008

Ethan’s heart raced as he held his grandfather, Eric Ward, who lay motionless on the ground. Desperation clawed at him as he slipped a quick-acting heart pill into Eric’s mouth, praying it would help.

“Come on, Grandpa… breathe,” he whispered, his voice trembling.

But Eric remained unresponsive, his face pale, his pulse gone. Panic flared in Ethan’s eyes as he turned to the vendor, his grief morphing into rage. Grabbing the vendor by the collar, he shouted, “What did you put in those dough sticks? You killed him!”

The vendor, eyes wide with terror, stammered, “I swear, sir, it’s just regular dough! I used good oil and flour—nothing else, I promise!”

At that moment, Lucas, who had been watching the chaos unfold, stepped forward. Despite his earlier annoyance with the vendor, he couldn’t let an innocent man take the blame. “He’s telling the truth,” Lucas said firmly. “Your grandfather’s health was already compromised. The fried food didn’t help, but it wasn’t poison.”

Ethan turned his anger on Lucas, his face contorted with grief. “What do you know? Who even are you to speak on this?”

Ignoring the hostility, Lucas knelt beside Eric’s body, studying him for a brief moment. It’s risky… but it might work.

Without hesitation, he began applying acupressure to specific points along Eric’s chest and arms, his fingers moving with precision. Ethan glared, but before he could stop him, Ryan, the middle-aged man, stepped forward to intervene, delivering a swift kick aimed at Lucas.

Lucas dodged effortlessly, countering with a subtle shift that sent Ryan stumbling backward. “Stay back,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “If you want him alive, let me work.”

Everyone around fell silent, watching as Lucas continued the acupressure treatment. After a few tense moments, Eric’s body suddenly jolted, and he coughed, gasping for air.

Ethan’s eyes widened in shock. “Grandpa?”

Eric blinked, dazed, his voice a hoarse whisper. “Am… am I still alive?”

Lucas gave him a small nod. “Yes, but you need to avoid greasy foods from now on. And try to vomit up what you ate—your heart can’t handle the strain.”

A flicker of understanding passed through Eric’s eyes, and he nodded, his gratitude evident. “Thank you… thank you for saving me.” He looked at Lucas, still catching his breath. “What’s your name, son?”

“Lucas,” he replied simply, standing up as Ethan and the little girl rushed over, both visibly relieved.

Ethan, his earlier arrogance replaced with humility, reached into his pocket and held out a business card. “Lucas, I owe you a great debt. If you’re ever in Edoland, call me. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

Lucas glanced at the card, but shook his head, declining it. “I didn’t do it for a favor.”

The little girl looked up at him with wide eyes, her voice soft and innocent. “Thank you, mister. You’re like a hero… like Pigsy!” She giggled, holding onto her grandfather’s hand.

Lucas smiled, patting her head. “Take care of your grandpa, alright?”

Without waiting for further gratitude, he turned and left the scene, his steps calm and steady. As he walked back to the hospital, he felt a sense of fulfillment. Sometimes doing the right thing is enough, he thought.

Back at the hospital, Lucas returned to Ella’s room with the fried dough sticks and tofu pudding. Ella’s face lit up as he set the food on the small table beside her bed.

“Daddy! You got my favorite!” she cheered, clapping her hands.

Lucas laughed, watching her eagerly dig into the warm food. “Only the best for you, sweetheart.”

They shared a peaceful breakfast together, Ella’s laughter filling the room as she playfully fed him small bites. Lucas’s heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. These simple moments with Ella made everything worthwhile.

Later, as the clock approached eleven, Lucas arrived at the Cottage, an upscale restaurant Samantha had chosen for their lunch meeting. He stood outside, waiting patiently when his phone rang.

“I’m on my way, Lucas. Don’t keep me waiting too long,” Samantha’s voice came through, her tone brisk but with a hint of anticipation.

“Understood,” Lucas replied, ending the call with a small smile. But just as he slipped his phone back into his pocket, an unwelcome sight appeared before him—a sleek BMW pulled up nearby, and out stepped none other than his ex-wife, Ashley, with her new husband, Tom Brooks.

Ashley’s eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Lucas. She sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “Well, well, Lucas. Didn’t expect to see you here. What are you doing, begging outside a fancy restaurant now?”

Lucas took a steadying breath, refusing to rise to her provocation. “I’m here for a meeting, Ashley. That’s all.”

Tom stepped forward, his arm around Ashley’s shoulder, a smug grin on his face. “You know, Ashley was telling me about how things went for you after the divorce. It’s funny… you still look like you’re struggling.”

Ashley laughed, tossing her hair back. “It’s pathetic, really. Look at you, Lucas—still the same loser, clinging to old dreams. While Tom and I…” She glanced at Tom with a smirk, “Well, we’re living the life you could only dream of.”

Lucas’s jaw clenched, but he kept his voice steady. “I’m not interested in your life, Ashley. I’m here for my daughter.”

Ashley rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “Oh, please. You just can’t stand that I’ve moved on to better things. You’re nothing more than an annoyance at this point.”

Tom chuckled, looking at Lucas with disdain. “Maybe you should find yourself a real job, Lucas. Try to stop embarrassing yourself.”

Lucas’s fists tightened, but he took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. They’re not worth it, he reminded himself.

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up, and Samantha stepped out, dressed elegantly and radiating confidence. She glanced over, her eyes narrowing slightly as she saw Ashley and Tom standing with Lucas.

“Lucas,” she said smoothly, her tone commanding as she walked over. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Ashley’s face fell as she took in Samantha’s expensive attire and dignified demeanor. “Wait… you’re here with her?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Samantha arched an eyebrow, glancing at Ashley with thinly veiled contempt. “And you are?”

“Oh, I’m… I’m his ex-wife,” Ashley stammered, her confidence faltering.

Samantha gave a slight smile, cold and unimpressed. “Well, then. That’s in the past. Lucas, shall we?”

Lucas nodded, giving Ashley and Tom a final, dismissive look before following Samantha inside the restaurant. As they walked through the doors, he felt a quiet sense of satisfaction. He didn’t need to prove anything to them. He had something far more valuable—a chance to build a better future for Ella and himself.

Samantha glanced at him as they were seated, her tone softening. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that. If I’d known…”

Lucas shook his head, smiling slightly. “It’s fine. I’m here for the people who matter.” He looked around the elegant restaurant. “So, what’s the plan for today?”

She gave a small, genuine smile in return, respect evident in her eyes. “Today, we discuss business. And maybe… a little bit about what’s next.”

As the server approached, Lucas felt a strange optimism—something he hadn’t felt in a long time. The encounter with Ashley was behind him, and for the first time, he felt that maybe, just maybe, things were finally starting to look up.