Pomegranates
Pomegranates
(Felix’s POV)
I led Amber Chase to the elevator, sliding my special access card through the reader. The soft chime indicated our clearance to the upper floors.
“Investment Department Two is on the 58th floor,” 1 explained as the elevator began its smooth ascent.
I couldn’t help but glance at the red–heart soft–seed pomegranate in Amber’s hand. The fruit looked perfectly ripe, its deep crimson skin gleaming under the elevator’s LED lights.
Amber noticed my gaze. “Do you want the pomegranate, Felix?”
I swallowed the words I wanted to say. How could I explain that Dominic had specially air–freighted these pomegranates for her? That he’d spent considerable effort ensuring she had the finest quality fruit avallable?
“Dominic always likes pomegranates,” I said simply, keeping my voice neutral.
The elevator continued its climb, and I watched Amber’s expression change as she processed this information. Her amber eyes brightened with understanding.
When we reached the 58th floor, Amber stepped out gracefully. I held the door for her, then began explaining Lucas’s recent
achievements.
“Lucas secured a significant AI project recently,” I told her as we walked down the polished corridor: “The success led to Investment Department Two expanding to occupy the entire 58th floor.”
Amber nodded, clearly impressed. “That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“He earned himself a much larger office as well,” I continued. “It’s a substantial upgrade from his previous workspace.”
We approached Lucas’s office just as a department meeting was concluding. Through the glass walls, I could see several employees filing out, their expressions animated with post–meeting energy.
Lucas emerged from the conference room, looking remarkably professional in his grey shirt and black trousers. Gone was his usual playboy persona, replaced by the sharp focus of a successful businessman.
His eyes immediately found Amber, and he approached with a genuine smile.
“The new pomegranates arrived yesterday,” Amber announced in front of his colleagues. “They’re especially sweet. I thought they were delicious, and your uncle said you like them too, so I brought you one.”
She extended the pomegranate toward Lucas with a warm expression.
Lucas accepted the fruit graciously, his smile widening. “Thank you. Please give my thanks to Uncle as well.”
The casual interaction felt natural, but something about the scene made my chest tighten. I cleared my throat and made a quick
excuse.
“I should return to Dominic’s office,” I said, already backing away. “Enjoy your visit.”
(Amber’s POV)
Inside Lucas’s office, I took a moment to admire the spacious and well–decorated environment. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a stunning view of Silvercrest City, while modern furniture created an atmosphere of success and sophistication.
“This is impressive, Lucas,” I said, settling into one of the leather chairs. “You’ve really made something of yourself here.”
Lucas beamed with pride. “I have some exciting news actually. I’m now a signed photographer for Moonlight Photography’s collaboration with Silvercrest Television.”
I raised an eyebrow. “That makes us almost colleagues then.”
1/3
Pomegranates
+25 BONUS
“Derek brought these candies from overseas,” Lucas said, offeringne a small box of imported sweets. “They’re supposed to be exceptional.”
I accepted one gratefully, savoring the rich flavor. “These are delicious.”
As I enjoyed the candy, I decided to share my recent adventure. “I had quite an encounter at Crescent Law University yesterday.”
Lucas leaned forward with interest.
“I ran into Sophia Winters there,” I continued. “Then some troublemakers started a fight with us.”
Lucas’s expression immediately shifted to concern. “A fight? Were you hurt?”
“Jared Stone was absolutely heroic,” I said, waving off his worry. He protected us brilliantly. You should have seen him in
action.”
But Lucas seemed more focused on my wellbeing than the heroic details. “Amber, are you injured? Did anyone hurt you?”
His persistent concern frustrated me. I needed to redirect this conversation to more important matters.
“Lucas, we need to talk about your recent drunken state over Naomi Warren,” I said firmly.
His face immediately flushed with embarrassment.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Naomi’s impending engagement to Henry Chase?” I demanded, my voice rising with anger.” How could you keep this from me?”
Lucas looked down at his hands. “I didn’t know how to-”
“You’re willing to let the woman you love jump into a pit of fire by mating with Henry?” I interrupted. “Do you have any idea what kind of man my brother is?”
Lucas finally met my eyes, his expression pained. “I do have feelings for Naomi,” he admitted quietly. “But I’m afraid that my love would cover the moon’s light.”
His poetic words only intensified my frustration.
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” I snapped. “Love doesn’t cover anything–it illuminates everything.”
Lucas remained silent, his shoulders slumped with defeat.
My anger began to subside as I saw his genuine pain. I took a deep breath and made a decision.
“I’m going to disrupt the Chase and Warren families‘ engagement on Saturday,” I declared firmly.
Lucas’s eyes widened in shock. “Amber, you can’t-”
“I can and I will,” I interrupted. “But here’s the thing, Lucas. While I’ll break off the engagement, you’ll have to win Naomi’s heart yourself.”
He stared at me in disbelief.
“If Naomi agrees to be your mate, Dominic will support your union” I continued. “I want you to be happy, Lucas. But you have to fight for it.”
(Lucas’s POV)
After Amber left, I remained motionless in my chair for a long time. Her words echoed in my mind, challenging everything I’d believed about my situation with Naomi.
Eventually, my gaze fell on the red–heart soft–seed pomegranate sitting on my desk. I picked it up carefully, examining its perfect surface.
The weight of it felt significant in my hands, like a symbol of something I couldn’t quite name.
2/3
Pomegranates
+25 BONUS
I pulled open my desk drawer and carefully placed the pomegranate inside, nestling it among some important documents.
Uncle Dominic had no idea that I actually liked pomegranates. The trony wasn’t lost on me- misunderstandings between people who cared about each other.
-so many assumptions, so many
(Amber’s POV)
I returned to Dominic’s office just as Henry Chase and Harrison Chase were leaving. Henry looked visibly upset, but he managed to give me a thumbs–up as he passed.
Harrison also looked at me with a complex expression, his eyes holding a mixture of frustration and grudging respect.
I felt pleased with Henry’s reaction. It suggested that Dominic had successfully negotiated for my territorial shares during their meeting.
“Old Chase,” I called out confidently as Harrison reached the door. “Don’t worry. This Saturday, when you have dinner with the Warren family, I’ll definitely bring Dominic to support you.”
