Chapter 142: Furious Confusion

When Claire Grace saw only Roy Lin waiting at the restaurant, a wave of disappointment surged through her heart. Only then did she realize that, just as Master Blaine Jackson had pointed out, she truly hoped Lucas Zeller would also be there.

"Claire, over here!" Roy waved enthusiastically, noticing her at the entrance and assuming she hadn't seen him.

Claire smiled and walked over.

"Roy, why are you here alone?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Roy was perceptive enough to catch the undertones of her question but couldn't resist teasing her. "Oh, Lauren had surgery scheduled for tonight, so it's just me," he replied with a sly smile.

"Lauren? Oh, I see..." Claire murmured, disappointed he hadn't picked up on her actual question. 

Roy feigned surprise, then grinned as if having a sudden realization. "Wait, you weren't asking about Lauren, were you? You're wondering why Lucas isn't here, right?"

"Aha—no, no, not at all!" Claire stammered, her flustered response betraying her. Quickly, she changed the subject, "Do you come here often, Roy? Let's order, shall we?"

Roy saw right through her diversion but chose not to press further. "Don't worry; I've already ordered the house specials. The food will be here shortly."

Claire nodded but noticed Roy looking as if he wanted to say something. "Roy, is there something on your mind?" she asked. She had a feeling it might involve Lucas—it always seemed to.

"Claire, I'm hesitant because I'm worried you'll be upset by what I ask," Roy admitted sincerely.

"Go ahead," Claire said. After all, she had already spoken such resolute words in front of Lucas. What else could possibly upset her now?

"Did you leave home because Blaire likes Lucas, and you were upset with him for it?" Roy asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.

"Not entirely," Claire admitted. "Did Blaire not explain everything to Lucas? She asked for my forgiveness right in front of him, so I assumed she told him everything."

"Lucas said you were upset about Blaire's name change and because he didn't tell you she had feelings for him for so long," Roy explained.

"That's it?" Claire's brow furrowed. "Did Blaire not tell Lucas about... that other matter?"

Roy's curiosity was piqued. "What misunderstanding are you referring to? I always thought something was off. If it were just those things, you wouldn't have been this upset, let alone told him you wished them happiness."

Claire let out a bitter laugh, supporting her head with her hands. "I don't know why Blaire didn't tell Lucas what she said to me. Maybe she was afraid of making him angry or losing him. But it doesn't matter now. She claimed I pushed her, and Lucas believed her. That hurt more than anything."

"Claire, what didn't Blaire tell Lucas? You can tell me. Maybe I can help," Roy said earnestly.

Claire gave a wry smile. "What's the point? He's already asked for a divorce. What good would solving anything do now?"

"Divorce?" Roy was taken aback. "How do you know about that? The papers are still with me—I haven't given them to you yet."

"Yes, he said if I wanted a divorce, he'd give me freedom," Claire said, her voice heavy with sorrow.

"You're overthinking this. Just explain things clearly, and everything will be fine!" Roy handed her a tissue, trying to console her. "Maybe I already know what Blaire said. If you tell me, I can help explain it to Lucas."

Claire hesitated, then revealed, "Do you know why Lauren took me to a herbal medicine shop to buy supplements for Lucas? Blaire told me Lucas was... unwell."

Roy froze. "Supplements? You mean for... vitality?" His eyes widened as he pieced the puzzle together.

"Yes," Claire said, her voice filled with bitterness. "And now I know that Lucas is perfectly fine and that everyone—Lauren included—knew all along."

Roy sighed deeply. "Claire, you've misunderstood. Lucas pretended to have that condition to avoid Blaire's feelings. He thought it would dissuade her and stop the pressure from his parents to marry and have kids. But he never expected to meet you, let alone fall for you."

Claire blinked. "Fall for me? Roy, don't joke. Lucas doesn't love me. He said himself that he could never have feelings for me."

"Of course, he loves you! Why do you think he's trying so hard to keep you around? He's terrible at expressing it, but it's clear as day," Roy said, exasperated.

Before Claire could respond, the server arrived with their soup, inadvertently spilling some on the table and towards Claire. Roy acted quickly, grabbing a folder to shield her and pulling her aside.

"Are you okay? Did it burn you?" Roy asked anxiously.

"I'm fine," Claire assured him. But then she noticed the soaked folder in her hand. As she looked closer, her eyes widened. "Divorce agreement?" she murmured in disbelief.

Roy's face paled. "Claire, that's not what it looks like—"

"It's fine, Roy. If he wants me to sign, I will," Claire said, her voice trembling. She grabbed the papers and rushed out of the restaurant.

Roy chased after her, pleading, "Claire, wait! You've got it all wrong. Lucas doesn't actually want a divorce!"

"Then why is there a divorce agreement?" she demanded. "He's clearly prepared to let me go."

"No, he thought you wanted to leave him. He's giving you what he thinks you want!" Roy explained desperately.

"Stop trying to comfort me," Claire said through tears. "I'm not going to hold him back from finding someone better."

"Better? Claire, he doesn't want anyone else!" Roy shouted. "Did you even read the terms? He's offering an obscene settlement just to make sure you're taken care of—because he loves you!"

Claire stared at him, her lips quivering. "You're... serious?"

Roy nodded. "As serious as Lucas's ridiculous love for you. Please, Claire. Don't let misunderstandings ruin this."

Claire wiped her tears and looked at the document again, her heart caught between disbelief and hope.