Bittersweet Alignment

L U C A S

I sat in my spacious office, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. The desk was littered with papers, file folders, and various documents that I was rifling through. The light from the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated the room, casting shadows on my sharp jawline and chiseled features.

I glanced at my watch and sighed, my eyebrows furrowing in annoyance. I had a private jet waiting for me at the airport, but I still had not finished all the paperwork that needed my signature. I toggled the pen between the knuckles of my fingers, my mind racing through all the tasks that I needed to complete before I could leave.

Nona had specifically made it clear to me that I had to come home after almost a year of being away on countless of business trips.

I knew better than to go against her this time, the last thing I want is having her guards bring me instead, not that they stand a chance but for the sake of my reputation.

After Mum and Dad died, she played both roles for me and my siblings.

They died when I was nineteen, Hudson was eleven and Emma was nine.

It was a rough phase for all of us. Having to step in and take responsibility at such an age was challenging but nothing I couldn't handle.

I leaned back in the chair, rubbing my eyes with my fingers, trying to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to engulf me. I had hardly slept the last two days, my mind consumed with thoughts of the impending marriage to Alice.

I had never wanted to be attached to anyone, let alone get married. But with Alice, it was something different.

I shook his head, trying to clear my thoughts, and refocused on the pile of documents in front of me. I scribbled my signature on one after the other, each document inching me closer to freedom.

A call came through, I groan taking a glance at the caller ID; Alice.

A mild smile stole its way to my lips, keeping the pen aside and attending to my fiancée.

"Hey, babe." The noise bustling from the background had my ear stinging lifting the phone slightly away.

"Hello Lucas, are you there?" She asks if her pants are audible to my hearing.

Alice Jones, my soon-to-be bride.

The Moore and Jones have been business acquaintances for years or more like a family as they'd like to be referred to.

One thing led to the other; they decided on merging their companies a year before the death of Mr and Mrs Moore. Mr Jones suggested that if they would converge their business then so should their ties.

I, Alice, Evelyn, and Hudson have always been childhood buddies. The bond between Alice and I was a special type of connection. We've always gotten along.

We had grown so fond of each other and had only stopped to notice our feelings back in college where they made things official.

He hums in response.

"I can't make it to the gala event next week"

I tighten my grip on the phone and take a calming breath. "Alice, you promised me we'd go together. This is the second time this month you're canceling on me at the very last second. Couldn't you at least have given me some adequate notice?"

The phone rustles and Alice sighs. "I'm sorry, Lucas, I really wanted to be there, you know that. I wanted to support Emma and be there with you, but I just can't get away. I need to retake some shots, and it just hasn't been going too well."

"It's always the same excuses, Alice. I'm trying to be as supportive as I can be, but you're making it difficult. I can't always be the one who makes compromises."

"I know," she says, her voice soft. "I'll make it up to you."

"Is this because you don't want to be seen or photographed with me? Alice, we're getting married in a month. Don't forget about our agreement. The moment we're married, we're taking our relationship public, so what's the harm in us being captured together tonight?"

"Lucas, it isn't that. I promise it isn't. I'm taking so much time off for the wedding"

I run a hand through my hair. "I get it," I tell her, defeated. I do understand it, but I'm starting to lose hope that things will ever change. I used to think I was the luckiest man but it just doesn't feel that way anymore.

Ever since she got the Louis Vuitton gig our relationship has been going flip flop. Everything feels mechanical and off, and the excitement we should feel regarding our upcoming wedding is missing.

Was this wedding worth it?

I hiss, chanting curses. I don't know what's happening to us but it's getting exasperating each time.

Don't get me wrong, I love Alice but loving her came with a lot of sacrifices which most times I had to make.

I heaved out a sigh flickering my wrist to check on the time. It's three hours to the gala event. I have no excuse to make up and cancel, which leaves me with no choice but to attend alone.

So much for having a fiance.

A hiss spilled as I assembled the necessities heading towards the door.

I'll leave for New York immediately after the event. The last thing I want is having Nona send guards to get me to her.

Yes! She's that audacious.

"Mr. Moore, where is your fiancée?"

"Sir, will your wedding be globalized?",

"When will your bride be known to the world?"

"Who is the mysterious bride?"

I walk past the paparazzi ignoring the tone of the questions they shot. My bodyguards assisted in making sure they had kept their distance.

The formal setting of the venue complimented the aloofness of the guest. I roam my stare around in search of the host.

"Lucas" that voice, I knew exactly who it belonged to, my least favorite person. Anything that had to do with him was irking, he and I are business rivals, and no matter how much he tried to be ahead of me, I was always a step ahead.

Jason Rodriguez.

My jaw hardened. I twirl to meet his odious self yet I was struck by the most beautiful eyes; Hazel. The lady reminds you of a wild animal with luxurious wavy chestnut hair and is worn in a style that reminds you of the ray of the sun. And slender yet hygienic and healthy, her skin is pale, and has a pointed chin that suits her sass her wad rope is complicated and risqué with a mostly white scheme.

My heart leaped at the sight, my stare devouring more of her, I didn't miss the slight move she made clutching a little too much on Jason's hands.

Giving her a lad look I tore my gaze off sneering.

"It's Mr. Moore for you" My tune was harsh and precise.

He laughed. "Apologize. So I heard your wedding is in a month" his lips twitching to a smicker.

The lady beside him is the one person stopping me from willing off that look on his face.

She seems too familiar as though I've seen her somewhere or was it just a striking resemblance?

"Oh, pardon me. Meet Evelyn my secretary" he introduced.

I extend my hand forward for a shake. She kept me hanging for a sec or so before she slipped her hands into mine. I froze, as though splendor wasn't enough she had to be oozy.

Our hands fit perfectly, I held dense never wanting to let go. Was I infatuated with her? I could feel her hands slipping away which urged me to hold on a little bit tighter, my dick hardened as I bore my eyes into her hazel ones.

I could stare into her eyes all day and never get tired. They are bewitching and fiery, they fit superbly to their spot.

"Pleasure" I speak as I let go to which she nods averting her gaze from mine. She excused herself leaving the floor.

Shit! I may have made her excruciate.

"She's gorgeous, isn't she?"

He cut through my train of thought, I share that look that had his face smudge. Jason has bad records with women, it's infuriating that she had to be in the middle of him. The urge to protect her brewed inside of me.

Whoever she is, didn't deserve him one bit.

"Excuse me" I brush past him walking to attend to the rest of my business associates.

I met with the host and exchanged two or a few words and then it was my queue to leave. I've already had enough of this party after all.

I followed through the back dismissing the guards so as not to draw any attention, It's been a long day.

A don by the side had my steps come to a halt, my stare roaming around in search of the source. I traced the direction of where the sound was coming from marching towards it and to my utmost surprise, it was hazel.

"Hazel?" The word slipped, urging a quiver from her as she hurriedly wiped off her tears turning to face me, her lips spreading into a tight-lipped smile.

"Mr. Moore"

Fuck! Was everything ideal about her, even her hoarse voice sends a wave of desire crawling to my system?

"Is everything okay?"

She nods, avoiding my eyes, "Y-yes." She stutters.

I moved an inch closer as she took a step back, I took another step and so did she till there was no more space to move. I level my face towards her getting a hold of her chin, wanting her eyes lost in mine.

Her emotions were haywire; sadness mixed with guilt and resentment, so much for what though?

Jason? My teeth gritted at the mere thought of him hurting her. I don't get it, why am I bothered? Indulging in other people's business wasn't my thing, but what was it about Hazel that had me intrigued?

"What did he do?"

"Huh?"

"Jason. Did he hurt you?"

"-I, well-" She couldn't form a coherent sentence, definitely trying to cook up something.

"Don't lie to me" My tune is hard and intimidating.

I was consumed by her scent, lavender soft and soothing. I had to refrain from nuzzling into her neck and inhaling more of it.

Damn it! This woman is going to be the end of me.

"Speak"

She placed a hand on my chest trying to push me off as her lips trembled. Those eyes, I'm sure I've seen them somewhere, just where?

Who is this woman?

Her touch was misery knowing I couldn't erase the list I had towards her. I've learned to keep my package intact in every situation I find myself yet this woman was messing with that.

"Please" Visible tears accumulated at the brim of her eyes.

That got me back to my senses. I recline back, clearing my throat to fight back the edginess.

She steps away instantly making a move to leave yet I hold onto her wrist stopping her from waking any further, "Do I know you?" I couldn't help but ask.

She twisted her wrist out biting on her lips as she shared a look pondering whether to answer or not before her lips parted, "-No. I must leave now" With that, she strolled away my eyes glued to her till she left sight before I tore my gaze away heading for the car I had the driver park in for me.

I got into the car and the thought of the lady still rambling around my head as I ignited the engine scorching off.

Who was this mystery woman?

Hazel.