Chapter 3 - The diamond

Pain filled my head as I stirred from my slumber. Slowly, I blinked, the events of the previous night gradually coming back to me in fragments. With a groan, I sat up, rubbing my eyes and attempting to shake off the remnants of sleep. It took me a moment to fully register my surroundings, my mind still foggy from the effects of alcohol and exhaustion. Slowly, The memory of me drinking away my sorrows to the point where I shamelessly opened my shirt in front of…LUCAS!?

I quickly glanced down at myself. Relief flooded through me as I realized that I’m still fully clothed. My shirt was buttoned up, and thank God my jeans were still intact. I let out a sigh of relief, thankful that I hadn’t done anything too embarrassing in my drunken state.

But then, a sudden wave of embarrassment washed over me as I remembered stumbling out of the club, VOMITING ON THE PAVEMENT, and worst of all! Trying to UNDRESS HERSELF IN FRONT OF LUCAS! I hid my face in embarrassment, but suddenly my phone rang. With a heavy sigh, I reluctantly reached for the device, and answered it.

"Hello?" I greeted, my voice was hoarse from yesterday’s fun. "Amelia, dear, how are you?" my mother’s voice came through the line. Yesterday…yesterday was definitely not okay I thought to myself. “I’m..I’m okay, mom,” I replied, my embarrassment still fresh in mind. “So..uh–” I could feel a hint of hesitation in my mother’s voice. “What’s up mom?” My mother paused for a moment before speaking again. “Sweetheart, I know we talked about this yesterday, but have you made a decision about coming home?”

My heart skipped a beat, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, the thought of returning home filled me with worry but comfort at the same time. After a moment of silence, I’ve finally made my decision. “Yes mom, I’ve made my decision, I’ll…I’ll come home.”

My mother’s sigh of relief was palpable through the phone line, ‘Thank you, sweetheart,” my mother said softly. “We can’t wait to see you. Just let us know when you’ll be arriving, and I’ll make all the necessary arrangements.” I hummed, “I will mom, love you.” I swear I could hear my mom’s laughter from the other line, “I love you too, dear. Take care of yourself,” my mother replied before ending the call.

I sighed heavily, unable to move any inch of my body due to the pressure. Suddenly, my heart skipped a beat at the sound of metal hitting the ground, my mind immediately racing with fear and panic. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone else was in the room with me, someone who didn't belong. With a surge of adrenaline, I forced myself to sit up, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger, I walked towards the kitchen while holding a cat shaped pen, ready to launch.

And there it was, when I opened the slide door, I saw him - Lucas, standing in the doorway with a shocked expression on his face. “Lia, what the fuck!?” he said, his gazed fixed upon the pen on my hand. “Luas!” I exclaimed, relief flooding through me. “You scared me to death! I thought you were a thief or something!” Lucas looked at me, with an unbelievable expression on his face. “What are you trying to do with that..?” he said, pointing at the cat pen. “Of- Ofcourse to…kill you?” I said lowering the pen. Why does that  sound so wrong..Lucas cocked a brow, “kill me? With a pen? Jesus christ Amelia, you need to learn some self defense,” Lucas teased. “

I rolled my eyes as I walked back towards the sofa and slumped myself. “Here, I made you some hangover soup,” Lucas said as he put a bowl of hot boiling soup in front of me. My stomach immediately grumbled at the sight and aroma of the steaming soup. I couldn’t deny the enticing scent that wafted up from the bowl, tempting me. With a hesitant smile, I picked up the spoon and took a cautious sip, my taste buds instantly coming alive with the rich flavors of the broth. It was delicious, savory, and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning to tantalize my palate.

"Wow, Lucas, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise. "I had no idea you could cook like this." Lucas grinned proudly, a twinkle of satisfaction in his eyes. "Well, I may not be a professional chef, but I know my way around a kitchen," he replied modestly. "Glad you like it." I nodded enthusiastically. After finishing the soup, I glanced at Lucas, the memory of last night still replaying in my mind. Heat rushed to my cheeks but I decided to just ignore it and focus on what’s important. “Hey Lucas, about your offer the other day, is it still available?” Hearing that, Lucas turned his attention to me, “Does that mean you’re going home?”

Hearing Lucas's question, I hesitated for a moment, my mind grappling with the decision I had made. But then, with a determined nod, I met his gaze with a sense of resolve. “Yes, I’ve decided to go home,” I replied, my voice steady despite the uncertainty that still lingered. “And I was wondering if your offer to drive me there is still on the table.” His expression softened, a flicker of excitement passing through his eyes. “Of course, Lia,” he said, his tone gentle and full with certainty. “I meant it when I offered. I’ll take you wherever you need to go.” He said, showing his bright and sweet smile.

I chuckled lightly, Lucas has always been my rock, my constant source of support and reassurance. “So when are we leaving?” Lucas said, sitting next to me. “I don’t know, how about next week?” my gaze fixed on him, hoping that he’ll agree. After a moment of consideration, he nodded, “It’s settled then, I’ll pick you up at your apartment.” Before I can say anything, “and, no rejection allowed” he added. I frowned at Lucas's words, feeling a mixture of amusement and annoyance. "Fine, no rejection," I conceded with a playful roll of my eyes. "But only because I know you won't take no for an answer anyway."

Lucas grinned in response, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's the spirit, Lia," he said, his tone teasing. "I'll see you next week then.” With that, Lucas grabbed his jacket and made his way towards the door. I waved him goodbye as he left my apartment.

These few days have been pretty hectic, with packing up my belongings, saying farewell to some of my friends, and preparing mentally for whatever’s ahead. “Are you ready?” Lucas' voice snapped me back from my thoughts. “Yea, of course.” I said reassuringly. “Here let me take your luggage,” he said, taking my luggage.  And so we left for our journey.

The man glared at his henchman, “are you sure she’s going to be back in town?” he demanded, his voice laced with a hint of menace. The henchman nodded, his expression confident. "Yes, boss," he replied, his voice low and gruff. "Our sources have confirmed it. She's due to arrive in town within the next few days." The man's lips curled into a small smile, a glint of anticipation dancing in his eyes. "Good," he said, his voice dripping with impatience. "Make sure everything is ready." The henchman nodded and left the room. “I’m not going to let you run away from me this time, Amore..

----------------------------------------------

The flight took us 15 hours to get from Europe to China, a long journey that completely drained my every strength. I walked around the airport, taking care of my luggage while trying to shake off the lingering exhaustion from the flight. The familiar surroundings of the Chinese airport seemed to blur together as I navigated through the crowds of people, my mind still foggy from the long hours spent in the air.

As I trudged wearily through the airport, my thoughts consumed by the desire for a warm bed and a hot shower, I suddenly felt a jolt of impact as I collided with someone. Startled, I stumbled backward, my heart racing as I struggled to regain my balance.

"I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I glanced up to meet the gaze of the person I had bumped into. Standing before me was a tall, brown-haired man with piercing eyes and a faint hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. Somehow, I could feel a hint of familiarity with this man. "It's quite alright," he replied, his voice smooth and melodic, with a hint of an accent that I couldn't quite place. "stai bene?" I looked at him confused, but then he suddenly burst into laughter, “I’m sorry, what I mean is, are you alright m’lady?” he said, offering his hand.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his sudden switch in language, the unexpected Italian catching me off guard. "Ah, I see," I replied with a smile, appreciating his lightheartedness. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you." Accepting his offered hand, I allowed him to help me regain my balance, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort in his touch. "Grazie," I said, grateful for his assistance. He smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. "Prego," he replied, his Italian accent adding a touch of charm to his words. "I'm glad to hear that you're alright."He chuckled softly, a warm twinkle in his eyes. "I know the feeling," he said sympathetically. "Long flights can be quite exhausting, especially when you're traveling from Europe"

I cock a brow, “Are you flying from Europe too?” The man's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly composed himself. "Ah, yes, I am," he replied smoothly. I narrowed my eyes, sensing something off about his demeanor. "Funny, I don't recall seeing you on the flight," I remarked, my tone skeptical. He chuckled lightly, before I could interrogate him any further, Lucas called out to me from across the bustling airport terminal. "Amelia, come on! Your mom is here!” I turned to glance back at Lucas, momentarily distracted by his urgent tone. “Wait! I needed to talk to someone first!” But when I turned back to where the man had been standing just moments before, he was nowhere to be found. I looked around to find the trace of that man, but nothing. “Amelia! Hurry!” Lucas’s voice snapped me back, “Yea, I heard you! Wait!” I said catching up with Lucas.

As I walked, my mind couldn’t help but dwell on the mysterious encounter with that man. Thoughts raced through my mind as I followed Lucas through the bustling airport terminal, my steps quickening with each passing moment. Who was that man? Why do I feel like I’ve seen him before? Lucas, who probably noticed my distracted demeanor, glanced at me, “Is everything okay, Amelia?” He asked, his voice filled with genuine concern

I nodded absentmindedly, forcing a smile onto my lips. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, though my mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of that man. Lucas just nodded and led me through the bustling airport, weaving through the crowd until we were met with a familiar figure standing in the entrance. She smiled widely as she caught a glimpse of us, her eyes lighting up with joy and excitement as we approached. "Amelia, darling!" my mother exclaimed, pulling me into a tight embrace. "It's so good to see you!"

"I've missed you too, Mom," I replied, returning her hug with equal warmth. Lucas stood by my side, a silent pillar of support, as my mother and I exchanged greetings. With his reassuring presence, I felt a momentary sense of relief from the lingering thoughts that had consumed me since our encounter with the mysterious stranger.

As we made our way towards the exit, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that still lingered within me. Though my mother's presence brought a sense of familiarity and warmth, the memory of the man's sudden disappearance continued to haunt me, casting a shadow over our warm reunion.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***