SEVENTY FIVE

Lucas sat behind his mahogany desk in his study by the late afternoon, the sun filtering through the heavy curtains. Vincent stood in front of him waiting for Lucas to speak.

“I’ve set a date for our meeting with Dominique,” Lucas began, his voice steady, “We’ll know soon enough what kind of business he’s proposing. I don't trust him, Vincent. We need to be prepared for anything.”

Vincent nodded, his face serious. “Understood boss. I’ll make sure everything is in place for the meeting. We can't let our guard down with him.”

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. “Good. On another note, if you haven't checked out the new estate bought in your name, I want you to do so.”

Vincent eyes widened slightly, “Yes boss, I was about telling you that. Thank you so much.”

Lucas nodded, “It's Fine, Vincent, You’ve earned it. Go ahead and see what needs to be done. It's yours.”

Vincent’s face broke into a rare smile, “I won't let you down , Boss.”

Lucas waved a dismissive hand, “I know you won't. Go on, take care of it. We’ll reconvene after your visit.”

Vincent left the study, leaving Lucas alone with his thoughts. He trusted Vincent completely , but the meeting with Dominique weighed heavily on his mind.

Olivia crossed Lucas' mind, he wondered why she hadn't called him after receiving the car. He picked up his phone from the table and dialed her number, waiting patiently as the phone rang.

When Olivia answered, her voice lacked its usual brightness, “Lucas,” Olivia called.

“Hey baby, do you like the car?” Lucas asked, sensing her mood.

“It's….. It's beautiful. Thank you,” Olivia replied, though her tone was far from enthusiastic.

Lucas sensed something was off, “What’s wrong baby? You don't sound well.”

“I’m not feeling too great,” Olivia admitted. “I didn't go to work today.”

Concern etched deeply on Lucas' face, he asked, “What's wrong? Do you need anything? I’m coming over.”

“Lucas, you don't have to….” Olivia began, but Lucas had already ended the call, determined to get to her as quickly as possible.

After the call ended, Olivia turned her attention to Monica who was dressing up in front of the mirror. “Lucas is on his way.” She said softly, drifting Monica's attention from the mirror to face her.

Monica placed a reassuring hand on Olivia's shoulder, “You need to tell him Liv. It's better to tell him now.”

Olivia sighed deeply, nodding her head, “I know Mon, I’ll tell him.”

Monica gave her a gentle smile, “Good, it's the right thing to do.”

Olivia stared at Monica for some time before asking, “Where are you going, by the way? Dressed like this.”

Monica delayed for a moment, before replying, “I’m going to see someone.”

Olivia raised an eyebrow, “Who?”

Monica took a deep breath, finally confessing, “I'm going to see Vincent.”

Olivia's eyes widened in shock, “Vincent? Since when?”

Monica shrugged, trying to appear casual but failng to hide her excitement . “It's been a little while now. We kinda started talking more, after the whole chaos.”

Olivia shook her head still in not believing Monica could hide such from her. “I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner.”

Monica smiled, finishing her preparations. “But.. It's nothing serious really.”

Olivia stood up and gave Monica a hug, “Just be careful okay. Vincent is…..complicated.”

Monica laughed softly, “I know….But not as complicated as Lucas. Anyway I have to see where this goes.”

Olivia watched as Monica finished getting ready, looking so cheerful, “Well, I hope it goes well.”

Monica gave Olivia one last smile,before heading to the door, “Thanks Liv, I'll see you later.”

As Monica left the apartment, Olivia couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty. She was happy for her friend, but also nervous on how to face Lucas . She sighed deeply trying to calm her nerves, knowing that soon Lucas would arrive and she’ll have to tell him the truth.

In few minutes, Lucas arrived at Olivia’s apartment and found Olivia lying on the couch.

“Baby, what's wrong?” he asked, stepping further and kneeling beside her.

She avoided his gaze, “I think, it's just stress. I'll be fine.”

“I think I should call the doctor,” Lucas said, pulling out his phone from his pocket.

Olivia quickly held Lucas' wrist stopping him from calling the doctor, “You …You really don't have to. I already took some antibiotics, I'll be fine.”

He suspected , there was more to the way Olivia was acting, searching her eyes for some seconds, even though she tried to avoid his gaze, “Don’t lie to me, what's going on?” He asked, in a low soft voice.

She swallowed hard, before finally looking into his eyes, “Lucas, I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to worry….but I'm….I'm pregnant.” She said with her eyes closed, biting her lips, her heart pounding as she waited for Lucas' reaction.

There was a brief silence in the air for a moment, Lucas trying to processing what Olivia had just said with his eyes widened in shock, “Pregnant? Why was it difficult for you to tell me?”

“I was scared, Lucas. I didn't know how you'd react,” she admitted, taking a deep breath.

Lucas eyes softening as he took her hands in his. “Baby, you don't have to be scared. I’m here for you always. We’ll get through this together.”

Tears welled up Olivia's eyes as she nodded, “Thank you, Lucas. I’m just so overwhelmed.”

Lucas pulled her into a gentle embrace, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, “My baby is carrying my baby.” He said rubbing Olivia's stomach.

Olivia chuckled resting her head on his chest. She was filled with joy, she didn't know what to say.

Lucas held her tighter, resting his forehead against hers, “You and our baby are the most important things to me right now. We’ll figure everything out together.”

Tears welled up Olivia's eyes as she felt the weight of her fears lifting. She leaned deeper into Lucas , feeling safe and loved.

“I love you, Lucas.” Olivia whispered.

“I love you, too. ” Lucas replied, as their tongue explored each other.