CHAPTER 1 CONTD.

Des smiled and handed her a plate. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

Lucinda smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Morning," she replied, digging into her breakfast.

As they ate, they chatted about their plans for the day. Des told Lucinda about his plans to work on his car, while Lucinda shared her hopes of getting some writing done.

Their conversation flowed easily, like a well-rehearsed dance. They laughed and joked, their banter light-hearted and playful.

As they finished their breakfast, Des reached out and took Lucinda's hand. "I'm glad you're feeling better," he said, his eyes locked on hers.

Lucinda smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Des. "Me too," she replied, squeezing his hand. "Thanks for taking care of me

 CHAPTER 2

Lucinda spent the morning at the doctor's office, undergoing a series of tests and examinations. The doctor's verdict was that she needed to take it easy for a while, and prescribed her some medication to help manage her symptoms.

As she left the doctor's office, Lucinda felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad to finally have a plan in place to tackle her health issues.

But as she settled back into her routine at home, Lucinda couldn't shake off the feeling of boredom that had been plaguing her. She had been cooped up at home for too long, and she was itching to get out and do something.

So, despite Des's warnings to take it easy, Lucinda decided to slip out of the house and take a stroll around the neighborhood. The fresh air and sunshine would do her good, she reasoned.

As she walked, Lucinda felt a sense of freedom that she hadn't experienced in weeks. She breathed in deeply, feeling the cool breeze fill her lungs.

But her peace was short-lived. As she turned a corner, she bumped into a tall, brooding figure.

"Oh, sorry," Lucinda muttered, as she stumbled backward.

The stranger's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Watch where you're going," he growled.

Lucinda's eyes flashed with annoyance. "I said I was sorry," she retorted, her voice rising.

The stranger's expression softened slightly, and he held out a hand. "I'm Chris," he said. "I'm new around here."

Lucinda hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. "Lucinda," she replied coolly.

As they stood there, Lucinda couldn't help but notice the rough edge to Chris's demeanor. There was something about him that seemed... off.

"I should get going," Lucinda said finally, pulling her hand free.

Chris nodded, his eyes glinting with something that looked almost like amusement. "Yeah, maybe you should."

Lucinda turned and hurried away, feeling a shiver run down her spine. She couldn't believe the nerve of some people.

As she stomped back home, Lucinda couldn't help but hate on Chris. Who did he think he was, anyway?

Little did she know, Chris was going to be

a whole lot more than just a chance encounter...

Lincinda stormed into her house, still fuming from her encounter with Chris. She couldn't believe the nerve of some people.

As soon as she walked into her living room, Lucinda grabbed her phone and dialed her best friend Ody's number.

"Hey, girl!" Ody answered on the first ring.

"Hey," Lucinda replied, still trying to calm down. "You won't believe what just happened."

"What's up?" Ody asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I was walking down the street, and I bumped into this guy," Lucinda began. "His name is Chris, and he's got this really annoying attitude."

"What did he do?" Ody asked, her voice indignant.

"He just had this smirk on his face, like he was amused by the whole thing," Lucinda said. "And then he had the nerve to tell me to watch where I'm going."

"Ugh, what a jerk," Ody said. "I'm so sorry, Lucy."

"Yeah, me too," Lucinda replied. "I just can't believe some people's personalities."

"Well, forget about him," Ody said. "You're better off without people like that in your life."

"Exactly," Lucinda said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thanks for listening, Ody."

"No problem, girl," Ody replied. "That's what friends are for."

After hanging up with Ody, Lucinda felt a little better. She decided to call Des to check in and see how his day was going.

"Hey, babe," Des answered on the first ring. "How's it going?"

"It's going," Lucinda replied, trying to sound casual. "Just had a run-in with some jerk on the street."

"Who was it?" Des asked, his tone immediately becoming protective.

"Just some guy named Chris," Lucinda said. "Don't worry about it."

"I am worried about it," Des said. "You shouldn't be walking around alone. What if something had happened to you?"

Lucinda rolled her eyes. "Nothing happened to me, Des. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can," Des said. "But that doesn't mean I don't worry about you."

Lucinda sighed. "Des, I appreciate your concern, but I don't need you to babysit me."

"I'm not trying to babysit you," Des said, his voice rising. "I just want to make sure you're safe."

"Well, I am safe," Lucinda said, her voice matching Des's in volume. "So can we just drop it?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Des spoke up again. "Fine. Whatever."

"Des, don't be like that," Lucinda said, feeling a pang of guilt.

"I'm not being like anything," Des said. "I just don't understand why you can't just let me take care of you."

Lucinda threw up her hands in frustration. "Because I'm not a damsel in distress, Des! I can take care of myself."

The line went silent again, and Lucinda realized that Des had hung up on her. She stared at her phone in shock, feeling a mix of anger and hurt.

She laid on the sofa thinking where she had gone wrong was 

Lucinda was afraid of loosing Des....

I mean he meant the world to her😓

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 😓😓😓😓