Lucas stopped dead in his tracks. The look he gave her was pure disgust
He couldn’t wrap his head around it. He’d given her everything–money, status protection. Why wasn’t it enough?
His temples were throbbing. Before he completely lost his shit, he grabbed Iris hy the arm and shoved her toward the door
She was bawling her eyes out, but right before he could slam the door, she squeezed back inside like her life depended on it.]
“Lucas, please! It wasn’t me! Don’t let them turn you against me! I swear on my life I didn’t do anything“]
Iris couldn’t figure out what the hell was so special about Brook. The woman had just spent six years in prison–she looked rough as hell now, nothing like the beauty she used to be. And Lucas had never even visited her once
So why was he losing his mind over this?
She was desperate. These past six years had been the best of her life. She’d rather die than go back to that trailer park hellhole.[]
Lucas, look at me! If you want to get married so had, marry me! I’ll say yes right now!“||
Lucas’s face twisted with irritation. Tve told you a million times–you’re like a sister to me.”
But was that really the truthy? Deep down, Lucas knew better
He and Iris both came from nothing. They’d seen each other at rock bottom, desperate and pathetic
Even now, with more money than he could spend in three lifetimes, seeing Iris took him right back to that insecure, broke kid he used to be.
He could take care of her, spoil ber–like he was making up for all the shit his younger self went through
But marry her? Hell no
He wanted Brook. That had never changed.]
It’s just that she used to be so bright, so confident. Even when she wasn’t looking down on him, her smile alone made him feel small.
He knew it was facked up, but he couldn’t help wanting to bring her down a peg. And then another. And another
Until she was drowning in the same mud he’d crawled out of
Only then would he feel satisfied
50 when Iris screwed up, that sick urge took over his brain like poison
He knew it made him a monster, but he did it anyway.
Lucas squeezed his eyes shut and finally threw Iris out for good.
The grand piano still dominated the living room
Tears burned his eyes, because he’d never told Brook the truth–he’d bought that piano for her.]]
He stumbled to his study and stared at their photo on his desk like a zombie.]
Then something occurred to him. He yanked open his drawer
Inside was a thick stack of photos–all of Brook during her prison years
He’d never visited, but he’d kept tabs on her every
single month.]]
Lucas flipped through them, r
rage building in his chest
Tor a split second, he alingot wished she was still locked up At least then he’d know exactly where she was
But now she’d run? Where the hell could she go?
Her parents were dead. Nobody else gave a damn about her.[]
Lucas clenched his fist and punched the window, Glass exploded everywhere.||
The sharp crack seemed to clear his head. He grabbed his phone and called his assistant
“I need you to find Brook’s grandparents‘ address.”
“NOW!“]
བཡང་ཨའ་
