72 Chapter 72: I am your man (1/2)

Right now, Laurice had the exact same expression which had become so familiar to the man himself. Countless times had he witnessed that lost look which he despised seeing. Sid felt so helpless instead that he roughly pulled the woman in a tight embrace hoping to calm the uneasiness in her heart.

”Can you not go?” Unable to respond maturely, he muttered under his breath, feeling an unusual annoyance towards himself for not knowing the right words to say, and for not knowing how to comfort her properly.

Sid then noticed that Laurice stiffened the moment he spoke. His words must have struck a chord. If his deductions are correct, then based on her strange behavior, Laurice must have been unwilling to leave and go meet her clan. His brows knotted deeply. His assistant, Sam, have failed to report that there seems to be quite a rift in the relationship between Laurice and her own family. No specific details have been indicated whatsoever in her profile. It was a miss on his part.

Unbeknownst the man however, that particular aristocratic family was invicible in the public eye since time immemorial. The Ledesma Clan have flawlessly kept their affairs private blocking the media's attention deliberately avoiding public scrutinity.

Laurice on the other hand, noticed the frustration and panic in Sid's voice that she begun softening up within his embrace. She felt incredibly safe and secure with his strong arms wrapped around her as he held her warmly. She did not want to alarm him so she tried to hold back her tears. But hearing the man's soft voice laced with obvious worry, Laurice felt a tugged in her chest. She was deeply moved by his concern that she felt like tearing up all the more. But she refused to be pitied. She despised looking weak and helpless. Especially not around this man, she decided.

Laurice's expression was finally sobering up when she responded to him. ”I have to.” She said upon clearing a lump in her throat. She heard Sid heaved a long sigh before pulling her body away for a moment and gave her a discerning look.

Sid stared away until his heart's content. Laurice was staring back at him with her moist eyes.

'This woman.'

Sid resolutely opposed the idea of having her to leave his side, for seeing her this vulnerable but he can't just carelessly locked her up and put on her shackles. She seems to be an independent woman. He fear Laurice might be too tough for her own good that she might never ask him for favors. His eyes narrowed. With a determined expression, he held her gaze as he cupped her face and whispered her name.

”Laurice.”

Her eyes dillated upon hearing her name.

After a long pause, Sid spoke again. The words unknowingly shook Laurice's heart tenderly.

”Remember that i am now your man. Whatever it is you're going through, you can tell me. You can tell me just anything.”

'So, please depend on me a little more.'

Sid wanted to add but he felt somewhat unworthy and a bit insecure. It was oddly weird. He was never once doubtful. He was a self-assured man, confident and steadfast. Whenever he sets out a goal, he always achieve the expected results without even lifting a finger, much less ... beg. He also never thrive to be needed. But ever since he met Laurice, his heart was continually wavering. He wanted his presence known. He wanted her attention.

...

Sid was deep in thoughts when he realized something amiss. The moment his head tilted back in front, he noticed Laurice's gaze was still fixed on him, while flashing him a warm, discerning smile. It was like golden sun rays brightening up his mood. Sid's heart pounded while he was momentarily dazzled with her angelic expression. This was her reply, indeed. A profound sense of relief finally clouded his face. He almost let out a chuckle. And here he was getting all worked up.

'What was he so worried about?'

Sid was so glad that Laurice could still smile like that. And he vowed to protect it with all his might.

”You must be hungry, it's way past lunchtime already. There's still enough time. Stay here to eat, i'll send for you later.” He said uncaringly without pausing instead, contended with the woman's smile.

Laurice's eyes narrowed in slits.

'Did she not make herself clear awhile ago? The man need not need to send her to the old residence himself. Why is he fretting over such simple matter? She did not want to trouble him to such extent.''

Sid was merely amused by her suspicious and accusing glare that his lips curled up a little. ”It's non-negotiable.” He said with indignation. Meaning, there was no room for negotiations.

Laurice felt oddly defeated.