After John left Elise's room, she picked up her cellphone and stepped out of her room in search of Lucien's study.
She had made a promise to Jiji and that she must keep. Since Lucien didn't go on a date with her, the least he can do is let her take a romantic picture of them together. Anything believable to Jiji.
Elise had no idea where Lucien's study was. She would have asked John but he said Lucien didn't like disturbance and would have never told her about it.
Elise looked around and realized there were no maids around. Unlike in the mornings when they cleaned. She wondered where they were now. Had they all returned home?
It's not like she cared. Lucien's servants were as rude as he was. Ignoring her when she asked any questions.
Elise was still walking across the hallway when she noticed a door. It read, Do not disturb. She pressed her lips together, wondering why such a signal was placed on the door.
She turned really curious now. Looking around, she twisted its handle and stepped in. She would just take a quick peek, who knows it might be Lucien's study.
When she stepped in, John stepped out from behind the dragon sculpture standing before the door and shook his head. He had been the one to place the sign there because he knew she would search for his master.
If this girl isn't giving up after everything, it means she could be the right girl for his boss. The Voss family needed an heir and who knows, she could be the right one to produce an heir.
Now she was in, he took out the sticker from the door and walked away quietly.
When Elise stepped inside the room she gasped at the sight of who was in there. Though she had expected him, but she never thought it would be true.
Lucien sat behind his desk, sleeves rolled slightly, golden eyes lowered as he went through paperwork. His posture was relaxed but powerful, like a predator at rest. The soft lamplight cast shadows across his sharp features.
He looked… so busy.
And somehow, even more infuriating.
Elise couldn't believe he hadn't followed her after what happened. He didn't even try to apologize. Nothing.
Yet here she was, standing in front of him, heart pounding because she wanted to get evidence to present to Jiji.
How annoying.
Then it came again...
That strange, aching heat curled low in her belly the moment she looked at him. It spread fast, intensely, and humiliatingly. Elise stiffened and crossed her legs, breath hitching.
She hated this feeling.
She didn't understand it. Every time she was near Lucien, her body betrayed her completely.
"What do you want?"
Lucien's voice cut through her thoughts. He didn't even look up.
"John said you had bandages," Elise lied calmly, hands clasped behind her back. Her manicured nails dug into her finger as she immediately cut herself. Grinding her teeth together to swallow the sting. "For the cut I got… from your slap earlier."
Lucien's pen paused.
"Why couldn't he get it himself?" He asked.
"He said he didn't want to disturb you."
His golden eyes finally lifted dangerously as they settled on her.
They lingered on her face then down to his oversized shirt on her body. He exhaled quietly and opened a drawer, pulling out a bandage.
"Here."
Elise stepped forward. Her cut was fresh, blood still glistening. As she reached for it, Lucien deliberately dropped the bandage onto the table instead of handing it to her.
She picked it up without complaints. "Thank you," Elise said but he had already looked away.
A frown creased her brow. She hadn't come all this way just to be dismissed.
She tried opening the bandage herself. The movement tugged at her wound.
"Ah—it hurts," she hissed softly.
But as usual, Lucien said nothing. He didn't even glance at her.
What kind of heartless man was he?
"Can you help me, Master Lucien?" she asked quietly.
"Get John," Lucien replied coldly. Elise eyed him stylishly, lips pouting as she stared at the cold man. She wanted him, not John, she had not hurt herself for John to care for her.
She bit on her lower lip and decided to do something else to get his attention.
Her eyes suddenly flickered around the room before she smiled faintly. "Your study is beautiful."
"If you're done, leave."
"I'm not," Elise said. "You refused to help me. How can I leave like this?" She showed him her bleeding hands.
"I told you to meet John."
"You're my boyfriend master Lucien," she said firmly. "Not John. Why would I let another man touch me when you're right here?"
Lucien pressed his fingers to his temple, irritation flashing across his face. He was losing it slowly.
"Our relationship isn't even real."
"To you," Elise replied softly, "but to me it is. And I love you, master Lucien. I really do."
His jaw tightened.
"Love doesn't work that way," Lucien said and then sighed. "Don't waste such powerful emotion on a man like me. Find someone else."
He shoved his papers aside. His work was officially ruined.
If only he knew he was the only man who had at least accepted her. Every other guy ran away when her sisters threatened them with her illness.
Those golden eyes locked onto her now, cold, calculating, assessing. Lucien was thinking of the next punishment to give her. Somewhere deep inside him, something stirred… but he crushed it instantly.
The sooner she left, the better.
Elise, oblivious to the danger in his gaze, smiled faintly. She was just happy to finally have his attention.
"Come," Lucien said. "Let's bandage your hand so you can leave."
Elise walked to the desk and stopped at its edge, keeping a careful distance as she extended her hand.
"Come closer, Elise," he said coolly. "I don't bite."
Her breath trembled. She bit her inner cheek and stepped closer.
The heat between her legs intensified, worse than before. It was stronger this time. Overwhelming. Her body reacted violently to the closeness, to his scent, to his presence.
"I… I'm fine here, Master Lucien."
He turned, eyes narrowing. "What's wrong with you now?"
She had never been shy before. At least not to him.
"Come closer, Elise."
"I'm fine..."
"Stop acting like a virgin," Lucien snapped, grabbing her arm and pulling her forward.
Her body collided gently with his, and electricity surged through her instantly. Elise gasped.
Lucien moved a document aside and tapped the desk. "Sit."
She obeyed.
The moment she sat, her entire body lit up, nipples tightening, breath growing shallow the ache between her thighs intensified and all she wanted was satisfaction. She had no idea how to get it, but she wanted it right now.
Elise clutched the edge of the desk, overwhelmed.
What was wrong with her?
Was she possessed?
She had lived twenty-two years without a man, without sex. Was that why her body was reacting like this?
Lucien opened the bandage and took her finger.
"Unn..."
A tiny whimper slipped from her lips and Lucien paused and looked up sharply.
His grip tightened slightly as he let out a sigh. He couldn't tell why she was being so dramatic for no reason.
"It won't hurt much," he said, voice lower as he wrapped the bandage carefully around her finger. He had caused it anyway, it was his duty to treat it.
When he finished, he released her hand.
"You can leave now."
Elise pressed her lips together. Her legs trembled, weak beneath her. She had no idea how to step down in this condition.
Her doctor told her to ask her boyfriend for help whenever she felt this way.
"Master Lucien…" she whispered, voice soft and desperate.
"C... can you help me with something else?"