Chapter 12

In Scarlett's Perspective:

Why was Lucas here?

I suddenly remembered that Lucas was a Mafia Boss.

His affection almost made me forget how dangerous he was.

Damn, I needed to get out of here right now.

I locked eyes with Lucas for a second before I turned away. But as soon as I touched the door, I heard Lucas's voice. "Stop." I could feel his burning gaze on my back.

This damn dress didn't even cover my back.

I had to turn around and force a smile.

"You have sharp eyes." The man next to Lucas immediately sat down beside him. "She's the prettiest girl here."

Lucas played with the lighter in his hand.

"Of course, sir," the boss said with a fawning smile as he followed me in, "She's the girl we had trouble booking today." With that, he gave me a firm push and gestured for me to stand beside Lucas.

"She's quite a fresh girl," the boss said, giving me a meaningful look before smiling at the others. "She is fresh like a college student."

The group of people immediately burst into laughter.

Lucas silently looked up and gazed at me.

My face must be red. Even though the room was well-air-conditioned, I was still burning up.

Oh my god! It was the worst thing ever.

It was bad enough that I mistook a brothel for a part-time gig, and the boss didn't realize the mistake.

The most despairing part was that Lucas saw all of this.

Should I be praying for the world to end right now? So that no one would ever know what had just happened.

"A student?" Lucas gestured for me to come to his side and then grabbed my chin.

"Yes." I had no choice but to bury my face in my neck.

Nothing could be more humiliating than this.

"Why are you here?" Lucas's tone was like he was interrogating me.

I didn't plan to tell him about my part-time job, but now I could only tell the truth.

"I came to the wrong place," I looked up at Lucas and replied, "I was supposed to go to another bar to play the piano."

"Dominic. I told you. This girl is really interesting." Julian excitedly looked at another man in the room who was holding two girls.

"She does look like a college student." Dominic pushed the girl in his arms away and reached out to me. "Let me have some fun with you."

I never thought they could be so depraved.

Just as I was about to dodge, Lucas's arm was already around my waist.

"Don't move," Lucas whispered in my ear.

Dominic immediately withdrew his hand and sat back down, somewhat apprehensive.

Lucas really helped me out.

Just as I thought I could breathe a sigh of relief, I suddenly felt something pressing against my thigh.

It was a terrible feeling.

My body immediately tensed up. I turned to look at Lucas, but he just held me tighter.

His aura instantly enveloped me.

"This place is dangerous. Don't run around." Lucas's voice was magnetic and lingered in my ear.

It seemed like Lucas wasn't angry.

I immediately nodded and stopped struggling.

Luckily, Lucas trusted my words and didn't doubt my self-respect. I was relieved and felt comforted as I glanced down at Lucas's hand on my waist. I felt good that he didn't misinterpret me.

I glanced at Lucas but suddenly felt something was off.

Why did I care so much about his thoughts? Why was I afraid of him misunderstanding me?

Was it because I saw him as family?

"Okay. I won't argue with you." Dominic glanced at Lucas, pouted, and settled back in his seat. "After all, you're getting married soon, so these carefree days will soon come to an end for you."

Married? Why didn't I hear that? Did Lucas take over the Bennett family?

I leaned into Lucas's embrace and looked up at him, but there was no trace of joy on his face.

"Yeah. After next month's engagement ceremony, we won't see him anymore." Julian suddenly spread his hands, looking at Lucas with regret.

For them, getting married was not good news.

Who did he say was getting engaged?

I wondered if I had misheard. Was Lucas getting married?

I didn't even remember how to blink. I stared at Lucas, suddenly feeling that the person in front of me was very unfamiliar.

Was my heart still beating? Was I about to suffocate?

I grabbed Lucas's wrist, wanting to break free from his embrace. He was about to get engaged. It was inappropriate for me to be here.

But in the end, my struggle was in vain. How could I have the strength to fight him?

As soon as Lucas sensed my struggle, he held me tightly in his arms. I tried pushing several times but couldn't make him let go.

I was exhausted, but he only needed one hand to trap me in his arm.

What else could I do? Should I bite his arm?

I had to stop struggling and glared at Lucas.

"I won't be engaged to Charlotte." Lucas chuckled lightly and downed the drink in front of him. "I am in love with someone else." His eyes lingered on me for a moment before quickly moving away.

People didn't notice Lucas's actions and looked at him curiously.

His friends probably thought Lucas would say something explosive.

Could the woman Lucas mentioned be me? His words from when he brought me back to the villa echoed in my mind. Lucas expressed that his feelings for me were not rooted in family obligations and then kissed me.

It turned out he was telling the truth.

He was in love with me.

I hoped nothing happened today. I didn't know how to handle it.

I'd always seen Lucas as family. I never thought he would have such feelings for me.

My mother and I were despised by the family, and the family didn't acknowledge my identity. In my grandfather's eyes, I was a disgrace and a blemish.

How could I possibly be with the heir of the family?

They might kill me to get Lucas back on "track."

I lightly clutched Lucas's shirt, my heart filled with mixed emotions.

I knew very well what the outcome would be if I responded to Lucas; it was not even worth thinking about. But I couldn't help hesitating, even my heart skipped a beat.

Rationality told me I should stay away from Lucas. But deep down, there was a voice shouting. "Accept him!"

What should I do? Should I leave this city and never see Lucas again?