CHAPTER FOUR; “I AM A BILLIONAIRE..”

As Sophia and Lucas walked away from the scene, a sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled up beside them, its engine purring smoothly, as a tall, imposing bodyguard stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the surroundings before focusing on Lucas and Sophia.

"Mr. Blackwood," he said, his voice low and deferential, as he opened the rear door of the car.

Lucas nodded, his arm still around Sophia's waist, as he guided her towards the car. The bodyguard assisted them in, his movements swift and efficient as they settled into the plush leather seats, the bodyguard closed the door behind them, and the car glided away from the curb, leaving the commotion and chaos behind.

Sophia looked around, taking in the opulent interior of the car, feeling a sense of surrealism wash over her. She was sitting in a Rolls-Royce, next to a man who seemed to be surrounded by an aura of power wealth and fame. Lucas, noticing her gaze, smiled wryly and broke the silence. "I'm afraid I'm not used to walking," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I'm glad I was there to help you."

Sophia's eyes met his, as she sat short of words for a moment, her eyes filled with gratitude, till she finally found the words she was looking for.

"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for saving me."

Lucas smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome," he replied, his voice low and gentle. Sophia's gaze lingered on his face, confusion etched on her features. Who was this man who had just saved her life? She looked around the luxurious car, feeling a sense of disorientation and irresistible comfort.

Gathering her courage, Sophia turned back to Lucas. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice hesitant, piercing through the silence. Making even the driver and guard at the front seat look back at her.

Realizing how that came out, she apologized.

I'm sorry it came out that way…I just … I'm .. it's just that it's not something casual for a guy like you to you know.. just show up and help a lady like me. And still give her a ride". Sophia said as she looked Lucas in the eye, suddenly realizing the gaze of amusement in his them.

Feeling like she already said too much Sophia began apologizing again.

Oh I'm sorry, you know what just forget I said anything I'm j-

"No no it's okay I understand your point of view. You should never be sorry for speaking your mind". Lucas said with a light smile on his face.

"To be honest…. even I don't know why I'm giving you a ride, but I just guess we moved with the flow didn't we? I can stop if you don't want -"

"No no that's not what I meant Sophia cut in with a mild voice.

Lucas's smile faltered for a moment, before he finally introduced himself. "I'm Lucas Blackwood".

Sophia's eyes widened, her mind racing. Lucas Blackwood? The name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.

"Who's that?" Sophia asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as the driver and guard at the front took a second look at her and at themselves at the same time before looking forward again.

Lucas chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm a businessman," he said, his voice low and husky. "And apparently, a lifesaver."

Sophia's gaze lingered on his face, trying to read between the lines. There was something about him that seemed familiar, something that made her feel like she should know him. But she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Lucas's eyes widened in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up. "You don't know who I am?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity.

Sophia shook her head, feeling a sense of trepidation. "I'm sorry am I supposed to?"

Lucas's expression changed from surprise to shock, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're the only person I've ever met who doesn't know who I am," he said, his voice low and husky.

Sophia shrugged, feeling a sense of confusion. "I don't know what that means," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm a multi billionaire, Sophia," he said, his voice dripping with wealth and power. "I own more than half of this city. And you don't know who I am?"

Sophia's eyes widened, her mind racing. A billionaire? That explained the Rolls-Royce and the bodyguard. But why did he feel like she should know him?

Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing through Lucas's confident facade. She could sense the underlying assumption that his wealth and status made him feel somehow superior.

"I see," Sophia said, her voice neutral, her tone measured. "You're a billionaire."

Lucas nodded, his smile returning, seemingly expecting Sophia to be impressed, or even intimidated.

But Sophia's expression remained calm, her eyes never leaving his. She could see the hint of surprise in his eyes, the faintest glimmer of confusion that she didn't seem to be awed by his wealth. Maybe being with one that already shattered her heart made her feel that way.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Blackwood," Sophia said, her voice polite, but distant.

Lucas's smile faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure. "Please, call me Lucas," he said, his voice smooth, but with a hint of irritation.

Lucas's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "You're different, Sophia. Most women would kill to spend five seconds with me, but you... you seem unimpressed." He leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I find that intriguing." Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze.

She couldn't deny the spark of attraction between them. "I'm just not easily impressed," she said, making Lucas chuckle, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I like that….. I like you."

Lucas's words rang in her head like a huge bang on a metal tray in an empty hall. She knew where this was going, so she leaned back in her seat as she cleared her throat.

Understanding her expression, Lucas drew back too, and they both let out deep breaths at the same time.

Finally, close to her apartment, Sophia asked the driver to stop.

"Please, stop here," she said, as the car came to a slow halt. Turning back to Lucas, as she grabbed her bag from the leather seat, Sophia thanked him again. "I'm really grateful. Thank you so much. Who knows what would have happened if you weren't there?" She said, as they kept a fixed gaze for some seconds before the guard opened the door for her to step down.

But before she could take a step away, Lucas stopped her. "Wait," he said, his voice low and smooth. He handed her a sleek black card. "In case you need anything," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "I'm not expecting anything in return, but just in case...". He said the card stretched towards sophia.

Sophia took the card, her fingers brushing against his. "Lucas Blackwood" was embossed in bold silver letters, along with a phone number and email address. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she met his gaze. "Just a call away," he said as Sophia nodded in response, threw her bag over her shoulder and waved at him as she took her leave.