Unmasking Intentions

For the past three weeks, Nathaniel had been spoiling Lucy with everything she could ever imagine. He took her to karaoke bars where they sang duets to old love songs, shared late-night dinners under dim fairy lights, and even spent hours strolling through the park. His charm seemed endless. Every time they met, Nathaniel came armed with compliments and small gifts, like a delicate bracelet or her favorite macarons from a downtown bakery.

Despite the seemingly perfect dates, Lucy couldn't help but notice something off. Nathaniel was charming—too charming, perhaps. Every time she tried to share a picture of them on her social media, he'd stop her.

Nathaniel had tried to kiss Lucy more than once, leaning in with that same polished smile, but each time, Lucy gently pulled away.

"Why won't you let me post pictures of us?" she asked one evening after karaoke. "Why don't you want my friends to know we're dating?"

Nathaniel's jaw tightened for a moment before he smiled. "Lucy, my life is complicated. I want to protect you from unnecessary attention."

Lucy frowned. "That's not a good enough reason. If you're serious about me, why are you hiding me?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not hiding you. I just need more time. Trust me, okay?"

The conversation hung in the air like a dark cloud, but Nathaniel expertly diverted her attention with a joke and a new plan.

Lucy I promise you, you will start posting us soon right now you should focus on your career please" he spoke in tone that made him sound caring

"Well then when that day comes" it is the day you will be able to steal my first kiss" she said with a smirk

"I have to do fast she is starting to suspect me " Nathaniel thought to himself

Rehearsals and a Big Night

While Nathaniel occupied most of her evenings, Lucy spent her days rehearsing for an upcoming fashion event. She poured her energy into her poses, her walk, and every detail of her performance. Her hard work paid off—her face was plastered across magazines and billboards, and her reputation as an up-and-coming model soared.

The night of the event arrived. The backstage was a whirlwind of activity, with models rushing to get their makeup done and stylists making last-minute adjustments. Lucy was adjusting her gown when she overheard murmurs.

"She doesn't have a partner," someone whispered.

"She won't walk tonight. What a shame," another voice added with a smirk.

Lucy's stomach churned as Amelia, approached with a smug look. "What's wrong, Lucy? Partner bailed? Oh, how tragic."

Before Lucy could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"I'll walk with her."

Everyone turned to see Sebastian Blake, dressed in an impeccable black suit. His calm demeanor silenced the whispers, and the room seemed to shift in his favor.

Lucy blinked. "Sebastian? You really don't have to—"

"I insist," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We can't let them ruin your night."

Then Sebastian took her arm, his charm was undeniable.

The Runway and the Staredown

The runway lights blinded Lucy as she and Sebastian stepped onto the stage, arm in arm. The crowd erupted in cheers, and flashes from cameras lit up the room. Lucy couldn't help but feel confident with Sebastian by her side. His calm presence steadied her nerves.

As they reached the end of the runway, Lucy spotted Nathaniel in the crowd. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, she thought she saw something other than his usual charm—something darker.

Sebastian then turned to Lucy only to find her looking at Nathan He then aturned to look at Nathaniel and Nathaniel's gaze shifted to Sebastian, and his jaw tightened. He abruptly turned and walked out of the venue without a word.

Lucy's heart sank. Why would he leave like that?

breath Lucy and smile

Lucy nodded, but unease settled deep in her chest.

A Warning from Amelia

The next day, Lucy was sitting alone in the company cafeteria when Amelia approached her.

"I need to talk to you," Amelia said, her tone uncharacteristically serious.

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you want to talk to me?"

Amelia hesitated before sitting across from her. "Look, I know we don't get along, but this is important. Stay away from Nathaniel."

Lucy narrowed her eyes. "Why do you care?"

"Because I've been where you are," Amelia admitted, her voice tinged with bitterness. "He's charming, yes, but he's also a liar. He tricked me into trusting him, and I lost more than I care to admit."

Lucy stared at her, the words replaying in her head.

"You're lying," Lucy finally said, but her voice lacked conviction.

Amelia shook her head. "Your family, Cassie—they're all right about him. he's not who he says he is."

Lucy sat in silence as Amelia left, her words lingering like a bad dream.

Few minutes later a message entered on her phone

I miss you let's meet later, It was from Nathaniel

The Confrontation

That evening, Lucy decided to confront Nathaniel after they met.

Nate, Why don't you let me post about you?" she asked as soon as they sat down in a low volume. "Every time I bring it up, you avoid it. It's like you're hiding something."

Nathaniel's face darkened, but he quickly recovered, his expression softening. "Lucy, I already told you—"

"No, Nate. This isn't about protecting me. This is about you. What are you hiding?"

For a moment, she thought she'd finally cornered him, but Nathaniel suddenly pulled out a small velvet box and opened it, revealing a delicate necklace.

"Lucy," he said, his voice dripping with charm, "I've been planning something special for you. There's a party for Lazarus Corporation, and I want you to come with me. Let's stop fighting and enjoy ourselves."

I do know about the party it's also for awarding and reveling the heirs 2 sons of Mr. Lazarus" said Lucy tired

"Yes and am sure you are gonna be amoung them so can we just enjoy this night together and I want you to wear this necklace and I will send you a black and gold dress 👗 that you love and then I will announce you to the world I promise you" Said Nathaniel in a fake tone

Lucy hesitated but eventually smiled, the sight of the necklace and his softened tone easing her doubts for now.

They spent the whole night talking while Nathaniel kept on gaining information from her about her family He the took her home and bid her good night

As she arrived home her mom called her

Lucy my darling where have you been" Allyssa Lucy's mother spoke with her soft tone

Mom I went to meet Nathaniel and look at what he has given me (showing the velvet box with silver necklace), isn't he lovely Mama" While smiling

Lucy even we can afford this and what is it about him that makes you not listen to us, Lucy he doesn't have a good background, you have to listen to us, Said her mother in a worried tone

Mom people change ok, I need to go sleep so that I can be fresh and prepare my self for the coming day on Saturday, Good night mom Lucy said with some how a distant tone

Lucy's Growing Doubts

As Lucy prepared for the Lazarus party, Amelia's words, her family's warnings, and Nathaniel's actions swirled in her mind.

Nathaniel's Call

Later that night, Nathaniel called Chloe.

"I think all our plans should be completed by the Lazarus day, Things are kinda getting out of hands" Nathaniel telling Chloe in a worried tone

"Also I will give you back your necklace I had to give it to her or it couldn't end well" He said with a serious tone

It's alright I will get it anyway, also we have all the information we required she has no point to stay around and I think that day will be the best so as to avoid the attention since people won't even notice the Sinclair but Mr. Lazarus' 2 sons

"Wow, you are so thoughtful and they started kissing"

"We will finally have it all" said Chloe with a smirk

Indeed

will they succeed to have it and who are the sons of Lazarus?