The Life Of Lie's

Selene's breath was steady, but her mind was a storm. The moment the guard mentioned the lower levels, she had seen a flicker of something in Lucian's expression. It wasn't anger, nor was it amusement but something deeper, a reaction he hadn't meant to show. Lucian was hiding something he had buried beneath the estate. Selene lifted her coffee cup, bringing it to her lips to buy herself time, the warmth spread through her, but it did little to ease the tension coiling inside her chest. Across the table, Lucian remained still, but his fingers had stopped tapping against the armrest; a sign that he was thinking and calculating. The guard shifted uncomfortably, waiting for a response while the tension in the room thickened as the seconds dragged on. Lucian finally exhaled, setting his cup down with deliberate slowness. 'Containment records," he repeated, his tone light, almost dismissive. 'And where exactly did you find them?" The guard hesitated before responding. 'Behind the old storage rooms, sir. It was hidden in one of the older sections." Lucian's lips pressed together briefly before he nodded. 'I see." But Selene remained silent, due to her mind racing, and from the look of things Lucian wasn't asking unnecessary questions that meant he already knew what had been found and he had expected this, but why now? Selene's fingers curled against her lap, her heartbeat steady despite the storm inside her, she needed to know then Lucian finally turned his gaze back to her. 'Curious, aren't you?" Selene tilted her head slightly. 'Should I be?" Lucian's smirk was slow, but there was no humor behind it. 'That depends." Selene didn't blink. 'On what?" Lucian exhaled softly, then stood. 'On whether you can handle the truth." She tensed slightly, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she pushed her chair back and rose as well. 'Try me." Lucian studied her for a moment longer before turning to the guard. 'Bring it to my study." The guard nodded, exiting quickly. Lucian glanced at Selene again before motioning for her to follow. 'Come, let's not waste time." Selene's pulse quickened, but she masked it behind an indifferent nod, this was an opportunity. As she followed him through the corridors, she memorized every turn and every door. The estate was built like a maze, designed to disorient anyone who didn't belong but Selene was learning it. They finally reached Lucian's study and the heavy doors shut behind them, sealing them inside while the warmth from the fireplace did little to melt the chill between them. Lucian moved toward his desk, his fingers grazing the edge as he turned to face her. 'You always assume I'm the villain in your story," he murmured. Selene arched her brow. 'Aren't you?" Lucian exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking his head. 'Perspective is a dangerous thing, Selene." Before she could respond, the door opened again. The guard returned, carrying a metal box, it was dented and old, its surface covered in scratches as if it had been hidden away for years. Lucian gestured toward the table. 'Leave it." The guard obeyed before stepping back. Lucian waited until the door shut again before he turned back to Selene. 'Let's see what you're so desperate to uncover," he said smoothly, undoing the latch. Selene forced herself to remain still as Lucian lifted the lid. Inside was a stack of old documents that lay untouched by time, some were in folders, others loose sheets with faded ink but one thing caught her attention immediately; a name–Devereaux Holdings. Selene's breath caught, she knew that name, that's her father's company. Her hands curled into fists, but she didn't move, she refused to let Lucian see the storm raging beneath her skin. Lucian's gaze flickered toward her. 'Interesting, isn't it?" Selene's jaw tightened. 'What is this?" Lucian lifted a page, scanning the text. 'Contracts, financial records, confidential dealings that were never meant to see the light of day." He glanced at her. 'Your father was very good at keeping secrets." Selene's heart pounded because her father had died in an accident, that was what she had been told but if his company had ties to Lucian… if there were hidden contracts… Lucian leaned forward slightly. 'Do you want to know, Selene?" Selene swallowed, keeping her voice steady. 'Yes," Lucian smirked. 'Then read."He slid the document toward her. Selene reached for it, her fingers brushing against the paper, the text was dense, filled with legal jargon, but one line stood out immediately. Devereaux Holdings –Acquisition Agreement with Calloway Industries. Calloway; Lucian's family name. Her stomach twisted, her father's company had belonged to Lucian. Selene's fingers trembled slightly, but she forced herself to remain composed. 'This isn't possible." Lucian watches her carefully. 'You were never meant to know." Selene's breath was shallow. 'My father never worked with your family." Lucian exhaled softly. 'Not willingly." Selene's body stilled. Lucian leaned against the desk. 'He owed a debt, Selene, one he couldn't repay, and in the end, he lost everything." Selene's pulse roared in her ears because this changed everything. Lucian studied her reaction. 'Now, tell me," he murmured. 'Do you still see the world as black and white?" Selene's throat was tight, her chest burning with emotions she couldn't name, and if her father had been forced into this… Lucian's family had taken everything from him…Then who was truly to blame? Lucian took a step closer, lowering his voice. 'You were raised on lies, Selene and you don't even realize it." Selene clenched her fists. 'Why show me this now?" Lucian tilted his head. 'Because it's time you understand that nothing happens without a reason." Selene forced herself to breathe, she couldn't unravel, Lucian smirked slightly. 'You hate me, don't you?" Selene lifted her chin. 'I don't hate people who aren't worth my time." Lucian exhaled softly. 'Good." Before she could react, he leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. 'Then let's see how deep you're willing to dig." The words sent a chill down her spine but Selene wasn't afraid. She was ready to uncover everything even if it destroyed her.