Chapter 119: The Explanation

The three of them stepped out of the hospital together. Lucas Zeller kept a protective arm around Claire Grace as they headed straight for his car, deliberately ignoring the man trailing behind them. Blaine Jackson, noticing Lucas's dismissive attitude, smirked and walked toward his BMW M3 convertible.

Claire suddenly turned back. "Mr. Jackson, thank you so much for today. Why don't you join us for dinner? It's the least I can do to show my gratitude."

Blaine stopped, his expression shifting to one of playful consideration. He glanced at Claire's earnest face, then at Lucas's darkening scowl. Amusement flickered in his eyes. "You're treating me to dinner? Won't that make someone jealous? I'm worried I might lose my appetite from all the sour faces."

Lucas's jaw clenched, his face darkening further.

Claire, oblivious to the rising tension, cheerfully replied, "Oh, don't worry! Lucas is very understanding. And if you don't like sour foods, we won't order any."

Blaine chuckled, enjoying Lucas's barely contained irritation. "Alright then. Lead the way."

"Let's go," Lucas muttered, tightening his hold on Claire's shoulder. 

Though Claire's gesture was merely polite, Lucas couldn't help but feel his irritation spike. She had no idea he was fuming with jealousy over Blaine's easy charm. Couldn't she tell? Ever since their relationship deepened, her ability to pick up on his moods seemed to have dulled. How had she missed this? 

When they got into the car, Lucas sat silently, gripping the steering wheel with unusual intensity. Claire tilted her head, puzzled. "Lucas, are you going to start the car?"

He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Of course I am. What do you think I'm doing? Practicing yoga?" With a huff, he started the engine and sped off.

By the time they reached a Chinese restaurant, Claire barely had time to catch her breath before Blaine pulled up beside them, grinning as he exited his car.

---

Inside the restaurant, Lucas sat stiffly, glaring at Blaine and Claire, who were deep in conversation. The easy laughter between them grated on his nerves.

Who does this guy think he is? Lucas fumed internally. Blaine needed to understand that Claire was his wife. His. Not some random stranger's dining companion. He was nothing more than an unwelcome third wheel.

"Lucas, why aren't you eating?" Claire's concerned voice broke through his thoughts. "Is the food not to your liking?"

"I'm eating," Lucas snapped, tapping his chopsticks against his empty bowl for emphasis.

Claire blinked. "But… there's nothing in your bowl."

Lucas glanced down and awkwardly coughed. "I finished it. Is that a problem?"

"Oh," Claire murmured, puzzled. Why was he upset now?

Her eyes darted to Blaine, who was watching the exchange with a knowing smirk. Then it clicked. Lucas was jealous. Over Blaine. 

Before she could address it, Blaine leaned back and casually dropped a bomb. "Claire, what time are you coming by the studio tomorrow?"

Claire froze mid-bite, nearly choking on her food. She swallowed hard, coughing as tears sprang to her eyes.

Lucas immediately reached over, patting her back and handing her a glass of water. "How do you manage to make eating look so difficult?"

Claire sipped the water, heart racing. Blaine, of all times, had to bring that up now. 

Lucas's voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and cold. "What did he mean by that?"

Claire panicked, trying to focus on her meal. She mumbled, "Let's eat first."

Lucas wasn't having it. "Claire. Answer me."

Blaine sighed dramatically. "Lucas, let her finish eating. You can interrogate her later."

Lucas shot him a withering glare but said nothing, allowing Claire a moment of peace. She took advantage of the reprieve, but her mind raced for an explanation.

After a tense silence, Blaine finally spoke up. "Fine, I'll explain. Claire agreed to assist me at the studio for the Global Styling Competition."

Lucas's face hardened, his voice eerily calm. "Is that true?"

Claire nodded hesitantly. "Yes, but—"

Lucas didn't wait for her to finish. He stood abruptly, chair scraping loudly against the floor, and walked out.

"Lucas!" Claire called after him, jumping up to follow. She barely heard Blaine mutter something about free entertainment as he trailed after them.

Outside, Claire caught up just as Lucas was about to get into the car. She threw her arms around him from behind, clinging tightly. "Lucas, wait. Please listen to me."

Her warmth and sincerity softened him, but his pride held firm. "I don't need an explanation, Claire. You can help whoever you want. It's your choice. I won't stop you."

Tears streamed down Claire's face, soaking into his shirt. "You're misunderstanding everything. I only agreed to help Blaine temporarily, just for the competition."

Lucas turned, his gaze intense. "I'm your husband, Claire. You're mine. Yet, you chose to help him."

"You're my everything," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Please believe me."

Lucas sighed, his anger ebbing as he pulled her into his arms. "You'd better not make me regret this."

Blaine leaned against his car, arms crossed. "Touching. But next time, save the drama for the studio."