Lucien had a smirk plastered on his face as a terrified Ethan walked out of his office. The image of Ethan's wide, panicked eyes made Lucien burst into laughter after a few seconds.
"When was the last time I laughed like this?" he wondered as he slowly approached his seat, slumping into it. Another chuckle built up inside him during those few moments of pure amusement.
His laughter was suddenly halted by a knock on the door. After composing himself and wiping away the tear that had threatened to escape his eyes, he called out to the person on the other side. "Come in."
The door swung open, revealing someone he hadn't expected at all.
Lucien rose from his seat, his face devoid of any emotion as he stared at the woman standing by the open door. "Isabella?" he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Isabella stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her. "Hello, Lucien. It's been a long time."
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"
Isabella took a hesitant step forward. "I came to see you. To explain."
Lucien's jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "Explain what? How you took the money and ran without a word? How you left me without even a goodbye?"
Isabella winced at his harsh tone. "Lucien, please. It wasn't like that. I didn't have a choice."
Lucien let out a bitter laugh. "Didn't have a choice? You had every choice, Isabella. You chose money over love. Over me."
"Your father... he offered me a way out, a chance at a better life. I didn't know what else to do," Isabella said, her voice trembling.
"And you took it," Lucien spat. "You took the money and left me to pick up the pieces."
Isabella took another step forward. "I regretted it every day, Lucien. I wanted to come back, but I was too ashamed."
Lucien's expression hardened. "Ashamed? You should be. But it's too late for regrets now, Isabella. I don't care anymore."
Isabella's eyes filled with tears. "Lucien, please. I know I hurt you, but I want to make it right. Let me help you."
Lucien's anger flared. "Help me? How could you possibly help me now? You're nothing to me, Isabella. Less than nothing. Your presence here disgusts me."
Isabella's tears began to fall. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I still love you, Lucien. I never stopped loving you."
Lucien's face twisted with a mixture of anger and pain. "Love? Don't talk to me about love. You don't know the first thing about it."
He walked around his desk, moving closer to her. "Do you have any idea what you did to me? How your betrayal shaped me into the man I am today? The man who trusts no one, who cares for no one?"
Isabella sobbed. "I'm so sorry, Lucien. If I could take it back, I would."
Lucien stared at her for a long moment, his eyes cold and unyielding. "But you can't take it back. And I don't want your apologies. I want you to leave."
"Lucien, please—" she began, but he cut her off with a sharp gesture.
"Leave, Isabella. You're not welcome here," Lucien said, his voice icy.
Isabella hesitated, then turned and walked to the door. She paused, looking back at him one last time. "I'm sorry, Lucien. I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Lucien watched her go, his heart hardening with each step she took away from him.
She halted her steps and she turned, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears.
"Who was that young man I saw leaving your office? Brown hair, about this tall?" she asked, holding her hand at Ethan's approximate height.
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "Why do you ask?"
Isabella stepped back into the room, closing the door behind her. "He seemed... different. Vulnerable. Almost like he didn't belong here. What's his story?"
Lucien leaned back in his chair, studying her. "His name is Ethan Pierce. He works for a company that has caused quite a bit of trouble for me. Why are you so interested?"
Isabella took another step closer, her eyes searching his. "Because I saw the look on his face, Lucien. He was terrified. What did you do to him?"
Lucien smirked. "What makes you think I did anything to him? Maybe he's just not cut out for the business world."
Isabella shook her head. "You forget, I know you, Lucien. I can tell when you're up to something."
Lucien's smirk faded, replaced by a steely gaze. "Whatever you think you know about me, Isabella, forget it. That boy is none of your concern."
"But he is yours, isn't he?" she pressed, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "I can see it in your eyes. He means something to you."
Lucien stood up, walking over to the window, his back to her. "What he means to me is business. Nothing more. Now, if you're done prying, you know where the door is."
Isabella took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "You're still as stubborn as ever, Lucien. But I'm not leaving until we finish this conversation."
Lucien turned to face her, his eyes cold and unyielding. "There's nothing more to discuss, Isabella. You made your choice years ago. Now, leave."
Isabella took a step closer, her voice softening. "Lucien, please. I came back because I still care about you. I want to help you."
Lucien's expression hardened. "Help me? The way you helped me by leaving without a word? By taking the money and running? I don't need your help, Isabella."
She reached out, her hand hovering in the air before dropping back to her side. "I know I hurt you, Lucien. But people change. I've changed."
Lucien shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "People don't change, Isabella. They just show you who they really are. And you showed me exactly who you are."
Isabella's shoulders sagged, defeat written all over her face. "If you ever change your mind... if you ever need me, you know where to find me."
Lucien didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the view outside. After a moment, Isabella turned and left, closing the door softly behind her.
Lucien stood there for a long time, staring out the window, his mind a tumultuous storm of emotions. He had thought he was over her, but seeing her again had stirred up old wounds he thought had long since healed.
With a sigh, he pushed the thoughts of Isabella aside and refocused his mind on Ethan. He had a plan for the boy, one that would ensure his loyalty and cooperation. Ethan was just another piece on his chessboard, another pawn to be moved and manipulated.
But as he sat back down at his desk, a nagging thought lingered in the back of his mind. Was Ethan really just another pawn? Or was he something more? Something that could change the game entirely?
Lucien shook his head, dismissing the thought. He had no time for such distractions.
He had an empire to run.