Chapter 193: No Intent To Keep It Secret
For the first time since Arabella had confessed her feelings so openly, Luca truly understood what she meant.
He could only nod and respect her decision, even if it wasn’t the answer he had hoped for.
He knew this situation wasn’t fair to her. No woman could be expected to accept something like this without hesitation.
Sophie and Naomi had both chosen to compromise because they wanted to stay by his side.
Cecelia had entered his life knowing exactly where she stood, choosing from the very beginning to be his lover.
Amelia had never seemed bothered by the fact that other women were already in his life. Part of that came from the feelings she’d carried for him since their school days. Another reason was much simpler. The outfit she’d worn to work that day had come from the pile of clothes Luca had originally bought for Naomi, far more than Naomi could ever fit into her apartment.
Vivienne, meanwhile, had shown incredible maturity. Rather than forcing him into an impossible position, she’d accepted the situation with grace. She even made an effort to spend time with Naomi so they could get along.
Only when she was alone with Luca would she occasionally let her jealousy show.
And now... it was Arabella’s turn.
She hadn’t agreed to become his girlfriend yet, but everything that had happened today told him she’d already crossed the line she’d once drawn for herself.
Every one of these women had given him their hearts without reservation. Otherwise, none of this would have happened.
His girlfriends had been far more understanding than he deserved.
’I can’t let any of them down.’
One day, no matter what it took, he would give them the happy family they deserved.
...
The subject never came up again during dinner.
Instead, Luca entertained Arabella with stories from his recent trip to New Orleans, sharing amusing encounters and memorable experiences.
Naturally, he carefully left out every romantic moment involving Cecelia.
"So Hale-Viv Conglomerate was yours all along."
Arabella paused with her fork, genuine surprise flickering across her usually calm face.
"You’ve heard of it?"
She nodded.
"I’ve heard people in the business world discussing it. I just never realized you were the one who brought down Luiz Conglomerate."
Gordon Luiz was a well-known business magnate. Although most of his companies weren’t based in San Fierro, his influence reached every major city.
When he was imprisoned and Luiz Conglomerate changed its name overnight, the news spread throughout high society.
She had never imagined that the man responsible for overturning an entire business empire was sitting across from her.
The surprise faded, replaced by the faintest sting of jealousy.
"Your cousin’s name is Lisa Hale, right?"
"Yeah..." Luca replied, puzzled. "Why?"
Arabella merely nodded.
"I see."
She said nothing else.
Her face remained as composed as ever, but for just an instant, Luca thought he sensed a chill in her gaze.
An inexplicable shiver ran down his spine.
Seeing the confusion on his face, Arabella knew he hadn’t understood.
She wasn’t going to explain.
’Hale-Viv Conglomerate...’
’What a lovely name.’
The "Hale" obviously referred to Luca.
So...
Who exactly did "Viv" represent?
She didn’t need to ask.
She already knew.
...
After dinner, they each poured themselves a glass of red wine and stepped onto the balcony.
The evening breeze drifted through the air, carrying away the warmth of the day and replacing it with a pleasant coolness.
Neither of them spoke much.
The silence between them was comfortable.
Luca couldn’t tell whether Arabella was genuinely tipsy or simply relaxing after a long day.
When he wrapped an arm around her slender waist, she tilted her head back slightly. Her lips parted just enough to reveal a hint of vulnerability beneath her usual calm expression.
"You really can’t hold your liquor," he whispered with a smile, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek.
"I think... I’m a little drunk."
Her voice was soft.
Their eyes met.
Neither needed another invitation.
They leaned toward each other, sharing another lingering kiss.
The mellow sweetness of the wine mixed with Arabella’s gentle fragrance, leaving Luca completely intoxicated.
Neither of them noticed the lights shining from the apartment building opposite.
...
Not far away, inside Building Six...
A slender young woman stood frozen by the window.
Raven Green gripped the windowsill with one hand while clutching her phone so tightly her knuckles had turned white.
Her face darkened.
If not for the manners she’d been taught since childhood, she might have started cursing on the spot.
She recognized the man kissing another woman across the courtyard.
Luca Hale.
Naomi’s boyfriend.
So this was what people meant by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
She’d honestly believed Naomi had finally found someone worthy of her.
Only days ago, Luca had generously given them both two weeks off after hearing Naomi’s request.
Back then, Raven had genuinely envied her.
Yet only a few days later...
She had caught him kissing another woman without the slightest attempt to hide it.
In the same residential complex.
On the balcony.
Right in plain sight.
Was he mocking Naomi?
Or had he simply never taken her seriously?
No.
Naomi deserved to know the truth.
Whatever happened afterward would be her choice.
The good impression Raven had built of Luca shattered completely.
’Men with money really do become unreliable.’
Without another glance toward the opposite building, she hurried into the living room.
Naomi was curled up on the sofa, smiling brightly at something on her phone.
"Mimi."
Raven’s voice was unusually heavy.
Naomi immediately looked up.
Seeing the worry on her senior’s face, she sat upright.
"Senior? What’s wrong? You don’t look well."
Raven clenched her fists.
"Mimi... what would you do if your boyfriend cheated on you?"
Even though she hated ruining Naomi’s happiness, she couldn’t let her continue living in a lie.
Naomi blinked.
"...Did something happen?"
She could tell immediately that something was wrong.
Otherwise, Raven would never have walked in looking like this or asked such a question out of nowhere.
"Mimi..." Raven took a deep breath.
"My advice is to leave Luca."
"Everything he’s shown you... it’s fake."
"Men like him are rich, handsome, and live in a completely different world from people like us."
"They date girls like us because it’s exciting. Once they get bored, they’ll move on."
She had never spoken so earnestly before.
But Naomi frowned.
"Senior... please don’t say that about Luca."
"He’s not like those rich playboys."
"And... I know his feelings for me are real."
If anyone else had spoken about him that way, she would already have been angry.
She hated hearing people speak badly about him.
"You’re sure?" Raven’s frustration finally boiled over.
"What makes you so certain?"
"Do you have any proof?"
The question caught Naomi completely off guard.
Almost instantly, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.
"Ugh..."
Raven stared for a moment before sighing dramatically.
"I knew it."
"I’m done talking."
She turned away with an exaggerated huff.
Meanwhile, Naomi covered her burning face and hurried into her bedroom before closing the door.
Leaning against it, she slowly slid down until she was sitting on the carpet.
Her cheeks remained crimson.
She bit her lower lip shyly, her eyes glistening.
If Luca could see her now, he’d probably find her irresistible.
How could she possibly doubt his feelings?
Every moment they spent together already answered that question.
And besides...
He had told her himself.
She was the only one who could make him happy in two different ways at the same time.