"He is an important person who needs protection. It will be your primary responsibility to oversee his security," the major loudly said to Lily while they were on a military helicopter, flying ten thousand feet above the ground.
This was one of those odd assignments.
When Lily arrived at the military camp earlier, Sergeant Major Patton only let her sign a confidentiality contract, and then they hopped on a helicopter. It was while in the air that the major explained the mission. It seemed like she would protect a private individual from a threat, but who? Even that was kept a secret.
After some time, they ultimately arrived at their destination. Earlier, Lily thought they were closing in on a familiar city, but her senior officer often distracted her, and she had to answer many of his questions. She wasn't able to identify where they had landed.
The helicopter landed on a rooftop building. Again, it all seemed familiar to Lily; however, looking at everything several feet above the ground made it difficult to put a name to it.
Lily reluctantly followed the military officer down the building, where bodyguards escorted them. They walked through an elegant hallway and into the private office.
The man whom she was assigned to protect was sitting on a leather seat, and his back was facing them.
'Whoever this was should have heard the doors open, right? Why did he have his chair turned the opposite way?' Lily mused while studying the chair.
Eventually, a man with blond hair announced their arrival, "Sir, Major Sergeant Patton is here with Sergeant Lily Wright."
The chair slowly swiveled, and at the sight of the man she was meant to protect, Lily's hands sweat, and her heart sank.
It was Lucas Thompson, Aiden's father.
'No. Why didn't I see this coming?' Lily silently asked herself. No wonder the place was so familiar. Lily was in Rose Hills, Lucas' hometown and the location of the Thompson Group of Companies headquarters.
Major Patton walked towards Lucas and shook his hand. He said, "Mister Thompson. It's nice to see you again.”
'What? They have met before?' Lily could only wonder.
"Sergeant Wright, this is Mister Lucas Thompson. He is the new CEO of the Thompson Group of Companies, and right now, his life is in danger. He had requested the military’s help, and we have chosen you for the job," Major Patton said. "You will be reporting to Mister Thompson round the clock, which means you will be living in the same building as he is until the authorities have arrested the mastermind behind his assassination threat."
Lily was standing there like a stick. She did not know how many times she gulped. Eventually, she took a deep breath and answered, "The Military is not supposed to be used by private individuals. I refuse to accept this mission."
"Miss Wright, that is true, but if it is for the benefit of the federal state, then we will intervene," Major Patton said plainly. "And that is why you are here."
"Besides, isn't it that your family has used the military for personal protection too?" Major Patton pointed out.
Inside, Lily was fuming. How dare the major point that out?
Yes, that was true. Because Lily's great-grandfather was a former military general, her family, the Wrights, have enjoyed the benefits of military protection and service over the years. So, it was unfair to use this as an argument not to protect Lucas. Thus, she heaved a sigh and answered, "I understand, Major Patton. I'm sorry."
"Then, I shall let you be. You are to report to me every week through our dedicated private line," The Major said before giving respect to Lucas. After that, he excused himself.
Lily heard the door close behind her. When she was alone with Lucas, she lifted her chin to look him in the eye.
Fuck, he looked so good, but Lily had to remind herself that she hated this man. This was the man whom she loved, gave her everything to, and left without any explanation.
"How have you been, Lily?" Lucas finally asked. Like the last, his voice was deep and slightly raspy. "It's been a long time."
"Oh." Lily let out a sarcastic laugh. She said, "So you do know me?"
"I'm sorry about the last time we met. I wasn't entirely prepared for it," Lucas explained himself.
"And you are prepared now? Let me guess, you set this whole thing up?" Lily asked.
Lucas just smiled in his seat. He did not confirm nor deny it. He offered the chair before his desk and said, "Please, take a seat, Lily. I'd really love to catch up. What would you like to have? Coffee or tea?"
"I don't need anything. I will only sit and talk with you if you tell me why you left. Where have you been, and what on earth did you do in the past ten years that you went missing?" Lily could not help but raise her voice. "Why haven't you contacted us, not even your parents?"
"How could you throw away years of friendship, love, and brotherhood just like that!" Lily said that because Lucas was also very close to her brothers.
"If you did not want to be with me, you could have said so!" She screamed. Her emotions were taking over her so she took a deep breath and shut her eyes, trying to find her calm.
"Whoever said I did not want you, Lily? I returned solely to take you back," Lucas frankly said.
His answer stupefied Lily. Her brows raised as she asked, "Really? You want me back? After ten years of being gone?" She scoffed and said, "Are you out of your mind?"
"You left me. You made me miserable, and you made our families fight! You only left me a note to say not to wait for you!" Lily said. She could not help but be irritated by his calmness. "What makes you think I want you back, Lucas? Newsflash, I have moved on as you had requested. Also, I have a boyfriend!"
Yet again, Lucas did not answer. However, Lily saw his expression darkened. He leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. He replied, "Do you think I care if you don't want me back? Is your boyfriend half better than me? I bet he isn't."
His answer frustrated Lily to the core. She asked, "Where have you been?"
"I can't tell you that," Lucas replied bluntly.
"Why? Why can't you?" Lily asked. "If you can't tell me, then I can't trust you!"
"The past ten years are now part of my past. Didn't they say that a person's past should not matter in relationships?" Lucas asked. He finally stood up and walked towards Lily, saying, "Come back to me, Lily. I'll give you everything you want."
"What I want is for you to leave me alone," Lily coldly said.
Lucas stood before Lily and slightly chuckled. At first, he seemed amused, but soon, he firmly replied, "Anything but that."
He held her wrist and repeated, "Come back to me, Lily."
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