Chapter 9
As Lucius's proximity enveloped her, Isabella's senses heightened, every heartbeat echoing the intensity of the moment. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the captivating aura that surrounded her. With her back against the wall, his presence seemed to encase her in a cocoon of anticipation and desire.
A rush of emotions coursed through her veins as Lucius drew nearer, his voice a velvety whisper that sent shivers down her spine.
"Thank you for today, Ms Isabella,"
his words, like a gentle caress, stirred the depths of her being.
The weight of his appreciation hung in the air, creating an unspoken connection that transcended their roles.
Sinking onto his bed, Lucius's departure left Isabella momentarily breathless, her heart racing with a mixture of emotions she struggled to define.
"Good night, sir,"
her response carried a hint of breathlessness, a lingering echo of the proximity they had shared.
With a sense of urgency, Isabella moved to leave, her footsteps echoing as she made her way to the exit. But fate had other plans, and as she descended the stairs, she crossed paths with the enigmatic Butler Zo.
"Good night, sir,"
her words were polite yet rushed, her gaze averted as she continued on her way.
The encounter with Lucius had left her in a whirlwind of emotions, making it difficult to meet the butler's gaze.
As Isabella reached the gate, she swung it open with a quick movement, her chest heaving as she stepped out into the cool night air. Leaning against the gate, she stood there, her breathing gradually steadying as she tried to collect her thoughts.
The weight of the moment lingered, the intensity of Lucius's presence still palpable in her senses. Isabella's heart raced, her mind a swirl of emotions and sensations that left her both exhilarated and bewildered.
In the hushed stillness of the night, under the watchful gaze of the moon, Isabella stood there, her chest rising and falling with each breath. The echoes of their brief encounter reverberated in her thoughts, a memory etched in her mind that would linger long after the night had passed.
"What happened between you two?"
Butler Zo's question hung in the air, a direct inquiry that held a sense of concern and curiosity.
As he entered Lucius's room, the butler's presence seemed to amplify the weight of the moment, as if he could sense the lingering emotions that had transpired.
With a sigh that seemed to carry the burden of unspoken words, Lucius offered his response in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Nothing, Father,"
his words were a shield, a simple yet evasive answer that hinted at a deeper truth he was not yet willing to reveal.
"Okay, good night, my son,"
Butler Zo's tone held a mix of understanding and acceptance.
With a solemn nod, he turned and left the room, the closing of the door signaling the end of their brief exchange.
Outside, Isabella stood by the curb, her thoughts consumed by the events that had transpired. Her ears caught the sound of the door knocking closed, a faint crackling that seemed to echo in the stillness of the night.
Assuming it was Butler Zo approaching, Isabella's heart raced, uncertainty mingling with her own feelings. Spotting an incoming taxi, she made a quick decision, her actions driven by a need to escape the intensity of the moment.
Hailing the taxi, she hurriedly opened the door and hopped inside, her destination left unspoken as she instructed the driver to start the journey. The engine roared to life, and as the taxi pulled away from the curb, Isabella's gaze lingered on the mansion behind her.
With each passing streetlamp and turn, Isabella felt herself physically distancing from the complex emotions that had unfolded within those walls. The city lights flickered past her window, casting fleeting glimpses of a world in motion, a world that seemed to mirror the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings swirling within her.
As the taxi navigated the labyrinth of city streets, Isabella's gaze remained fixed ahead, her mind a canvas painted with questions, desires, and the enigmatic presence of Lucius. The road ahead was uncertain, a path that had been set in motion by a single encounter, leaving her both intrigued and unsettled as she ventured into the unknown of the night.
As Isabella returned home, her weariness was palpable in the way she greeted her parents. With a tired smile, she exchanged brief pleasantries before making a beeline for her room. The events of the day, the whirlwind of emotions surrounding Lucius, still held her thoughts captive, leaving little room for appetite.
Dinner was a mere afterthought as Isabella's mind swirled with thoughts of the enigmatic Lucius, who almost kiss her. The mere idea of food paled in comparison to the rich tapestry of feelings that had been woven within her.
*GOOD NIGHT*
*THE NEXT DAY*
The next morning, Isabella's slumber was deeper than usual, a testament to the emotional turmoil that had kept her awake in the preceding hours. As her eyes fluttered open and she glanced at the time, a gasp escaped her lips, she jumped out of the bed and went to the bathroom.
"Steve! where is the toothpaste!"
her voice rang out, a mix of urgency and frustration.
"I don't know!"
Steve's reply echoed down the hallway, his voice tinged with a hint of sleepiness.
A triumphant cry followed soon after, signaling Isabella's discovery.
"I've found it!"
she called out, her voice carrying a sense of relief as she prepared for her morning routine.
The commotion, however, had caught the attention of their mother, whose voice boomed in response.
"You two, stop shouting in this early morning!"
After a refreshing shower, Isabella emerged from her room, her attire simple yet presentable – a butter-colored long-sleeve shirt paired with a black skirt, and her ID card was breathing peacefully on her chest. Her movements were efficient, a reflection of the busy day ahead.
"Goodbye, Mom. Goodbye, Dad. Goodbye, big head," Isabella offered her farewells in quick succession before darting out the door.
The urgency of time pushed her onward, and as she stepped outside, she was greeted by the sight of Sera waiting by her car.
"Good morning, girlfriend,"
Sera's smile was infectious, a ray of sunshine that seemed to dispel the morning fog.
"Let's go before my mom sees you. We're late already,"
Isabella's words held a note of mischief as she opened the car door, urging Sera to join her.
Without hesitation, Sera hopped into the car, the engine humming to life as they embarked on their journey. The world outside whizzed by, a blur of streets and buildings as they navigated the familiar path.
"Sera!"
Isabella's mother's voice pierced the air, but by then, they had already sped away, leaving the echoes of her call behind.
As the car merged into the flow of traffic, Isabella couldn't help but steal a glance at Sera, a companion whose presence offered both familiarity and comfort amidst the whirlwind of life's uncertainties. With a shared smile, they ventured forth into the day, united by friendship and the promise of whatever lay ahead.
*Moon tech company*
Sera deftly parked the car in the company's car park, and both friends wasted no time as they emerged from the vehicle and hurried towards the entrance. Their determination was palpable, the anticipation of the workday propelling them forward. As they were on the verge of crossing the threshold, a voice both familiar and chilling pierced the air, sending a shiver down their spines.
"Isabella,"
the single word, uttered from a distance, carried with it an undeniable weight that froze both Isabella and Sera in their tracks.
They exchanged a quick glance, their eyes widening with a mix of shock and trepidation. Slowly, they turned to face the source of the voice, their hearts pounding in unison.
In the distance stood Lucian, an imposing figure whose presence seemed to command the very air around him. The realization that he had called Isabella's name sent a jolt of anxiety through their veins.
"I am in trouble, girlfriend,"
Sera's whispered words carried a sense of urgency, her voice barely audible as she leaned in closer to Isabella.
Confusion etched Isabella's features as she furrowed her brows, a silent query passing between them.
"What do you mean?"
Isabella's hushed response mirrored her bewilderment.
"Mr. Lucian asked for you yesterday,"
Sera's words were delivered with a sense of gravity, a revelation that only deepened the mystery surrounding the situation.
Isabella's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart skipping a beat.
"What! Why did he want to see me?"
The shock in her voice was palpable, her mind racing to comprehend the unexpected summons.
"How will I know?"
Sera's response carried a sense of helplessness, a sentiment shared by both friends as they grappled with the uncertainty that hung in the air.
Before they could exchange further words, the commanding voice rang out again, drawing their attention like a moth to a flame.
"Isabella,"
The call was insistent, demanding acknowledgment.
With a mixture of apprehension and resolve, Isabella met Sera's gaze one last time before mustering the courage to respond.
"Sir!"
Her voice quivered, betraying the nerves that gripped her, and she took hesitant steps towards Lucian, her heart pounding as she drew closer to the enigmatic figure that awaited her.
*Lucius's house*
Lucius stirred from his slumber, his body protesting the transition from dreamscape to reality. He grunted softly, his muscles protesting as he gradually managed to sit up. With a determined effort, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and rose to his feet. The initial unsteadiness gave way to a sense of resolve, and he made his way to the bathroom.
Under the steady cascade of water, he felt the fatigue of the night's unrest wash away. The coolness of the water invigorated him, and he emerged from the shower with renewed energy. Drying himself off, he selected his attire for the day – a crisp blue long-sleeve shirt and tailored brown trousers. A golden wristwatch adorned his wrist, a touch of elegance that added a hint of luxury to his ensemble.
With practiced motions, he brushed through his distinctive white hair, each strand falling into place with precision. As a final touch, he draped a long black coat over his shoulders, an emblem of authority that added a sense of mystique to his appearance.
Exiting his room, Lucius made his way to the kitchen, where a simple yet nourishing breakfast awaited. A slice of bread and a fragrant cup of tea provided sustenance for the day ahead. As he ate, his mind was already focused on the tasks that awaited him at the company.
"Father, I'm ready, to left for work,"
Lucius announced, his voice carrying a sense of purpose.
"Wooow, you are as handsome as always, my lovely son,"
Butler Zo's exclamation held both admiration and a touch of fatherly pride.
A hint of concern creased Butler Zo's brow as he regarded Lucius.
"Don't you think you still need some rest?"
His worry was evident in his expression.
A gentle smile curved Lucius's lips, a reassurance for the elder figure who had cared for him since infancy.
"No, Father, I'm fine."
"Very well,"
Butler Zo relented, a mixture of fondness and acceptance in his tone.
"Okay, let's go. I'll drive."
With a nod of gratitude, Lucius followed Butler Zo out of the room. They moved in tandem, a seamless partnership honed over the years. Lucius took his place in the front seat of the awaiting car, and as the engine roared to life, they embarked on the journey to the company.
The car glided through the streets, the world beyond the windows a blur of motion. Lucius sat in quiet contemplation, his thoughts a mélange of responsibilities and plans. Beside him, Butler Zo's steady presence offered a sense of comfort, a reminder of the bonds that tied them together.
As the company loomed into view, Lucius's resolve deepened. He was ready to face the challenges that awaited, his demeanor a reflection of both strength and determination. The car came to a halt, and as the doors opened, Lucius stepped out, his aura commanding attention.
As Lucius stepped out of the car, his gaze swept over the scene before him, and his heart skipped a beat when he spotted Isabella standing in front of Lucian. A sense of tension hung in the air, and it was clear that a confrontation was underway. Lucian's authoritative presence was palpable, his eyes fixed on Isabella with an intensity that sent a shiver down her bones.
"Okay, I will ask again,"
Lucian's voice cut through the silence, his tone firm and unwavering.
"Where were you yesterday?"
Isabella's heart raced as she faced the piercing scrutiny of Lucian's gaze. Her eyes darted briefly to Sera, seeking some form of guidance or support, but Sera's solemn expression conveyed the weight of the situation. With a heavy sigh, Isabella's gaze lowered to the ground, her uncertainty evident.
Amidst the tension, a charming and familiar voice rippled through the air, causing Isabella's heart to leap.
"She was with me,"
the words, like a soothing melody, resonated with warmth and familiarity.
Isabella's head shot up, her eyes locking onto Lucius who stood there, a reassuring smile curving his lips.
In that instant, relief flooded Isabella's being. The sight of Lucius standing there, his presence a shield against the storm, ignited a sense of comfort and security within her. She couldn't help but smile, a genuine and grateful expression that spoke volumes.
Lucian's attention shifted, and his gaze locked onto Lucius. The two figures regarded each other, an unspoken exchange passing between them. Lucian's grin, devoid of warmth, conveyed an air of unfriendliness, and he moved closer to Lucius, a sense of challenge emanating from his every move.
"Really?"
Lucian's raised brow carried a sense of skepticism, his voice laced with a hint of mockery as he pressed further.
"Yes,"
Lucius replied, his voice steady and unwavering, his gaze locked onto Lucian's.
A charged silence enveloped them as Lucian leaned in, his voice a whisper that carried a weight only they could understand. The tension in the air was palpable as they exchanged words known only to them, an intricate dance of power and intent.
Lucian's attention briefly shifted, acknowledging the presence of Butler Zo with a respectful bow before his departure. Lucius remained rooted in place, his composure wavering ever so slightly, a tremor coursing through his form. Unseen by most, the trembling did not escape Butler Zo's observant eyes.
As the moment passed, Lucius took a deep breath, his facade regaining its composure as he turned his attention back to Isabella. The storm had subsided, leaving behind a sense of unresolved mystery and an unspoken connection that lingered in the air.
To be continued...
What is going to happen between the two brothers now?
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