Chapter 4
Tension crackled in the air as Lucian's temper flared, his hand raised to strike Isabella again, but in a split second, Lucius intervened, his swift movement preventing the impending blow. Lucian's eyes blazed with fury, his jaw clenched, and his gaze locked onto Lucius with a mix of resentment and defiance.
Lucius held Lucian's hand in a firm grip, his eyes conveying a silent message that seemed to cool the fire of anger burning within his brother. Isabella's heart raced as she watched the intense exchange, a sense of relief washing over her as Lucius's intervention prevented a potential catastrophe.
However, the tension escalated once more as Lucian's frustration turned towards Lucius. With a sudden and forceful movement, Lucian turned to deliver a punch, aiming at Lucius's jaw. The air seemed to still as their movements hung in suspended animation, a clash of emotions and desires frozen in time.
Just as Lucian's fist was about to connect, a stern voice pierced the silence. Their father, a commanding figure whose authority demanded attention, stepped into the scene. His eyes blazed with disapproval, his voice thundering like an impending storm as he addressed Lucian.
"What is the meaning of this, Lucian?"
he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls. "Have you lost all sense of control and decorum?"
Lucian's rage was momentarily extinguished by the weight of their father's words. He lowered his fist, his chest heaving with a mixture of anger and frustration. The intensity of the moment seemed to hang heavy in the air as their father's stern gaze bore into Lucian, a potent reminder of the expectations and responsibilities that came with their name.
As their father's reprimand continued, Lucian's expression twisted with a complex blend of emotions – defiance, shame, and a smoldering resentment. Isabella watched, her heart aching for the turmoil that played out before her.
When their father's tirade finally subsided, Lucian's jaw was clenched so tightly that it seemed as if every muscle in his body was coiled with tension. Without a word, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the hallway, his exit marked by an aura of brooding anger and wounded pride.
As the echoes of their father's voice lingered in the air, Isabella was left with a mix of emotions, her heart heavy with the weight of witnessing a family's internal strife and the impact it had on the individuals involved.
"Are you okay, Mrs Isabella,"
Mr Moon asked out of concern.
"Yes sir, I'm fine,"
She said and rushed out immediately she gave Lucius the files he asked for.
Lucius wanted to stop her to give her first aid, but her legs are like a Rabbit's, she has jumped into elevator and went to her office.
Lucius faced his father and bowed,
"When did you arrive, I thought you said, you would rest today,"
He asked concerning.
"I had a bad feelings, that's why I came, and I was right,"
Mr Moon said
"If I were not here Lucian would have destruction here out of his wicked temper,"
Mr Moon added and went to his office.
Lucius bowed to him, and went after Isabella.
Isabella sat on her chair, her fingers absently tracing the outline of her cheeks, despite been slapped, her mind could not escape where Lucius's protective gesture had intercepted Lucian's potential slap. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her heart still racing from the intensity of the moment. A faint blush graced her cheeks as she couldn't help but reflect on how cute and gallant Lucius had appeared when he shielded her from harm.
The memory played vividly in her mind – the swift movement, the feel of his hand against her skin, the intensity of his gaze. It was a fleeting yet powerful connection that had left an indelible mark on her thoughts and emotions.
As Isabella lost herself in this reverie, her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by Sera's sudden appearance. Her best friend's excited voice cut through the haze, and Isabella's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise.
"Isabella! Oh my goodness, what just happened?"
Sera exclaimed, her eyes wide with curiosity.
She rushed to Isabella's side, her words spilling out in a rush.
"I saw the commotion from across the hallway! Lucius, Lucian, your cheek – what on earth happened?"
Isabella's cheeks grew warmer as Sera's questions bombarded her. She cleared her throat and offered a sheepish smile, still feeling a mix of emotions from the encounter.
"It's... it's nothing, Sera. Just a bit of a misunderstanding. Mr Lucius, well, he stepped in to stop Mr Lucian from... you know."
She trailed off, her gaze momentarily drifting as she recalled the protective gesture.
Sera's eyes practically sparkled with intrigue.
"Mr Lucius? The president of the company? He protected you?"
Her voice held a mix of disbelief and excitement.
"Isabella, you have to tell me everything! How did Lucian get involved? And why did he slap you?"
Isabella took a deep breath, her heart fluttering as she recounted the events that had transpired in front of Lucius's office. She explained how her accidental collision with Lucian had led to a tense moment, and how Lucius had intervened just in time to prevent a potential slap from Lucian. Her words flowed as she described the mix of emotions she had experienced – the surprise, the fear, and the unexpected feeling of being protected by the enigmatic Lucius.
Sera listened with rapt attention, her eyes widening at the unfolding story.
"Wow, Isabella, that's intense! Lucius sounds like a real hero,"
she remarked with a playful grin.
"And Lucian... well, he definitely lives up to his reputation, doesn't he?"
Isabella nodded, her mind still processing the whirlwind of emotions from the encounter. Sera's presence and genuine interest offered a welcome distraction, allowing her to momentarily set aside the lingering thoughts of Lucius's protective gesture.
As they continued to talk, Isabella couldn't help but smile at the animated conversation. Sera's infectious enthusiasm was a reminder that even amidst the complexities of life and the allure of enigmatic figures like Lucius, the bonds of friendship remained a constant source of comfort and support.
"Come on girlfriend, let's get you something outside to ease your mind,"
Sera said
"Okay, baby,"
Isabella responded with warm smile.
They held each other's hand and went out.
Lucius stood outside Isabella's office, a pink travel coffee mug cradled in his hands. The rich aroma wafted up, mingling with the hint of medicine he had carefully added. His intention was simple – to offer her comfort and care during what he knew had been a challenging time. With a small, thoughtful gesture, he hoped to convey his concern and support.
However, as he pushed open the door to Isabella's office, he found it empty. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the neatly arranged workspace that held traces of her presence. The soft click of his shoes against the floor seemed to echo in the stillness as he approached her desk.
Gently, Lucius set the coffee mug down, its warmth seeping through the ceramic. Beside it, he placed the small bottle of medicine, the label bearing the promise of relief. His fingers lingered on the items for a moment, a mixture of emotions swirling within him.
He glanced at his watch, realizing that time was passing. Lucius knew that Isabella had been in her office earlier, yet now she was nowhere to be found. With a sense of determination, he turned to leave, his gaze falling on one of Isabella's colleagues who had just entered the hallway.
"Excuse me,"
Lucius addressed the colleague, his voice even and composed.
"Have you seen Mrs Isabella? I was hoping to catch her."
The colleague looked up, a brief moment of surprise flickering in her eyes as she registered the presence of the company's president. She quickly composed herself and nodded.
"Yes, Mr. Lucius. Isabella went out with Sera a little while ago. They didn't mention where they were headed."
Lucius nodded his thanks, his expression thoughtful. He took a moment to absorb the information, then turned back to Isabella's office. With a final glance at the pink coffee mug and the medicine, he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Walking down the hallway, Lucius's steps were measured and purposeful. He returned to his own office, his mind briefly occupied by thoughts of Isabella and the hope that she would find comfort in the small gesture he had left behind.
As he settled back into his chair, the day's tasks and responsibilities resuming their hold on his attention, Lucius couldn't help but wonder about the woman who had captured his thoughts. He knew that their paths would cross again, and perhaps then he would have the opportunity to see the impact of his gesture firsthand.
In the quiet solitude of his office, Lucius focused on the matters at hand, a flicker of anticipation lingering in the corners of his mind as he awaited the next chapter in the enigmatic story that seemed to be unfolding between him and Isabella.
Isabella stepped back into her office, her mind still replaying the events of the morning. The encounter with Lucius and Lucian had left her heart racing, and the unexpected turn of events had added a layer of intrigue to her day. As she closed the door behind her, she took a deep breath, her emotions a mix of curiosity and reflection.
Her gaze fell upon her desk, and she froze for a moment, surprised by the sight that greeted her. There, sitting delicately on the polished surface, was a cup of coffee and a small bottle of medicine. Isabella's heart skipped a beat as she took in the thoughtful gesture. It was evident that the gift was from Lucius, a realization that sent a flutter of warmth through her.
Sera, her ever-enthusiastic friend, had also entered the office and was now staring wide-eyed at the arrangement.
"Isabella, is that...?" Sera began, her voice filled with excitement and curiosity.
Isabella nodded, her cheeks tinged with a blush as she picked up the cup of coffee mug with both hands, embracing it gently as if holding a cherished treasure. The aroma of the coffee wafted up, a comforting and inviting scent that enveloped her senses.
"I can't believe it,"
Sera exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Lucius actually left this for you?"
Isabella nodded again, her gaze fixed on the mug. The realization that Lucius had taken the time to leave her this gift, even amidst his busy schedule, touched her deeply. It was a simple yet profound gesture that spoke volumes about his character and the depth of his consideration.
With a small smile playing on her lips, Isabella lifted the cup to her lips, taking a tentative sip. The warmth of the liquid spread through her, bringing a sense of comfort and contentment. It was as if the coffee itself held a touch of the enigmatic Lucius, a connection that made her heart race anew.
Sera watched with a mixture of excitement and awe, her eyes dancing with curiosity. "This is incredible, Isabella. I mean, who would have thought?"
Isabella couldn't help but chuckle, her mood lifted by the sheer unexpectedness of it all. As she set the mug back down and turned her attention to the small bottle of medicine, she felt a surge of gratitude.
"I am happy for being slapped,"
She giggled
Lucius's gesture had brightened her day in a way she hadn't anticipated, and the thought of him, the coffee mug and the medicine seemed to cast a gentle glow over everything.
Isabella wished to see Lucius and thanked him before she went home, but she didn't get the chance to.
"Come on baby, you will see him tomorrow,"
Sera pecked her.
"Give me the coffee mug, let me keep it,"
Sera reached out her hand to take the mug, but.....
"No, even for $1000, I won't sell it, the first gift, I ever received from Mr Lucius,"
Isabella hug the mug warmth and ran out.
Sera followed her with cheerful laughter.
*THE NEXT DAY*
The following day greeted Isabella with a cool and refreshing breeze, a promise of another beautiful morning. Her heart felt light, and a genuine smile graced her lips as she stepped outside. The tranquility of the weather seemed to mirror her own sense of contentment and happiness.
As Isabella made her way towards the entrance of the company, she noticed the sun's golden rays painting the surroundings with a soft glow. The serene ambiance was briefly interrupted by the sound of a car door closing, and her gaze instinctively turned in that direction.
From the sleek vehicle emerged Lucius, his presence commanding attention even amidst the tranquil backdrop. The air seemed to come alive as people around him greeted him with a chorus of cheerful hellos. His response, a polite smile paired with a nod, had an almost enchanting effect on those present, making hearts flutter in his wake.
Yet, a swift change in the atmosphere was palpable. Isabella's brow furrowed in confusion as she observed the sudden shift from jubilation to trepidation. It was as if an invisible current had swept through the crowd, replacing their joy with unease.
The cause of this dramatic transformation became starkly evident when another figure emerged from the car, immediately casting a shadow over the scene. Lucian, the vice-chairman, exuded an aura of authority and cold detachment that was in stark contrast to Lucius's charm.
In an almost choreographed display, the bustling crowd of workers seemed to disperse, like leaves scattering before a storm. Isabella's heart raced, her instincts alerting her to the tension that hung heavy in the air. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and the vibrant energy had turned into a hushed sense of apprehension.
Lucius, undeterred by the sudden change, maintained his charismatic smile and bowed respectfully to greet Lucian. However, the vice-chairman's response was far from welcoming. His frown deepened, and his gaze remained fixed on Lucius from a distance, an unspoken challenge and a subtle display of power dynamics.
Isabella watched the interaction unfold, her own heart echoing the uncertainty that seemed to pervade the scene. The contrast between the two brothers was striking – Lucius's grace and diplomacy, juxtaposed with Lucian's stern and formidable presence.
As the two men exchanged silent but potent gestures, Isabella couldn't help but feel a surge of intrigue and curiosity. The dynamics between the Moon brothers were as enigmatic as ever, leaving her with more questions than answers.
To be continued.....
What happened next will sock you.
Chapter 5 loading.....