Chapter 144: The Last Embrace

The hospital room carried a faint scent of flowers, soft and soothing. Lucas Zeller sat by the bedside, carefully blowing on a spoonful of warm, nourishing porridge before gently feeding it to Blaire Zeller.

"I'm sorry, Lucas," Blaire murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't think leaning on my crutch just to wash my face would end up scraping my hand so badly that I can't even lift it to eat."

"Just be more careful next time," Lucas replied, his handsome face calm and unreadable.

"You don't think I did it on purpose, do you?" Blaire's voice trembled slightly as she studied his expression for any hint of accusation.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, his tone steady.

"But, Sarah—she said those things last night. Doesn't that mean she thinks I'm lying and playing the victim? She even said I was putting on an act."

Lucas froze momentarily as Sarah's harsh words echoed in his mind. "I don't have the time or patience to watch her play victim in the hospital!" The memory made him furrow his brows, and he pressed his lips together without saying another word.

"Lucas, do you think I accused her unfairly too?" Blaire asked cautiously.

Lucas sighed, turning his head and clearing his throat. "Blaire, can I ask you something? Will you answer me honestly?"

"Uh?" Her heart pounded as she braced herself. "Of course. Ask me anything."

"Do you want me to divorce her?" Lucas dropped the question like a bombshell.

"Divorce?!" Blaire's heartbeat quickened, her chest tightening. Had he really said he wanted to divorce Sarah? Was this real? Were they finally breaking up?

"Why are you asking me that?" she asked, feigning concern. "Is it because Sarah still won't forgive you?"

"Just answer me," Lucas insisted, his tone unnervingly neutral. "Do you want us to get divorced?"

Blaire hesitated. Of course, she wanted them to split up. She had dreamed of it. But Lucas loved Sarah so much—would he really let her go? Or was this just a test?

"Lucas, how could I want that? Don't scare me. If you two actually got divorced because of this, I'd never forgive myself. I know Sarah doesn't like me and probably hates me for what I said, but I've realized my mistake. When you lost your temper and almost hit me, I understood just how much she means to you. Even if she misunderstood me, I hope you two can talk it out and get back to the way you were before."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, studying her closely. "Is that really how you feel?"

Blaire nodded vigorously.

"Then tell me the truth. Besides what you've already admitted, what else did you say to her?" Lucas's voice was calm, but his words hit like a hammer.

Blaire bit her lip, leaving faint teeth marks. Finally, she confessed, "I told her your… issues… weren't real, that you married her to fool Mom and Dad—and me—so I'd give up on you. I also said you didn't love her and that she shouldn't get her hopes up."

Lucas froze. Seconds stretched as he sat motionless, his expression unreadable. When he finally looked up, Blaire flinched.

Gripping the arms of the chair, Lucas fought the urge to lash out. His entire body radiated cold fury, making Blaire shiver.

"Lucas, I didn't mean it! I didn't know what I was saying back then! I'm sorry, I really am!" she pleaded.

"But you knew I loved her!" Lucas exploded, standing abruptly. "Do you even know what her childhood was like? She grew up without a mother. Her mom died when she was little, and her dad worked tirelessly to support her, leaving them with barely any time together. She was practically an orphan.

"And you? We adopted you, but our family treated you like a treasure. We gave you everything! Yet time and again, you disappoint me!"

Tears streamed down Blaire's face. "I'm sorry… I know I'm useless. I always let you down… I'm so sorry."

"Sorry? How many times have you said that?" Lucas sneered. "Have you ever meant it? You're not a child anymore, Blaire. Grow up. Own your mistakes."

"I…"

"Did you even think about how much you hurt her? You knew how deeply I loved her, yet you told her I never would. After her father died, I was the only family she had left. And I let her suffer because I was protecting you. Do you think I don't care about her? I do! I care so much it hurts. But I hoped she'd understand why I shielded you."

"Then what can I do to make it right?" Blaire sobbed, her eyes red and swollen.

Lucas stared at her for a long moment. "Are you asking because you truly want to make amends, or are you just looking for another excuse? So you can mess up again and beg for forgiveness later?"

"No! I mean it this time!" Blaire insisted, lifting her trembling arms.

"I don't see sincerity in your eyes, Blaire. Think hard about what you really want. After this, you'll see less of me. The house staff will take care of you." Without another glance, he turned and walked toward the door.

"No! Lucas, don't leave me!" Blaire cried, struggling to sit up. She fell to the floor, ignoring the sharp pain in her injured leg.

"Lucas!" She sobbed, clinging to the floor as he paused at the doorway, his shoulders tense.