Guilt washed away

Lizzie took her way to home after a long day. Today was too much for her, the hectic office work, and a volcanic eruption of her emotions. She was so exhausted that her every organ was begging for some rest.

When she arrived home, she chimed the bell only to be left unanswered. Reckoning that her parents were not home, she took her spare key, jabbed it into the lock and opened the door. She went straight to her room and threw herself on the bed tossing her handbag somewhere near.

She closed her eyes as the words she said to Lucas kept ringing in her head. Whatever she said today was true. She is still madly in love with him as she was seven years ago. She never believed in his death though everyone else gave up searching for him and assumed he was dead. And may be that is what that kept her sane all these years. She longed for him, preyed for him. She hadn't lost the habit of telling her daily stories to the voicemail which gave her the feeling as though John was listening to her. She didn't know if it was true, but she assumed it to be.

She flipped over on the bed now lying on her stomach and immersed her face in the pillow. Seven years ago when Lucas said he just wanted to be her friend and nothing more, Lizzie gladly accepted. But later on, when she observed how closely he moved with her, she understood that he still had feelings for her. She always thought of telling him that she didn't feel the same way for him as he felt for her but couldn't find a chance to bring up the subject. But today she was grateful that he himself asked her about her feelings and given the opportunity, she brushed away all his thoughts that would never come true. At least from today on, he wouldn't waste his time on her and move on with is life. He could find someone he would love more than he did her, someone who would love him with her soul.

Lizzie felt relieved as she felt the guilt washed away. 'Where are you, John? I miss you so much. Hope you are fine and healthy.' She thought as a tear fell down from her reddened eyes. She already had a lot on her plate when her father's company started to face losses.

Lizzie wanted to gain experience first and then take over her father's company and joined in another company through her own skill and hard work. But when the company started falling, she wasn't experienced enough to take over the company and doing so would only drag the company down faster. This is the most pressing issue she had now.

She took a deep breath and sat up to reach her phone that was in her bag. She noticed many notifications from messenger and one of them as from her manager. She quickly opened the chat and found that her manager wants to meet her early in the office tomorrow, to which she was used to as this wasn't the first time her manager calls her early to the office and irritates her with all the project presentations. She went through all the other messages she got from her friends and colleagues and answered all of them when she finally got to call her mother wondering where they went.

As soon as the phone ringed the first time, other side responded, "Hello Lizzie. Are you home yet?"

"Yes mom. Where are you and dad?"

"We are out to meet an old mate of your father." Alice stated.

"Oh! Who is that friend mom?" As far as Lizzie knows, only David and James are his friends.

"He is not exactly a friend. He is someone who your father knows through his company."

"Oh, okay. Are you there for talking about the company?"

"Yes, Lizzie. But he is not ready to help us." Alice disillusioned. Her disappointment was heard louder than her words.

However Lizzie stayed normal as if she had already expected these words. "Don't worry mom, everything will be alright."

"Hope so honey. Your father is depressed and the burden is being increased day by day."

"I know, mom. Let's not lose hope and try our best." Lizzie consoled her mother who was in dismay.

"Sure. Okay, I gotta go now. Will be home in an hour or so. Bye."

"Bye mom." She said before hanging up the call. She strolled to the washroom to freshen up.

After the car dashed on the road, it halted only in front of a bar. Lucas got off his four-wheeler and darted inside the bar. His eyes were puffed, his hair was messed up yet he looked unbelievably handsome and charming.

It's been eight in the evening and the bar was half-full. He was surrounded by the people's stares at his beautiful structure but he has more to care about.

He climbed to the first floor which seemed to be less bothersome as most of the people were down and walked to the table in the corner of the relax area where he could have a good view of everyone in there.

He called a nearby waiter and ordered himself a drink. He poured it in a glass and consumed it all in a single gulp. Within in next twenty minutes he emptied the bottle. But he didn't get over her and felt as if something was piercing his heart. Feeling the urge to have more, he ordered one more and took a look at the people around him while waiting for his 'pain-killer'. Everyone seemed to be ecstasy except him who had just been heartbroken.

Though his heart hadn't had enough, his brain had more than enough causing him to be dizzy. Before he realized, a voluptuous women with perfect curves at perfect places, wearing a black pencil skirt that barely reached her mid-thigh and red blouse that had its first three buttons free showing a generous amount of cleavage, sat beside him.

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Author's Note:

Please, please please vote for the novel and add it your library. If you like it, recommend it to others also. It is a newbie author's request. Also I would like to know your opinions on the story so far. Even if you don't like it, please let me know that I can change myself. If you are reading this, please know that I am grateful to you.