Chapter 154: Can I Kiss You?

"Blaine, you've got quite the constitution! Just one dose of medicine, and your fever's completely gone. You don't even look like you were sick!" 

Claire Grace's tone was light, her admiration genuine as she glanced at Blaine Jackson, who was adjusting his tie with a half-hearted smirk. 

"Heh, yeah, lucky me," Blaine replied with a dry chuckle, though his mind was elsewhere, silently relieved that the medication hadn't caused any side effects. The last thing he needed was for his family's pristine reputation to be tarnished because of some careless mistake. 

Shaking off the unnecessary thoughts, Blaine cleared his throat and said, "Claire, your shift's almost over, right? Pack up those clothes, shoes, and accessories—I'll drive you home." 

The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could think them through. A wave of regret hit him immediately, lasting a solid ten seconds before he blurted out, "Or, if you've got some time, I could help you put together a new look. Maybe then that possessive CEO of yours might actually notice you. Who knows? It could give him a pleasant surprise." 

The moment the words left his lips, Blaine felt the urge to slap himself. What was he doing? He'd been trying to maintain his distance from Claire, not get closer to her. He knew—without a doubt—that if he got too close, something would go terribly wrong. 

"I don't think that's necessary," Claire replied with a soft laugh, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Lately, he's been in a bad mood. No matter how much I dress up, it wouldn't make a difference. Honestly, he barely even looks at me unless I approach him first." 

Her tone carried a trace of sorrow. It had been days since Lucas Zeller had stepped out of Blaire's room, and Claire hadn't seen him emerge once. 

"Isn't he supposed to attend that 'Liquid Diamond' launch event? Isn't it scheduled around the same time as our competition? Has he decided to back out?" Blaine asked, his curiosity piqued. He'd heard Claire mention the event several times and had committed it to memory. 

"I don't know," Claire said with a faint shrug. "I haven't asked, and he hasn't mentioned it. Given his current state, it wouldn't surprise me if he dropped out entirely." 

"You should try bringing it up," Blaine suggested, picking up the neatly packed boxes and heading downstairs. "Mention the launch and see how he reacts. He was so invested in this event before—it would be a shame if he gave up now." 

"Blaine, are you sure that's not too heavy? Let me carry some of it," Claire offered, following closely behind him. 

Blaine glanced back at her, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "What? You think I was raised on handouts?" 

"Huh? What do you mean?" 

"Soft. Weak." 

"…Wow. Your jokes are especially bad today." 

---

At the Zeller estate, Blaine carried Claire's packages to the front door of the main house before turning to leave. 

"Blaine, why don't you stay for dinner?" Claire asked earnestly. "It's dinnertime already, and you're eating alone anyway, right?" 

"Stay for dinner?" Blaine hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Your parents are back, aren't they? I think I'll pass. I'll just grab something simple at home—or maybe I'll drop by Lauren's place and mooch off her." 

He wasn't used to being around older folks; it always made him feel out of place. 

"Oh, okay." Claire's smile dimmed slightly, though she quickly recovered. "Take care on your way back, then." 

For a moment, Blaine found himself captivated by her expression, but he shook it off with a grin and waved as he got into his car and drove away. 

Quietly, Claire pulled out her keys and unlocked the front door, not wanting to disturb anyone. 

"Claire, you're back!" Thomas Zeller called from the living room, setting down his newspaper as he approached her. 

"Yes, Dad," Claire replied with a smile. 

"Wow, are all these yours? They look heavy—let me help you carry some upstairs," Thomas offered, reaching for one of the bags. 

"It's okay, Dad. They're not that heavy. I can take them up myself," Claire said, her tone warm. "By the way, is Mom in the kitchen?" 

"She is," Thomas confirmed. "She's been preparing all your favorite dishes for dinner. Said it's to reward you for working so hard." 

"Dad, you and Mom are so good to me," Claire said sincerely. 

"Don't be silly. We're family—no need for such formalities. Oh, and when you head upstairs, call Lucas down for dinner, will you?" 

"Dad, has Lucas not eaten all day?" 

"Your mom practically begged him to have a bowl of porridge at lunch. After that, he went back to sleep." 

"Oh… I'll go check on him." 

---

On her way to her room, Claire noticed that Blaire's door was tightly shut. Deciding to put away her things first, she opened her bedroom door—and froze. 

There, lying on her bed, was Lucas. He was sprawled out on his back, seemingly fast asleep. 

Claire tiptoed into the room, careful not to make a sound. She didn't want to wake him, but as she set her things down, a faint noise escaped her grasp. 

Lucas stirred immediately, sitting up reflexively with his eyes still closed. His hands cradled his head as if he were in pain. 

"Lucas, what's wrong?" Claire hurried to his side, her hand instinctively reaching out to cup his face. Her thumb gently brushed his cheek, her concern evident. 

"I… I'm fine," Lucas murmured, forcing a weak smile. His large hand slid down to cover hers, bringing it to his lips. He pressed soft kisses to her fingertips, one by one. 

In truth, he'd had another nightmare. Blaire had haunted his dreams again—mocking him with cold laughter, taunting him with promises that he'd never find happiness. No matter how far he tried to run or hide, Blaire's chilling smile was always there, waiting. 

The pain was unbearable. 

But Lucas would rather bear it alone than drag Claire down with him. If she suffered alongside him, he feared he'd lose the last shred of strength keeping him afloat. 

"Lucas, I want you to be okay," Claire said firmly, wrapping her arms around him. Despite her small frame, her embrace was strong, surprising Lucas. "If you're hurting, if you're struggling, tell me. We're husband and wife, aren't we? If you're in pain, I'll share it with you. I won't leave you to face it alone." 

"Lucas…" Claire's voice softened as she leaned back slightly, her eyes meeting his. "Can I kiss you?" 

Before he could respond, her lips were on his, tender and warm, cutting through the shadows of his anguish like a ray of light.