Had he just been flirting with some poor girl in a skirt? This pervert assistant of mine. And here I was, actually considering extending his leave.
He cleared his throat loudly to make his presence known. The two startled, and the woman quickened her steps, turning to leave.
"Don't forget our appointment, lady!" Mark shouted after her.
When she finally disappeared, he turned back to me with wide, innocent eyes. Puppy eyes, really? I knew he was like family, but honestly?
"Lucas, how come you're here?" he asked, raising his brows with exaggerated drama. "So you finally realized the importance of having a handsome assistant by your side, huh?"
Not only was he a pervert, but a narcissist too.
"I see you still have plenty of energy left to make appointments with ladies," I said coolly.
"Boss, I'm currently on leave. Remember?"
"And I'm the one who approves it. Remember."
His eyes widened in horror. I'd only been teasing him, but seeing his reaction, I felt like dragging this game a little further.
"You're not… cancelling my leave, are you? How can you do this? I got this bullet because of you!" he cried.
"How could I cancel it," I replied with a straight face, "when my dear friend got injured while saving me?"
The earnest way he tried to convince me was too much—I burst into laughter.
"Lucas… you're playing with me! You're so bad."
He hurled a pillow at me, but I ducked swiftly. If anyone from the company saw us right now, they'd probably be stunned into silence. In the office we were the picture of professionalism. Here? We looked like two kids bickering.
"Jokes aside," I said once I caught my breath, "I really do need you to resume work. I spoke to your doctor. It wasn't a major surgery, and you're the only one I can trust with this project."
He groaned dramatically, clutching his shoulder left. "But I can't move my arm…"
I shook my head. "For your kind information, you were shot near your right shoulder, not your left. You know these projects better than anyone. That's why I need you."
He smirked knowingly. "I get it. It's only been one day since I went on leave, and you already miss me. You can't live without me, can you?"
"I'm not one of your ladies you can flirt with. Your work will be in your inbox soon."
"Fine then," he muttered. "So why did you come anyway?"
"I came to meet Bella's daughter. She had surgery today."
His smugness vanished instantly. "How is she?"
"Stable now." I stood. "Oh, by the way, once you receive my schedule, clear tomorrow's slot from one to three p.m. I'll visit Rachel when she's awake."
I left, and out of the corner of my eye I saw him pinch himself.
"Ah… it hurts. Did Boss really say he wanted to meet the little girl? What a lucky child. Or… is it because of her mother?"
---
The next day, I returned to see Rachel—this time with both hands full of gifts and snacks. I entered the room quietly and found Bella coaxing her daughter to take her medicine. Rachel, however, was pouting fiercely and turning her head away, refusing the bitter taste.
Bella, in her own attempt to convince her, was pouting right back, which only made the little one giggle and refuse harder.
I coughed lightly to announce my presence. Both mother and daughter turned their heads at once.
Bella rose from her chair with a soft smile. I returned it and looked at Rachel.
"Hello, Bella. Hello, Rachel."
"Hello, Mr. Handsome!" Rachel beamed. "Did you come to meet me?"
"Of course. And look, I brought you something."
Her eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Handsome!"
I placed the bags on the table, only to turn back and find Bella standing behind me. She was wearing a simple floral dress, hands resting on her waist. She looked… beautiful.
"Lucas," she said softly, "why did you bring so many things? There was no need."
"Why? You don't like them?"
"It's not that, but—"
"I love them, Mumma!" Rachel cut in quickly. "Can't we keep them? Pretty please?"
Her exaggerated cuteness almost made me laugh out loud.
"Fine, you win," Bella sighed.
"Mr. Handsome is the best! Can I eat one now?" Rachel's hand reached for a chocolate, but Bella lightly tapped it away.
"No. You haven't taken your medicine yet. And we just had lunch a few minutes ago, remember?"
Rachel's little face fell. Then she looked up at me, eyes wide, lashes fluttering. Oh no. Puppy eyes. How was I supposed to resist that? This little angel wanted me to convince her mother.
But when I turned to Bella, her face was perfectly blank. The kind of look that carried a silent warning—don't you dare. Her aura practically screamed: open your mouth and it'll be your last day.
Right. Understood. Better keep quiet, Lucas.
"Do you have something to say to me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, arms crossed.
"Yes," I said quickly, turning to Rachel. "I was going to say that you should listen to your mother. She's right."
Bella nodded approvingly, a small smile tugging at her lips. Rachel pouted but finally swallowed her medicine.
"Thank you, for the gifts," Bella said, "and for helping me get her to take it."
"No worries."
"I'm sorry, I didn't ask you earlier. Would you like something to eat or drink?"
"I don't need anything, thank you."
Rachel perked up. "Mumma, I finished it! Now can I have my snack?"
"Fine, but only one. Okay?"
Rachel nodded eagerly and reached for her treat. Bella, fussing as always, reminded her, "Careful, baby. You're hurt there. Don't move too much or it'll hurt."