Chapter 35
Lucian’s POV:
After finishing my work, I turned to see something unexpected. My Luna was lying on the floor, fast asleep!
Does she roll off the bed by accident?
Curious, I crouched down to get a better look.
Her eyelashes rested against her cheeks, her nose exhaled slow and steady breaths, and her rosy lips were impossibly tempting.
My throat tightened, and I couldn’t help but swallow.
She was breathtakingly beautiful. Seductive and lovely.
With care, I lifted her from the floor and placed her gently back onto the bed.
She didn’t stir at all, still deep in sleep.
After I washed up, I lay down beside her, resting on one arm to admire her peaceful face.
“Darling, why were you so upset earlier?” I asked in a low voice.
She didn’t answer, lost in her dreams.
I brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, leaned down, and planted a soft kiss on her.
“Goodnight, my darling.”
Kathryn’s POV:
Not wanting to face the awkwardness, I quickly climbed out of bed, nearly tripping over myself as I bolted into the bathroom.
After breakfast, I drove over to the studio.
As soon as I arrived, I collapsed into a chair, completely drained.
Esther looked at me curiously. “What’s with the long face? Weren’t you going to finalize the divorce? Shouldn’t you be relieved?”
I let out a heavy sigh. “We were ready to sign this morning, but now, instead of divorcing, I’m stuck begging him to hold off.”
“What happened?” Esther pressed, intrigued.
“Grandma showed up unexpectedly. I’m scared she won’t be able to handle it, so for now, we’re keeping under wraps,” I explained.
“Wait, your grandma’s in town? So, you’re hiding the divorce from her? Pretending that everything’s fine? That’s risky. You know you can’t fool her for long. She’s sharp; she’ll see through you in no time.” Esther said,. shaking her head.
I nodded and resigned. “I know, but I don’t have a choice right now. She’s been unwell lately and looks so frail. If I tell her the truth now, I’m afraid it might be too much for her.”
Esther smirked. “Well, then you’d better warn Lucian to behave himself. If your grandma catches him with another woman, it won’t just be him in trouble; your whole family will end up at the hospital.”
I burst out laughing, my mind drifting to childhood memories.
Chapter 35
When I was little, around five years old, traffickers tried to take me. Grandma grabbed a shotgun and chased them for three streets; eventually, when they had no energy left, they finally gave up on me and let me go.
From that day on, everyone in town knew not to mess with Grandma. Thanks to her, I grew up without anyone daring to mess with me.
Smiling, I turned to Esther. “My apartment’s too high up for Grandma. Could you help me find a cozy townhouse with lower floors? I don’t want her going back; I want her to stay somewhere comfortable. I’ll transfer the money later.”
Esther grinned. “Your grandma is like family to me. Don’t worry, I’ll find the perfect place.”
Warmth spread through me. “Grandma would love to see you.”
Esther puffed out her chest. “Obviously! A capable, stylish honorary granddaughter like me? Who wouldn’t love that? I haven’t seen her in forever; I miss her too.”
We laughed and joked until it was time to leave work.
Lucian’s call came in right on time. Stretching my neck, sore from hunching over sketches for too long, I picked up and answered, “Yes.”
“I’m outside your studio,” he said.
I froze for a second before remembering his promise to Grandma earlier. He’d agreed to accompany me home tonight.
I hurriedly gathered my belongings, holding my laptop close as I rushed out the door. “I’m coming now!”
Sliding into the car, I noticed Lucian reached for a folder next to him.
“Thanks for waiting,” I said with a polite smile. “How long have you been here?”
(For a brief moment, something unreadable crossed his face, but he quickly turned his head. “Not long. Just
arrived.”
Relieved, I let out a quiet breath. At least I hadn’t kept him waiting too long.
I wasn’t used to spending time alone with Lucian like this. Sitting alone with Lucian in the car felt strangely awkward, so I shifted my focus back to work. Placing my laptop on my lap, I resumed sketching the half- finished design.
Lucian glanced over curiously. “Why the sudden interest in fashion design?”
The question caught me off guard, and for a moment, my heart raced. I’d almost forgotten about convincing Esther to pose as Serenity.
I wonder if Lucian would be able to understand the design sketches.
Hoping to avoid suspicion, I closed the laptop casually. “I studied it in the past. A recent project inspired me to get back into it.”
His gaze lingered on me. “You and Serenity seem pretty close.”
Not wanting to give anything away, I kept my response short. “We are.”
It was clear I wasn’t interested in continuing the conversation, and Lucian didn’t push the matter.
In the past, every time we met, it was either in bed or heading there. Now, when I stay silent, the air grows uncomfortably heavy.
Chapter 35
Fortunately, Johnson, sitting in the front, turned back to break the tension. “Mr. Gandillon, there’s a group meeting at 8 a.m. tomorrow, followed by a production inspection from 9:30 to noon. And at lunchtime…”
“Go on,” Lucian urged, frowning as Johnson trailed off.
“Ms. Pearce has invited you for lunch,” Johnson said at last, casting a quick glance at me through the rearview mirror.
I gave a sarcastic chuckle, turning my head toward the window and rolling my eyes.
Well, they must be pretty close.
