235: 046 THE FLASHBACKS

046 THE FLASHBACKS

The butler handed us the menu.

The cuisine was quite new to me as if I'd just read the names for the first time even though as far as I knew, I've been living in the country for most of my life.

Unable to decide what to eat, Lucas did the ordering himself, carefully selecting the food which he thinks we will both like.

The butler left with the list of our order.

While waiting for our orders to arrive, Lucas lit the remaining candles on the center table, thus filling the air with the relaxing scent of fresh rosewood.

The soft lights coming from the candle, accompanied with the moonlight illuminate his face, making him look like a demigod with his strong, aristocratic features. 

I tried to tear my gaze off his face but it's impossible now that I found myself drawn into him.

I knew exactly why women were drawn towards him despite his notorious influence and not so pleasant reputation. There was something in him that women can't resist, and it's not simply about his charm.

He was a man, not just a man but a very dangerous one. Despite that, women were attracted to him like magnets. Good looks aside, it could be perhaps his personality that had women flocking around him like sheeps. To finally admit it to myself, I'm one of those women.

"Did I pass your standards?" Lucas spoke, jolting me out of my thoughts. When my focus gaze landed on him, I saw the faint, amused smile right at the corners of his lips.

My cheek warmed. He just caught me drooling at him and somehow it made me feel so embarrassed. Despite my embarrassments, I managed to smile back at him. "You're overqualified." I replied before I could stop the words from coming out.

Lucas' eyes flickered. He crosses his arms beneath his chest and slightly raises an eyebrow. "Rate me from 1 to 10." He said, amused to hear such blunt honesty from my lips.

Pretending as though thinking, my fingers touched my jaw then in a sincere manner I responded, "Eleven."

He roared with laughter until tears stung his eyes. "Is that your way of saying you want a salary increase?"

No. I want your heart. I thought to myself but I did not dare to speak the words knowing I would only embarass myself.

"Salary increase? No, I want the Chief Executive Officer position."

"You know I could give you that position if you'd ask." He was serious this time as he said the words.

"Nah, that would only be trouble. I'm just joking. I'm content with my job."

"Well, if you change your mind just tell me."

"Nope. I'm happy at how things are right at the moment. Besides, Your girlfriend will undoubtedly murder me if that happens."

"Scarlet is not my girlfriend." He corrected me. The words came out loud and clear, like angel's just singing in my ears.

Yet again, I was unable to restrain my tongue when the words slipped out. "She thinks she was your lover." 

"What we have wasn't serious. She knew that before she threw herself at me."

"But the woman is in love with you, Nic. I can't blame her."

"She knew where she stood. She understood the deal between us. Whatever she feels about me, it will change once she finds the right man. And besides, I only have my eye on one woman." He said the words with clarity and something that resembled jealousy pierced my heart.

"She's a very lucky woman." I mumbled softly.

"Indeed." He smiled. It was a kind of smile that lit up his whole face and made the stars shine in his eyes. "But I'm luckier to have her in my life." Lucas meaningfully added with his eyes staring straight at me.

Before I could ask what he meant by that, we were interrupted with the arrival of our orders. By the time we were alone again, my courage to ask him evaporated into thin air.

After our conversation, I avoided looking straight in his eyes, fearing he would notice the jealousy lurking beneath my impassive facial expressions. Despite being his wife, I have no right to feel that way especially when I'm the one who pushed him away.

We ate in silence.

It was when we're done with the main course and the dessert, and was sharing a bottle of wine when he noticed how silent I'd become. He asked me if I was alright and I told him I'm fine. He seemed to believe what I said and raised his glass in the air.

"Toast to a new beginning."

Though not sure what he was talking about, I still raised my glass anyway. "To a new beginning."

The wine was sweet, tasty, and had a soothing effect on my system. All the negative energy I feel lingering inside me, disappeared as the warm liquid drift down my throat.

We're enjoying our glasses when his phone rang. Lucas ignored the call. I can't seem to ignore it and my eyes drift to his phone which was on his pocket, wondering if it was important.

At first I tried to ignore it as he advised but it won't stop ringing, demanding it should be answered or it won't stop ringing at all. Unable to take it anymore, I told Lucas I won't mind if he answers it.

A sigh emerged from his lips as he lowered the now empty glass on the table. "Are you sure you want me to answer the call?" He politely inquired.

"I don't mind. It must be important."

Lucas finally picked up the phone and pushed the answer button. "Hello," His authoritative voice responded and whoever was in the line must be someone important for he abruptly rose on his seat and excused himself.

I continue to enjoy my remaining glass of wine. By the time I finished my own glass, Lucas still hadn't returned to our table.

The call was taking so long. It was worrying. I wonder if everything was alright.

Unable to take it anymore, I rose from my seat and found myself approaching the pool side. Lucas was still busy on the phone only this time, an intense look had occupied his handsome face.

I wonder what could be the reason that made his mood shift to that grave seriousness.

My gaze drifted back to the pool. It looked so clear and blue and I could almost see my reflection in it.

Engrossed by the reflection of stars and the moonlight gleaming through the water, I remained standing there until I heard the footsteps behind me.

Must be Lucas. I thought to myself, thanking the heavens that the call was over. 

I summoned a bright smile on my lips before turning to him however I barely moved an inch when a hand shoved me hard on the shoulders. The pressure applied was forceful enough for me to fall on the monstrous swimming pool.

My body sunk into the bottom.

My feet wiggled and so did my arms, trying to bring me up to the surface to breathe some air. But for some reason my legs began to tingle and feel numb.

Seriously, not now. I thought to myself as I sank deeper into panic and despair. No matter how hard I swam, I couldn't swim to the surface and I'm almost out of breath.

Cold water filled my lungs. My Chest tightened and the only thing I knew right that moment is I'm dying.

Please help me Lucas…. My fuzzy brain screamed, wishing he would come to my rescue before it was all too late.

My strength diminished. My eyesight blurred.

While I was still clinging to the hope I could survive this ordeal, memories unfamiliar to me began flashing on my thoughts.

It was hard ro believe them but they look as clear as day.

"Congratulations Miss. Arabella Angelstone. You are now the CEO of AA cosmetics." A man said and I saw a woman looking at the mirror, her hair coiffed into an elegant chignon, making her look like a queen. The woman looked different for some reason but I knew she was me.

"Thank you, Liam. I wouldn't be where I am now without you. I'm glad to be your wife."

The man named Liam smiled, "I'm luckier to be your husband."

CEO? AA Cosmetics? Husband?

It doesn't make sense but it feels so damn right as though it's a part of me.

Was those were my real memories?1

Was Arabella Angelstone my real name?

Before I could even figure it out, my tired limbs stopped moving, numbness had taken over my legs. Despite the urge to fight, hopelessness plunged me deepeer into the bottom of the pool. 

My eyes slowly snapped close.

I wanted to live. I wanted to survive. There's still a lot of things I have to do.

Those were my last thoughts before I stopped moving and total darkness engulfed me in.

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