Chapter 43
Chapter 43
Hearing Gerald’s words, I understood what he meant, but it still made me feel uneasy.
I tried to keep a straight face as I said, “We should end this matter now. There’s no need to
continue.”
I was acutely aware that, even in Gerald’s absence, another pawn might have been
dispatched last night.
In short, it was Ricardo who schemed last night to manufacture a threat against me.
Lukas subtly narrowed his eyes. He was surprised by my quick forgiveness of Gerald.
As he glanced at Lukas, Elena’s lips curved into a smile, “Lukas, now that Miss Lopez has pardoned Gerald, let’s extend the same generosity and spare the Hughes family.”
There was a moment of thoughtful silence before Lukas spoke carefully. “I am doing this not for your benefit but for the sake of Elias’s dignity. The Hughes‘ ought to learn their
boundaries.”
Elena caught the undercurrents in Lukas’s words. His concern was for Elias’s reputation. Elena was Elias’s younger sister, and she shared a distant kinship with Gerald through the Schmidt family.
Despite that, Lukas’s deliberation was primarily for his brother.
She nodded in understanding, her fingers curling around Gerald’s arm as she impishly directed him, “Quick, offer your gratitude to Mr Strakovski!”
Gerald’s nod was almost comical in its eagerness, his words rushing forth, “Thank you, Mr Strakovski, for your generosity. And Miss Lopez, thank you for your kind forgiveness. Rest
assured, I won’t err again!”
Elena exhaled a relieved breath. Though Lukas’s demeanor didn’t soften, the storm seemed to be dispersing.
She glanced over at Lukas and asked, “Lukas, are you available tonight? Gerald and I would
Pillionaire
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be delighted if you and Miss Lopez would join us for dinner.”
No need. You’re free to leave Lukat’s directive rang clear.
Elena recognized the unwavering resolution in Lukas’s words. A flush of embarrassment tinged her cheeks as she nodded, then took her leave alongside Gerald.
I also began my exit, but Lukas’s voice halted me in my tracks. “You stay. There’s something
I wish to discuss.”
My surprise registered briefly, yet I acquiesced, maintaining my position.
Elena’s ears caught this directive, and she subtly pursed her lips. She cast a parting glance at the mysterious Lukas before departing with a faint sense of hesitation.
After Elena left, Lukas’s gaze settled onto me.
The barrage of questions about his feelings for me throughout the day nagged at him, his brow furrowing involuntarily.
His scrutiny bore into me, questioning if I, too, had been contemplating along similar lines.
Lukas’s eyes flashed, and he spoke quietly, “Sophia, concerning my intervention last night, I hope you won’t misinterpret my actions. Any person with a sense of justice would have acted the same in that situation.”
My brows knitted, baffled by his insinuation. What did he mean?
Even if confused, I still nodded. “In any case, I was grateful for your assistance last night, Mr Strakovski.”
Lukas’s brow arched, the question intensifying. Did I not understand what he meant?
“My assistance extended twice isn’t solely due to your association with the company or its image. It’s more about my aversion to being manipulated. Does that resonate?” His gaze deepened as he asked.
My composure heightened, my caution tangible. “I understand. Thank you sincerely for today, Mr Strakovski.”
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Lukas’s consternation amplified. He seems surprised that I haven’t fully understood his
message.
He pressed on. “Our marriage is a pragmatic arrangement. I won’t allow anyone to coerce me with emotions. Unnecessary sentiments have no place in our union. Sometimes, f bantered with you merely because you intrigued me momentarily–nothing beyond that. Can you grasp that?”
Surprise rippled through me. Was he implying that I shouldn’t develop genuine feelings for
1m?
Did he fear that I might become attached solely due to a marriage contract?
A faint tug played at the corner of my lips, and my heart weighed down.
While I held gratitude, it hadn’t elevated to the point of dependence or clinginess. And now, he was preemptively sketching boundaries.
I responded earnestly, “Mr Strakovski, I understand your standpoint. Ours is a marriage of convenience, and I have a favor to ask. I want to borrow your stance about unwarranted emotional entanglement. You needn’t worry about any inappropriate sentiments from my
end.”
I stood unruffled, my once fierce demeanor mellowing like a placid cat.
Lukas’s gaze flickered, an unfamiliar unease creeping upon him.
Nevertheless, he pursued, “Our marital contract hinges on mutual benefits. Hence, I’m contemplating a one–year term for this arrangement. What are your thoughts?”
“The decision rests with you, Mr Strakovski. I raise no objections.” I veiled my reaction, responding politely and with detachment.
Given the foundation of our association, what grounds did I have to protest?
Lukas gauged my response, a semblance of contentment flickering within him.
Then he casually changed the subject. “Regarding Hugo’s side, do you have any other thoughts? He stood on our side this time and helped you. If you still want to suppress him, I can assist you.”
Chapter 43
Another wave of surprise registered through me. Was he wielding a strike while simultaneously extending an olive branch?
Unfortunately, our relationship was based on mutual needs, and it was better to keep a
distance!
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Chapter 44
