The obsession begins
7:00 AM - Private Club Suite
Lucien Moretti was still asleep in the private suite of the downtown elite club. His face looked more peaceful than it had in weeks.
But slowly, his consciousness began to rise. His hand moved across the bed.
Lucien
(suddenly wide awake)
Where the hell—?
There was no one beside him. He sat up immediately, checked the time on his phone.
Lucien
(grabs fist full hair)
Seven? F*ck!!!
He ran a hand through his tousled hair, scanned the room, picked up his pants—checked his wallet.
Lucien
(smirks)
Of f#cking course... some cash is missing.
But instead of being angry, he just chuckled and shook his head.
The memories of last night rushed back in.
Lucien Moretti — the man women would kill to spend a night with — had been outplayed.
That girl… her eyes, her voice… her mouth.
She had crawled into his head like a drug.
Lucien
(grinning to himself)
She played me. Bold of her.
Just then, his phone rang.
Assistant Celon
(over phone)
G-Good morning, sir! You have a meeting at 10 a.m.
Lucien
(curtly)
I’ll be there.
He hung up. No goodbye. No expression.
Just pulled his shirt on, grabbed his coat, and left.
Moments Later – Lucien’s Penthouse
Steam filled the bathroom as Lucien stood under the shower, water cascading down his muscular back.
Eyes closed, hands in his hair—
But all he could see was her.
Lucien
(whispers to himself)
What the fuck is happening to me?
He slammed his fist against the wall, then stepped out.
Wrapped a towel around his waist, walked to the mirror—
And saw her.
Not really—
Just her reflection in his mind. Laughing, teasing, just like she had in that corridor.
Lucien
(to himself)
No. Hell no.
Snap out of it, Lucien. She’s just another girl. Not the first. Definitely not the last.
Later – The Moretti Estate, Dining Room
The breakfast table was set. Croissants, fruit, espresso—all Lucien’s favorites.
Camilla Moretti (his mother)
Lucien! Come sit down. I had the chef make everything you love today.
He didn’t reply. Just took his usual seat, stoic as always.
A sleek sports car pulled into the driveway. Seconds later, a tall, attractive young man walked in with a cocky grin.
Adrian
Morning, fam! Sorry I’m late—five seconds tops!
Lucien
(deadpan)
You’re late.
Adrian
Don’t be so dramatic, bro. I’m not your girlfriend.
Lucien glared at him. Adrian raised both hands in surrender.
Camilla Moretti (his mother)
Adrian, sweetheart! How’s your family? Everything good?
Adrian
Everything’s perfect, Aunt Camilla. I’m actually planning to launch my own boutique hotel soon.
Camilla Moretti (his mother)
That’s wonderful! You know, our Judith just finished her degree in hotel management. Maybe she could intern with you?
Adrian choked on his coffee. Lucien gave him a death stare.
Camilla Moretti (his mother)
Adrian? Son, Are you okay?
Adrian
(Quickly nods) *through his peripheral saw Judith glaring at him or to be more precise she was practically throwing daggers at him through her eyes. Avoiding her gaze he looked at Camilla*
Judith (Sister)
(Quickly looked down at her plate, sadness flickering across her face)
Adrian
I’m fine, Aunt Camilla. Just... the coffee went down the wrong way.
Camilla Moretti (his mother)
Camilla smiled, but Lucien checked his watch and stood.
Lucien
Adrian. Let’s go. I’m running late.
Adrian
(mumbling with a mouthful of food)
But—wait—I didn’t finish—
Lucien
(already walking)
You’ve eaten enough.
Judith (Sister)
(mutters under her breath)
Pig. God knows how much he has to eat. *irritated*
No one heard her. Except Adrian. And he definitely noticed.
Adrian
Could you not drag me out mid-bite every time?
Lucien
You were eating like a prisoner on his last day.
Adrian
Still better than starving with you.
Anyway, I don’t get it. You have two brothers, a sister, your parents, your grandma—
Why the hell do you live alone? You show up once a week like you’re doing them a favor.
Lucien
(flatly)
Because I don’t like what I don’t like.
Adrian
Wow. That’s the same damn answer you’ve given me for ten years.
Adrian
Because I keep hoping one day, you’ll tell me the truth.
You care about them. You show up when needed. So what is it that keeps you at a distance?
Lucien didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled into the parking lot of Moretti Global Textiles.
Adrian
(muttering)
You dodged again.
Inside Moretti Global Textiles
Lucien tossed his car keys to the valet without looking. Slipped on his sunglasses and adjusted his blazer.
Adrian walked beside him, still annoyed.
Adrian
You never answer, do you?
Lucien
Lucien Moretti doesn’t believe in attachments.
His assistant, Celon, greeted them both at the entrance.
Adrian
Morning, Celon. Do us all a favor—get your boss a full breakfast before his rage eats us alive.
Lucien
Bring the 10 a.m. meeting file to my office. Five minutes.
Everyone sat in anticipation. Celon presented the project.
Investor (Mr. Robinson)
Very impressive, Mr. Moretti. Could you explain this section further?
Celon, didn't need any signal from Lucien as he began to elaborate, but before he could finish—
Investor (Mr. Robinson)
I’m sorry, Mr. Moretti...
But this proposal is copied.
Lucien
(eyes narrowing)
What?
Investor (Mr. Robinson)
I received this same pitch this morning—from Adelia Textiles.
Lucien clenched his jaw. His mind went straight to last night.
Her. The girl.
The investor stood up and left. Silence fell over the room.
Celon’s hands trembled, but he said nothing.
Lucien stormed out.
Lucien
(snaps, slamming the table)
You idiot, Lucien!
She was a goddamn thief!
Lucien threw his coat across the room. Knocked over a chair. Kicked it again and again.
Then collapsed into his chair, breathing heavily.
Lucien
I’m going to find her.
Wherever she is... she’s not getting away with it.
He grabbed a pencil and started sketching—her face. Her eyes. Her smirk.
Assistant Celon
Sir, your next meeting—
Lucien
(furious)
Cancel EVERYTHING today!
Everyone outside fell silent. Inside, Lucien stared at her sketch.
Lucien
You have no idea what you’ve started.
I’m not just some rich boy you can play.
I will find you, Whoever you are!
Lucien
(into intercom)
Celon. Come in. Now.
Assistant Celon
(hesitant)
Yes, sir?
Lucien
(sliding the sketch across the table)
Find her. I don’t care how. I want her.
Assistant Celon
(Shuddering and Stammering) Who... who is she?
Lucien
(not looking up)
I don’t know.
Assistant Celon
(swallows hard)
Name?
📚 Author ✍🏻
That was Celon’s cue to walk out silently.
📚 Author ✍🏻
To be continued…
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