Page 14 of Obsessing Over His Favorite
Jeremy snorted, cutting in before Emily could speak. “I get it,” he said with a wide grin, eyes flicking between Amelia and Lucas. “That’s exactly what Emily is saying. My friendship with her is just as innocent as yours with Amelia. Why don’t you understand that, Mr. Cantrell?”
Lucas’s jaw tightened. His lip twitched with anger, and his fists clenched at his sides. He couldn’t stand the sight of this man—especially not when he was around Emily. His temper flared, and for a second, he had to fight the overwhelming urge to slam Jeremy’s smug face into the table.
Turning his fiery gaze back to Emily, he spoke through clenched teeth, his voice laced with jealousy. “Have you forgotten that tonight, you’re supposed to be having dinner with my family?”
Emily blinked, frowning as the thought flashed across her mind. ‘Dinner with his family? I don’t even remember his existence in my life, let alone some family dinner.’
Before she could fully process anything, Lucas reached out and grabbed her hand off the table’s armrest. With a strong tug, he pulled her out of the chair and toward himself. “You and I have a charity event to attend tonight. My family is hosting it. Let’s go. You need to get ready.”
“Lucas—” she barely managed, but he was already dragging her along, swift and determined. She stumbled a little trying to keep up, reaching out to snatch her bag off the table before being pulled away. As she glanced back at Jeremy, she waved him a quick goodbye.
“I’ll see you later!” Jeremy called out loudly, waving with a cheeky grin.
Lucas turned his head just in time to see her waving and immediately grabbed that hand too, his scowl deepening. He didn’t say a word—just clenched her hand tighter, locking both in his grip.
Even as they crossed the street and approached his car, he didn’t let go.
Once at the car, he opened the door for her and gently but firmly nudged her inside without even glancing at Amelia, who had followed them out.
Amelia stepped forward, looking like she expected to join them, but Lucas stopped her with a cold, dismissive look.
“You can get a cab. I have something important to take care of.”
Without another glance at her, he walked around the car, got in, and slammed the door shut. The driver pulled away, leaving a fuming Amelia behind on the curb, clutching her designer purse like she might rip the leather apart.
***
An hour later, Emily stepped out of the car with Lucas beside her as they arrived at the entrance of Velare, a grand five-star hotel.
The entire structure was built from dark, polished timber sourced from rare forests, its smooth surface glowing under the soft exterior lighting. Intricate carvings framed the towering doors, and the scent of aged cedar and fresh rain clung to the air. There was no flashy signage. No crowd. Just quiet wealth that didn’t need to announce itself.
An attendant greeted them immediately and led them through the lobby toward a vast ballroom where the charity gala was already in full swing.
Lucas looked devastatingly handsome in a crisp white suit—no tie, top buttons undone, just enough to hint at his sculpted chest beneath. Emily walked beside him, her hand nestled in the crook of his arm. She wore a form-fitting white dress that hugged her curves.
The second she stepped into the ballroom, her breath caught.
The space was stunning.
Inside, the ballroom sparkled with luxury. A massive glowing sign at the center read FRAY GALA and the space was adorned with high-end décor—ornate chandeliers, velvet drapes, gold-trimmed tables covered in sleek black cloth. Waiters moved gracefully across the floor, balancing trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The air was rich with the scent of perfume, expensive cologne, and the quiet hum of money.
Emily glanced around, her eyes wide. Every guest seemed dressed in couture, dripping with diamonds and status. The wealth in the room was almost overwhelming.
Still holding her arm, Lucas began walking again, leading her deeper into the crowd—and that’s when she saw Amelia. Again.
‘Why is she everywhere? Emily groaned inwardly, annoyance sparking in her chest. My day started with her and now it’s ending with her. She’s more of my boyfriend than Lucas is at this point.’
Amelia stood clinging to an older woman, laughing with that picture-perfect smile, her arm looped around the woman’s as if they were family. The woman was elegant, in a floor-length gown with her hair tied in a neat bun. She patted Amelia’s hand gently, clearly charmed.
As they approached, the woman looked up and straightened her posture. Lucas leaned in and gave her a brief but warm hug.
“Mom,” he muttered.
“Is that your son, Charlotte?” another well-dressed woman standing beside her asked. Charlotte nodded proudly.
“Yes. This is Lucas.”
“Oh yes, I’ve seen him on TV many times,” the woman gushed. “Well, I’ll leave you to your family.” With a graceful wave, she excused herself and disappeared into the crowd.
