Page 4 of His Obsession

“Oh, that’s right. You work, don’t you?” Laura asks.

“I don’t exactly have a set schedule,” I explain. “I have the freedom to do whatever I want.”

“What do you do?” Lucian asks.

“I have a master’s degree in computer engineering. I specifically work with software, so I design, code, and test software for clients,” I explain.

“That’s interesting,” he says. “Have you always wanted to do that?”

“I have,” I say. “I was already in college when Aunt Jennifer died, so I decided to finish school before moving here.”

“That’s exciting,” Laura says. “Although, I am glad I am lucky enough to not have to work.”

“Oh, I don’t have to. I choose to,” I explain. “I grew up with nothing until Aunt Jennifer found me. I know what it’s like to go to bed hungry for days on end, so I don’t want to sit around and not contribute to the world. Most of my earnings from my engineering job go to helping parents and kids living in poverty. The program I donate to provides those in need with everything from food and clothing to school supplies and tuition for college.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t your aunt raise you?” Laura asks.

“I was dropped off at a fire station immediately after birth. Aunt Jennifer spent years looking for me. When she did, I was eighteen and about to go to college,” I explain.

“At least she got to pay for your college,” she says happily. I want to think that wasn’t a stab at me. She might actually be that clueless.

“I actually had a scholarship that paid for it. I graduated at the top of my class, and I ran cross country,” I say.

“Oh, well, that’s good too. Did you know she had money?”

“I did not, actually. Not until she died, and her lawyer called me. She always came to see me once a month, so I didn’t think she was flying across the country, but she was apparently. I was actually born here, I think.”

“Here in Maple Falls?” Lucian asks.

“Mhmm. That’s what the lawyer told me at least,” I shrug. “I grew up in California.”

“Interesting,” he says.

“Well, I’ll see you both tomorrow,” Laura says. “Have a good night.”

“You too, Laura,” I say.

“Can we talk?” Lucian asks when I go to turn away. I sigh and turn back.

“Why not?” I say. “What’s on your mind, Luci?”

“I believe we got off on the wrong foot,” he says.

“I don’t believe we did,” I say. “Not even an hour after meeting me, you call Carol. It wasn’t even loud, so I don’t know how you knew it was playing. Just… Come to me if you have an issue. Okay?”

“Okay,” he says. “I have an issue.”

“With what?” I ask with another sigh.

“Your smart mouth, mainly,” he laughs.

“Well, you’ll have to get over that,” I say. “I’m going inside now.”

“Sleep well, Elise,” Lucian says as I turn and walk away. He’s going to be a pain in my ass. I just know it.

Chapter Two

Elise

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