Liam had introduced Jake to Lily as one of their new contractors. Often, Jake traveled to other cities to make proposals, hoping to get another project for the company. That was why he was in Lockwood.

"Lily, my job here will be extended for another week," Jake revealed. "But I'll see you after that, right? Since your mission is canceled."

With a smile, Lily faintly replied, "Yes, it's fine. Do what you have to do here. Aiden wants me to spend time with him."

She continued to finish her meal, but just as she did, she saw a familiar figure walking towards them. It was her former high school classmate, Alicia Bennet.

Immediately, Lily frowned. She said, "What is Alicia doing here?"

Jake turned in shock, saying, "Alicia? Oh." He shrugged and said, "I don't know."

Alicia Bennet was obsessed with Lily's boyfriend. She flaunted her admiration towards Jake, not bothering to be discreet. She would post it on her social media and tell some of Lily's high school classmates.

This woman had long, straight blonde hair and dressed like a model. She was rather the opposite of Lily.

As expected, Alicia walked over to their table. She smiled and said, "Fancy meeting you here."

"Really? You did not stalk Jake, right?" Lily asked while gazing at her boyfriend.

"So what if I do?" Alicia rolled her eyes. She said, "I at least have the freedom to do that."

Jake sneered at Alicia's words. He appeared to be disgusted by this woman. He said to Lily, "Ignore her, Darling. Eat your food. Let’s not waste our breath on her.”

"The truth is, I'm with my friends. I guess I'll be on my way," Alicia said before joining a table where three other girls were waiting for her.

"Is she bothering you? I could ask my cousin to teach her and her family a lesson," Lily offered to Jake.

Jake merely laughed and said, "This is the first time I have seen her in Lockwood. Don't bother yourself with unimportant people, Lily. Let's just enjoy our dinner."

After their meal, Jake invited Lily to his hotel room. She agreed. Again, she wanted to convince herself that she had moved on with Jake, but she did not last a second when her boyfriend kissed her on the lips. .

Lily pulled away and made an excuse, "I - I'm sorry, Jake. I wasn't expecting to stay longer. I booked a flight to Braeton at ten in the evening."

"oh, that's a shame," Jake muttered. He smiled and cupped her face. He said, "Don’t worry. I will always understand you because I love you, Lily. You know that. I will always be patient with you."

He grabbed her hand gently and said, "Let's go and get you a taxi."

***

Earlier that day.

Through a security surveillance video, Lucas watched as Lily left the Headquarters of the Thompson Group of Companies. His eyes were fixed on her slender frame, her small and cute face that had not aged over the years.

Like him, Lily was already in her early thirties, but her face looked so young.

Lucas did not want her to leave, but Lily was a force to reckon with. It wasn’t the time. He needed the right opportunity and he was determined to find it.

He glanced up at his assistant and said, "Ryan. Have someone follow her. Update me on her whereabouts.”

"Yes, Sir," a man, also well-built with blond hair, acknowledged.

Lucas returned to work for the rest of the day. He did not leave his office and wasn't planning to until nighttime.

Ryan entered his office once more to update Lucas, "Sir, Miss Wright went to Lockwood to see her boyfriend, Mister Jake Bass. They had dinner together, and she spent a few minutes in his hotel room."

"Jake?" Out of anger, the pen in Lucas' hand snapped. The veins on his neck protruded, and his jaws were clenched. He was seething as he ordered, "Find out everything you can with this man, Jake Bass. I want all his dirt in twenty-four hours. You got that, Ryan?”

"Yes, sir," Ryan replied.

Ten years ago, he left, but now he has returned. Lucas would stop at nothing to have Lily back in his life.