Chapter 9
477words
He must have discovered Sophia's selfishness. Once he realized the benefits weren't as great as expected, he began haunting me.
First came the barrage of calls—tearful confessions that Sophia had deceived him, that I was better.
After I blocked him everywhere, he started waiting outside my apartment and my workplace.
"Baby, one more chance! I know I was wrong!"
"Sophia's crazy! You're still the best..."
"Look, I kept our movie tickets! You've always been in my heart!"
He was like gum stuck to my shoe—putting on a show of deep affection while calculating the most profitable position between Sophia and me.
The third time Gregory harassed me at the building entrance, Lucas appeared.
He was carrying flower pots. Seeing the situation, he set them down and stepped in front of me. "Mr. Grant," he said calmly but firmly, "Brooke has broken up with you. This harassment is grounds for calling the police."
Gregory bristled like a cat with a stepped-on tail. "Who the hell are you? What right do you have to interfere between me and my girlfriend?"
Lucas didn't argue. He simply pulled out his phone, started recording, and aimed it at Gregory. "Please repeat what you just said and continue your behavior. It'll make excellent evidence."
Gregory's aggression wilted before the camera. Though he muttered curses, he didn't dare get physical again and eventually slunk away.
From that day on, Lucas always appeared exactly when I needed him.
Whenever Gregory showed up, day or night, Lucas would "happen" to pass by. He wouldn't argue—just silently position himself between us, raise his phone, and start recording.
His calm restraint made Gregory's hysteria look even more pathetic.
After each rescue, he'd invite me up for a latte: "It's a new sweet blend I've been experimenting with."
I'd catch subtle emotions in his glances. Logic told me to refuse, yet I always said yes.
Another evening, after Lucas had once again driven Gregory away.
The hallway fell silent, just the two of us remaining. Midnight light stretched our shadows, intertwining them.
I noticed beads of sweat on his temple from the confrontation. Without thinking, I reached up and gently wiped them away.
The gesture came so naturally that I surprised myself.
Lucas froze, his breath catching.
He looked down at me, his eyes bright in the dim light, swirling with complex emotions—surprise, concern, and something long suppressed but now impossible to hide.
We didn't speak. But something crystallized between us in that quiet hallway.
I knew we probably couldn't—shouldn't—take things further.
"What would you like to drink today?" Lucas waited by the elevator as usual.
But I stood frozen. "No thanks."
"Oh?" He paused, then quickly recovered, still smiling. "Really? Should I bring you something instead?"
"No need." My tone was sharper than intended. I couldn't meet his eyes.
"Okay."
