Chapter 116

Vanessa stood frozen, completely taken aback by Lucien's unexpected reaction. Her eyes followed him as he turned away, striding toward the refrigerator with effortless confidence.

He grabbed a chilled beer, cracked it open with a sharp snap, and took a long, deliberate sip.

Rolling his eyes, as if reconsidering his words, he shrugged. "You need to loosen up, Vanessa. I didn’t peg you as the uptight type."

His tone was light, almost teasing. "We’re here to enjoy ourselves. If you’re happy, I’m happy. I can give you everything you want, and you can give me what I want. Simple, right? Why complicate things?"

Lucien’s nonchalance stung. He acted as if her rejection meant nothing, while Vanessa felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

"Relax," he added, waving a dismissive hand. "I don’t force people. If you’re not into it, no hard feelings."

He took another sip of beer. "I’m gonna rest now."

His casual dismissal made her feel foolish—like she was overreacting. But she had already said no, and pride wouldn’t let her backtrack now.

Her mind raced, flustered and uncertain. "Right. I’ll… see you tonight, Mr. Dubois."

She ducked her head and hurried toward the door, her pulse erratic.

Just as her fingers brushed the handle, Lucien’s voice stopped her.

"Vanessa."

She froze.

He smirked, swirling his beer. "We’ve got a whole week in Silverpine Valley. Plenty of time for you to reconsider."

Her breath hitched. She managed a barely audible "Mm," before slipping out and shutting the door behind her.

Inside the suite, Lucien’s smirk deepened.

Vanessa barely remembered the walk back to her room. Her thoughts spiraled—Lucien’s scent, his warmth, his words—all of it suffocated her.

I can’t do this. I won’t betray Dominic. Not now, not ever.

Dominic wanted to marry her. Their relationship was real. Lucien? He just wanted a fling.

Her phone buzzed. Dominic’s name flashed on the screen.

She answered instantly, her voice trembling. "I miss you so much."

Dominic chuckled, surprised. "You just left, sweetheart. Already lonely?"

Her fingers tightened around the phone. "I was just thinking… when will you join me?"

"Vanessa, you know I’ve got things to wrap up here," he said gently. "But soon. Once everything’s settled, I’ll be there."

He softened his tone. "Did you check into the hotel? I booked you the best suite—nothing but the best for my girl. You like it?"