The VIP lounge of *The Velvet Crown*, one of the city's most exclusive bars, exuded an air of opulence and indulgence. Plush velvet seating and gold-accented decor glimmered under the dim, amber-hued lights. Smoke curled lazily toward the ceiling, mingling with the sultry tune that drifted from the live jazz band tucked in a corner.
Lucas Zeller sat in the center of it all, his presence commanding the room. Yet his sharp, dark gaze was colder than the ice cubes in his glass of liquor. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, its sharp lines accentuating his powerful frame, but the air around him was unapproachable.
Clinging to his arm like a desperate vine was a woman dressed to kill—her crimson dress hugged her figure, and her perfume was as overpowering as her determination to catch Lucas's attention. "Oh, Lucas," she purred, her voice dripping with seduction. "You're always so distant. Let me help you relax." Her perfectly manicured hand trailed down his chest toward his waist.
Lucas's patience snapped. His grip was swift and firm as he caught her wrist mid-motion, his dark eyes narrowing into slits. Without so much as a word, he shoved her aside with a sharp motion that left no room for argument. "Leave," he said, his tone colder than the ice clinking in his untouched drink.
The woman's confidence shattered like glass. Her pout dissolved into fear, and she scrambled to her feet, mumbling a hasty apology before fleeing the room.
The heavy door had barely swung shut behind her when a burst of unrestrained laughter broke the tense silence.
"Not in the mood for company tonight, I see," Roy Lin teased, his voice warm and teasing. He sat sprawled comfortably on the opposite end of the room, his easy grin contrasting with Lucas's brooding demeanor.
Lucas turned his icy gaze on his assistant and childhood friend. "Roy, if you keep laughing like that, you might accidentally swallow a fly," he deadpanned, his tone cutting but laced with a hint of dry humor.
Roy chuckled even harder, knowing Lucas's bark was far worse than his bite—most of the time, at least. "Ah, come on, Lucas," he said, leaning forward with an impish grin. "You're always such fun when you're in a bad mood. It's like watching a volcano ready to erupt."
Lucas ignored him, leaning back in his seat and swirling the amber liquid in his glass. His expression remained stoic, but Roy knew better. He could read the tension in Lucas's jaw, the tight set of his shoulders. Something was gnawing at him.
"Let me guess," Roy said, his grin widening. "Your parents are on your case again about getting married?"
Lucas scoffed, the sound both dismissive and resigned. It was confirmation enough.
"Unbelievable," Roy continued, shaking his head in mock amazement. "You'd think after everything you've told them, they'd ease up a little. But nope—they're still at it."
"They're relentless," Lucas admitted, his voice low but tinged with frustration. "Apparently, my mother has a final card to play."
Roy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A final card? What's that supposed to mean?"
Lucas's lips pressed into a thin line. "She claims she's found the perfect solution. If she can track down a certain family and their daughter is still single, then she's decided—without my input, of course—that the girl will be my wife."
Roy's jaw dropped, but only for a second before he burst into laughter again. "Your mom's really pulling out all the stops, huh? What's next? Arranged dates with a PowerPoint presentation?"
Lucas shot him a withering glare as he stood, his tall frame exuding quiet menace. "Laugh it up, Roy," he said coolly. "But when she actually follows through with this, don't come crying to me about it."
As Lucas strode toward the door, Roy called after him, his laughter echoing through the room. "Oh, come on, Lucas! Should I go ahead and book the wedding venue? Or would you prefer I handle the bachelor party first?"
The door shut with a firm click, cutting off Roy's amused cackles.
In the silence that followed, Lucas's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he made his way out of the bar. His mind, however, wasn't on the scene he'd just left behind. Instead, it lingered on his mother's words from earlier that day, her voice filled with determination.
*"Lucas, this is for your own good. You might think you're fine living alone, but one day, you'll realize you need someone by your side."*
Lucas clenched his jaw, his pace quickening. The idea of marriage was one thing, but being cornered into a decision by his family's relentless matchmaking was another entirely. He wasn't the type to bend easily, and this time would be no different. Yet the unease in his chest refused to dissipate.
*Who is this girl they think can fix me?* he thought bitterly as he stepped into the cool night air, his mood as stormy as ever.