Chapter 10 The Rivalry Heats Up

• The tension in the mansion had been palpable ever since Lucas’s unexpected dinner appearance. Celia couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between her and Alexander—though whether it was a shift toward something better or worse, she wasn’t entirely sure. As the days passed, Alexander continued to keep his distance, his every interaction with her colder than it had been before Lucas’s flirtations.
• Celia spent her days trying to keep herself busy—filling her time with reading, swimming, and exploring the vast grounds of the estate—but her mind was never far from Alexander. Every time they crossed paths, his eyes would flicker toward her for a split second before quickly averting, and Celia couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had never imagined it would be so difficult to get his attention, especially when they had been so close only a few days ago. But now, with Lucas constantly around, it seemed impossible to break through the invisible wall Alexander had put up.
• This particular afternoon, however, was different. Celia was in the kitchen, preparing a light lunch for herself when she heard the familiar sound of footsteps behind her. She turned, expecting to see Alexander, but it was Lucas—leaning casually against the doorframe, his ever-present smirk on his lips.
• “Hey, Celia,” Lucas greeted, his voice low and smooth. “I was just passing by and thought I’d see if you needed some company.” He stepped closer, clearly not waiting for an invitation, and his eyes lingered on her, making her feel as though she were the only person in the room.
• Celia felt a wave of unease wash over her. She was still getting used to Lucas’s constant presence, and his subtle advances had begun to wear on her nerves. But she couldn’t help the flutter of excitement that accompanied his attention.
• “I'm just making lunch," she replied cautiously, turning back to the stove in an attempt to regain some control over the situation. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much his presence affected her, but she could feel his eyes on her, always lingering.
• “That smells good," Lucas said, leaning in to watch her work. "You know, I’m surprised you haven’t done this more often. I would’ve thought you’d be tired of just waiting around for Alexander."
• Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. Celia was careful not to let her emotions show, but inside, a storm was brewing. It was as though Lucas knew exactly which buttons to push. “I’m not waiting around,” she said with a forced smile. “I’m perfectly fine doing my own thing.”
• Lucas’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he took a step closer, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. “You know, you and I could have some fun while Alexander’s... distracted. I’m sure you don’t mind a little change of pace.” He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering a little too long.
• The suddenness of his touch made her tense, her body stiffening instinctively. She wanted to pull away, but a part of her stayed still, almost frozen by the moment.
• Before she could say anything, a cold voice rang out from the doorway.
• “Lucas, I don’t think she’s interested in your games.”
• Celia whipped around, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of Alexander’s voice. He stood in the doorway, his eyes locked onto Lucas with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. His stance was stiff, his jaw set in a hard line, and it was clear that his patience was running thin. For the first time in days, Celia saw a flicker of emotion in Alexander’s gaze—a possessive, almost protective anger that made her pulse race.
• Lucas straightened up, a casual smile still playing at the corners of his lips. “Oh, don’t worry, Alexander. I was just having a little conversation with your guest here,” he said, his voice teasing but with an underlying challenge.
• Alexander didn’t respond immediately, his gaze shifting to Celia, searching her face for any sign of distress. Celia met his eyes, her breath catching in her throat. There was a moment of silence, the air thick with unspoken words.
• “I don’t mind the company,” she said softly, hoping to defuse the situation. She wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to say, but she couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction as Alexander’s eyes flicked back to her.
• Lucas raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you two so... distant. You’ve known each other for years, but it’s as though there’s a wall between you now, Alexander.” He leaned back against the counter, his gaze never leaving Alexander’s. “It’s a shame, really. I think Celia’s quite lovely.”
• Celia felt a wave of discomfort wash over her as Lucas’s words seemed to hang in the air. There was an undeniable tension between the three of them now, a sort of silent battle that neither side seemed willing to acknowledge fully. She couldn’t help but wonder if Lucas was intentionally trying to provoke Alexander. And if so, why?
• Alexander’s jaw tightened. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Lucas,” he said, his tone colder now. There was no mistaking the underlying threat in his voice. He didn’t want to make a scene, but his possessiveness had clearly taken over.
• Lucas raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk not faltering. “Alright, alright. No need to get all worked up, Alexander. But you should really watch your back. You never know when someone might try to... steal what’s yours.”
• Celia flinched at his words, feeling an uncomfortable knot twist in her stomach. Was he talking about her? Was she part of this twisted game between the two men?
• Lucas shot her one last lingering glance before turning and walking out, leaving behind a heavy silence.
• The moment he was gone, Alexander walked closer to Celia, his eyes never leaving her face. There was something raw in his gaze, something unspoken that made her pulse race in anticipation. She could feel the heat between them—too much, too intense—but she didn’t know how to bridge the distance between them, how to make him see her the way she wanted him to.
• For a long moment, neither of them said anything. Alexander’s posture was tense, his hands clenched at his sides. It was clear he was fighting something—something that had been building between them for days, something that neither of them had the courage to address.
• Celia opened her mouth to speak, but her words were caught in her throat. She didn’t know what to say. She was confused, hurt, and overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions she was feeling.
• Finally, Alexander spoke, his voice low but carrying an edge of something dangerous. “You don’t need to entertain Lucas, Celia. He’s nothing but trouble. And you...” He hesitated, his eyes darkening with something unreadable. “You’re not a game.”
• Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she couldn’t help the hope that flared inside her. Was he trying to say what she thought he was saying?
• Before she could respond, he turned on his heel, walking away without another word, leaving her standing in the kitchen, her emotions swirling inside her.
• The rivalry between Lucas and Alexander had officially entered a new phase. And Celia, for better or worse, was right in the middle of it.