CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Vincent had followed Lucas orders, taking Monica to a secure penthouse, where she could be safe from Marco's reach . The penthouse was luxurious with expansive views of city, plush futrnitures, and all the amenities one could despite.

As they reached the penthouse Monica was still visibly shaken, Vincent noticed it, but maintained a composed demeanor , focusing solely on her safety. He opened the door to the penthouse and motioned for her to come in.

“You can call me Vincent, and Please make yourself comfortable, you’ll be safe here”, Vincent said, his voice steady but tinged with concern.

Monica nodded, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar space. Her mind a whirl of emotion and fear.

As Vincent moved to set some stuffs down in the bedroom, they collided in the narrow hallway. The sudden impact caused Vincent to loose his balance,and in his attempt to steady himself, his hands inadvertently brushed against her buttocks.

Monica’s eyes flared with anger and embarrassment, “What the hell, Vincent!” She snapped, stepping back quickly.

Vincent's eyes widened in shock, “I…I didn't mean to, It was an accident”, he stammered his usual composure faltering.

Monica glared at him, her face flushed with anger, “You expect me to believe that?After everything that's happened, now this?”

Vincent held up his hands in a placating gesture, “Monica, I swear, it was just an accident, it would never …”

“Save it”, Monica cutting him short, “Just stay away from me”.

Vincent sighed, his expression a mix of frustration and regret, “Look I know you’re scared and upset, but you don't have to verude you know?, I wouldn't purposely do that. I’m here to protect you”.

Monica didn't respond , turning away from him and storming into the living room, “I need to speak to Liv, I need to know what all this is about '', Monica said, as she sank onto the sofa.

…….🌵

Lucas sat beside Olivia in the car. His face was a masked of controlled fury, but Olivia could see the disappointment in his eyes. She knew Marco’s taunts would make him doubt her.

After what felt like eternity , the car pulled into the garage of Lucas' mansion, Lucas got out first and extended a hand to Olivia , helping her out of the vehicle. He didn't say a word as he led her inside, his silence more unnerving than any outburst.

Olivia felt a knot of guilt tightening in her stomach ,she could feel the chill in his attitude, knowing that Lucas had risked everything to save her friend, only to find out about her plans to still expose him.

As they walked inside Lucas broke the silence, “You’re free to move around the mansion and the grounds”, he said coldly , not looking at her, “But you're not allowed to leave, that dosen't mean you're prisoner here”.

Olivia blinked, taken aback byvhisxsudden behavior, “Lucas,I’m sorry, I didn't…”

“Save it”, Lucas snapped,his eyes hard, “Just do whatever you want, but don't try to leave this mansion”.

Olivia felt tears stung in her eyes, but she held them back. She had expected anger, but this cold , indifferent attitude was worst, It made her feel insignificant , and the guilt gnawed at her even more.

“Can I at least have my phone back”, she asked quietly hoping to reach some semblance of normalcy.

Lucas looked at her his gaze piercing, “Fine, but don't think this changes anything”, He handed her the phone , his hand brushing against hers briefly , before he pulled away.

Olivia took the phone, feeling a mix of relief and dread . She was free to move around, but the mansion felt more like a gilded cage than ever.

The cold treatment from Lucas was driving her crazy ,making her long for the days when he would shout at her , at least showing some form of emotions.

As she sat on her bed, she dialed Monica's number immadietly, She knew Monica would be safe with Vincent , but she still needs to hear her friend’s voice,to explain everything and make sure she is okay. She waited as the phone rang.

In the penthouse, Vincent glared at the caller's ID and saw Olivia's name flashing on the screen. He walked to Monica, who was sitting on the couch , still fuming from the previous encounter.

“It's Olivia”, Vincent said,holding out the phone.

Monica had totally forgotten about her phone, cause of the chaos they had encountered with Marco, she thought she lost it, Monica glared at him,“Give me that”, She snatched the phone from his hand, their fingers brushing briefly.

“Monica, are you okay?” Olivia's voice came through, filled with concern.

“Am I okay?” Monica snapped, “Olivia what have you gotten yourself into? What the hell is going on? Where are you? Who the hell is Marco, and why did he kidnap me?”

Olivia took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice, “Mon, I’m so sorry, I never meant for any of this to happen”.

“You never meant for any of this to happen?” Monica's voice was rising with each word, “Olivia, I almost got killed!, start talking now!”

“Okay,okay, look I'm at a mansion owned by Lucas…..”

Monica interrupted, “Lucas??, you mean the one I saw you with? The Mafia boss?, are you serious right now, Liv?”

“Yes, it's a long story, I was investigating him for an exposé , and things got complicated”, Olivia explained,her voice filled with regrets.

“Complicated?Complicated how?” Monica pressed, not letting her friend off the hook easily.

“I ..I got involved more than I should have. And now Marco who’s Lucas' cousin, is trying to take over Lucas territory . He used you to get to me, thinking it would hurt Lucas”, Olivia said, her voice cracking.

Monica glared at Vincent , who was trying to give her some privacy while staying close enough to hear. She rolled her eyes and turned away from him, “Olivia, do you have any idea how dangerous this is? This isn't just a story anymore, this is real life, and it's deadly”.

“I know Monica, I know, and I'm so sorry. I never wanted you to get hurt”. Olivia said, her voice filled with guilt.

Monica sighed her anger giving way to concern, “Just tell me one more thing Liv, are you safe?”

“Yes, I am, Lucas is protecting me” Olivia said , her voice softening.

Monica scoffed “protecting you? By keeping you prisoner?”

“It's complicated okay,He’s not as bad as I thought”, Olivia tried to explain, knowing how weak it sounded.

Monica shook her head, exasperated “Liv, just be careful okay, and tell that Vincent guy to stay out of my way”.

Olivia managed a small smile, “I’ll tell him, stay safe, Mon. I promise , I’ll get you out of this”.

“You better,” Monica said, before hanging up.

Vincent who had been hovering nearby , approached cautiously, “Everything okay?”

Monica glared at him, “Just stay out of my way okay?”

Vincent smirked,a hint of amusement in his eyes, “I’m here to protect you”.

“Yeah, well , do it from a distance”, Monica shot back, crossing her arms.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Olivia ended the call and let out a deep sigh, just then her phone rang again, her heart skipped as she saw the name flashing on the screen, it was her editor Richard.