Chapter 31
He stared at Lucian's sing expression, feeling utterly disgusted. Si, that was why Lucian suddenly needed a bachelor in Rek—it all made sense at his schema. Shaking his head in disdain, Blaine scoffed, “I don’t think you’d stoop to being such a lovesick fool.” “Stop bothering me,” Lucian shot back. Blaine flicked his tongue and smirked. “Whoa, Luce, your love life has really gotten to you, huh? Forgetting all about your friends now. I seriously misjudged you.” Lucian straightened up, holding a needle as if ready to jab him. “Are you leaving or not? If not, I’ll stab you right here.” Blaine stretched lazily, still looking amused. “Right, alright. I’m leaving now. You’re not just lovesick; you’re possessed by some old madwoman too.”
When Julia returned after handing in the hospital paperwork, Blaine was nowhere in sight. “Where’s Blaine?” she asked casually. Lucian’s gaze darkened before he replied slowly, “He went to find his license. I needed to talk to him about something.” “Why bother?” Lucian muttered, his tone sharp enough to make Julia wince. Instead, she glanced at the TV bag. “How many more bottles left?” “Just one.” Julia placed the paperwork on the bedside cabinet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had allergies. If I’d known—” Lucian cut her off, his voice calm but firm. “I’ve already told you—” “Sorry,” she murmured. “It’s not your fault. No need for apologizing.” Lucian smirked slightly, the tension easing. “If you really feel bad, bring me food every day, but not whatever you bought last time.” She nodded uneasily. “Alright, I’ll do that.”
Just then, her phone rang from her bag. She picked it up, and it was the housing agent. The agent informed her that several new properties had become available and asked when she’d have time to check them out. Julia glanced at Lucian before replying, “Probably not until next week.” They arranged a meeting for Monday before hanging up. “Who was that?” Lucian asked, raising an eyebrow. “Still haven’t found a place?” “I’ve been too busy to look next week.” “What area are you considering?” She thought for a moment. “I’m open to anything. I haven’t found a job yet.” Lucian leaned back, nonchalant. “I’ll have Blaine ask around for you.” Julia blinked in surprise. “Blaine does real estate?” “Do you know Deepblue Central?” She nodded. Everyone in Harbor City knew about the new, high-end development—it was trendy and expensive. “It’s his. Ask him when you’re ready.” Julia waved her hands quickly. “No need. I’m just looking to rent, not buy.” Even the rental prices at Deepblue Central were so high that it was way out of her budget. How could she afford a place there?
That day, Julia stayed with Lucian until he finished. As she prepared to leave, he stopped her. “Will you come tomorrow?” Julia nodded. “Yes, I’ll bring you food.” A smile appeared on his lips. “Good.” “By the way, is there anything else you can’t eat?” she asked cautiously, worried about triggering another allergic reaction. “I’ll send you a list on WhatsApp,” he replied.
The next day, when Julia arrived at the hospital, Blaine was already there. The moment he saw her, he said, “Jules, did you go help Lucian?” Julia frowned, confused. “Help with what?” Blaine paused, glaring at the man lying in the bed. “You didn’t tell her?” Lucian gave a small nod. Julia looked between the two, her curiosity growing. “Tell me what?” Grinning, Blaine stepped forward. “Can you do me a favor?”