Chapter 4

I barely slept that night. Early the next morning, I carried my belongings downstairs. Lucas was eating breakfast. He glanced at the bundle in my arms, a flicker of doubt in his eyes, but he said nothing. As indifferent as ever.

Vivian, however, asked, "Where are you going?"

"Nowhere special. Just packing up some old things, I plan to take them out to—"

Before I could finish, Lucas's phone rang. He mumbled a few replies, then stood up and started getting dressed.

"Something came up at the office. I'm heading there now."

Vivian reminded him, "Drive safely."

No one cared about my answer anymore. I let out a self-deprecating laugh, then left to hail a cab for the mall.

Though the Hayes family had a chauffeur, I never used him. My tuition and living expenses, everything, I earned through odd jobs and part-time work.

It was my pathetic way of clinging to some dignity in front of Lucas. As if by not taking advantage of their wealth, I could face him with a sliver more of self-respect.

In the city's most bustling mall, dazzling lights shimmered. I stood at the counter, thinking of buying Riley a brooch as a gift.

A familiar voice, laced with a playful whine, floated from behind me: "Lucas, darling, doesn't this necklace just scream 'me'?" I instinctively turned my head.

A tall, aloof man and a pretty, delicate girl. Anyone would say they made a perfect couple.

I merely glanced, my eyes meeting Lucas's.

His eyes held a flicker of impatience. "What are you doing here?" I knew what he was thinking: he suspected I was following him. Back in high school, he’d go out with friends every weekend to unwind.

Vivian, always worried, would make me tag along. But those rich kids never liked me. And I couldn’t refuse Vivian, so I’d always trail them secretly. When Lucas caught me, I’d just duck my head, stammering, unable to explain myself.

But now, I pointed to the sales associate who was wrapping my purchase, my expression calm. "I’m just here to buy Riley a gift. I’ll be leaving immediately."

Lucas frowned, clearly unconvinced, but I didn't press the issue or add anything else. From start to finish, I treated him like an acquaintance I’d bumped into by chance.