and opened the balcony door, I instinctively stood. “Are you about to start a video conference? Should I drive you home now?”
Lucian glanced at the clock on the wall before replying, “The meeting starts in ten minutes. There’s no time to get back. Do you have a computer here?”
Yes,” I answered.
But Grandma was sleeping near the study, so I hesitated. “Would you mind using my bedroom?”
Lucian nodded and headed straight to my room. “That’ll work.”
Chapter 34
I followed him, quickly clearing off my desk so he could use it.
Lucian started the video call while I waited off to the side.
Since this was my bedroom, I couldn’t go to bed until he finished.
Half an hour later, the meeting showed no signs of ending. I yawned several times, barely keeping my eyes open, fighting off drowsiness.
Lucian noticed, paused his meeting, and said, “You should sleep if you’re tired. I’ll be working on contracts after this, so it’ll take a while.”
Take a while… Is he staying the night?
That might be a good idea. If he stayed, Grandma wouldn’t question anything.
I quietly washed up, grabbed a blanket, and made a bed on the floor before dozing off.
When I woke up in the morning, I was stunned to find myself lying in bed next to Lucian.
Oh no! Do I climb into bed without realizing it?
