Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 35: A Restless Heart

Lucien sat in the dimly lit hospital room, the soft glow of the monitors casting shadows on the walls. He hadn’t slept properly in days, the worry for Ivy gnawing at him, keeping him alert and anxious. Her condition was stable, but the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on him. He glanced at her still form in the bed, her pale face a stark contrast to her usually vibrant self. Exhaustion finally tugged at him, and despite his best efforts to stay awake, Lucien’s eyes began to close as memories flooded his mind.

The first thing that came to him was the image of Ivy walking into Blackwood Enterprises for the first time. Lucien remembered standing in his office, glancing out the window as she confidently made her way through the bustling lobby. She was dressed in a crisp blazer and skirt, her hair neatly pulled back, exuding a quiet yet undeniable confidence. There was something about the way she carried herself—graceful, determined, yet approachable. Lucien couldn’t help but feel a spark of intrigue; she was not like the others who passed through his doors.

That day, Ivy had walked into his world and unknowingly turned it upside down. She was sharp, intuitive, and unafraid to speak her mind. From the first moment, she challenged him in ways he hadn’t anticipated, making him question his own perspectives. Lucien could still picture her standing in his office, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of defiance and curiosity, not backing down even when faced with his intimidating reputation. It was refreshing, and it sparked something within him—a desire to know more, to understand the woman who dared to stand toe-to-toe with him.

As Lucien dozed off, the memory shifted to the night of their first kiss. It had been after hours at the office, and they were the last ones there, working late to finalize a critical deal. Ivy had been focused, her attention on the documents before her, but Lucien’s mind was elsewhere. He watched her from across the room, her brow furrowed in concentration, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard. The sight of her so engrossed in her work only fueled his growing admiration.

Eventually, Ivy had leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms overhead and letting out a sigh of relief. “Finally,” she’d muttered, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. Lucien had walked over, unable to resist the pull any longer. Standing beside her, he’d made a teasing comment about her dedication, which she’d countered with a playful retort. Their banter was easy, natural—something Lucien had come to cherish.

The mood shifted, though, when Ivy turned to look at him, her expression softening. There was a moment of silence, a charged pause where neither of them moved. Lucien remembered how his heart had pounded in his chest, the unspoken tension between them thickening the air. He had reached out, brushing a stray hair from her face, and in that instant, the distance between them disappeared. Their lips met in a slow, tentative kiss, a gentle exploration of something that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long.

Lucien recalled the rush of emotions that surged through him—excitement, longing, and a sense of rightness he hadn’t felt in years. Ivy’s lips were soft, her kiss both hesitant and inviting, as if she, too, was discovering something unexpected yet deeply desired. It was a kiss that spoke of possibilities, of a connection that went beyond the confines of their professional lives.

The memory shifted again, this time to the first time Lucien had held Ivy in his arms. They had attended a company event together, a charity gala that was as much about networking as it was about philanthropy. Ivy had looked stunning in a floor-length gown, her hair styled in loose waves that framed her face perfectly. Throughout the night, Lucien found his gaze drifting to her, captivated by her grace and the ease with which she navigated the social scene.

Near the end of the evening, after countless introductions and obligatory small talk, they had found a quiet moment alone on the balcony. The city lights sparkled in the distance, casting a soft glow over them. Lucien had reached for Ivy’s hand, pulling her close as they stood side by side, the noise of the gala fading into the background. He remembered the feeling of her slender frame fitting perfectly against his, the warmth of her body offering a comfort he hadn’t realized he needed.

Lucien’s mind then wandered to the first night they spent together, a night that was less about passion and more about the quiet intimacy they shared. It had been a simple dinner at his place—takeout and wine, with no pretense or grand expectations. They had talked for hours, about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other’s company. When Ivy had leaned in to kiss him, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

They hadn’t rushed; every touch was deliberate, every glance meaningful. It was in the softness of Ivy’s voice, the way she whispered his name, and the gentle caress of her fingers tracing his skin. Lucien remembered the way she had smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and trust. It wasn’t just about physical closeness—it was about connection, about finding someone who saw him for who he truly was, beyond the business mogul and the polished exterior.

Lucien stirred in the chair, the memories slowly receding as he opened his eyes. The hospital room came back into focus, the sterile scent and the faint beeping of machines reminding him of the present reality. Ivy was still there, her presence both a comfort and a constant source of worry. He reached out, taking her hand in his, feeling the coolness of her skin against his warm palm.

He squeezed her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he whispered, “We’ve been through so much, Ivy. And we’ll get through this too.” The quiet resolve in his voice was as much for himself as it was for her. He wasn’t giving up—not on her, not on their future. There were still so many moments to be shared, so many memories to be made.

Lucien settled back, letting the weight of his memories and his hopes for the future keep him anchored. No matter what lay ahead, he knew he would face it all with Ivy by his side. Their journey was far from over, and Lucien was determined to make every moment count, one step at a time.