Chapter 168 - PRIVATE NUMBER
Lucas' condition has started to improve. He was already starting to leave the room, though his steps were still a little limp. This time he was sitting on the sofa in the middle, watching television.
The sound of the doorbell suddenly rang through the room. However, he chose to ignore it and let Joana open it. Soon the sound of tapping heels could be heard in the room, as if approaching him.
Lucas was still unmoved and had no intention of looking back. It's clear who's coming. Until finally the sound of knocking shoes suddenly stopped.
"Good afternoon, Lucas."
That's right. Even though Lucas didn't look directly at it, he could still guess exactly who the guest was this time, after hearing the greeting.
"What are you doing here, Michelle? Aren't you satisfied bothering me?" Lucas asked in the least friendly manner. Even he was still reluctant to look back.
Michelle, who was standing behind Lucas, just smiled in response. Not at all offended by what Lucas said. It is no longer taboo for her to be treated cynically like that. She then stepped back, approaching Lucas. Landing her body on the sofa, beside to the man.
"You have eaten?" She asked as she turned to Lucas who seemed focused ahead. Unfortunately, Lucas didn't respond at all, even if he just turned his head or smiled.
Again Michelle gave a friendly smile. Not wanting to get carried away by Lucas' cynicism. "I'll get you some food." She said as got up from her seat.
"No need!" Lucas said rejecting Michelle's kindness which he thought was just a cover.
However, Michelle doesn't care, even if Lucas forbids it. She still moved from that place, took the food that was already served on the dining table. What she was used to doing. As per Veronica's request.
In fact Michelle was still able to come to the house thanks to Veronica's permission and unfortunately Lucas couldn't prevent what the middle-aged woman had decided. Until Michelle looks free and free to do anything in the house, even though Veronica isn't there.
Just look at what she's doing right now. She was even seen taking food in her own house.
Michelle landed back next to Lucas, after she managed to get a plate of food and a glass of water for Lucas.
"You have to eat to make your condition better." Michelle said as she grabbed a spoonful of food from the plate in her hand.
Within seconds, Michelle was holding out the spoon towards Lucas. However, Lucas was still unmoved. Let alone welcoming the food with his mouth, even turning to look at Michelle as if he was reluctant to do so.
"Come on, Lucas . . . you have to eat." Michelle pleaded, trying to persuade the man. "I came here because Mrs. Veronica asked me to look after you while your mother was away at her friend's invitation." She explained.
"What? To look after?" Lucas turned his head while throwing a sharp gaze, right into hazel's eyes who were focused on him. "You think I'm a child to be looked after, huh?" annoyed as he pursed his lips.
"That's not what I meant. The problem is you're sick, so it's only natural that I take care of you, right?" Michelle replied which managed to make Lucas chuckle in annoyance.
"Who the hell are you to try so hard to take care of your responsibilities for me. Remember! I'm not your family or your husband, so why bother with me?" Lucas sarcastically still didn't want to accept the effort Michelle had put in for him.
Michelle looked down wearily. She didn't want to give up, but she wasn't strong enough to endure a situation like this either. Even more hated by Lucas.
'Not! I can't just give up. I have to fight to get Lucas back.' Michelle muttered.
As much as possible she kept smiling in front of Lucas, even though her heart was quite hurt because of the man's attitude. She then placed the plate on the table.
"Okay, if you're not hungry yet. You can call me." She said as he rose from her seat.
"Where are you going?"
Michelle's steps stopped when Lucas asked a question. She gave Lucas a cynical look, then she said, "I'm going to your room."
"What are you going to do in my room?" Lucas said not willing if Michelle casually entered his private room without permission.
"I just wanted to tidy up your room, it must be very messy. You just got out of your room too, didn't you?" replied Michelle. I don't know where if Lucas just came out of his room.
"No! I won't let you! It's my private room with my wife, you can't just enter without my permission!" said Lucas.
"I only-"
"No need, Michelle! After all, there is Joana in this house who is ready to serve me, including eating and tidying the room. I will never allow another woman into my private room except my wife, my mother, and Joana who is in charge of tidying everything!" Lucas insisted, still chuckling at his stance.
"Your wife is gone, Lucas! She doesn't even care about you, then why are you still expecting that irresponsible woman?" Michelle retorted again trying to instigate Lucas.
"As bad as my wife is, she's not much worse than you, Michelle." Lucas snapped with a smirk.
"You don't have to try so hard to get my attention, because I will never be attracted to you again!" added Lucas emphatically.
That statement really managed to pierce Michelle's heart so strongly. Sick. Yes, of course she was hurt, as if she were a cheap woman who didn't deserve to be loved by a gentleman like Lucas.
Michelle's expression turned sad. Like a thunderous thunder. It was the pain she was feeling right now. She tried her best to hold back the tears that had welled up in the corners of her eyes so they wouldn't fall. She didn't want to appear weak in front of Lucas, even though her heart was fragile.
"Lucas—"
"Come on, Michelle. You'd better get out of here. I don't want to be bothered by anyone!" Lucas concluded emphatically.
"But-"
"I'm not a child anymore. Have you forgotten who I am? Even I can always take good care of myself, even when I'm sick and pain!" Lucas concluded again, not giving Michelle a chance to speak.
"A few years ago I was down because of someone, did you forget that too? But do you see? I can get through my downturn without anyone's help." Lucas said at length, deliberately recounting past events with Michelle, which had hurt him.
"Lucas, I'm sorry for my past mistakes. I'm sorry." Michelle replied, realizing her mistake. She looked down for a moment, avoiding the man's eye contact.
"No need, Michelle. I've forgotten all about it, including forgetting you!" Lucas insisted as he got up from his seat, intending to get away from Michelle.
"Lucas-"
"Stop! I can do it myself, without your help!"
Michelle was forced to undo the intention to help Lucas stand up, when Lucas refused her help.
"You better get out of here. I'm sick of seeing you in my house every day!" Lucas kicked Michelle out mercilessly. It doesn't matter how much pain Michelle is feeling right now.
Lucas then went to his room with slightly limp steps. Meanwhile, Michelle was still stunned as she stood in the same place, staring at Lucas who was already walking behind her.
Michelle was forced to swallow the pill again disappointed because of Lucas. Not! Not because of Lucas, but because of her own doing. If she had stopped chasing him, maybe she wouldn't have been hurt again and again.
Lucas landed himself on the edge of the bed. Neutralize the emotional feelings that just exploded because of Michelle's presence. He inhaled and then exhaled slowly. Just as one leg was lifted onto the bed, suddenly the ringing of the cell phone caught the man's attention.
He grabbed the cell phone that was lying on the nightstand, next to the bed. Instantly Lucas dipped an eyebrow when he found a call from the private number listed on his cellphone screen.
'Who's this?' Lucas muttered, then put the phone back where it belonged. Not intending to accept calls that he deems not important.
He had to undo the intention to lie down when the phone rang again asking for attention.
"Ah, just bother!" He grumbled again reaching for the phone. Without thinking, he immediately accepted the call and put the flat object to his ear.
"Hello, who am I talking to?" said Lucas without further ado. He really doesn't like callers who hide their contact numbers the most.
There was no answer from someone on the other side. Lucas looked at his phone again, just to make sure it was still connected. He then put the phone back to his ear, realizing that the call was still running.
"Hello, who am I talking to?" Lucas repeated his question again. Curious about the figure on the other side.
However, nothing. Still no response from the caller. Not even any sound caught his ears. It really sucks.
"Don't ever bother me again, if it's not really important!" Lucas firmly began to feel inflamed because he felt he was being played by the figure on the other side.
Quickly he turned off the phone and put the phone back in its original place with a slight slam, because he was annoyed.
Lucas lay down on the bed, then glanced back at the cellphone on the nightstand. No more ringing cell phones to disturb his rest time. However, he honestly felt curious about the caller.
Only this time he was played like that. Previously no one dared to play with a Lucas Fidell. It seemed he was very sorry he had received the call. He should have just ignored those unimportant calls.
"Who exactly is that person? How dare play with me!" the man grumbled as he looked up at the ceiling. However, he immediately jumped back until his body slightly lifted.. He reflexively turned his head towards the phone, as soon as he replayed the memory in his head.