Ethan felt like he had been living at Lucien's house more than his own lately. After work, Lucien would often drag him to his place, assigning him various tasks despite already having a maid. Whether it was organizing files in the study, cooking, giving massages, or cleaning and serving drinks, Ethan found himself constantly at Lucien's beck and call.
Lucien never failed to remind him that he had to move in permanently, whether he liked it or not. The thought of moving in made Ethan uneasy, remembering all too well the teasing and control Lucien exerted over him. He had had enough of it.
Today was a Saturday, and Ethan hoped to have some time for himself. However, he had a nagging feeling that Lucien would call, demanding his presence at the penthouse again. Just as he was lost in thought, the doorbell rang, interrupting his peace.
He gasped, wondering if it was Lucien. He got up from the couch, pacing around the room nervously as the doorbell continued to ring. Finally, making up an excuse in his head, he swung the door open, expecting to see Lucien. Instead, he was met with an unexpected visitor: his landlady.
"Oh, Mrs. Jenkins," he said, his voice a mix of relief and confusion. "I wasn't expecting you."
Mrs. Jenkins, a stern-looking woman in her late fifties, looked at him with a serious expression. "Ethan, we need to talk."
Ethan's heart sank. He had a bad feeling about this. "What is it?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"I'm sorry to inform you, but you have to move out," Mrs. Jenkins said bluntly. "The building is undergoing some major renovations, and we need all tenants to vacate before next week."
"Next week?" Ethan's voice rose in disbelief. "That's such short notice! Where am I supposed to go?"
Mrs. Jenkins sighed, shaking her head. "I understand it's inconvenient, but there's nothing I can do. The renovations are extensive and need to start immediately."
Ethan's mind raced. This seemed too coincidental. Could Lucien be behind this? He knew Lucien's influence and resources were vast. It wouldn't be beyond him to orchestrate something like this to get Ethan to move in with him.
"Thank you for letting me know," Ethan said, trying to keep his composure. "I'll figure something out."
As Mrs. Jenkins walked away, Ethan closed the door, his heart pounding. He immediately reached for his phone and dialed Lucien's number. After a few rings, Lucien answered.
"Hey, Ethan," Lucien's voice was smooth, almost too casual. "What's up?"
"Did you have anything to do with this?" Ethan blurted out, not bothering with pleasantries.
Lucien's tone shifted slightly. "With what?"
"My landlady just told me I have to move out because of renovations. Next week. Did you pull some strings?"
There was a brief pause before Lucien replied. "Ethan, why would I do that?"
Ethan could hear the hint of amusement in Lucien's voice, which only fueled his suspicion. "You know exactly why. You keep insisting I move in with you."
Lucien chuckled softly. "You give me too much credit. But if this situation happens to work in my favor, who am I to complain?"
"Lucien, this isn't funny," Ethan said, frustration creeping into his voice. "I need to know if you're behind this."
"Alright, alright," Lucien said, his tone becoming more serious. "I might have...encouraged your landlady to expedite the renovations. But it's for your own good, Ethan. You need a better place to live."
Ethan felt a mix of anger and helplessness. "You can't just control every aspect of my life."
"I'm not trying to control you," Lucien said calmly. "I just want to help. You know my place is better for you."
"Better for me or better for you?" Ethan shot back.
"Both," Lucien replied without hesitation. "Now, are you going to argue with me all day, or are you going to start packing?"
Ethan sighed, knowing he was cornered. "I can't believe you did this."
Lucien's voice softened. "Look, Ethan, I know this is sudden, but trust me. It'll be better for you in the long run. Just come over and we'll sort everything out."
Ethan closed his eyes, feeling defeated. "Fine. I'll come over."
"Good," Lucien said, satisfaction evident in his voice. "I'll be waiting."
As he hung up, Ethan felt a knot of frustration in his stomach. He knew moving in with Lucien was inevitable now, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being manipulated. With a heavy heart, he started packing his things, preparing for yet another change in his tumultuous life.
---
Lucien smiled as he heard the click of Ethan hanging up on the other end of the line.
With satisfaction, he tossed his phone onto the bed and stood up, stretching his arms. Today was a significant day, and everything was falling perfectly into place.
As he began to dress casually, slipping into a pair of lose pants that hang low on his waist and a simple black t-shirt, he couldn't help but think about his master plan to remove Ethan from his own house and bring him here. The idea had started forming a while ago when he realized how much he wanted Ethan close to him, under his roof, where he could protect and... control him.
Lucien chuckled to himself. He knew he was being manipulative, but it was for the best. Ethan was too naive, too trusting, and the world was full of people who would take advantage of that innocence. At least with Lucien, Ethan would be safe.
He finished dressing and looked at himself in the mirror, smoothing down his shirt. The casual attire was a deliberate choice. He wanted to appear approachable, not intimidating. Today wasn't about business; it was personal.
As he made his way to the living room, Lucien thought about the lengths he had gone to orchestrate this. The deal with Ethan's landlady had been surprisingly easy. A few words, a generous sum of money, and the promise of future favors had secured her cooperation. She hadn't even questioned his motives.
He settled onto the plush couch, feeling a rare sense of contentment. For the first time in a long while, he felt genuinely happy. Ethan would be here soon, and everything would be perfect. They could finally start living together, and he would make sure Ethan saw the benefits of their arrangement.
Lucien glanced at the clock. He still had some time before Ethan arrived. He grabbed a book from the coffee table, but his mind kept drifting back to Ethan. He imagined the surprise and slight annoyance on Ethan's face when he walked through the door. The thought made him smile.
Lucien knew it wouldn't be easy at first. Ethan was stubborn and resistant to change, but Lucien was patient. He had all the time in the world to win Ethan over, to show him that living together was the best thing for both of them.
---
The doorbell rang, pulling Lucien from his thoughts. His heart quickened with anticipation. He stood up, smoothing his shirt one last time before heading to the door.
He opened it to find Ethan standing there, looking slightly flustered and carrying two suitcases.
"Come in," Lucien said with a welcoming smile, stepping aside to let Ethan enter.
Ethan hesitated for a moment before walking in. "I can't believe you actually did this," he muttered, looking around the spacious penthouse.
Lucien closed the door behind him. "It's for your own good, Ethan. You'll see."
Ethan sighed, setting his suitcases down. "I guess I don't have much of a choice now, do I?"
Lucien placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Trust me, you'll be happier here. And I'll make sure you have everything you need."
Ethan looked up at him, eyes still filled with uncertainty. "I hope you're right, Lucien. I really do."
Lucien smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I promise you, Ethan. You're going to love it here."
Lucien helped with Ethan's Suitcases to the Guest room,and giving him a few instructions he stood there as Ethan started to unpack his things, Lucien watched him, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.
His plan had worked, and now, he had Ethan right where he wanted him.