Paid

"How are you, Lucian? When did you come home?"

He smiled. "A few hours ago. I just need to have a brief meeting with our clients."

I nodded. "You seemed so tired. You should have to take a rest."

"Can you stay here?"

I was a bit surprised. Lucian seldom comes home. He only does this if he has an important meeting. And I know it's because of his lover.

I smiled when I recovered at his remarks. "Of course. I can stay here."

I know he needs company, so he wants me to stay overnight.

"Great! Thank you, Lucila." he smiled and got up. "By the way, how's work? Have you eaten? I ordered some food."

I laughed at him and followed him to the kitchen. We ate together and talked about many things the way we always do.

Hours passed, and he bid good night because as the night getting late.

"Good night, Lucila. Thank you for staying here."

"Nah. As if it is the first time."

He laughed at what I said. He hugged me and led me to his guest room.

I took a shower and tried to get some sleep, but I couldn't find myself sleeping because of the things that kept running into my mind. I got up from bed and silently went to Lucian's room.

I saw him sleeping. There was a pain in my chest when I saw trouble on his face, even while sleeping.

As I watched Lucian sleeping, the bitterness, pain and guilt I felt were overbearing.

I silently took a deep breath and could not stop returning to the past, the reason Lucian is suffering like this.

[Flashback]

I was about to enter Lucian's office when I heard him and Samuel talking about something. Oh? Samuel? Is Samuel here? What is Sam doing here? I thought his in Manila.

I just came home from Paris, so I want to surprise Lucian, my babe. I've stayed in Paris for almost 6 months since I helped my mother with her business. Since mommy is in the clothing line, Celeste and I helped her prepare for her new collection. My mom is an international designer.

"Why don't you just tell her that you love her? So that you two don't have to struggle anymore."

I was about to knock on the door when I heard Samuel saying those words because Lucian's office was slightly open. Wait! Who is Samuel referring to? Does Lucian love someone? Oh my gosh! What the hell? Why didn't I know about that?

My heart was pounding. It sent pain through my spine.

What... Who the hell is he talking about?

"You think it's that easy? Damn it, Par! I've done so many evildoings to her. Do you think Amanda will accept my love? I hurt her, Par!"

It was like something stabbed my heart when I heard Lucian say that. I felt like choking when I listened to the name of the girl he loved.

Who is Amanda? Damn it! That girl's face is thick! Who is she? Who is he to steal my Lucian from me?

I don't know, Amanda. I've never heard about her. I know that she's not one of Lucian's friends or acquaintances. So who is that girl? I know all Lucian's ex-flings. I know everyone linked to him. All the girls he never took seriously. Is she a new Lucian's fling? Why don't I know?

And it's so unbelievable that Lucian is in love! I've only been gone for a few months, and now he is in love? How impossible! Never in his life did he fall in love with a woman! He has never loved a single one! So to know that he loves someone really hurts. How could that girl be so lucky?

What the hell? I cannot believe this!

No! I do not believe it. Lucian isn't in love. Maybe, he's just comforted by that girl! Oh my gosh! Hell no!

I bit my lip to stop the pain from spreading to every nerve in my body.

Lucian, why are you hurting me like this? Why do you love someone else? Nevertheless, I'm still ready to accept you; just love me.

Why are you so quick to find someone else? I'm here!

"I know she will, Lucian. Amanda is kind. Just explain to her your reasons." said Samuel.

That means... Samuel also knows that girl! Shit! Who's that bitch! Are they referring to Amanda? Hell! I can't let that girl just take away from me the man I've been dreaming of for so long!

"Shit! Whenever I remember hiring her to bring my son, I feel like the worst person in the world. That I was able to involve her in my plan just to get Grandpa's approval."

I was stunned. So it started because Lucian paid that girl to get Grandpa's approval? She was so cheap!

Huh! So she was paid just to bring Lucian's child? How wretched!

"But I love her. It made me love her,"

I was too stunned. And just because of that, Lucian learned to love that girl? Since when? How impossible! That woman only wants Lucian's wealth! What kind of woman is she to do that? It's impossible for Lucian to love a woman who sold her dignity just for money! Gosh! How can she be so cheap for doing that? And Lucian must be out of his mind to love that bitch!

I am so mad! This is so fucking unfair!

I feel something is wrong with that girl! What did she do to make my love fall for her?

I am very close to Lucian, so I know everything about him. Even small details, I know. I also know about his problem with the company. Because their Grandfather knew that some of his grandsons were womanizers. Hence, he made a deal that only then his grandsons could be given their inheritance. They need to follow what their Grandfather wanted. They must have a child or a woman to marry, and I know Lucian chooses to have his child rather than marry someone.

And knowing that Lucian didn't tell me about his plan was heartbreaking. He always consults me on his every plan or decision. He always makes sure I know what he's doing. And I don't understand. Why does he need to keep it from me? Even though I was in Paris, we never lost touch! Nothing changed! And to know all this, I cannot accept! That he was able to love that girl! While I? What the freaking hell? He still treats me like his sister!

No! This is just a dream! Lucian will never love someone else!