“I’ll prepare something new for you,” Lucas said.“It’s fine, don’t waste money. I don’t always get the chance to wear such expensive dresses and jewelry anyway,” Coco replied.“You’re going to get more opportunities like this in the future, so it’s better to own some now,” Lucas said.She paused as she felt that Lucas was hinting at something.After dinner, Coco and Lucas took a walk by the lake. The night breeze was blowing comfortably on their faces. There were many couples walking hand in hand by the lakeside. Coco couldn’t help but feel envious. Although she had held hands with Lucas before, it was because she had initiated it. If Lucas hadn’t suggested it, they probably wouldn’t hold hands when they were alone together. Even though he had said he liked her, his feelings for her probably weren't love yet. As Coco spaced out at the other couples, suddenly, a touch on her hand made her snap back to her senses. Lucas was holding her hand tightly.“What are you…?“Don’t you wa
"So, from now on, I won't kiss you, and I won't engage in any intimate actions beyond holding hands and hugging," Coco said firmly.Lucas frowned upon hearing that. He was a little upset too. "But didn't you say those actions made you happy?" He asked."They do make me happy, but it's not fair to you. If I were being treated like this by someone I didn't love, I definitely wouldn't like it," Coco replied."I don't mind...""But I do!" Coco looked into Lucas’s beautiful eyes. "I hope that the other person loves me too when we engage in these intimate actions as a couple. It’s only natural to get closer to the other person when love exists between us. However, those intimate actions would eventually become a burden if it’s a one-sided love.” Lucas kept quiet and stared at Coco intently. The innocence in her eyes made him feel somewhat embarrassed.He wondered if he was only tolerating her intimate actions. Did he agree only because they were a couple?"Up to you. If you think that it's
"Okay," Coco responded and entered the dressing room. The gown fit perfectly, enhancing her elegance and grace.As the makeup artist began her work, Coco learned that her gown and jewelry were designed by a famous designer, and only one set had been produced. "They received a lot of praise when they were showcased at the fashion show. Many people wanted to buy them, but Mr. Gomez was quick. He dotes on you so much, Ms. Souza," there was a hint of flattery in the makeup artist’s voice. Coco smiled politely. Her relationship with Lucas wasn't exactly as everyone imagined. However, she had to admit that even if Lucas didn't love her, he certainly cared for her reputation as his girlfriend. To outsiders, it seemed like he cherished her dearly.Coco’s appearance had a big change after her makeup and hair was done. Her features seemed more refined, making her look like a socialite from the upper class. "Let me help you with the jewelry," the makeup artist offered."Sure.”Just as the m
"I’ve always wondered what kind of person would Mr. Gomez date. Turns out she's just a cartoonist. She must not be very famous since I've never heard of her." One of the women sneered."Women like her are just out to snag a rich husband," another chimed in.They chatted openly as they criticized Coco. One of them snickered at Coco and said, "Why don't you tell us what underhanded tricks you used to seduce Mr. Gomez?” Coco looked at the group of hostile women in front of her. Judging by their attire, they were probably socialites like Aubrey. "Do you think that Lucas would get seduced by underhanded tricks easily?” Coco retorted. She knew she couldn't show any weakness. If she did, these women would only take advantage of it, and Lucas would be humiliated."You!" The woman who had asked the question turned pale. "What a sharp tongue! I know women like you! Do you really think—""Do you really think that you're Mr. Gomez’s true love? Do you think you’re Cinderella who got to meet her
"Yes, they’re lovely," Coco said."Come on, let me help you with the jewelry," Lucas said, picking up the sapphire necklace and placing it around her neck. The luxurious necklace added a noble touch of elegance to her."Aren't you guys going to apologize?" Lucas's voice suddenly broke the silence again. This time, it was clear that he was talking to Aubrey and her friends.They exchanged uneasy glances, and Aubrey looked dumbfounded. "You... You want me to apologize to her?!""Shouldn't you?" Lucas replied coldly. "It’s not the first day that you know Coco is my girlfriend, you should know what to say to her." He sounded threatening. Lucas bent down to pick up a pair of sapphire earrings and gently put them on Coco. His gentle actions contrasted with his cold words toward Aubrey.Aubrey gritted her teeth in anger. She had liked Lucas since they were young, but he had never considered her as a potential girlfriend. He had always been searching for the girl who had saved him when he
Coco looked stunning after Lucas helped her put on the earrings. From Lucas’s point of view, she looked plain when they first met, but he found her more attractive as he got to know her."Is the makeup and styling all done?" he asked."Ms. Souza hasn't put on her shoes yet," the makeup artist reminded. Her assistant quickly brought out the shoes they had prepared for Coco."I'll do it." Lucas took the shoes from the assistant and crouched down in front of Coco."I... I can put them on myself," Coco hurriedly said.He looked up at her slightly and said, "It's easier if I help you."At that moment, Coco felt like she was Cinderella having her glass slipper put on by her Prince Charming. That was what it looked like to outsiders too. Once both shoes were on, Lucas instructed her, "Take a few steps and see if they fit well."After taking a few steps, Coco said, "They're fine, but the heels are a little high. I'm afraid I might trip.""Hold onto my arm all the time later, and you won't f
Lucas was only being kind when he said that. "Thank you," Coco said as she slowly withdrew her hand from his.Lucas felt a strange emptiness as he looked at his now-empty palm.Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the charity gala. Cameras flashed from every direction immediately when they got out of their car, and Coco instinctively wanted to avoid the lights."Don't be afraid," Lucas comforted her. "They’re only doing their job, but don't worry. Your photos won't appear online."Coco felt reassured. Lucas could certainly do that with his connections. "Don't look at the cameras. If you really don't know where to look, just look at me," he continued.Coco calmed down upon hearing his words. “Yeah, got it,” Coco responded and fixed her gaze on Lucas.They linked arms and entered the Starlight Charity Gala venue. There were only a few reporters and cameras inside. And, as Lucas had mentioned, none of the reporters approached them for an interview.It was a star-studded night, Coco
“No way…” "Why not? Plenty of people want to curry favor with Lucas, so naturally, they'll want to get close to you too," Caleb explained while patting Lucas on the shoulder. He then teased Coco, "By the way, my friend here is really serious about you. He's attending an event he wouldn't normally want to attend just for you. So, how do you plan to return the favor?"Facing Caleb's teasing gaze, Coco found herself at a loss for words.Lucas stepped in to ease her awkwardness. "Hey, hey, that’s enough. By the way, why are you here?""To see if there are any suitable ladies around! After all, I'm still single and available," Caleb laughed. "Okay, I’m not going to be the third wheel anymore.”With that, Caleb headed off toward another group of acquaintances. Coco turned to Lucas, "I'm sorry, I didn't know you originally didn't plan to attend this event.""It’s because it’s quite boring to attend these alone, but it’s fun with you here,” Lucas replied. "There will be an auction later, an