Chapter 143: A Woman in the Car

"Roy, where are you taking me?" Claire Grace asked, her voice laced with suspicion. "Weren't we going to meet the CEO? This isn't the way to Willowheart Avenue."

"We're heading to see Lucas. He's at the hospital," Roy Lin explained casually, keeping his eyes on the road.

"The hospital?" Claire's large, expressive eyes widened in understanding. "Let me guess—he's there because Blaire insisted he stay by her side, right? Just like last time."

Roy glanced sideways at her, his tone turning serious. "Claire, what are you trying to say?"

"I don't want to go. Let me out of the car."

"Why?"

"You know Blaire hates seeing me. Taking me there is like walking into a trap. Why humiliate myself?" Her voice rose with frustration, the memory of that night flashing through her mind, reigniting her anger.

"Claire, don't be so childish, okay? Lucas has been exhausted these past few days. Do you know why? It's not just the upcoming 'Liquid Diamond' launch stressing him out. It's also because of everything happening between you two. He's distracted at work, can't focus, and even the perfume campaign's theme keeps changing. Do you know why that is?"

"How would I know? I never understand his work."

"It's because of you."

"Me?" Claire's disbelief was evident as she shook her head. "Roy, even if you want to defend him, you don't have to make up stories. What does his perfume campaign have to do with me? I haven't done anything to interfere."

Roy chuckled dryly. "You say you haven't, but I've known Lucas for years, and I've never seen him this out of sorts over anyone. You're the first. The shift in your relationship is affecting him more than you realize."

Claire scoffed, her tone turning mocking. "So you're saying he loves me?"

"I already told you that, didn't I?"

"But he doesn't trust me," she countered, her voice cracking with hurt.

"What doesn't he trust you about?"

Claire hesitated, then looked at him squarely. "If I tell you, would you believe me, Roy?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?" he replied, his tone firm.

"Blaire's injury has nothing to do with me. Last night, I didn't push her. I just shook her hand off my arm, and she fell. I don't know if she tripped on purpose, but it wasn't my fault. Yet Lucas doesn't believe me. Blaire claimed I pushed her, and he believed her."

Roy frowned, his grip on the wheel tightening. "Blaire is that conniving? No wonder even Lauren can't stand her. Claire, love requires mutual understanding. If you think Lucas made a mistake, you should confront him about it. Don't let the problem—"

"Snowball until it gets out of control?" Claire finished his sentence with a knowing smile. "Surprised I know that phrase?"

"Yeah, very surprised," Roy admitted with a laugh.

"Blaine told me that before," she said, shaking her head slightly. "Why does everyone use that analogy?"

"It makes sense, doesn't it? Lauren taught me the same. Whenever we have even the slightest issue, she insists on addressing it immediately. That way, whoever's at fault can be forgiven and comforted right away."

"No wonder you and Lauren have such a great relationship," Claire said with genuine admiration. "I'm envious of you two."

"Don't be silly," Roy said with a chuckle. "Every love story is beautiful in its own way. For you, the love you share with Lucas is just as unique."

Claire's expression softened as she murmured, "Now I see why Lauren loves you so much, Roy."

"Hmm?"

"Because, in her eyes, you're the best," she said sincerely, before adding playfully, "even if you're not exactly a looker."

Roy seized the opportunity to press further. "Then, does that mean Lucas is the best in your eyes?"

"Roy, we were talking about you and Lauren. Why bring him into this?" she deflected.

"Because I want to know what Lucas means to you."

"Can I not answer that?"

"What if I said you have to?" Roy teased, but his phone ringing saved Claire from answering.

"Roy, your phone!" Claire exclaimed, relieved.

Roy smirked knowingly before answering. "Hello?"

"Sweetheart, where are you?" Lauren's warm, melodious voice filled the car.

Claire glanced at Roy in surprise. He seemed unfazed, his voice softening as he replied, "Honey, are you out of surgery?"

"I just finished and thought I'd call. Do you want me to head home and cook dinner for you?"

"You're amazing, but you must be tired after that big surgery. Let me pick you up instead. I'll take care of everything tonight, okay?"

"You're being so sweet today. Are you really on your way, or are you just saying that?"

Roy grinned. "Fifteen minutes. We'll see each other then."

"Alright, I'll get ready," Lauren said, but then her tone shifted. "Oh, by the way, Blaire is being so annoying! Did you know she made Lucas feed her? Her foot's injured, not her hands. It's ridiculous!"

"Honey, let's talk about it when I get there," Roy interjected quickly, glancing nervously at Claire, whose expression had soured.

"Why? Don't want to talk to me anymore?" Lauren's teasing voice grew sharper.

"Not at all! I'll explain everything when I see you. Love you," Roy said hastily before ending the call.

"Roy Lin!" Lauren's sudden outburst startled him. "There's a woman in your car!"

"What?" Roy looked around in alarm before realizing her intuition was unnervingly accurate. 

"It's Claire!" he confessed, exasperated. "Lucas's wife."

"Oh… Well, drive safely," Lauren finally said before hanging up.

Roy sighed in relief, only to notice Claire's tear-streaked face. "Claire, don't cry. Lauren didn't mean anything by it. You know Blaire's just manipulative, and Lucas—"

"I know he cares for her," Claire interrupted. "I'm tired of hearing it. He knows what Blaire's trying to do to us, yet he doesn't stop her. How can I trust him?"

Roy's voice softened. "Lucas is trying. He even called me back to work early to avoid spending more time around her. Trust me, he's doing his best to push Blaire away."

"But trust requires effort from both sides, doesn't it?" Claire whispered. "He doesn't trust me, so why should I trust him?"

"Take the first step, Claire. You'll be surprised at the outcome," Roy urged.

"Do you really think it'll work?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

"Yes," he replied confidently. "Give it a chance."