Exactly at 2 oclock in the afternoon, Lucy arrived at her parents house.
Oh, Lucy love! her mum instantly ran up to her with open arms.
Youve finally shown your face! grumbled her dad. Come on, lets have lunch.
Lucy followed her parents, wondering why on earth her dad wanted to see her today. What did he have to say this time? Probably another silly idea or fuss about nothing.
Everyone sat around the table as her mum brought lunch in. They started eating, the only sound the clinking of cutlery against plates. Every now and then, her dad would ask someone to pass him the salt or the pepper.
Why are you eating so little? her dad asked rather sternly. You know your mother made such a big effort with this meal!
Victor, lets not start her mother said, trying to keep the peace.
What? Did she not work hard for her daughter? Did she not
Victor, Lucys mum interrupted him again.
Lucy shrank a little. She absolutely hated when he started picking at her or anyone else at the table. It always meant he was wound up and irritable.
What on earth does he want from me this time? Lucy wondered.
Mum, honestly, its lovely. Truly. Any chance I could take a bit with me? Lucy flashed a smile.
Course you can, darling.
Things fell quiet again.
About fifteen minutes later, her dad shoved his plate away and barked, Ill be in the study. Come find me when youre done.
With a sigh, Lucy turned instantly to her mum. Mum, whats this all about? Has something happened?
Her mum only shrugged. No idea, sweetheart. You alright otherwise?
Yeah, honestly! Works fine
Maybe he wants to offer you a job at his company?
Lucy laughed. Dont make me laugh, mum. He hardly thinks Im suited for anything, she replied with a sigh. Alright, Ill go and see what trouble hes got up his sleeve, then come tell you.
Lucy pecked her mum on the cheek, winked, and headed to her dads study.
She knocked and went in.
Whats the point of dragging me in here? Couldve just taken me outside for a chat, or anywhere for that matter. But no, must be in the study, on the carpet, as if its a formal hearing! Lucy thought.
Her dad was standing with his back to her, staring out of the window.
Dad? Lucy said, a bit tentatively.
He turned around and growled, What took you so long?
Lucy just shrugged instead of answering.
Her father studied her in silence, looking her up and down as if sizing her up. The look made Lucy feel uneasy, so she decided to break the awkward silence.
So… whats all this about, Dad?
Her dad looked almost surprised. Youre asking me whats wrong? I should be asking you! Whats wrong with you these days, Lucy?
Im fine! Lucy blurted out quickly.
Well, Im not!
He paused, then snapped, How much longer are your mother and I expected to wait?
Lucy was completely lost. Her head was spinning. Wait for what?
Not what, who. Were waiting for grandchildren! he huffed.
Lucy burst out laughing. Dad, what do you mean, grandkids? I dont even have a boyfriend!
Exactly! he snapped again, as if shed proven his point.
And just like that, Lucy realised where this was headed: yet another attempt to set her up.
Ive had a scroll through your social media. Its dreadful! Youre just so dull, like a little grey mouse. Even now, look at yourself! You, and then look at your mothershes the picture of femininity. She always knows how to show off her best side. But you?
Dad, how I dress and look is my own business, Lucy started, keeping her voice calm but firm.
No, its our business as well, mine and your mothers. Youre an attractive young woman, but you go out of your way to hide it.
Dad!
What, Lucy, what?
Youve got some reason for all this. I know your games. Youre planning to set me up again, arent you? Lucy decided to just get it out in the open.
And what if I am? Yes, Id like you to marry a decent man with a bit of money, and yes, Id love for us to finally have some grandchildren.
Well, Im against it! Thats my life, and Ill decide when and who I marry! Lucy could feel herself getting wound up.
Oh, Lucy We gave you such a lovely name, always thought life with you would be sweet, but youre always fighting us, always going against everything we say! her dad sighed dramatically. Its not like I want you to be unhappy.
Dad, can we just drop it, please?
Lucy, youre twenty-four already
Dad, Im only twenty-four. I really dont want to get married, not right now.
Lucy! her dad exclaimed, exasperated. Who am I going to leave my business to, then?
Me, of course! Ill look after it.
You? Youre a woman! Women dont have a clue about business, Lucy saw her dad was getting properly riled now.
I know more than you think, Lucy retorted.
Oh, she knows everything! he grumbled. Told you, you shouldve gone to a proper university, studied journalism or design or art, not thiswhatever it is!
I studied what I liked. What interests me.
Business just isnt you, Lucy! Youre too quiet, too modest, youll get swept away in no time. You need to get married, love. And I have
No! Lucy shouted, storming out.
Her hands were shaking. The conversation with her dad kept replaying in her mind.
Can you believe it? Hes already planned out her entire futuremarriage, a pre-selected husband, and apparently, she cant dress or live right, and looks a grey little mouse.
Mind you, he wasnt wrong about one thing. These boring grey and black office suits did make her blend in. Should she try wearing something brighter, maybe? Maybe thats why she hadnt met anyonethese boring clothes?
No! Lucy held her chin high, determined. If the right bloke was out there, hed see her for who she was, not for flashy clothes or loud makeup.
***
Aaand heres our little runner at last! Out late again, Miss? Stuck at another red light? Natasha called out from behind the reception desk.
Lucy shot Natasha a hard lookshe didnt understand why Natasha was even sat at reception.
Very funny, Lucy muttered.
I think so! Your name just begs for a bit of teasing, Natasha yawned.
Lucy scowled at her and hurried off to her office.
What a cow! Lucy thought. Until now, no one had ever picked at her name, and here was Natasha, making a big deal of it.
Hey, dont let her bother you Her colleague, Martha, caught up. Shes just like this because you turned down her brother. Shes still sore about it.
Is Natasha at it again? asked Alison as she passed. Ignore her, shes snapping at everyone today. Our Marias off sick, so they stuck her on reception all day. Plus, between you and me, Alison added, mysterious, she really hoped her precious Dave would leave his wife for her, but apparently, thats not happening. Seems she dumped him, but we all know she cant afford her lifestyle on her own. So now shes having a go at everyone else.
***
Lucy sat down and switched on her computer, only for her phone to ring instantly.
Lucy, can you pop into my office? It was her boss.
Well, great. First thing Monday morning and already being summoned.
Lucy went round to Mr. Owen’s office.
There, she saw Mr. Owen and a young man shed never seen before.
Hello, Lucy greeted them.
Morning. Lucy, let me introduce youthis is the directors son, Thomas. Thomas, this is Lucy, easily my top employee. Thomas will be shadowing us today and tomorrow, getting to know how the department runs. Lucy, would you mind showing him the ropes?
Lucy gave Thomas a dark lookyet another spoilt rich kid from a long line of introductions, courtesy of her father. She wondered, why was the bosss son here? Was the director planning to hand him the reins? What a nightmare.
Of course, Lucy wouldnt say all this out loud.
***
Thomas was bored out of his mind. Sure, it was slightly interesting to watch the inner workings of the company and see how each persons efforts made the firm more successful and, no doubt, his father a whole lot richer. But none of it meant a thing to him. All he wanted was to get on with his programminghe loved it! But his dad was having none of it. In his eyes, there was only one path: run the family business, full stop.
Thomas envied people like Nick from sales, who genuinely loved his job. Or Lucyshe shared her insider tricks to boost sales with such passion! And then there was Anna, who was head-over-heels for marketing. But Thomas? All he wanted was to do what excited him.
Thomas! Hi there! cooed a voice from nearby. He turned to see Natasha bearing down on him.
Oh, Natasha What a pain she could be! Barely a glance his way at first, but now she knew who he was, she was all smiles.
Hey, Natasha.
Thomas forced a smile.
Bored yet? Natasha sat down next to him, subtly making sure he noticed her low-cut top.
No. Just having my lunch.
I dont mind keeping you company, then, she said, without waiting for a reply, launching into small talk all about cars.
Thomas thought to himself: Why do girls think guys only want to chat about cars? Arent there any other topics?
He quickly glanced around, spotted Nick from sales, and drained his tea in one gulp.
Sorry, Natasha, need to catch Nick. Maybe later, yeah? He hurried off, leaving Natasha looking thunderstruck.
***
Lucy stayed late that evening, finally leaving the office into chilly autumn dusk. She set off towards the tube, feeling uneasyit was odd for the city centre to be so deserted, and the streetlamps hadnt even kicked in. She sped up her pace, nerves prickling.
Whats going on? Ive walked home this way so many times, never felt like this, she thought.
Suddenly, a group of lads blocked her path.
Where are you off to in such a hurry, gorgeous? they sneered.
Im just heading home, Lucy tried to sound steady, though her voice trembled.
Why not come with us? One of them grabbed her arm.
Then, thank heaven, she heard a familiar voice.
Lucy! Lucy, wait up! Thomas came jogging over.
Lucy, finally caught up! Sorry, lads, shes with me.
With that, Thomas somehow managed to gently push her out of the ring towards the busy roadthey both legged it.
***
Unbelievable, its happened again! ran through Thomass mind.
Rescuing a girl from a sticky situationsecond time in his life now. That first time, the girl ran off and he got a proper beating for it. Would today turn out the same? Fingers crossed he got off lightly again.
There they are, officers, over there! Thomas heard Lucy say as she approached with two police officers in tow. At the sight, the troublemakers quickly melted away into the night.
***
After all of that, Lucy and Thomas sat in a nearby café.
I honestly didnt think youd come back for me, Thomas admitted.
What, and just leave you there? No chance! Lucy replied, surprised.
How did you manage to get the police?
Just lucky, I guessthey happened to be right round the corner.
Soon enough, they were chatting about everything and anything. Thomas walked Lucy all the way home.
I didnt expect you to be like this, Lucy said as they reached her flat.
What do you mean? Thomas smiled.
Youre not like other rich kids at all. Youre just you.
Yeah, like youre mates with loads of posh kids, Thomas laughedthe street was dark enough to hide Lucys blush.
No, of course not, Lucy replied quickly. So, how long are you sticking around our company? she changed the subject.
Thomas shrugged, Not sure. Hope not too long. Its just not me.
Not you?
Im a programmer, really.
Well, why not just tell your dad?
Are you serious? Ive told him a thousand timesit goes in one ear and out the other. Never listens! Anyway, lets not talk about it. Thanks for the company. See you tomorrow.
He kissed her cheek, waited till she was safely inside, and then headed for the tube.
***
Lucy managed to oversleep the next morningher alarm simply didnt go off.
She rushed into the office and ran straight into Natasha, who was gossiping with the admin at reception.
Someones late today! Natasha grinned, eyes narrowed as Lucy signed in. Guess who I saw last night? Natasha turned to the admin. Youll never believe thisLucy, with Thomas! Thats right, the bosss son. Looks like theyre an item!
Lucy looked at Natasha, unamused. She knew it was only a matter of time before word spread.
So what? I can see whoever I fancy, Lucy retorted, not even bothering to deny it.
Its justwhat would a rich lad see in a grey mouse like you? Natasha smirked.
Maybe he likes my brains, Lucy shot back, and swept past.
She barely got further before her boss intercepted her at the office entranceas if hed been lying in wait.
Lucy! Running late, arent we? Mr. Owen shook his head. Come on, lets have a word.
She felt her heart skip a beat.
Whats wrong? Lucy asked nervously.
Come in, sit down.
Mr. Owen sat at his desk. Lucy waited for an explanation, but he only paced around the office, glancing out the window, silent. Finally, Lucy cleared her throat.
Mr. Owen, whats going on?
A sigh. Nothing dramatic. Its just, youve started seeing someone you shouldnt. Im afraid I have to let you go.
What?
Ill call HR now so you can settle paperwork.
***
Half an hour later, Lucy stepped out of the building.
That was that.
She felt both sad and strangely amused.
Lucy, wait up! Thomas hurried after her.
She stopped and let him catch up.
Where are you off to? Thomas asked.
Home. Where else, really? Lucy shrugged.
Are you upset?
Lucy nodded.
Itll be alright, Thomas encouraged. Theres a better job waiting for you. Mr. Owen promised to write you a glowing reference and recommend you to his friends.
Hmm I think youre right. Everything happens for a reason, doesnt it? Go on, you get back inside. Dont worry about me.
Nope, Thomas grinned. Ive got no plans to go back. I was only ever there because of you. And now youve been sackedso have I.
Thomas! Lucy gasped. Dont be ridiculous Your dad will cut you off!
Thomas just shrugged.
And? Ill work as a programmer full-time again. No trouble at all. Actually, Ive got a small studio in town now. Bought it myself. You should move in.
***
Victor and his wife strolled up to the maternity wing.
This is all your fault, he muttered. You always let her do what she wanted, always took her side. And look at us now!
Oh, come off itlook what a result weve got! his wife beamed. Our daughter built her career herself, met her own partner, got married on her own terms, and now, were grandparents!
Yeah, and never a word about the wedding itself!
Count your blessings she told you about the baby and even invited you to the birth, Granddad! she laughed.
Nearby, others gathered, clearly waiting for their loved ones too.
Victor spotted a familiar faceone of his suppliers, as it happened.
Alright, mate! Victor called.
They shook hands, the wives shared polite nods.
Oh, Victor! What brings you here?
Our daughters just given birth. Were waiting, Victor replied, beaming.
Thats fantastic! Boy or girl?
Girl, Victor said with pride.
Congratulations! Ours is a girl too. Sons meant to come out with his wife now. Would you believe, he got married and never invited us to the wedding. These youngsters, eh?
Then the doors opened and out came Thomas and Lucy, with Lucy cradling a little bundle.
Lookhere they are! Victor rushed to greet his daughter.
To his surprise, the supplier hurried over just as fast.
Hang on a minuteLucys your daughter?
Yes, she is! And her husbandhes your son, is he?
The supplier nodded.
Incredible! And I was so worried shed end up marrying a nobody
And I kicked up such a fuss when my lad started dating her. I didnt even know she was your daughter, just thought she was some ordinary girl with nothing behind her!
Victor shook his head. They say money attracts money, he said with a wry smile.
Now lets be fair, Victors wife chimed in, Our kids did everything on their own. None of this was handed to them. The fact they found each otherthats just fate!Just then, the newborn let out a tiny wail, demanding everyones attention. The grandfathers leaned in, eyes shining, the earlier rivalry dissolving in mutual awe as they admired their grandchildeach recognizing pieces of themselves in her delicate features, yet knowing shed forge her own path in life.
Thomas slipped his arm around Lucy, their gazes meeting. She smiled, tired but radiant. In that moment, Victor realized with a jolt how pointless all his pushing had been, how love had found its way despite his schemes and worries. Beside him, his wife squeezed his hand, as if reading his mind.
Through the glass, the families pressed in closer, laughter mingling with gentle teasing about stubbornness and fate. The baby, now soothed in her mothers arms, blinked wide-eyed at the world, unaware of the tangled histories that had delivered her here.
Outside, the city carried oncars, stories, ambitions, and worriesbut in this small room, everything finally made sense. Both families understood: legacy wasnt about empire or money or control, but about the courage to let go, trust, and let new stories begin.
Lucy looked down at her daughter, then up at Thomasher own way, in her own time, just as shed always hoped. And as the family gathered around, beginning to squabble good-naturedly about whose turn it was to hold the baby, Lucy laughedthe light, bright sound ringing out clear and true.
Somewhere, deep inside, the little grey mouse had found her colors at last.
