Chapter 3

Velia did not know what feelings were currently raging inside her chest. Especially since she was in front of Lucas’s room.

As Velia recalled earlier, the CEO wanted her to come. But, for the sake of anything. she did not think that the CEO was Lucas Hernandez. The man who had been the most painful part of her past. Someone who made her go as far as possible to start a new life. So many years have passed, but why should they meet again?

Ironic, but Velia will never forget how that deep voice sounds familiar to her ears. Unchanged. Just like before.

Not only that but everything. Velia could see the current Lucas and compared it to the memories in her mind.

Lucas was still tall and big. His pair of sharp eyes still shone an aura of intimidation. Even his dense black hair was still as dark as Velia's last memory.

In Velia's view, nothing had changed for Lucas, other than the streaks of maturity that began to appear on the face. It gave the impression of strong and dashing at the same time.

Lucas was a point that Velia did not expect, but has recorded in the pages of her past. Born into a respectable and wealthy family. Blessed with intelligence and good looks. Blessed with calmness and an aura of dominance that can daunt anyone the interlocutor. As a result, it was not strange that many women fall in love even though he seems cold and scary.

Approaching Lucas was a real gamble. Between two choices, rejected or even hurt. He was like a God who will not be easily touched by just anyone. And being around him was a deal without words. Ready to feel hurt. Velia had already proved it and now she could only slump in her mind.

Of all the places I could work, why do I have to work here?

Knowing that no one could answer that question, Velia then tried to deal with the current situation. She took a deep breath, ventured to knock on the door. And Velia’s breathing stopped when she heard a voice from inside.

“Come in.”

Bracing herself, Velia forced her hand to press on the door leaf. Pushed slowly and her gaze immediately hit Lucas. The girl said nothing before she finally closed the door behind her back.

Finding Velia’s arrival, Lucas, who was behind the desk, suddenly stood up from his seat. For a moment, there was only silence between them. Not a single sound came from their lips. And then, as if waking up from the situation, Lucas seemed to move. Walking slowly approached Velia, who was standing in front of the door. His voice sounded hoarse when he called that name.

“Ve. Velia.”

Velia was not sure. Was the man in front of her really Lucas? Lucas who ever left her?

It was an old story that Velia wanted to bury deep. The memories that make her know that not all love stories would end happily. Instead, it would cause injury. It was a deep scratch and so difficult for her to forget. It took years for her to heal. And it used to be no small struggle.

Lucas stood in front of Velia. Reach out. Whether conscious, but the hand was outstretched to rub Velia’s cheek. But the girl moved a little, make his hand just touch the air. Holding the pain, he pulled down his hand. In the end, he pointed to the sofa.

Lucas nodded for a moment before he said. “Sit down.”

Once, Velia nodded briefly before she sat on sofa. So even with Lucas, who seemed to choose to sit in the chair opposite Velia.

“How are you, Velia?”

Velia held her breath in her chest for a moment. The possibility that Lucas was the CEO of the company where she worked was a different Lucas to the one she knew was gone. Of course, the Lucas in front of her was the Lucas she knew. And now, reunited after years of separation, Velia felt a dilemma. She did not know what to do with that guy.

Velia could only answer that question with a brief nod. With one word.

“Good.”

Lucas took a quick breath. Suddenly immediately welcomed Velia’s answer with his words.

“I’ve always been—”

However, Lucas’s words were cut short quickly by Velia. Forcing the man to hang his words in the air.

“I apologize for my negligence today, Sir. I sincerely apologize.”

Hearing Velia cut him off made Lucas stunned. He seemed to permeate Velia’s words to him just now. There was something wrong with her words.

“What did you say?” Lucas asked, as if he wanted to make sure that his ears did not hear wrong. “Sir?”

Velia gulped down her spit. She nodded. “Yes,” she replied softly. “Sir.”

Lucas was silent.

At that moment, Velia raised her face and trying to speak with a faint smile on her face. “You are the CEO of this company. Of course, I call you Sir, right?”

In the end, Velia knew what attitude she had to give Lucas. After a brief consideration in her mind, this was the safest path for her. Acting like nothing ever happened between them. Either in the past, present, or future.

Lucas’s heart stopped beating. His face looked incredulous. He was in shock. How could she call himself Sir?

Lucas cleared his throat. Then he stared at Velia. Unconsciously, he held his own chest.

“Ve, it’s me.”

“I know who you are,” Velia continued, squeezing her hands, which sweat. “You are boss here.”

“No!” Lucas was quick. “I’m Lucas.”

Velia took a deep breath. Lucas looked at her with a look that was difficult for her to interpret.

“You can’t forget me, Hon. No way. Sir? How could you call me that?”

Velia felt something hit her chest when she heard those words. But, as if ignoring the impact of his words on Velia, then Lucas stood up from his seat. As soon as possible moved to sit next to Velia.

As soon as possible, Lucas hold Velia’s hand until it eliminated the possibility of her to move. However, not enough to make Velia stunned by Lucas’s actions. A second later, she actually felt Lucas’s hand pulling over her body. Drown her in Lucas’s arms.

“Luc!”

Reflexively, Velia gasped at the man’s name. Both of her hands went up. Landed on his chest, trying to push him. She rebelled. But, let alone being able to break away, not even Lucas flinched. And for the action she did, Velia was stunned. Just when she felt that warm breath in her ears. In the quiet whisper she heard.

“I know you remember me, Velia. I know that.”

Gulping on the spit, Velia realized the mistake she had just made. Calling the man by name was the most fatal mistake she had made in her entire life. No exception. And maybe worse than it already is.

“Let go of me,” said Velia.

Lucas did not care. He instead tightened his arms. “I really miss you, Ve.”

Velia’s hands are clenched into Lucas’s chest. Lucas’s words made her feel even more confused. She could not express in words how messy her feelings were.

“Luc, let me go,” Velia begged as she took a deep breath. That actually makes Lucas’s body scent that she had not inhaled for a long time, jerking her olfactory nerves again. Velia did not want to, but it made her body remember the old days.

Lucas shook his head over Velia’s shoulders. “I won’t let you go, Ve. Will never let you go again.”

Velia’s eyes closed. “Lucas, don’t treat me like this. I’ve forgotten about you. Please.”

Lucas’s body instantly froze.

“I have completely forgotten you,” Velia continued. “I have long forgotten you. There is no relationship between us anymore.

“Ve.”

“We’re just superior and subordinate, Luc. Please. Don’t do this.”

Velia was desperate. Expected little, but in fact, she found how Lucas’s arms loosened. Make she can quickly disengage.

“Everything that happened between us is over, Luc. And I don’t want to remember it at all.”

For a moment, Lucas flinched. Only able to remain silent when blank, Velia stared at him. She shook her head slowly.

“W-what did you say?” asked Lucas.

“There is nothing between us anymore. It’s all over. We are nothing more than superior and subordinate. For what once happened between us, I just consider it the past only. The past is like an accident,” Velia said softly, with a sad smile. “An accident that I want to forget.”

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