Secretly Mine

"Leslie. There's something I want to tell you. It's something that's been buried deep in my heart since the moment I first saw you on stage."

He paused, taking a deep breath, then looked into my eyes.

"Leslie. I'm in love with you."

.

..

...

I felt like all time had stopped. The only thing I could hear was my own heartbeat.

Lucas loves me?

While I had a slight suspicion that he had feelings for me, I didn't expect him to boldly profess his love to me so suddenly.

He squeezed my hands slightly and continued.

"I'm sorry if it's so sudden, and I don't expect an answer from you right away. All I ask is that you consider me." He shifted slightly in place, "My intentions are serious. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Every muscle in my body was frozen stiff. All I could do was look him in the eyes as I processed his words.

Lucas wants to marry me...

"Lucas...I--"

"Shh. Please. Don't answer me now. Something like this shouldn't be discussed without a good amount of thought. Take your time, and reply only when you're ready."

His voice was gentle, and there wasn't any pressure coming from him. He flashed me a small smile and finally let go of my hands, taking a step back.

"I just needed to get that off my chest. It's been something that's been on my mind for a while now, and I figured this was as good a time as any to let you know."

Lucas scratched the side of his head with a slightly nervous laugh, "That being said. I also need to let you know that I'll be gone for the next few days. I have a short business trip out of the country, so our painting lessons will have to be put on hold for a little while."

"Oh, okay," I nodded, unsure of what else to say. There were so many thoughts and emotions circling inside of me that I didn't know what to make sense of.

"Come, it's about time I brought you home. I don't want your parents to worry about you," Lucas said with a smile. "Oh, and Leslie, truly, please take all of the time you need. I won't bring this up again unless you want me to. Okay?"

My lips curved up into a smile. "Okay," I nodded.

-

After changing out of the dress, Lucas drove me home. Luckily, he made things very easy on me, and I surprisingly didn't feel awkward around him even after such a sudden confession.

"Have a safe business trip!" I said as I got out of the car.

"Thank you. I look forward to our next painting lesson. Have a good evening," he replied with a bright smile.

I watched his white car drive out of our driveway and disappear into the night, and only turned to enter the house after it was fully out of view.

Being with Lucas...

Lucas always made me feel warm and cheerful when I was with him. I've always enjoyed his company. If I agreed, it could also potentially solve the issue with Karl...

I stepped into the house, immediately noticing that my father was sitting in the living room with my mother.

"Leslie. You're finally home. Come here," he ordered.

Anxiety surged through me. Anytime my father looked for me was never for anything good. I took a step into the living room, waiting for him to speak.

The only saving grace was that he didn't look overly angry, though his expression lacked any warmth.

"I'm glad to see that you've managed to earn Christian's forgiveness. I was recently notified that he agreed to a collaboration I've been trying to push for a while now," he said with a smug expression.

I fought the anger that was trying to burst its way out of me by clenching my hands so hard that my palms were starting to swell. Everything he said was always so infuriating.

While he spoke, my mother continued to glance me up and down, most likely looking for something to scold me for, appearance-wise.

"Oh, before you go, there's one other thing," he said, crossing his arms. "Next week, there's an event that you'll be attending. I already told your mother to make sure you're dressed appropriately, but be sure to cancel any silly lessons you've decided to take up."

"An event?" I asked, confused.

Why does it seem like I'll be the only one attending? What sort of event is this?

"You'll see when you get there," he said before turning his attention back to the paper in front of him.

I waited a moment longer, hoping for a further explanation, but it was all in vain. After realizing that I wasn't going to get any more information, I turned around and made my way to my room.

My hands shook as the anger was finally allowed to surface. The last time I was told to do something similar to this, it ended up being an impromptu engagement ceremony for Karl and me.

Don't tell me this is some courthouse wedding?

Fear and anger surged at the thought. There was no way they were going to make me marry that man! I would rather run away and live on the streets than be his woman.

As soon as I reached my bedroom, I slammed the door shut and collapsed on my bed. I hated it. I hated how I was never asked for my input, and simply told what to do like a slave.

At least he told me in advance this time.

If this event really had anything to do with Karl, I swore that I would run away.

-

After the initial bout of anger finally subsided, my thoughts returned to Lucas. His bold confession left a big impression on me.

Logically, there wasn't anything that should keep me from accepting. If anything, his timely confession could save me from landing in Karl's clutches. But there was something deep inside that wasn't pulling me in.

I closed my eyes to figure out what was keeping me from happily accepting. Life with Lucas would most likely be very comfortable, stable, and free. All the things I've craved my entire life.

Then why? Why am I not jumping from joy right now?

"Leslie."

Suddenly, Christian's deep, magnetic voice sounded in my mind.