Chapter [64]: Misplaced Feelings

So, it turned out that the real couple who came to take wedding photos were Roy and Lauren Wells, not Claire and Lucas. *Phew*, Claire sighed inwardly, realizing that she'd been worrying for nothing. Of course, it had been a misunderstanding—why would the president suddenly want to take wedding photos with her? As she pondered over it, she suddenly felt a large hand on her shoulder.

"What are you thinking about? I've called your name several times, but you didn't respond," Lucas asked, his voice tinged with mild amusement.

Claire snapped out of her thoughts. "President, why are *we* trying on wedding attire if they're the ones getting married?" she asked, feeling confused and, to be honest, a little uncomfortable about the whole situation.

"Who said anything about wedding attire?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, his tone casual.

"But Roy just said so!" Claire protested. She wasn't deaf, after all.

Before Lucas could respond, one of the staff members called out to them. "Mr. Wells, your attire is ready in the second VIP fitting room on the left. Once you've tried everything on, please turn right for the outdoor photoshoot."

"Got it," Lucas replied with a nod, steering Claire toward the fitting room.

Still feeling perplexed, Claire let Lucas guide her into the VIP room. But as soon as they entered, Lucas did something that caught her completely off guard—he locked the door and began unbuttoning his shirt.

"President, wait!" Claire quickly stopped him, her voice filled with alarm. "What are you doing?"

Lucas glanced at her with mild confusion. "Taking off my clothes," he replied matter-of-factly, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I can see that," Claire said, flustered, "but why are you taking your clothes off?" And why did he lock the door?

"Didn't you hear the staff say we're here to try on formalwear?" Lucas shot her a look, continuing to undo his shirt, revealing his perfectly toned, sculpted torso. Claire let out a small yelp and quickly turned her back to him.

"Is it because you're the best man for tomorrow's wedding, so you need to try on a suit?" she asked, trying to focus on anything other than his bare chest.

"Not bad, you figured it out," Lucas chuckled softly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"But why do we have to do it together—" Claire started to ask but was cut off.

"Are you going to change, or are you waiting for me to help you?" His deep, magnetic voice continued behind her, the sound of him changing clothes filling the room.

Claire's face burned. "I'll change after you're done," she mumbled. The idea of changing in the same room, practically face-to-face, made her heart race with panic. She liked Lucas, but this was too much. After last night's events, she was already struggling to act normal. If they ended up undressing together again, she might just die of embarrassment.

"I'm already done," Lucas's calm voice came from behind her.

Claire cautiously turned around, only to have her breath stolen away by the sight before her. Lucas stood tall in a stunning white three-piece suit. The elegant cut of the fabric accentuated every line of his broad shoulders and lean frame, making him look impossibly handsome. His commanding presence, combined with those chiseled features, left her utterly speechless. For a brief moment, she even worried that he might outshine the groom at the wedding.

"Am I that handsome?" Lucas teased, catching the awe in her eyes. His smile deepened as a mischievous glint sparked in his gaze. Watching Claire blush and stumble over her words was becoming one of his favorite pastimes.

"You look really handsome," Claire admitted honestly, too caught up in the moment to notice his teasing expression.

"How handsome?" Lucas pressed, stepping closer, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"Huh?" Claire blinked, caught off guard by the question. She furrowed her brows in thought, then answered earnestly, "Handsome enough to make someone's heart race, to make them feel flustered and overwhelmed, to the point where they might blush just by looking at you. In other words, you're so handsome that it's almost unfair."

Lucas's smile widened into a grin. "Oh, I see... I understand now."

That devilish smile sent a shiver down Claire's spine. *Whenever the president smiles like that, something is definitely wrong,* she thought. What did he mean by *I understand*?

"I get why there's a rumor going around that you secretly have a crush on me. You must've spread it yourself because you couldn't keep it a secret anymore. Right?"

"Ah! No, no, it's not like that at all!" Claire panicked, waving her hands in denial. *He actually heard those rumors?!* "It wasn't me! It was Summer! She started the rumor."

"But the fact that you have a crush on me is true, isn't it?" Lucas leaned in closer, his deep, dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. His proximity was overwhelming, his presence all-consuming.

"President, could you, um, not stand so close?" Claire asked, feeling her breath hitch.

"Why not? I'm afraid if I don't look directly into your eyes, you'll lie to me," he said with a playful smirk, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

*Ugh, he's teasing me again!* Claire realized with a flash of irritation. She couldn't believe she had just spilled her heart out like a fool. How had she not seen through his game sooner? It was so obvious he was messing with her!

"Why would I lie?" Claire huffed, raising her chin in defiance. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of frustration and nervousness. "I already told you, Summer's the one who spread that nonsense."

Lucas's expression shifted to one of mild confusion. "Why are you getting so worked up?"

"I'm not! I'm just going to change now, okay? Can you please leave the room?" Claire said, embarrassed that she had let herself get so emotional over something so silly.

Lucas glanced at her hand and then back at her face. "There are a lot of outfits here because I didn't know what style or color you'd prefer. You might need my help."

Claire bit her lip, unable to come up with a good excuse to refuse him.

"Fine, but turn around first," she demanded, glaring at him with her lips pursed in frustration.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, then, after a brief pause, nodded and turned his back to her.

Finally able to relax a little, Claire began sifting through the rack of dresses, searching for something that suited her taste.

"I think something pink would look nice on you," Lucas's voice suddenly broke the silence. "Your skin is smooth and healthy, with a natural glow. A pink dress would complement that perfectly."

Claire froze, turning to look at his back in surprise. Had he just... complimented her? And how did he even know there was a pink dress among the outfits?

"Were you... talking to me just now?" she asked uncertainly. His words had sounded like a compliment, but she wasn't sure.

"Who else would I be talking to? It's just the two of us here," Lucas replied, his tone slightly teasing. He had actually chosen the pink dress himself earlier, knowing it would suit her perfectly.

"Oh. Well... I guess I'll try that one," Claire said, reaching for the dress. But just as she started to unbutton her shirt, she glanced back at Lucas, feeling a sudden wave of anxiety. "And you better not peek!"

"Stop wasting time and hurry up. Roy and the others are waiting for us," Lucas shot back, impatience creeping into his voice.