Chapter 123: Trusting Her Once More

"You see? I told you staying home alone wasn't practical," Lucas Zeller said, his voice low but firm. "You even dismissed the housekeeper we hired. How am I supposed to feel at ease? What if something happens to you again? You can't keep being this reckless." 

Blaire Zeller sat on the couch, her ankle propped up and her face pale, but her tone was calm as she replied, "Lucas, I'm fine. The doctor said I'd be fully mobile in a few weeks. I just feel... guilty making you prepare dinner every night." 

"Guilty?" Lucas arched an eyebrow skeptically. He didn't feel even a shred of guilt coming from her. 

This was the same Blaire who had refused to let their parents return home, rejected having a private nurse, and even resorted to emotional manipulation when he wasn't at the hospital by threatening to refuse treatment. Her injuries were enough of a challenge, but her stubbornness was another ordeal entirely. After a grueling month, she was finally discharged, and Lucas had hoped hiring a housekeeper would ease the burden. 

But Blaire insisted she couldn't get used to having strangers in the house and dismissed the help. On top of that, she refused to eat anything unless he personally cooked it, and she was becoming increasingly hostile toward Claire. Though she didn't say it outright, Lucas could see it in the sharp glances she threw Claire's way. 

"Lucas, I really am sorry," Blaire said, her voice quieter now. She looked up at him, her eyes softer than usual. "I thought a lot today. The reason I'm in this situation is because of my own doing. I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have harbored those feelings for you. After all, I'm just the adopted daughter of the Zeller family. I don't have the right to demand anything from you." 

Lucas's expression shifted to one of wary curiosity. He wasn't sure what she was trying to say. 

"All the care and love you've shown me, I've done nothing to repay it. Instead, I've used it to create problems for you, to burden you. I feel ashamed of the mistakes I've made. That's why I've decided that once my ankle heals, I'll move out." 

"Move out?" Lucas repeated, his tone laced with disbelief. "What brought this on?" 

"It's the only way I won't interfere with your relationship with Claire," Blaire said with a bitter smile. 

Lucas sighed and sat down on the sofa next to her. His dark eyes studied her bowed head. "Blaire, can I trust you this time?" 

Blaire's head snapped up, her expression startled. "What?" 

"Can I believe that you've really thought this through? That you're not just saying one thing and planning another? That you won't secretly sabotage Claire and then come back to me with the same feelings as before?" 

"I... I understand why you'd doubt me," Blaire admitted. Her voice trembled slightly. "Even I'm not fully confident I can let go. But I know if I don't, it'll only make things worse—for me, for you, and for everyone else. I don't want to lose you as my brother. And more than anything, I can't bear to hurt Mom and Dad. They've treated me like their own daughter. I owe it to them to do better." 

"So this time, you're really determined to start over?" Lucas asked, still unsure. 

Blaire nodded vigorously. "But... I might need some time to adjust. In the meantime, could I ask Claire to sleep in my room at night?" 

The request sent a jolt of unease through Lucas. He frowned, the pieces of her plan suddenly clicking into place. 

"So this is it, huh? You want to wedge yourself between me and Claire," Lucas said, his voice colder now. "You think having her sleep in your room will somehow pull us apart. Do you think I'm that gullible?" 

"No! That's not it!" Blaire quickly protested, waving her hands. "I only mean that if Claire stays with me, I won't have to call you in the middle of the night anymore." 

Her words stopped Lucas short, and he realized she had a point. Blaire's nightly calls were a constant interruption—complaining of thirst, pain, or simply insomnia. 

"You want Claire to play the role of your personal assistant now?" Lucas asked bluntly. "Let me tell you why that won't work. First, she has a job. If you wake her up all night, she'll be late to work. Second, she's a deep sleeper. You'd have to shout into her ear three times before she'd even stir. Third, she sleeps like an octopus, clutching onto whoever's nearby like a boa constrictor. You'd end up with more bruises than rest." 

Blaire stared at him, stunned. It took her a moment to respond. "Lucas, how am I supposed to forget about you and see you only as a brother if you won't even help me?" 

"It's not about helping you," Lucas replied firmly. "It's about whether you're truly ready to let go and move forward. Convince me, Blaire. Prove your resolve. Unless..." He paused, leaving the thought unfinished. 

"Unless what?" 

"Unless you meet a few conditions," Lucas said, his tone stern. "First, we hire a housekeeper again. Second, Claire handles all the meals. Third, if you need help getting around, Claire will assist you—not me." 

Blaire hesitated, then reluctantly nodded. "I still don't like the idea of a housekeeper, but... fine. I'll keep water by my bed at night and try not to bother anyone." 

"Good. Then I'll give you one last chance. But remember, Blaire—if you let me down again..." Lucas didn't finish the sentence, but his expression made the consequences clear. 

Standing up, Lucas picked up the strawberries she had dropped earlier. "These are dirty now. I'll wash some fresh ones for you." 

As he disappeared into the kitchen, Blaire sat alone, biting her lip, her emotions a whirlwind of frustration and resolve.