Chapter 105: The Cockroach Incident

"Lucas, my room light keeps flickering. Can you take a look at it for me?" 

Blaire Zeller's voice came from the hallway just as Lucas was about to step into his bedroom. 

Without missing a beat, Lucas replied, "Just sleep in the guest room downstairs. It's late, and we'll have someone fix it tomorrow." He closed the door behind him, dismissing her request. 

Blaire stood frozen outside his door, glaring at it as if her gaze could bore holes through the wood. 

He had never treated her this coldly before. No matter how she acted in the past, Lucas had always indulged her, even if he was annoyed. But now, he was a completely different man. The care and affection that had once been hers were now lavished on his new wife, Claire Grace. Lucas doted on Claire, apologizing for the smallest things, serving her food, and even spooning soup into her bowl. Though he occasionally spoke to her gruffly, the love and tenderness etched on his handsome face were undeniable. 

Hot tears welled up in Blaire's eyes and spilled down her cheeks. 

She had thought that pretending to get along with Claire would lower Lucas's guard. But nothing had changed—no, it had only gotten worse. He wouldn't even glance her way before shutting the door tonight. Was it because Claire was waiting for him inside? 

How could he treat her like this? She had loved him for over a decade, and she wasn't about to give up without a fight. 

--- 

Claire had just finished her shower and climbed into bed when she noticed Lucas sitting against the headboard, hands clasped behind his head, eyes closed as if deep in thought. 

"Lucas, are you okay? You seem preoccupied," she asked, tilting her head to get a better look at his face. 

His dark eyes snapped open, locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip. "I'm waiting for you," he said, a faint smile playing on his lips. 

Claire blinked in confusion. "Waiting for me? Do you need to talk about something?" 

Instead of answering, Lucas shifted down to lie beside her. He turned on his side, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close until her soft form was pressed against his firm chest. 

"Why do you think I have something on my mind?" he murmured, his voice low and smooth. 

"Because you've been quiet all evening. And—" she hesitated, cheeks flushing, "you didn't yell at me. That's not normal." 

"Do you miss it when I do?" Lucas teased, smirking. "Maybe I've spoiled you." 

Claire pouted. "I don't *like* being yelled at, but it's better than seeing you brooding. When you're in a good mood, you always find time to scold me about something." 

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable." He tightened his hold on her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. 

The truth was, Blaire's interruption earlier had been nagging at him. He knew her excuse about the broken light was just a ploy to get his attention. Lucas had hoped his aloofness would eventually deter her lingering feelings, but tonight proved otherwise. 

"Claire," he said softly, "you think too much." He kissed her gently, but his lips soon turned demanding, coaxing her into surrender. Her hands instinctively reached for his neck as his touch sent shivers cascading across her skin. 

Just as Lucas was about to deepen their embrace, a piercing scream echoed through the house, shattering the moment. 

Instantly, all passion evaporated. Lucas rolled off her with a groan, frustration evident on his face. 

Claire's wide eyes met his. "That sounded like Blaire. I should go check on her!" She quickly grabbed her robe and rushed out the door, leaving Lucas behind. 

--- 

Claire hurried to Blaire's room and pushed the door open. "Blaire—" 

Before she could finish, a blur of motion barreled into her, knocking her against the doorframe with a thud. 

"Ouch! Blaire, what's—" Claire began, only to realize Blaire was clinging to her, trembling violently. 

"Blaire, what's wrong?" Claire asked, startled. She gently pried the girl off her enough to look into her pale, tear-streaked face. 

"I... I saw a cockroach!" Blaire stammered, her voice quivering. 

Claire blinked. "A cockroach?" 

"Yes!" Blaire insisted, her eyes darting around the room. "I hate those disgusting things!" 

Claire glanced around but saw no sign of the alleged invader. "Are you sure? Maybe it ran off?" 

"Maybe," Blaire muttered, her tone deflated. She seemed more annoyed than scared now, her earlier theatrics fading. "Thanks for coming, Claire, but you can go back to your room now. I'll be fine." 

"Are you sure?" Claire asked hesitantly. 

"Yes, I'm sure. Goodnight!" Blaire practically shoved Claire out the door and slammed it shut behind her. 

Back in her room, Lucas was lying in bed, his expression unreadable. 

"What happened?" he asked. 

"She said there was a cockroach," Claire replied, still puzzled. 

Lucas let out a dry laugh. "Of course." 

"What do you mean?" 

"Nothing," he said, pulling her back into bed. "Let's get some sleep." 

But in his mind, Lucas couldn't help but think, **Blaire really needs to work on her improvisation.**