Chapter 177: Lucas’s Warmth

"...You." Claire Grace hesitated, debating whether to ask the question gnawing at her. Did he know who she was? Yet she feared the answer. If he did, wouldn't that mean she was once again playing the fool in his game? 

Lucas Zeller, on the other hand, was busy crafting an excuse to smooth over his earlier slip. 

"Because you remind me too much of my wife," he said softly. "And I don't want to let go again." 

"What?" Claire was caught off guard. That wasn't the answer she expected. 

"You don't believe me, do you?" Lucas gave a rueful smile. "It's my fault. That's why she left me. But I never told her to leave. I never wanted to let her go." 

"Then... have you two separated?" 

"Before she left, she handed me a signed divorce agreement. It wasn't until I saw it that I realized how much I loved her. Deeply. Madly." 

"If you love her that much, why didn't you tell her? Maybe she didn't know." Claire's voice trembled slightly. Why? 

"I did tell her! But she never believed I loved her. And even if I didn't say it, shouldn't she have felt it? Everyone else could see it—Lauren Wells and Roy Lin both said they could tell how much I cared about her." 

"But the one you love is your wife. It's her feelings that matter, not others'. What use is it if others see it? Are you planning to spend your life convincing them instead of her?" 

"Uh, Miss Grace, you have a point," Lucas admitted. Then, with a sly grin, he added, "So, what do you suggest I do to win her back?" 

Claire squinted at him, sensing a trap. 

"Obviously, you should show her your genuine love," Claire replied. But then her gaze sharpened. "Wait... how do you know my last name?" 

"...You mentioned it yourself," Lucas stammered, clearly flustered. 

"I mentioned it?" Claire's suspicion deepened as she stared at him. Then, realization struck her. "You were awake when Dr. Leroux was treating you!" She had mentioned her name to the doctor at that time. 

"Yes, Miss Grace," Lucas admitted, relieved that the truth was out. "But I'd really like to hear your thoughts on my earlier question. How can I show my wife that I truly love her?" 

Claire paused, her eyes catching a fleeting glint in his. Something about his expression felt... off. 

"What's wrong, Miss Grace?" 

"Why are you asking me?" she snapped. "I'm not your love counselor! How would I know how to win your wife back?" 

Lucas was taken aback. "But... weren't we just talking about it?" 

"Not anymore. I'm just a stranger, Mr. Zeller. Now, if you're awake, there's no need for me to stay." She motioned for him to let go of her hand. 

Lucas's tone softened, almost pleading. "Please stay a little longer, Miss Grace. I haven't answered all your questions yet." 

Claire frowned. "Mr. Zeller, are you always this 'enthusiastic' with strangers? Or just with women?" 

Lucas chuckled. "Didn't I already say—" 

"That I remind you of your wife?" Claire interrupted, sighing as she sat down again. "Fine. What was my question again?" 

"You asked if I knew the neighbors." 

"Well then, answer it." 

"I don't. I just moved in this afternoon. It's just me here, so I rented a small apartment." 

"Just you? What about your parents? You have parents, don't you?" Claire turned her face away, her tone suddenly awkward. 

"They were furious when my wife left. They blamed me and decided to travel the world instead," Lucas said, his gaze fixed on the faint blush on her cheek. 

"Serves you right," Claire muttered under her breath. 

"What was that?" 

"I didn't say anything," she replied, quickly deflecting. "What I *am* saying is, I'm leaving. If you don't let go, I'll bite you until you do!" 

Lucas surprised her by releasing her hand immediately. Turning his back to her, he said quietly, "You can go. Thank you, Miss Grace. I'll remember your advice and do my best to show my wife that she's the one I love most. I'll bring her back." 

"Good luck with that," Claire snapped. Yet, deep down, she was fuming. He had claimed he didn't want to let go, but now he let her leave so easily. What was she even mad about? 

Claire scolded herself. Why was she upset? Wasn't she just angry earlier that he wouldn't let go? Now she was upset because he did. Did she secretly wish for him to say something to make her stay? And if he did, would she? 

"Miss Grace," Lucas's voice broke her thoughts. "Do you, by any chance, know my wife?" 

"What?" Claire froze. 

"It's strange," Lucas said, his tone casual yet piercing. "My wife's last name is Grace too. Her name is Claire Grace. I used to call her Snail." 

Claire stared at him, stunned. 

"At first, it was just a joke because she was always a little slow—slow to react, slow to act. But over time, the nickname grew on me. It became something I cherished." 

"And why did you like calling her that?" Claire asked, her voice almost a whisper. She leaned closer, unable to help herself. 

"Because it felt intimate," Lucas said, his gaze unwavering. "It was something just between the two of us. Every time I called her Snail, it made me feel... full. Like my heart was overflowing with happiness." 

Claire listened in silence, her heart pounding as if it might burst. She didn't even notice when Lucas reached out and gently removed her sunglasses. It wasn't until—