Chapter 6: Ruined Reputations, Shattered Masks

He flashed that trademark smile—the one that used to make me melt. Now it just made me sick. Disgust twisted inside me.

People started joking. The air got meaner.

Someone tossed a peanut at Lucas, grinning. "Jessica, you're something else. As soon as you show up, Lucas is in a good mood." Annoyance prickled under my skin.

"Yeah, not like that Autumn, who only makes Lucas angry." Bitterness flared. I wanted to scream.

The group laughed, the sound sharp and mean. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to storm in and set them straight. Anger simmered.

"By the way, Lucas, why haven't we seen her with you lately?" Anxiety twisted in my gut.

A platinum-blonde girl leaned forward, curiosity bright in her eyes. Lucas shrugged, a cold smile on his lips. Dismissal radiated from him.

Lucas let out a mocking laugh. Irritation bubbled up.

He took a slow sip of whiskey, swirling the glass. "Why? You want to see her?" His tone grated on me.

"What a joke. That plain type isn't my thing." Hurt stabbed through me, even though I tried not to care.

Someone snorted, rolling their eyes. I bit my tongue, refusing to let their words get to me. Anger burned in my chest.

Lucas's hand slid into Jessica's shirt. Disgust curdled my stomach.

She giggled, arching into his touch. The sight made my stomach churn. I wanted to look away.

"Not just plain—she wouldn't even let me touch her." Fury flashed in my eyes.

He said it loud enough for everyone to hear. The group erupted in laughter. Mortification burned my cheeks.

"No way, really? In this day and age, she's still so uptight?" Embarrassment made my skin crawl.

A guy at the end of the table shook his head, smirking. "So funny. She's just a little intern, and Lucas takes a liking to her, but she still acts all pure and untouchable." Bitterness gnawed at me.

Lucas grabbed Jessica's chin and kissed her hard. Disgust twisted in my stomach.

The room filled with whistles and cheers. I rolled my eyes, disgusted by the whole show. Annoyance flared.

Someone banged on the table, chanting, "Go, Lucas!" The noise was deafening. Irritation spiked.

Lucas looked smug, basking in the attention. I wanted to wipe that look off his face.

He wiped his mouth, glancing around the room like a king surveying his subjects. Disgust simmered.

"So Jessica's the one who really makes me happy." Bitterness colored his words.

He said it with a flourish, daring anyone to challenge him. I rolled my eyes, exasperated.

"Really?" I pushed open the door and strode in, bravado buzzing in my veins.

The room went dead silent. All eyes turned to me, surprise and curiosity flickering across their faces. I stood tall, daring them to challenge me.

I was just looking for a friend, but when I heard them mocking me, I couldn't let it slide. Anger burned in my chest.

I hadn't planned to confront them, but their words lit a fire in me. I couldn't walk away. Determination hardened my spine.

Well, if he's going to dish it out, I can too. I wasn't about to let him win.

I squared my shoulders, summoning every ounce of bravado I had left. I was ready for this. Bring it on.

"Since you dislike me so much, why were you kneeling and proposing to me just a few days ago?" Satisfaction thrummed in my voice.

I sauntered over to an empty chair, dropped into it, and crossed my legs. The room buzzed with tension. Defiance burned in my eyes.

I met Jessica's gaze, daring her to say something. Challenge radiated from me.

"What are you talking about? How could Lucas propose to you?" Jessica looked me up and down, full of disdain. Annoyance prickled.

She sneered, flipping her hair over her shoulder. I flashed her my sweetest smile, refusing to back down. Triumph sparkled inside me.

"Oh, believe it or not, but I turned him down. Otherwise, would you even have a chance to sit on his lap and be treated like a snack?" I grabbed the wine on the table and poured it onto the floor. "Here's to you, the woman who took my place." Satisfaction bloomed.

The wine splashed, staining the carpet. Jessica's jaw dropped, and Lucas's face went beet red. Victory tasted sweet.

"You... you're just..." Amusement flickered as she sputtered.

She fumbled for an insult, but I just rolled my eyes, bored. Dismissal radiated from me.

"Come on, Jessica, at least get your insults straight." I scratched my ear, annoyed. The group snickered. Lucas glared, but I ignored him, feeling smug.

Lucas stood up. "Autumn, let's talk outside." Defiance sparked in my chest.

He grabbed my arm, trying to steer me toward the door. I shook him off, planting my feet, refusing to budge. I wasn't going anywhere.

"What's the big secret? Aren't these all your buddies?" I smirked. "I get that you feel small in front of me, so you brag to them. It's fine—men are all the same, always putting on a show." Defiance sharpened my words.

The words hung in the air, daring him to deny it. He clenched his jaw, eyes blazing. I stared him down, unafraid.

"Autumn." Lucas's voice went dark. "Don't push me. My patience has limits." I met his challenge with a glare.

He stepped closer, trying to intimidate me. I just laughed, fearless.

"Oh." I dropped my head, then burst out laughing, mocking him. The group shifted uncomfortably. Triumph pulsed in my veins.

"What are you laughing at?" He frowned, staring at me. Amusement danced in my eyes.

His confusion made me laugh harder. I wiped a tear from my eye, finally catching my breath. I loved seeing him off balance.

"I just remembered how you said I wouldn't let you touch me. Did it ever occur to you that maybe I just didn't like you?" I hugged the guy who'd called me conservative, planting a kiss on his cheek. "I have to save myself for him. You have no idea—he and I trashed you in private all the time." Satisfaction warmed me.

The guy blushed, clearly surprised but pleased. Lucas's face turned an ugly shade of purple. Triumph surged in me.

He looked ready to explode. I almost laughed again.

He lunged across the table, fists flying. The guy yelped, scrambling to get away. Chaos erupted.

The room exploded in chaos. Chairs scraped, glasses shattered, someone screamed. I watched, oddly detached.

"Lucas, don't listen to her. I'd never betray you!" Drama filled Jessica's voice.

Jessica clung to his arm, tears streaking her face. He shook her off, eyes wild. Annoyance simmered in me.

I chimed in, loud enough for everyone to hear, enjoying the drama.

I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, savoring the spectacle. Smug satisfaction filled me.

"Weren't you the one who told me Lucas can't do it and has to rely on pills?" Satisfaction laced my words.

The words landed like a bomb. The group gasped, and Lucas lost what little control he had left. Victory tasted sweet.

Lucas completely lost it, beating the guy until his face was a mess in seconds. I watched, cold and unmoved.

The fight was brutal, messy. Blood spattered the carpet. I watched, detached, feeling nothing but coldness.

I pouted, savoring the drama, and strolled away. Satisfaction hummed inside me.

I grabbed my purse, tossed a final smirk over my shoulder, and left them to clean up their own mess. Triumph pulsed through me.

The next second, Lucas yanked me into his arms. Surprise jolted through me.

His grip was bruising, desperate. I twisted, trying to break free, but he held on tight. Panic flared in my chest.

"All of you, get out." His voice was ice-cold, and for a second, the room froze. Then, one by one, everyone filed out, leaving us alone in the wreckage. The tension was suffocating.