Chapter 291

LUCAS POV

My phone rang with an unfamiliar number, and my heart skipped a beat as I answered it, the anticipation clawing at the edges of my mind.

I had gotten used to answering unknown callers over the past few weeks ever since I took over the business for my father. He got far more calls than I imagined, and many of them were scammers trying to steal information from him.

I was already exhausted, ready to go home for the day. I didn't want to deal with any more problems today, and that included talking to a stranger on the phone that just wanted to play games with me.

"Hello?" I said, my voice tight with apprehension.

"L-Lucas?" came the hesitant voice on the other end of the line. The voice cleared. "Hello, is this Lucas Busch?"

"This is he," I replied, ready to give this person a piece of my mind. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes, I'm your father's doctor and I have some news to share with you."

I stilled, hearing the words, hoping that it wasn't a prank.

My father had been lying in a coma for what felt like an eternity, and in all that time I had never had the doctor personally call me.

"What's going on?" I asked, feeling anxious.

My pulse quickened as I listened to the doctor's words.

"Your father has woken up about thirty minutes ago. We've been trying to ensure that he's completely functional and okay to eat, move, and talk on his own."

The gravity of his message sank in like a lead weight in the pit of my stomach.

My father, had finally woken up.

With a sense of urgency coursing through me, I practically sprinted out of my office, barely sparing a moment to gather my things.

My father's voice echoed in my mind, urging me to hurry, and driving me forward with determination.

I quickly informed my father's assistants of my departure, instructing them to handle any pressing matters in my absence. They nodded in understanding, their expressions a mix of concern and relief, knowing that I needed to be by my father's side.

Racing through the streets on my motorcycle, I navigated through the city, my mind focused solely on reaching the hospital as quickly as possible.

Each passing moment felt like forever, the seconds ticking by in agonizing slow motion as I willed myself to move faster.

Suddenly, Shana popped into my head. I knew that she was miles away, helping Alex at the palace, but I had to let her know what was going on.

When I finally arrived at the hospital, I took my phone out of my pocket and sent her a text as I raced inside.

"My father's finally awake. Going into the hospital. I'll call you once I can."

My heart pounded in my chest as I rushed through the doors and into the empty corridors beyond. My footsteps echoed loudly in the silence.

With each step, my anticipation grew. Every nerve in my body felt electric with nerves, my senses heightened as I raced towards my father's room, desperate to see him, to know that he was okay.

As I pushed open the door, I was met with the sight of my father lying in the hospital bed, his eyes fluttering open as I entered.

"Dad," I breathed, my voice choked with emotion as I rushed to his side, taking in the frail figure before me. "How are you? Are you doing okay? Are you feeling fine?"

Despite his weakened state, there was a glimmer of recognition in his eyes as he looked up at me, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Lucas," he said softly, his voice hoarse with disuse. "It's good to see you."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I reached out to take his hand, the weight of our separation lifting from my shoulders like a heavy burden.

"I'm so glad you're awake," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.

My father and I had a lot of disagreements, but at that moment, I had never felt so relieved to see him.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out to grasp his hand, the warmth of his touch grounding me in the present moment.

The weight of our separation lifted from my shoulders like a heavy burden, replaced by an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude.

"I'm so glad you're awake," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.

Despite our disagreements and conflicts in the past, at that moment, all I felt was an overwhelming flood of love and concern for my father.

He squeezed my hand weakly, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes.

"I'm glad to see you too, son," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

We sat in silence for a moment, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.

Despite the frailty of his condition, there was a strength in my father's gaze that filled me with a sense of reassurance. He was tough. He always had been a pretty hard-headed man.

I wasn't sure if he was just acting strong in front of me now, or if this is how he always was.

These weeks away from him have let me re-evaluate him as a person, who he is and what he stands for.

"I heard about everything that happened while I was... away," my father said, his voice tinged with regret. "You've been through a lot, Lucas. And I'm proud of you for stepping up to protect the company."

"Who told you?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Don't ask me silly questions, son."

I remember him telling me that before and it brought a pain into my chest.

I was so happy that he was okay.

I shook my head, feeling a lump forming in my throat.

"I couldn't let Edwin destroy everything you worked so hard to build," I replied, my voice choked with emotion. "I just did what I had to do."

My father's gaze softened, a hint of warmth shining in his eyes. "You've proven yourself more than capable, Lucas," he said, his voice filled with pride. "You've shown great courage and resilience in the face of adversity. I couldn't ask for a better son."

Despite the gravity of the situation, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

"You've done well, son," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "You've proven me wrong in so many ways. I never thought... anything like this would happen."

I was unable to meet his gaze. "I was just doing what needed to be done," I replied.

"You've proven that you're ready to take on more responsibility... I believe that you can become a bigger part of the company once I get better. I can promote you as President while I run as CEO. We can work together and I can teach you more—"

"I'm not ready to take over the company, Dad. I was just... filling in until you got better."

My father reached out and grasped my hand tightly, his eyes locking with mine in a silent plea. "Lucas, you've proven yourself more than capable," he insisted, his voice firm. "I believe you're ready to step up and take your place as heir to the Busch legacy."

I felt a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through me—pride, fear, uncertainty—but above all, a sense of determination to remind my father that this was my life. I could make my own choices, and although I was proud to be a Busch... I didn't want to run the company with him.

"I'm sorry, father. But I don't want that responsibility."