Chapter 3

"Mhm," I responded distractedly, my attention fixed on my smartphone.

"Shall I fetch you some morning sustenance later?" Lucas inquired.

"Not necessary."

"Missing meals isn't good for your digestive system."

"It's alright."

Upon reaching my workplace, I attempted to exit the vehicle but found the door still secured.

Lucas turned to face me. "Your residence wasn't harmed in the blaze. It's been tidied and is ready for occupancy. When do you plan to return?"

"I've signed a contract--paid for a quarter in advance," I answered, still struggling with the door.

With a sound, the lock disengaged, and I hastily departed.

"Harper," Lucas called out.

I spun around.

He emerged from the car, his custom-fitted dark suit accentuating his tall, slender physique. He exuded an air of refined professionalism, his demeanor both elegant and distant, almost unapproachable.

"You're distressed about the fire, and I've clarified and expressed regret. If something else is troubling you, we ought to discuss it rather than resorting to silence."

I couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Lucas, do you interpret my car behavior as indifference? Isn't this precisely how you've always interacted with me? Or is it only now that you perceive such conduct as the silent treatment?"

He was left without words.

I turned and strode away.

For the subsequent five workdays, I immersed myself in my duties.

Bouquets and presents from Lucas arrived sporadically, but I disregarded them all.

For the first time, I appreciated the advantages of solitary living.

I didn't need to anticipate someone's return from dinner or consider meal preparations to please another.

The daily chores seemed to diminish by half.

Then, a mutual acquaintance reached out.

"Hey, Harper, let's have a chat. Harboring resentment isn't resolving anything."

Perhaps it was time for a proper dialogue.

I consented to meet at their suggested venue.

It was a charming lounge with soft, melodious music permeating the atmosphere.

I followed the attendant's directions to a table.

Before I arrived, I overheard some lighthearted conversation.

"Lucas isn't accustomed to such complications. If anyone else gave him the cold shoulder, they wouldn't stand a chance."

Isabella sat close to Lucas, appearing concerned. "Harper is overly sensitive. We've all been friends for ages. You know how Lucas and I are."

"True, and when Lucas was pursuing you, if you'd been interested, you would've accepted. You wouldn't have left the country."

My mind reeled.

Lucas had sought after Isabella? Prior to her overseas departure?

Recalling the period when Lucas suddenly reciprocated my affections, my steps faltered.

Lucas's voice sounded weary. "That's all in the past."

I inhaled deeply and gripped a nearby support. During our university days, there were always whispers about them--a campus heartthrob and an art school beauty. I had dismissed them as baseless rumors.

Despite telling myself to let it go, the dull pain was inevitable.

I had believed him to be naturally reserved and principled. But it became clear I had never truly comprehended him.

No wonder I always felt like I was second-guessing his thoughts, carefully trying to please him.

It dawned on me that I had never truly captured his heart.

Isabella's voice carried a tone of naivety. "Well, we're here to find a way to assist Harper, after all."

"Perhaps Harper's insecurity originates from childhood experiences?" someone postulated.

I approached the group.

The gathering fell quiet as I neared, except for the individual who had proposed the theory.

Unaware of my presence, he continued his enthusiastic analysis.

"Am I correct? Harper likely experienced some trauma as a child, leading to insecurity in adulthood, so..."

He noticed the sudden shift in atmosphere, and his voice trailed off as he sensed something amiss.

"My assessment is accurate..."

I forced a smile, "Oh, you've hit the nail on the head. A sage in a tavern, eh? So, I suppose all my self-assurance has migrated to you?"

Lucas rose and grasped my hand.

"Harper, he meant no offense..."

Our mutual friends appeared uncomfortable, and Isabella, seated beside Lucas, stood to mediate.

"We apologize, we were just attempting to help reconcile you two."

I disregarded Isabella and instead gave Lucas a sardonic look. "You know, when I inquired about a friend renting the flat opposite yours, you objected. Yet somehow, Isabella ended up residing there. It seems there's more to that tale."

Lucas's expression darkened slightly. "At that time, I didn't comprehend my own emotions. I view Isabella solely as a sibling."

Isabella's complexion paled.

I shook off Lucas's grip and seized a glass of crimson wine from the table, hurling its contents in his face！

The onlookers gasped in astonishment！