Romance With The CEO

Chapter87: Reason 1

Diana looked helplessly at yesterday's untouched cooking. Nothing had changed at all. Even the position of the parsley garnish on the dish had not shifted.

"I'm sorry."

Velia entered the kitchen and could guess what the middle-aged woman was thinking. She felt uncomfortable, but there was nothing she could do.

"I don't have an appetite. Lately, I've been feeling tired and just want to rest."

"It's natural for your body to feel tired if you don't eat. You have to eat to stay healthy."

Velia smiled lazily. "Today, please cook chicken soup, Diana. I want to take it to the hospital."

"Alright, Miss."

While Diana started her task, Velia chose to sit at the kitchen island. There was a bowl of fruit that she could enjoy and a topic brought up by Diana.

"Do you know that Neil got fired?"

The fork stopped moving. Diana's question made Velia furrow her brow.

"Neil, the plumber?"

"Yes," Diana nodded. "There's someone else who replaced him now."

"Why was he fired? I thought he was a skilled worker."

Diana took out vegetables from the fridge, nodding again but with a gloomy expression. "His work was indeed good, Miss. Everyone acknowledged it, but he suddenly stopped coming to work a month ago. Without any letter or notification."

"That's strange."

"Maybe because he's young and took the job lightly, Miss. Although it's really regrettable," Diana said, exhaling. "Finding a job in today's era is not an easy thing."

Indeed, Velia had proven Diana's words. Finding a job was not easy, and it made her ponder.

Velia was thinking of resigning from Greatech. She wanted to leave the city. Live on her own without depending on all of Lucas's provisions.

She had already endured enough embarrassment. She did not want to add to it by rejecting Lucas while still relying on his support.

Velia's decision was final.

*

A car was parked in an unfinished building. Various construction materials filled several spots, creating a messy impression. Inside the car was Lucas. He sat behind the wheel, glancing at his watch. As time passed, when the long hand touched 12, a knock was heard on the car window.

Someone entered and sat down. They adjusted their black hat before receiving a brown envelope handed to them by Lucas.

"Boy and Ricardo will forever be on the wanted list. No one will ever find them."

Lucas glanced briefly. "I hope so, Neil. No one should know."

A faint, almost imperceptible grin appeared on Neil's face. Underneath the hat, he nodded confidently.

"Don't worry. Our work is worth the price. There won't be any gaps."

That was Lucas's hope. Countless rupiahs had been spent by him all this time. It should be worth it.

"So..."

Neil tucked the brown envelope into the pocket of his leather jacket. He looked at Lucas with hope.

"...I hope you won't need our services again in the future, Sir."

"I hope so too."

Neil left. He casually walked towards a large black motorcycle parked nearby. His left hand reached up and touched the earpiece he was wearing.

"Everything is done, Carter."

A voice sounded in Neil's ear. Clear and remarkably distinct.

"Full payment?"

"Of course," Neil answered, smirking slightly. "I even suspect there's a bonus in it. He's truly a pleasant client."

Carter's laughter echoed.

"Just as expected. Oh, I almost forgot. There's an incoming locker. Emma contacted me earlier."

Neil, who had just gotten on the motorcycle, paused for a moment. "What's the matter?"

"Official orders. Witness protection at the border. You know what that means, right? Our holiday is over."

Neil inserted the motorcycle key and turned it. The engine roared to life as he spoke.

"I'm heading there."

"Immediately. We need to return before Emma finds out what we've been up to. That girl will smack us with her shoes."

Neil's smirk turned into a slight grin that hinted amusement. The call ended, and he revved the motorcycle.

Meanwhile, inside the car, Lucas made sure that Neil had left. He took out his phone and played a recording.

"I love you, Luc."

Lucas's jaw clenched. He moved to the next recording, and instant worry washed over him.

"I can't handle being in the middle of all this. I really want to leave it all behind."

The recording ended, leaving an uneasy feeling. Lucas did not want to take any risks. He decided to drive the car immediately with one destination in mind: the hospital.

Lucas walked through the corridors of the hospital, knowing for certain that Velia had not arrived yet. He had time to meet someone.

Lucas's steps became heavier as he approached a room. His feet felt reluctant, but he forced himself. Eventually, he arrived at his intended place, and the patient inside was clearly surprised to see his visitor.

"Lucas."

The hollow-faced man stared at Lucas. His eyes widened in shock.

"It's been a long time, Harry."

Time passed in silence. No one uttered a word, as if evaluating the situation.

"How have you been?"

Lucas did not have much time. He had to accomplish his goal before Velia arrived.

"I'm fine," Harry answered. He had planned to practice walking, but Lucas's arrival made him sit back on the edge of the bed. "I've been getting better."

Lucas pulled a chair and sat directly in front of Harry. "I won't beat around the bush. I'll get straight to the point."

Lucas's words puzzled Harry. His forehead slightly furrowed.

"What's the matter?"

Lucas had considered various ways to say it, but in the end, he started with a simple expression.

"Thank you."

Harry blinked. The confusion only deepened his lack of understanding. "Thank you?"

"Thank you for taking care of Velia all this time."

Confusion turned into astonishment for Harry. At the right moment, a question crossed his mind.

How did Lucas know that I'm here?

One question led to another. It was not difficult for Harry to piece together what had happened. His treatment required a large amount of money.

"Did Velia meet you?"

Lucas did not answer, but a fleeting emotion implied in his gaze served as an answer for Harry. It did not need to be clarified.

"That's not important. I just want to ask you for one thing."

Harry's body tensed, filled with anticipation. "What is it?"

"I beg you, take care of Velia. I know you love her."

Harry was taken aback. Reluctantly, he swore to himself. A hint of mist appeared in Lucas's eyes.

"I am guilty towards both of you. I apologize for all the losses you have experienced. The accident that took your family away."

Harry took a deep breath. He gripped the bedsheet tightly, and each of Lucas's words made him relive the accident.

No wonder. It makes sense why Velia always avoids talking about the accident. She... she didn't want me to hate Lucas. She...

"I am not worthy of Velia, and I realize that. I believe that only you can take care of her. Seven years..."

Harry's eyes widened with the next question.

How much does he know?

"...have been more than enough to convince me. You can take care of her well. That's why I want you to prevent her from doing anything that could endanger herself."

"What do you mean?"

Harry shivered, while Lucas grimaced. He needed to take a deep breath to explain the possibilities.

"I'm certain that she's planning to leave, somewhere. Without anyone to protect her. So, you have to take care of her, Her."

The intensity in Lucas's face left Harry stunned. The request triggered a mix of emotions and thoughts he wanted to express, but Lucas stood up. He walked away without saying anything more.

All of Lucas's words spun in Harry's mind. They collided with each other, creating an inevitable shock.

Lucas' mother. That accident. Velia and Lucas.

Harry took a deep breath. He tried to calm himself, but it was too difficult. The impact threatened his emotions.

Rising with trembling legs, Harry reached for a glass. He needed to calm himself down, but his fingers were too stiff.

The glass slipped. It fell and shattered on the floor.

"Harry!"

*