Bab 23: A Mysterious Boy
First time meeting each other, and Anastasia already comes up with the impression that Lucien is not really who he appears to be.
As she scans his downcast expression with an inquisitive look on her face, he just continues to avert his gaze. He seems really withdrawn at the moment, which makes her feel like taking her question back.
She didn't mean to poke her nose in his personal matters when she asked him. But even then, she at least wants to know how he ends up right in front of their bakery out of all places.
"It's alright if you don't tell me the entire story. You can just say anything you want," Anastasia started again, trying not to sound too nosy.
"U-Ummm... T-The thing is..."
Then, she paused.
Now, this is quite a sight to behold for her.
Lucien still hasn't looked at her and just settled with rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. He appears timid, somewhat fidgety, and unsure of what to do. It's also not that hard to point out that he's having a hard time engaging in a conversation.
After learning about him earlier today, Anastasia had a thought or two regarding this well-renowned personality. At first, she had pictured him as some kind of a daddy's boy, a rich snob, or a spoiled brat at worst.
It just happened that it's how Cathleen described him earlier. She told her some facts about how Lucien is living the life of every wealthy heir out there - how he's always seen with other famed celebrities and individuals, the truth that he doesn't appear in public or around people his age that much, and the way others see him as a sheltered son who has everything provided for him.
Lucien is also said to be someone whose smile is shatterproof. He's always beaming and acting friendly when people are around, but aside from that, there's not much to take note of.
In other words, he doesn't show any other noteworthy expressions apart from that model smile of his. It might as well be said that he doesn't display his true emotions that often.
Right now, though, Anastasia's initial image of Lucien is starting to form some cracks.
"I-I'm sorry... I've never been in someone else's house before..." he continued before taking a deep breath and looking back at her.
"I-I also never spoke to anyone without Father's permission. My bodyguard wasn't with me tonight, so I think I got lost."
"Oh, I see... May I know where you're going, then? Maybe I can help," she worded out carefully, choosing to just go straight to the point instead of entertaining her curiosity.
It isn't surprising for her to know that he's usually being accompanied by a bodyguard. But after hearing about his father, she's a bit taken aback. It gives her the impression that he's been raised in a strict household.
"N-Nowhere in particular," Lucien trailed off before falling silent once more.
At this rate, Anastasia feels like going back to asking what he's doing out in the street then. He's not into talking too much - that's for sure. But then again, he can just also be being careful around strangers like her.
"Speaking of strangers, I completely forgot to introduce myself...!" she then absentmindedly blurted out, catching him off guard.
"Well, umm... This is a bit late, but allow me to introduce myself. My name's Anastasia, and you're now inside our family bakery."
"A... bakery?" he repeated in surprise, blinking at her with wide eyes.
"Yeah! Isn't it obvious? Try looking around. We have bread everywhere-"
That's when Anastasia got cut off by his stomach growling out of nowhere. The two of them only pause in surprise at that moment. Lucien then starts making a face that proves him guilty of what his stomach is trying to say.
"I-I'm sorry! That's... r-really awkward. Please, don't mind it," he voiced out hastily, his face a bit flushed in embarrassment.
"Are you hungry? I can give you some if you want," she offered with a smile.
"N-No, I'm good. I don't have any money with me right now-"
"It's fine, it's fine! This is on the house."
With that, Anastasia proceeds to take out some loaves of bread that are still warm and crispy. Her parents had taught her how to be a magnanimous and amicable hostess whenever they're not around, which was why she knew just what to do in this situation.
While she's preparing everything, though, she can't get her mind off of the fact that this wealthy heir is actually starving right now. He's supposed to be excessively rich. But then again, a lot of things about this situation doesn't settle well.
He's freezing cold, hungry, and all alone in the street - the whole picture itself is raising red flags.
"Here you go!" she beamed, placing a whole plate of bread beside his chocolate drink.
"T-This is... This is too much... But thank you," he replied, surprise written over his expression.
At this point, Anastasia is starting to see Lucien as one mysterious guy more than any other impressions out there.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Aciee_GelaTin
Aciee_GelaTin Hi, everyone! A change of plans here.
I'm thinking of updating more often this month. Something came up and I felt like working harder than usual.
Still in the middle of finishing my two other novels, but I'll do my best to update this one everyday. Please, continue supporting this story!
Thank you all for adding this to your library. Enjoy your reading! (◕ᴗ◕✿)
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