Chapter 6 "Obsessive Brother" (2)

• Lucas burst into a deep, hearty laugh that seemed to reverberate from the very depths of his being. He pulled me closer, causing my chest to press against his solid chest.
• "You know we still have some unfinished business, Master," he remarked with a mischievous grin.
• A sharp gasp escaped my lips. I couldn't keep pretending I didn't recognize him.
• Summoning all my courage, I pushed him back, putting some distance between us. Then, I spoke up, "Did you seek out my father and come here already knowing who I am?"
• His expression changed, a touch of false sadness in his gaze. "Oh dear. It hurts to hear that question from you."
• "What?"
• "I distinctly remember telling you that we would meet again," Lucas replied. "And you vowed to keep living until that day arrived."
• My frown deepened as I tried to remember any such conversation. I recalled making that promise, but only because I was certain we would never meet again. It was a promise made in jest, a way to brush off the idea of our paths crossing.
• "So, stop pushing me away," He continued. "Let's be friendly, shall we?"
• I was feeling a bit uncomfortable. Lucas had something up his sleeve that could really change things. I couldn't just turn him down, especially with so much on the line.
• "What's your plan then?" I asked.
• Lucas stopped briefly, his gaze sweeping over the beautiful garden that enveloped us. "You know what," he pondered, "How about we kick things off with a little walk around the garden? I mean, I am a VIP guest here. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy a nice stroll, right?"
• My shoulders drooped in defeat. "Fine," I replied, exhaling heavily. "Just come with me."
• I led the way and gave Lucas a tour of the garden. We eventually found a quiet spot hidden by bushes where we sat by a fountain.
• I finally mustered up the courage to ask him the burning question. "Will you use my secret against me?"
• With an enigmatic aura, he responded simply, "Lucas."
• Confused, I questioned, "What?"
• "Call me by my name. Not 'You'," he clarified.
• Was this a demand or a plea?
• Reluctantly, I complied. "Lucas," I said. "I don’t know why you're doing this, but I hope you'll keep my secret safe."
• “Then, I need a reward,” Lucas replied.
• “A reward?”
• “Yup.” Lucas leaned back on the bench, "Well, if I am to bear the weight of your secret, shouldn't there be something in return? A token of appreciation, perhaps?"
• My forehead creased, feeling like a crumpled piece of paper.
• Lucas' request for something in return made me feel unjust. It was almost like a form of manipulation.
• However, I was aware of the weight of my secret, knowing that its disclosure could have significant consequences.
• "So, what is it that you want in exchange?" I inquired.
• Lucas's lips formed a mischievous grin. "I've got two wishes," he announced. "First, I want us to be at ease with each other. When we're around your family, we can put on a formal act. But when it's just the two of us, let's be comfortable. I love your playful nature. Just like that night."
• Although his words held weight, I chose to ignore them. I brushed them off without a second thought.
• "However," I interrupted, "you need to understand the boundaries that exist. Public displays of affection, like the kiss you planted on the b..." My voice trailed off as Lucas's hand suddenly tightened around my wrist, swallowing my words.
• "You're not eating properly. You've lost weight," he murmured.
• I pulled my hand away from his grip, gasping, "Why do you even care? It's my body."
• He swiftly slipped his hand into his pocket, catching my attention. I couldn't help but be intrigued. Next, he took out a small box and opened it. Inside was something that made my mouth water.
• "Try this," he said, placing one in my mouth. Before I knew it, I was savoring the delicious treat.
• "What is this?" I inquired, fascinated.
• "It's a dried Kalu, a fruit native to my homeland, Aya."
• I blushed, realizing how absorbed I had been in the fruit.
• "Besides feeling at ease with me, there's one more thing I ask of you. I want you to accept whatever I offer," Lucas requested.
• Lucas's words were cryptic, leaving me puzzled. However, my heart was pounding with excitement. He softly placed a box in my hand and closed my fingers around it. As I gazed at the box, I noticed a variety of dried Kalu inside.
• "Take this with you. Eat it all. And if you find the box empty, let me know, and I will give you more.”
• This act of kindness was new to me, making me feel uneasy and doubtful. Receiving generosity was always an odd experience for me.
• “Please, take it back. I don't need this kind of food,” I replied, handing it back.
• "But you enjoyed it, didn't you?"
• "Well, even if I did, I simply can't... I'm not able to eat it.”
• "Why not? Is there some rule in this place that says you can't eat foreign fruits?"
• "Nope. I'm just being careful with my food. I'm on a diet," I explained, trying to make him understand.
• "What's with the diet?" He asked, looking puzzled.
• "I'd rather not discuss it," I replied sharply, turning my gaze away.
• But Lucas, being persistent as always, continued to pry. "It does matter to me," he insisted. "I've made it clear that I want you to accept whatever I offer. If you don't, I might have to talk to your dad. Let him know what really happened between us that night."
• His threat made me clutch the box tighter. I almost forgot that he had the upper hand in their relationship.
• "Just accept it. I promise to keep your secret safe," Lucas said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
• My eyes landed on the box in front of me. Should I really be accepting food from him? What would my stepmother, Amelia, say about this?
• ‘She will definitely freak out if she catches me hiding food in my room. She might even throw it away.’
• As I thought about this, I suddenly heard footsteps approaching, and my heart started pounding.
• The noise got closer and closer until I finally heard someone calling out, "Harriet!"
• I quickly turned around and saw my stepbrother, Ethan, standing there.
• Startled by his unexpected appearance, I accidentally dropped the box that Lucas had given me.