No Escape from Love

I stared intently at Lucas, trying vehemently to figure out which was his true side.

Under my obvious scrutiny, he suddenly hid his usual confidence and pouted at me. "Serena, do I come across as... rather intimidating?"

"Why do you say so?" I was surprised by his question.

He scratched his hair like a bashful young man. "Well, I just thought you might think I'm two-faced."noveldrama

Having seen him bullied and also seen him struggling in life, I had nothing but respect for him. Chuckling, I reassured him, "Not at all! I think you're brave."

I made the remark earnestly, but he asked me in disbelief, "Is that true? Is that what you really think? Serena, your opinion matters a lot to me."

His enthusiasm confused me. "Why so?"

"That's because..." He flashed me a shy grin. "...you're my best friend."

Touched, I nodded in seriousness. "Every word I said was true."

"So, if I fail to..... take power, will you look down on me?"

I shook my head firmly. "Of course not. You've been through a lot. Failure or success, we'll still be friends. Just stay safe."

"Sure." He nodded furiously. "The Schneiders are the most appalling people I've met. They're hypocritical and untrustworthy. If I have the chance, I'll certainly crush them."

He spat out those words as though he had recounted some bad memories.

I was taken aback.

When I was in school, I read a book that claimed everyone had a dark side. Perhaps this was Lucas' dark side.

"Hey, stop overthinking."

The dishes had been served by now. I offered him a bowl of mushroom soup. "Mr. Schneider, you'll only wear yourself out by overthinking."

"I don't want to be called Mr. Schneider." He frowned. "Just Lucas or Luke will do."

I nodded. "Sure, Luke."

...

After dinner, I went back to the hotel.

To my amazement, Oliver informed me that Alex was already on his waya felt a mix of awe and expectations.

I had a fallout with Alex at his office the last time we met. After that, hadn't been speaking or meeting with him as I was busy with the business trip.

Now that Alex was about to meet with me, I suddenly felt a little awkward and self- conscious.

"Mr. Hastings would like you to pick him up at the airport with me," Oliver said merrily. "That will be 7:00 am tomorrow."

I nearly bit my tongue out of

surprise. He's arriving at 7:00 am? What's wrong with him? Does he need me to borrow the pom-poms from the cheerleading team and give him a warm welcome while I'm at it?

After I vented my frustration, I turned around and saw Oliver looking uneasy.

"What's that look on your face?" I shot him a confused look, wondering if he had lost his mind from all the business trips.