Chapter 73: Overwhelming encounters
TERESA’S P.O.V.
The moment Lucian left the room again, it felt as though tension hung in the space, heavy and unavoidable. I tried to keep my emotions in check, but my heart ached as I glanced at Luke, who sat stiffly on the couch, his arms crossed and his expression furious.
I adjusted the blankets on the babies trying to avoid Luke’s furious gaze when Alex walked in moments later, accompanied by a young woman who had an air of nervous professionalism. He gestured to her with a calm smile. "Mr. Williams, this is Sofia and she will show you to your room. Please follow her."
Luke shot up from the couch, his movements sharp and agitated. "I’m not staying," he declared firmly. "This isn’t some five-star getaway, and I didn’t sign up for whatever this is."
Alex didn’t flinch; his face remained composed. "Sir, with all due respect, Mr. Blackwood has instructed security not to let anyone leave the estate. You’re stuck here for now. Perhaps it would be best to get some rest."
Luke’s nostrils flared. "If you think for one second I’m going to sit here and—" He pointed a finger toward the door. "I’ll make a scene. I’ll call the cops. I’ll—"
"Luke, stop!" My voice broke through the rising tension, startling even myself. I crossed the room and placed a trembling hand on his arm. His glare softened when he looked at me. "Please, just calm down. I know this is hard, but trust me—if this wasn’t important, I wouldn’t have stood with Lucian on it. You know I wouldn’t."
He studied my face for a long moment, and I could see the battle waging behind his eyes. His jaw clenched, but his shoulders relaxed slightly. "Fine," he muttered through gritted teeth. "I’ll stay. But this better not turn into a permanent vacation, or I swear—"
I hugged him tightly, relief washing over me like a wave. "Thank you. I promise it won’t be long."
The woman stepped forward hesitantly, and Luke allowed her to lead him toward the right wing of the mansion. As for me, Alex beckoned me toward the left, where my old room awaited. My Room, My Past
When Alex opened the door to the room, I froze in the doorway. Nothing had changed. The grand, luxurious space was just as I remembered it—like a fairytale fit for a queen. The pristine cream drapes, the plush, golden accents, and the ornate furniture glowed under the soft lighting. My walk-in wardrobe, once filled with clothes, bags, shoes, and jewelry Lucian had gifted me, still brimmed with treasures. If anything, it seemed fuller now, as though someone had added even more.