Chapter 18
I sat on the living room sofa, my cell phone in hand. The engagement ring on my finger glistens in the lamplight, reminding me that my life has changed.
I dialed the number I had memorized.
The dial tone sounded a few times before my mother’s warm voice greeted me from the other side of the phone.
“Althea? What’s wrong, dear?”
I smiled a little. “Mom, I have something to tell you,” I said impatiently.
“What is it?” she said. Mom’s tone sounded worried.
My heart beat a little faster. I straightened my back, trying to calm myself. “Someone proposed to me.”
There was silence for a few seconds before I suddenly heard my father’s voice in the background.
“Proposed to you?” Mom’s voice rose an octave. “Who proposed to you?” Mom asked frantically.
I chuckled softly then tried to explain, “His name is Caius. He’s the guy I’ve been with for the past two years.”
Mom was still silent as if digesting this information. “Why did you never tell me about your relationship before?”
I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling a little guilty. “I wanted to make sure of everything, before telling you.”
“And now you’re sure?” My father finally chimed in, his voice sounding heavy.
I smiled even though they didn’t see it. “More than ever, Dad.”
On the other end of the line, I heard Mom’s voice taking a deep breath, soon her voice sounded softer. “Then I’m happy for you, sweetheart. We just want you to be happy.”
My eyes moistened a little at her reply. “Thank you, Mom.”
“When can we meet your future husband?” my father asked, calmer this time, but still with his protective tone.
“I don’t know yet. But, I’ll arrange something,” I said with a chuckle.
After talking for a few more minutes, I ended the call and immediately looked up one other name on my cell phone list.
Lucas.
I pressed the call button and waited. It didn’t take long before he answered.
“Althea? You called me for no reason or-”
“I’m engaged.”
Lucas was silent for three seconds before finally exclaiming, “What?!”
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I pulled the phone away from my ear, stifling a laugh. “Don’t yell! I can still hear you.” “You’re joking, right?” Her voice sounded full of surprise.
“I’m serious.”
Lucas made a frustrated sound. “With who?” he asked quickly, his tone strained.
“Caius.”
“Caius?” He repeated his name as if trying to remember it, his voice lowering slightly.
I nodded even though she couldn’t see. “Caius Leclair.”
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“Your boss?!” asked Lucas almost shouting again, this time sounding more than surprised.
I closed my eyes for a moment. “Yes.”
Lucas was heard swearing under his breath and then, I heard a scraping sound, like he was standing up from his seat. “Alright. I need to sit down for a minute.”
I laughed. “Lucas, you don’t need to overreact.”
“Look, I’m glad you found someone who can make you happy, but I need to make sure of something,” he says. His voice sounded more stable now, but there was a firm tone in it.
I frowned. “Confirm what?” I asked suspiciously.
“That he’s not an asshole like Damien,” Lucas said in a flat tone, but I could feel the
emotion behind his words.
I fell silent, biting my lip.
Lucas continued, this time his voice sounding more serious. “I’m coming to Switzerland.”
I blinked my eyes in surprise. “What?”
“I’m flying there in a few days. I need to see this man with my own eyes.”
“Lucas, you don’t need to”
“I need to,” he cut in quickly, his voice full of conviction.
I rubbed my face, knowing that persuading Lucas not to come was impossible.
“Fine,” I finally gave in.
“Good.” I could imagine his face full of conviction. “Tell him I’m going to test him.”
I sighed then said, “He doesn’t even know you’re coming yet, Lucas.”
“Good. Let it be a surprise,” he said casually, sounding almost pleased with his idea.
I shook my head, smiling slightly. “Be careful on the way.”
Lucas chuckled. “I’m always careful. Bye, Althea.” His voice was softer, but I could tell he was still very suspicious of Caius.
After ending the call, I turned my head to the side and saw Caius standing in the doorway, arms crossed with a relaxed expression.
“So, Lucas is coming?” he asked calmly, not looking the least bit worried.
I smiled a little as I asked, “You heard everything?”
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He nodded as he walked over then stopped right in front of me. “And, he wants to test me?” I shrugged. “Lucas just wants to make sure I don’t fall into the wrong hands again.” Caius looked at me for a moment, before the corners of his lips turned up. “Good,” he said casually.
I frowned. “Good?” I asked confused.
He shoved his hands into his pants pockets and looked at me with a confident expression. “If he cares to that extent, then he thinks you’re valuable.”
I stared at him, looking for any sign that he was feeling intimidated. But as usual, Caius remained calm.
“So you’re not bothered?” I asked reassuringly.
He reached out and gently rubbed my cheek, his gaze soft. “Not at all.”
I chuckled. “We’ll see after you meet her.”
Caius raised one eyebrow, still with his easy smile. “I’m ready,” he said. I saw the conviction
in him.
I shook my head softly. Lucas wasn’t going to make this easy, but looking at Caius‘ expression, I knew one thing for sure. He won’t back down. And, that alone is enough for
