Elena’s fingers curled against the desk as she met Lucas’s gaze.That damn infuriating smirk of his made her want to throw something at him.Preferably the heavy paperweight sitting by her laptop.“We need to talk,” he said, as though nothing had happened.As if he hadn’t walked away, married someone else, and then ended it like it was nothing.Sensing the tension, Zoey cleared her throat. “I remembered I have something to do.”She turned on her heel and slipped out, shutting the door behind her.The room suddenly felt too small and suffocating.Elena turned her back to him and began organizing the documents on her desk. “I have nothing to say to you,” she said without looking at him.Lucas strode over in his long legs.The next moment, he opened his arms and wrapped them around her.Elena stiffened the moment he engulfed her in his embrace.“I’m sorry,&rdquo
“Naomi is a lesbian.”Elena froze.“She likes women,” Lucas continued, his tone flat, almost resigned. “Her family found out about her relationship. They threatened to cut her off, take away everything she built, unless she married me.”Earlier, he didn’t reveal it because it wasn’t his place to talk about other people’s affairs.However, now he realized that he would only dig his own grave if he didn’t come out clean.Elena felt the weight of his words settle in her chest, pressing down like a boulder.Naomi… liked women.And her own family had used that against her.Forced her into a marriage she never wanted.Elena swallowed hard. “So, you married her to protect her.”Lucas nodded. “It was a way out for both of us. And once the deal was done, we ended it. No harm, no foul.”Lucas had played his cards well.Naomi got her inher
“Because I already knew about his plan.”Elena inhaled sharply.The pen slipped from her fingers, rolling across the desk. “You knew?”Dylan nodded, his gaze steady. “I knew everything.”“You knew… and you didn’t stop him?”Dylan sighed, settling into the chair across from her.His expression held the weight of memories, of conversations she hadn’t been privy to. “Before your breakup, Lucas came to me. He laid everything out—his plan, his reasons, everything.”He was furious at first. But after learning about Lucas’ intentions, he hesitated.To be honest, even he thought Lucas was a little crazy.He has seen men fight for love, but not like this. Not to this extent.But then again, this was Lucas we’re talking about. He never played by the rules.Dylan could still remember that day clearly, the way Lucas had stood before him.Th
The officiant smiled at the couple before him as he began the vows.“Lucas Evans, do you take Elena Walker to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, honor her, and stand by her side through all of life’s joys and challenges, for as long as you both shall live?”Lucas tightened his grip on Elena’s hands, his gaze locked onto hers. “I do. With everything I am and everything I will ever be, I take Elena as my wife. In this life and any life beyond it, I will love, protect, and cherish her.”The officiant then turned to her.“Elena Walker, do you take Lucas Evans to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him, honor him, and stand by his side through all of life’s joys and challenges, for as long as you both shall live?”Elena swallowed, blinking away the sudden sting in her eyes. “I do. With my heart, my soul, and everything in between, I take Lucas as my husband. No matter what life brings, no ma
Her breath hitched.The room felt stiflingly warm, and her face burned so hot she was sure it was glowing.Feeling overwhelmed, Vanessa’s eyes flickered past Louis instinctively, landing on Elena.Their eyes met, and Elena nodded with a smile.Vanessa swallowed hard.Betrayal.Her gaze snapped back to Louis, who, unlike usual, wasn’t teasing or smug.He was just there, watching her patiently, bouquet still extended toward her.For once, he wasn’t forcing anything.He was giving her a choice.With her face an impossible shade of red, Vanessa hesitantly reached forward and, before she could second-guess herself, accepted the bouquet.The moment she did, the room exploded with cheers.The after-party was in full swing as guests enjoyed the celebration.But for the newlyweds, the night was only just beginning.Lucas and Elena slipped away from the festivities, leaving behind the lively banquet hall a
Upon arrival, before heading to their own home, they made their way to the Evans estate to meet the elders.At the end of the dinner, the head chef stepped forward. “Young Madam personally prepared this special dessert for the family. Please enjoy.”The maids placed small plates in front of each person.A delicate chocolate soufflé sat in the center, garnished with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar.Everyone turned to Elena in surprise.“Elena, dear, you shouldn’t tire yourself with these trivial things. You’re the lady of the house now. Leave these tasks to the chefs,” Jane said with a kind yet slightly disapproving tone.Elena, however, smiled warmly. “I actually enjoy cooking,” she replied. “And since this is my first dinner at my in-laws’ home, I wanted to make something for the family with my own hands.”Her words, spoken with sincerity, softened Jane&rs
“Lucas!” she called out and chased after him.However, Lucas did not stop.It was as if his entire focus was locked onto the fleeting image of that person from before.In his hurry, he didn’t even notice the stretcher being wheeled in his path until a slender arm forcefully grabbed him and pulled him behind.Elena’s heart pounded against her chest as she held him tightly.“Lucas… what’s wrong?”Lucas finally snapped back to his senses.His breathin
The question hung in the air.Isabella froze.She hesitated before replying. “T-Three years after Billy rescued me.”Lucas stared at her, unmoving.Then his lips curled into a mocking smirk.“Eighteen years,” he repeated slowly. “You remembered everything for eighteen years… and yet, you never came back?”Isabella’s face turned pale.Her hands trembled as she tried to explain, “Lucas… I—”“Why?” Lucas cut her off, his voice rising with suppressed anger. “Why did you let me suffer alone? Why did you let me believe you were dead?”Tears welled up in Isabella’s eyes. “I… I was afraid. I didn’t know how to face you… or my family. I thought you’d hate me.”Lucas let out a bitter laugh, his heart aching with years of suppressed pain.“Hate you? I spent my entire childhood longing for you.
Helen’s smile faltered. “Why not? The manor has everything you need. Doctors, caretakers, anything you can possibly want.”Elena exchanged a glance with Lucas before responding, “I appreciate it, really. But I want to stay at Serenity Mansion. It’s our home.”Lucas, who stood beside Elena, gently wrapped his arm around her waist. “Don’t worry, Grandma, we’ll be fine.”His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.Helen sighed. “At least let me send a few caretakers over.”Harold, who had been listening quietly, patted Helen’s shoulder. “Let the young ones decide, Helen. They’re starting their own family now.”Reluctantly, Helen sighed. “Fine. But promise me, you’ll visit often. And if you feel unwell, come straight home.”Besides, Serenity Mansion wasn’t far from the Evans estate.They could visit any time,
“Brother,” Mike called out to him.Silence.Lucas’ fingers stilled on his phone screen.Lucas didn’t acknowledge him.Didn’t look up.Didn’t even pretend to entertain the thought.Growing up, the word “brother” was nothing but a mockery to him.Uttered by Andrew with contempt and jealousy, a reminder of betrayal and the family that turned their backs on him.Now, hearing Mike call him that, Lucas couldn’t help but feel suffocated.Mike sensed the sudden change in Lucas’ aura and instinctively shrank back.“I don’t have a brother,” Lucas said flatly before turning back to his phone.The temperature in the room dropped.Mike’s forced smile faltered.He clenched his fists but quickly relaxed them, reminding himself of his father’s warning to behave.He wasn’t used to being ignored, let alone hum
Lucas relayed to her the contents of his conversation with Isabella.After speaking, he turned around when he noticed Elena struggling with the delicate strings of her dress.Without a word, Lucas stepped forward.His warm fingers brushed against her skin as he held the strings and carefully tied them.When he finished, he leaned in and pressed a quick, soft kiss against her back.He then turned her to face him. “Come with me to the main house.”“Alright.”At the Evans Estate.The entire family had gathered in the living room after receiving Lucas’ call.The tension in the room thickened.With his arms crossed, Miles gave Lucas a sharp look. “What’s going on, Lucas? Why the hell do we need doctors on standby?”Lucas’ gaze settled on his grandparents.“I need you both to stay calm,” he said carefully. “What I’m about to tell
Elena stepped forward, pointing a finger at her. “Lucas didn’t owe you anything. Not his forgiveness, not his love, and certainly not his mercy. And yet, despite everything, he was the one who took action for you. He was the one who made the Elliots pay for what they did. And you’re upset because of Richard?” She scoffed, shaking her head in disgust. “The same Richard who made your life a living hell? The same man who pushed you to the edge?”Isabella flinched at Elena’s words, her face paling.Elena stared Isabella down, her fury radiating off her in waves.“Did your conscience never prick you, not even once? Did you ever stop and wonder what kind of life Lucas had to live after you left?”Elena’s hands curled into fists. “You knew what kind of people the Elliots were. And yet, you still left him behind, your own child! What kind of mother does that?”“You say you didn&r
The question hung in the air.Isabella froze.She hesitated before replying. “T-Three years after Billy rescued me.”Lucas stared at her, unmoving.Then his lips curled into a mocking smirk.“Eighteen years,” he repeated slowly. “You remembered everything for eighteen years… and yet, you never came back?”Isabella’s face turned pale.Her hands trembled as she tried to explain, “Lucas… I—”“Why?” Lucas cut her off, his voice rising with suppressed anger. “Why did you let me suffer alone? Why did you let me believe you were dead?”Tears welled up in Isabella’s eyes. “I… I was afraid. I didn’t know how to face you… or my family. I thought you’d hate me.”Lucas let out a bitter laugh, his heart aching with years of suppressed pain.“Hate you? I spent my entire childhood longing for you.
“Lucas!” she called out and chased after him.However, Lucas did not stop.It was as if his entire focus was locked onto the fleeting image of that person from before.In his hurry, he didn’t even notice the stretcher being wheeled in his path until a slender arm forcefully grabbed him and pulled him behind.Elena’s heart pounded against her chest as she held him tightly.“Lucas… what’s wrong?”Lucas finally snapped back to his senses.His breathin
Upon arrival, before heading to their own home, they made their way to the Evans estate to meet the elders.At the end of the dinner, the head chef stepped forward. “Young Madam personally prepared this special dessert for the family. Please enjoy.”The maids placed small plates in front of each person.A delicate chocolate soufflé sat in the center, garnished with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar.Everyone turned to Elena in surprise.“Elena, dear, you shouldn’t tire yourself with these trivial things. You’re the lady of the house now. Leave these tasks to the chefs,” Jane said with a kind yet slightly disapproving tone.Elena, however, smiled warmly. “I actually enjoy cooking,” she replied. “And since this is my first dinner at my in-laws’ home, I wanted to make something for the family with my own hands.”Her words, spoken with sincerity, softened Jane&rs
Her breath hitched.The room felt stiflingly warm, and her face burned so hot she was sure it was glowing.Feeling overwhelmed, Vanessa’s eyes flickered past Louis instinctively, landing on Elena.Their eyes met, and Elena nodded with a smile.Vanessa swallowed hard.Betrayal.Her gaze snapped back to Louis, who, unlike usual, wasn’t teasing or smug.He was just there, watching her patiently, bouquet still extended toward her.For once, he wasn’t forcing anything.He was giving her a choice.With her face an impossible shade of red, Vanessa hesitantly reached forward and, before she could second-guess herself, accepted the bouquet.The moment she did, the room exploded with cheers.The after-party was in full swing as guests enjoyed the celebration.But for the newlyweds, the night was only just beginning.Lucas and Elena slipped away from the festivities, leaving behind the lively banquet hall a
The officiant smiled at the couple before him as he began the vows.“Lucas Evans, do you take Elena Walker to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, honor her, and stand by her side through all of life’s joys and challenges, for as long as you both shall live?”Lucas tightened his grip on Elena’s hands, his gaze locked onto hers. “I do. With everything I am and everything I will ever be, I take Elena as my wife. In this life and any life beyond it, I will love, protect, and cherish her.”The officiant then turned to her.“Elena Walker, do you take Lucas Evans to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him, honor him, and stand by his side through all of life’s joys and challenges, for as long as you both shall live?”Elena swallowed, blinking away the sudden sting in her eyes. “I do. With my heart, my soul, and everything in between, I take Lucas as my husband. No matter what life brings, no ma