WHEN THEY FALL IN LOVE

CHAPTER:5

LUCAS:

As I returned, I found Annabeth looking frustrated, her expression a mix of anger and distress. She rushed past me, and I could sense the tension in the air. Our dads had arranged for our seats to be next to each other, which felt like both a blessing and a burden given the circumstances.It was my turn to give a speech, a moment I had been preparing for as I would be taking over the company soon. I stood at the podium, feeling a wave of nerves wash over me as I spoke. Annabeth was there beside me, and after I finished, she gave her thank-you speech, but I noticed something was off.While many guests and influential figures congratulated me, I expected Annabeth to share in the moment. Instead, after her speech, she seemed to disappear. I looked around, scanning the room for her, but she was nowhere to be found.Finally, I spotted her walking out of the washroom, wiping her tears. My heart sank at the sight. I rushed over and gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, asking if she was okay. But then she broke down, tears streaming down her face as she yelled, "It was all because of you! My whole life is ruined because of you!" With that, she rushed back into the washroom, leaving me standing there, utterly shocked. Her words pierced through me like a knife, and I felt a deep pain in my chest. How had I hurt her? I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Confusion and guilt swirled in my thoughts as I struggled to understand what had gone wrong and how I could possibly help her. I knew I had to talk to her, but the weight of her accusation left me reeling, unsure of how to approach her again.I returned to the event, forcing a smile despite the turmoil inside me. After the program wrapped up, I stepped outside and knocked on the door of the suite we had booked next to the venue. I knew Annabeth had gone there because she was feeling unwell, claiming it was a bad stomach ache, according to her dad.When she opened the door, I could see the weariness in her eyes. I hesitated for a moment and then asked softly, "Can I come in?" She didn't verbally respond, but she shifted slightly, allowing me to step inside.Once I was in, I took a breath and broached the topic. "What's really going on?" I asked gently. That's when she finally confessed that her parents didn't let her date because my dad and hers had already planned for us to get married. The weight of her words hit me hard, and I felt a mix of empathy and frustration.Thinking quickly, I suggested, "How about giving this dating thing a shot with me? Only if you want to, of course." She paused for a moment, and then nodded, a flicker of hope in her expression.I stood up from the bed, extending my hand toward her. But as I watched her struggle to get up, it became clear she was too weak to move. Without hesitation, I stepped closer and gently lifted her up, cradling her in my arms. "Let's take it slow," I said softly, wanting to reassure her. "We can figure this out together." As I held her close, I felt a warmth spread between us, a promise of new beginnings despite the complications ahead.