Chapter 17 Lines, Lies, and an Invitation
Lucian’s office had always been intimidating.
Floor-to-ceiling glass, muted colors, sharp angles—everything screamed control.
Power. Distance.
Arielle stepped inside and immediately felt it pressing down on her shoulders.
…So this is where he rules the world.
Lucian loosened his tie slightly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
She looked calm, curious even, but her fingers kept brushing the strap of her bag—a tiny habit he’d begun to notice whenever she was nervous.
“Make yourself comfortable,” he said.
She nodded. “I will.”
She didn’t sit at his desk.
Instead, she wandered.
Examining the bookshelf.
The framed awards.
The city stretched beneath the glass like a toy world.
Lucian watched her longer than he should have.
She doesn’t belong here…
And yet she fits disturbingly well.
The door opened abruptly.
“Father.”
Rhett’s voice cut through the room, sharp and businesslike.
Behind him came Darian and Zayden—all three dressed impeccably, expressions serious in a way that made Lucian sigh internally.
I know that look.
They’re here to start something.
Arielle turned.
“Oh,” she said softly.
“Hi.”
The sons froze.
Every single one of them.
Rhett had been mid-step, jaw already set for confrontation—ready to deliver his carefully prepared speech about boundaries, distance, and staying away from their mother.
But now she was standing there.
Smiling.
Alive.
Very present.
“…Mom?” Zayden blurted before he could stop himself.
Darian cleared his throat immediately.
“We—uh—we didn’t know you were coming.”
Lucian raised an eyebrow.
Oh?
Weren’t you just about to accuse me of something?
Arielle sensed the shift instantly.
The air changed.
Whatever storm they’d brought with them quietly dissolved into…
awkward politeness.
“I just came along,” she said gently.
“I didn’t want to stay home.”
Rhett straightened his jacket, face smoothing into something neutral.
“Of course. You’re welcome anytime.”
Lucian almost laughed.
Almost.
So this is how it’s going to be now.
The sons sat—far too obediently.
Lucian leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.
“You didn’t come here for nothing.”
Darian spoke quickly.
“We were discussing a potential collaboration.”
Zayden nodded too fast. “Yes. Work.”
Rhett didn’t meet Lucian’s eyes.
Arielle watched them carefully.
…
They came ready to fight him.
But now they’re pretending nothing’s wrong.
She suddenly felt like she was intruding on something deeply personal.
“I’ll just—” she gestured vaguely, “—stand over there.”
She moved to a quiet corner near the window, pulling out her phone.
Lucian noticed.
His chest tightened slightly.
She wasn’t sulking.
She was giving space.
Which somehow felt worse.
While the men talked—numbers, schedules, meaningless corporate noise—Arielle leaned against the glass and whispered softly to herself.
“Okay… focus.”
She opened her script.
Her lips moved silently.
‘I trusted you.’
No, softer.
‘I trusted you.’
She tried again, eyes lowering, voice barely audible.
Lucian’s gaze drifted back to her without permission.
Her posture changed.
Her expression shifted.
In that moment, she wasn’t Arielle Cross.
She was someone fragile. Wounded. Real.
…She’s practicing.
Something stirred in his chest—admiration, maybe guilt.
Or something far more dangerous.
Emrys suddenly clapped his hands once.
“Speaking of schedules,” he said brightly, standing.
“I almost forgot.”
Everyone turned to him.
“I got an offer today,” he continued casually.
“A reality show. Couple-themed.”
Arielle looked up.
“Oh?”
“Yes,” Emrys said, eyes gleaming.
“They originally wanted us.”
Lucian stiffened.
Rhett frowned. “You and—?”
“Mom,” Emrys finished easily.
Silence.
Lucian’s jaw tightened.
“No,” he said flatly.
Emrys smiled. “Relax. I declined.”
Lucian exhaled—then froze.
“Because,” Emrys continued, “it gave me a better idea.”
Darian leaned forward.
“What idea?”
Emrys spread his arms dramatically.
“Why not all of us?”
Arielle blinked.
“All…?”
“Reality show,” Zayden repeated slowly.
“Together?”
Rhett’s eyes lit up with sudden interest. “That would generate insane attention.”
Lucian stood.
“Absolutely not.”
Too late.
The sons were already talking over each other.
“It’s harmless.”
“It’s temporary.
”
“She can handle it.”
“It’ll be fun.
”
Arielle watched them, startled.
…
Did I just get recruited?
Lucian looked at her, voice firm.
“You don’t have to do this.”
She hesitated.
Then smiled faintly.
“I think… I want to.”
His heart sank.
Emrys clapped again. “Decision made!”
Lucian’s voice dropped.
“I said no.”
Rhett turned to him calmly.
“You won’t be involved.”
Darian nodded.
“It’s better that way.”
Zayden added innocently, “You’re too busy anyway.
”
Lucian stared at them.
They’re taking her away.
Right in front of me.
Arielle stood, walking back to Lucian.
“I’ll be fine,” she said quietly. “It’s just a show.
”
She didn’t see it.
But Lucian did.
The way they circled her protectively.
The way she fit between them so easily.
Something twisted in his chest.
I’m losing ground.
Emrys turned back at the door, grinning.
“We leave tomorrow.”
Arielle’s eyes widened.
“Tomorrow?!”
“Surprise.”
They exited, laughter trailing behind them.
Lucian remained still.
The office felt too large.
Too empty.
He looked at the corner where she’d been practicing.
The echo of her whispered lines lingered.
‘I trusted you.’
His fingers curled slowly.
…And now I’m the only one left behind.
Author’s Note ??
Hi my people ??
This chapter is pure story flow, fun(I hope)
? Office tension
? Sons pretending but plotting
? Arielle practicing her acting (soft character moment)
? Reality show chaos
? ML left out = emotional imbalance
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?? Next chapter: coming next!!