Page 10 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. I don’t know how much longer I can pretend that I’m okay with this — that I’m okay with the life he’s planning for me. But I don’t have a choice, do I?
He’s right. I don’t have a choice.
I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, willing the tears that are threatening to fall to stay put. There’s no point in crying. It won’t change anything. How I wish my mother was still alive. She wouldn’t have let this happen to me, I know. But that’s a false hope. She’s been gone almost ten years, so it’s just been me and father, oh, and of course the nannies and maids.
I roll over, pushing the covers off of me, trying to shake off the heaviness of the call. But it lingers, the pressure of it all settling into the corners of my mind.
I get up, walk over to the window, and pull the blinds open, letting the morning light flood the room. I look out at the peaceful town of Bayview, the streets still quiet, the air crisp and cool. The town feels like a safe place. But how long can I stay here? How long can I keep pretending this life — this freedom — is mine?
The question lingers as I stand there, watching the sunrise, hoping against hope that I won’t regret the choices I’ve made when the time finally comes to face the life my father wants for me.
But for now, I just want to breathe. For now, I just want to hold on to the little bit of peace I’ve found here, even if it’s fleeting.
***
I’m still thinking about the phone call from my father when I step into the clinic. The sound of the door chimes barely registers, my mind still swirling with his demands, his cold assurances that this is what’s best for the family. The pressureof it weighs on me more than I want to admit. I can’t shake the suffocating feeling that he’s trapping me in a life I never chose.
I swallow the knot in my throat, trying to push the thoughts aside as I take my coat off and hang it on the hook near the door. The clinic is bustling today. It’s not unusual for us to get busy now and then but today seems different. There are animals everywhere — dogs barking, cats meowing from their cages, and a constant stream of people checking in at the reception for their pet’s care or for an adoption appointment. The place feels a little chaotic, but in the best way. It’s the kind of day that reminds me why I’m here.
I walk toward the back, trying to find my bearings. I’m scheduled to help with whatever I can, but I don’t expect things to be as frantic as they are. The staff is running around, attending to appointments, and the hum of conversation fills the air.
That’s when I see him.
Liam.
I freeze, a rush of heat spreading across my chest before I can stop it. He’s standing near the counter, speaking with Emma. I’m not sure what they’re talking about, but my first instinct is to turn around and find something else to do. Anything else. But before I can slip away, Liam’s gaze lands on me.
“Lucy,” he calls, his voice carrying over the noise.
I wince inwardly, but I force myself to smile as I turn toward him. "Hi, Liam."
I’m trying to keep things cool, trying to keep the nerves from showing, but there’s something about the way he’s looking at me, the way his smile lingers a little longer than usual, that makes my heart skip. I should’ve expected this, but I wasn’t prepared for how his presence seems to change everything.
Before I can say anything else, Emma walks up, catching the tail end of our exchange. Her eyes flicker between the two of us, and I can see the relief in her expression.
“Perfect timing,” Emma says, her voice a little strained. She looks over at me with a soft smile. “Lucy, I’m going to need you to fill in for me for a bit. There are so many pets today, and the others have their hands full. Can you take over with Liam for the tech stuff? It’ll only be for an hour or so.”
I glance between her and Liam, my pulse quickening. I’m not sure how to feel about being put in this position. Part of me wants to say no, to escape into the background where I’m safe, but the other part of me knows that Emma’s been more than kind to me. She’s been a good boss, and I owe her.
I hesitate, but before I can respond, Liam speaks up, making my decision for me.
“Actually, Emma, I think that sounds perfect,” he says, his voice warm and confident. "Lucy’s probably the best person for this, right?"
I glance at him, surprised at how easily he’s agreeing. It feels like he’s doing this to make me comfortable, but I’m not sure if it’s just him being polite or if there’s something more behind it.
Emma looks at me one last time, her expression softening. “You can use one of the empty rooms in the back. It’ll be quiet enough for you to give Liam all the details he needs. Let me know if you need anything.”
I nod, forcing a smile. "Sure, of course."
The minute Emma walks away; I feel the change in the air. It’s just me and Liam now, and I’m suddenly aware of how much space we’re occupying in this small room. There’s something different about the way he’s looking at me today — something warmer, softer. I can’t put my finger on it, but I feel a flutter in my chest every time he glances my way.
“So,” Liam starts, breaking the silence, his voice smooth and casual, “I’m here to get your opinion on the tech upgrades I’ve been considering. I’ve got a few gadgets in mind, and I think they could help streamline things here. I want to make sure they’re a good fit.”
I nod, trying to focus. “Okay, yeah. I’ve been thinking about that too. A few things could really help, like an upgraded scheduling system or even a digital check-in kiosk for the pets. I know it might sound simple, but it would save time for everyone.”
Liam watches me, his gaze focused. “I like that idea,” he says, his voice sincere. “You’re smart, Lucy. I didn’t realize you were so knowledgeable about this.”
I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, but I try to keep my face neutral. “I’ve been around animals and their care for a long time. I pay attention to what makes the clinic run smoothly.”
