Chapter 20: Trick

I'm actually kinda thankful that Joaquin and Jerich aren't the overprotective brother type.

They rather let me fall and stumble. Because they believe that if I go through that, eventually I will become strong.

Unlike Jedric, he doesn't want me hurt. He would rather flip the whole world before I even stumble.

That's why my two brothers let Lucas talk to me in private. That's why they aren't pissed at the idea that we got home together. And besides, they know Lucas.

Speaking of Lucas, he turned to me and rolled his eyes before turning back to my siblings.

"I'll head home now. Thank you for letting me—" Joaquin cut off Lucas.

"Join us at dinner, Lucas," he said.

"No, it's okay. I just sent Jiana home and talked to her about some... things," Lucas looked at me and smirked.

I looked at him in awe. It's the first time he called me by my first name. I had goosebumps on the way he said it. My system was already a mess and I needed to bite my fingers to hide the smie that's forming on my lips.

"Tsss... as if I believe you. I know you wanted to stay," I rolled my eyes and walked past them.

I went to the dining room as I heard my brothers laugh.

It has always been us three at the dining table gor almost everyday. But today, is different since Lucas will be joining us.

I heard my stomach rumble for I saw the dishes on the table. I then remember that my last meal was the nuggets I had earlier.

I sat down as the guys entered the dining room. My brothers went on their usual seats while Lucas sat beside me.

I winced and distanced my chair a bit. He noticed it and he just smirked at me.

"So, how's your parents doing?" Joaquin said as we started eating.

"They're fine. Like yours, they're also very busy." They all laughed. "They are together with yours at the project in the province, right?" Lucas implied to our parents.

"Yeah. So that means you're the acting CEO while they're away, right?" Jerich said.

"Yup. My dad trained me for it. Even though I'm not really interested in business,"

My brows creased. Not interested? Why? He's the only heir in their family. Did his parents allowed him to escape that responsibility?

"I guess Maristella can handle it? Besides, I know she's the one interested?" Jerich implied to Lucas' sister.

Lucas nodded. "I guess so. My parents believe that she could do it. Besides the fact that she's capable of handling the business, she's really interested with it,"

I didn't want to doubt Stella but knowing how big their business is, I think she needs some help. Unless she marries a prodigy in their field? I don't know.

In the whole time we were eating, business is all they ever talked about. I oftenly feel left out since like this guy beside me, I have no interest in that field. And I'm hungry.

After, I just decided to go upstairs. The guys transferred themselves at the poolside to have some fresh air and good wine.

Then it dawned into me.

Lucas sent me home at around three in the afternoon so does that mean, he also skipped classes?!

I sighed and opened my door. I let myself fall onto my couch and I placed my school things at the coffee table.

Though my problem is that I don't have any books with me because I forgot all of them at my locker.

I texted Allanis first and asked her about my missed tasks. While waiting for it, I just decided to do the works I need to comply for the morning subjects.

While writing on my Literature notebook, my phone rang, a sign that someone's calling. I answered it without looking at the caller ID since I suspect that it's Allanis.

"Hello?" I said without thinking.

Nobody answered. I thought the other person hung up so I looked at my phone. My eyes widened when it was an unknown number.

I thought it was my friend! Or maybe she replaced her old number?

I put my phone back on my ear.

"H-hello?" I repeated.

"Where are you?" It was a voice from a guy.

My heart thumped loudly when I thought of someone.

"Who's this?" I asked even though I already know who it was.

"It's Lucas," and I was right.

"L-Lucas! Why did you called?" I closed my eyes as my voice started to shake.

Then there was silence.

"You... wanna study together?" he asked.

They say our hearts are wild. That's why our ribs are cages. I think it's a good thing since I can feel like my heart is trying to escape now!

"H-huh?" I said out of panic. I didn't even gave myself time to process his question.

I heard him laugh. "I know you heard me. C'mon, Jiana, I'm waiting downstairs. And don't worry, I already asked your brothers for permission,"

I lowkey wished that my unstrict brothers will be strict now since I didn't want to be with Lucas again.

But nevertheless, I was surprised. I warmed at the thought that he respects me now and my brothers.

And because of that...

"O-okay then," I said.

I ended the call and quickly got my things and put it inside my bag. My hands are shaking and I can't help but scream because I couldn't contain my mixed emotions anymore.

It was on time when Allanis texted me. I checked my face on the mirror to see any dirt or anything. I took a deep breath and calmed myself before deciding to go downstairs.

I honestly don't know why I react like this. It's just a simple thing and I'm reacting like he's going to propose to me?! I better keep myself lowkey.

I'm afraid if the time when he learns about my true feelings come. Maybe it will be the cause of the downfall of our now friendly relationship.

Walked down the stairs with my bag and phone with me. I saw no people in there. Maybe my brothers left or in their own rooms now.

Our lights are now also in mixture of warm yellow and dim. The only bright light on is the one near the poolside.

I walked towards it to check if Lucas was there but I saw no traces.

I became kind of sad thinking about the possible fact that he might've just tricked me.

Maybe he isn't really here and just wanted to play around. After all, he's that kind of person from the very beginning.

I sighed.