A sleek, black luxury car rolled to a stop in front of the towering office building. The doors opened, and Lucas stepped out, tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed in a sharp suit. At 188 cm, his presence alone demanded attention.
As he walked through the entrance, employees bowed instinctively. Whispers spread like wildfire.
"Wow… he's so handsome. Has he married yet?"
"I heard he's bi… loved a guy, but apparently he got cheated. Went abroad for a while after that."
Lucas ignored the gossip, walking past with a calm, measured stride.
One gossiping employee dared to whisper loudly. Arlo's gaze froze him
Suddenly, Arlo, Lucas's elegant and strict manager, spoke sharply.
"Hey! You're fired."
The employee blinked in shock. "Why, ma'am?"
"Because I don't like you. That's it. And if I hear another word from anyone else, same fate." Arlo walked away, composed and unbothered.
Inside the cabinet,
Lucas muttered under his breath, "Ah… this is totally disgusting."
"Nothing disgusting," Arlo replied firmly. "Your mother has arranged a date for you. She's beautiful, already gorgeous, and you need to get married fast."
Lucas groaned. "Mom decided everything without telling me?!"
"She already decided," Arlo said, calm. "Now it's your turn."
Lucas sighed. "Fine. Give her my card, and wait for my favorite caffeine."
"No, sir," Arlo replied. "We can't give you a date today. Your mother just sent me a message. Tomorrow, you need to take her to another city for shareholders to take medical shares."
"Why should I?" Lucas asked, annoyed.
"You have to," Arlo said. "Did you forget? You have more than one twenty shareholders to handle. All of that falls to you."
"Why is my mother suddenly doing this?" Lucas muttered.
"Don't ask," Arlo replied. "I have a call to make. Pack your luggage. Bye."
The next day, Lucas and Arlo arrived at the airport. Standing there was Selena, a beautiful, sassy girl, accompanied by her secretary, Lele.
"Hiiiii!" Selena said, moving straight toward Lucas as if to kiss him.
Arlo stepped in quickly.
"Oh, sorry," Selena said, adjusting her sunglasses. "
"I booked a hotel for you. If you want, I can stay."
Lucas snapped, rude and cold. "No, it's fine. I'm here for business." He almost turned away before adding sharply,
"Sorry… what's your name? I don't know."
Everyone was shocked. Lele's eyes widened. Arlo's expression remained unreadable for his rude.
Lucas's tone made Selena furious. She turned angrily, refusing to follow them.
Lele took charge, guiding Lucas and Arlo to the luxurious hotel. She explored the lobby, showing its grandeur, while Lucas remained indifferent, absorbed in his own thoughts and work.
Suddenly, Lucas's phone rang. The caller ID read: Mom Sefan, (Rosy Sefan).
"Lucas!" his mother's high, commanding voice rang out. "Don't tell me you're taking Selena shopping now!"
"Mom, I just arrived," Lucas replied.
"Are you tired? Or are you still thinking about him?" she continued, voice confusing yet sharp.
Lucas ran a hand through his hair. "Mom… please…"
"You need to forget. That's it. Go shopping with her tonight." Her words left no room for argument.
At the mall, Selena shopped endlessly. Arlo and Lele carried massive bags, their faces serious, literally carrying all Selena's purchases. Lucas ignored everyone, headphones in, focusing on tomorrow's work.
Suddenly, a small child, about five years old, dashed toward him, tripping and falling.
"Ohhh! Owww! Sorry! Sorry!" Lucas exclaimed, crouching to help him. The child began crying loudly, roaring uncontrollably.
"Arlo! help me calm him!" Lucas called, but even Arlo was flustered.
Then a soft, worried voice cut through the noise:
"Eli! Eli! Are you okay?"
Ethan appeared, panic on his face. He scooped the child into his arms.
"Papa!" Eli cried, clinging tightly to Ethan. "This dumped me!"
Lucas froze, tears welling up. He looked at Ethan—after five long years, he was seeing him again, from foot to head, every detail etched into his memory. The emotions crashed over him—shock, relief, pain, longing—all at once.
Without hesitation, Lucas ran forward and grabbed Ethan, holding him tightly.
Lucas hugged Ethan with all his heart, full of tears.