CHAPTER SEVENTY

“I made a mistake, but I still love you. We can go back to the way things were.” Mia pleaded.

Lucas shook his head, his expression hardened. “No, Mia. It's over. Whatever we had is gone ,and it's not coming back. Stay away from Olivia.”

Mia's eyes filled with tears, but Lucas turned away , he walked out of the apartment, not looking back, his resolve stronger than ever.

Lucas drove out of Mia’s compound and returned to his mansion few hours later. He headed straight to his room, expecting to find Olivia there. Frowning, he walked through the hallway till he got to the entrance of Olivia's room, he knocked softly before opening the door. He found Olivia packing her things.

“Baby,” Lucas called, his voice soft but firm, She looked up at him, “I was looking for you? Where were you?” She asked as she walked closer to him.

Lucas stepped closer, his arms around her waist, “I went to handle something important,” he said, brushing a strand of her from her face. With a heavy sigh, he said, “I know I told you, you could leave, but seeing you pack is harder than I thought it would be.”

Olivia smiled weakly, “I know right, I’ll still come around. Besides I need to return to my job.”

Lucas watched her for a moment, before speaking again, “Comr on, I’ll take you myself.”

They finished packing in silence, Lucas called out for the car , he opened the door for her and then slid in beside her, and soon the car started. As drove out of the mansion, Lucas sat beside Olivia, his hands brushing her knuckles softly.

As they drive through the bustling city, Olivia noticed they were taking a different route, “Lucas, I think we’re taking the wrong direction. This isn't the way to my apartment.”

He reached out gently placing his hand over hers, “Calm down, I have a surprise for you.”

Curiosity piqued, Olivia settled back into her seat, as the car continued to drive, taking them through the bustling streets giving way to a quarter , more scenic route. Lucas remained silent , a small mysterious smile playing on his lips.

“Whare are we going?” Olivia asked softly, looking around. Lucas remained tight lipped, only giving her a reassuring smile
“You’ll see.”

Finally the car pulled up to a beautiful townhouse in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Olivia's eyes widened in surprise.

“Lucas, what is this?” He asked, as he helped her out of the car.

“This,” Lucas said, leading her up to the step. “Is your new home.”

Olivia stopped in her tracks, turning to look at him with wide eyes, “You bought me a house?”

Lucas nodded, “You’re my girlfriend now. And you deserve to have a comfortable place of your own.”

Tears weled up Olivia's eyes as she took in the significance of his gesture. “Lucas,.... I, I don't know what to say.”

He smiled, brushing a tear from her cheeks, “Just say you’ll stay with me. Even if you leave the mansion, I want you to know you’ll always have a place with me.”

Olivia threw her hands around him, resting her face on his chest. “I love you , Lucas.”

He kissed the top of her head, “I love you too, baby.”

As they stood in the living room, Olivia looked around, her heart full. “I can't believe you did all this.”

Lucas took her hands in his, “You deserve it, baby. I want you to be happy.”

Olivia smiled, through her tears, “Thank you…..for everything.”

Lucas pulled her into another embrace, feeling a profound sense of contentment . Just then Lucas' phone rang, he glanced at the screen , seeing Dominique’s name.

He sighed and answered the phone, “Domnique,” Lucas greeted, his voice firm.

“Lucas,” Domnique's voice oozed through the phone, “I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time.”

“Not at all,” Lucas replied, shooting a reassuring look at Olivia.

“I called, to remind you about the proposal I have for you.” Domnique said smoothly, “Something I believe will be mutually beneficial.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, he knew Dominique too well, “And what kind of proposal are we talking about.”

“Let's just say , it's an opportunity to expand your operations.” Dominique hinted, “But I prefer to discuss the details in person.”

Lucas expression shifted slightly, “What time would you like to set the meeting?”

“Next week, at a location of your choice. How about a beach, neutral territory.” Dominique said.

Lucas considered for a moment, “Fine. There's an island near the coast that we can use, I’ll have location sent to you.”

“Excellent,” Dominique said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice, “I lok forward to it.”

Lucas hung up the call, his mind already turning over possibilities. He knew Domnique was cunning, and he would have to be on guard.

As Lucas ended the call, he turned his attention to Olivia, “So, baby, where were we?”

Olivia chuckled, but her mood changed almost immadietly, Lucas noticed the change in her her mood, he cupped her face in his hand, “What's wrong?” He asked with a soft tone.

Olivia sighed, hesitating for a moment, “It’s ….It's just that I have a bad feeling about Dominique Santos. He’s scary”

Lucas chuckled, pulling her into a warm hug, “Most people are scared of him,sweetheart, but with it's different. And he knows that.”

Olivia but her lips, she knows Lucas could take care of himself, but she felt a lingering feeling that she couldn't explain, “Alright, but please be careful with him.”

Lucas nodded, “Yes baby, I'll be . Don't worry about me. I just want to focus on your happiness.”

As they stood there, Olivia's phone rang, she brought out the phone from her bag, and checked the callers ID.

She glanced at Lucas, “It's my editor,” She said, with a soft voice.

Lucas gave her a reassuring nod, to pick the call. With a heavy sigh, she slided the screen and answered the call.