Chapter 188: Teasing the Jealous CEO (Part 3)

"Why not? He could very well be my boyfriend, so asking isn't a problem, is it?" Claire Grace remarked, her voice light yet sharp. 

"What?" Lucas Zeller froze mid-step, his expression a mix of disbelief and fury. 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zeller," Claire continued with faux regret, her tone anything but apologetic. "I told myself I wouldn't bring it up, but it just slipped out. My bad." The smirk on her face betrayed her words, leaving no doubt she was enjoying his discomfort. 

"What do you mean by 'he could be your boyfriend'?" Lucas snapped, his composure fracturing. He stepped closer, the tension between them thickening. "Did you forget we're still married? What do you take me for?" 

"You're mistaken," Claire replied, meeting his anger with calm defiance. "I handed you divorce papers over a year ago. Remember? I told you, whether you signed them or not, our marriage has been over in everything but name. Why can't I be with someone I truly care about?" 

Lucas's jaw tightened as he processed her words. "Over in everything but name? Someone you truly care about?" He clenched his fists. "Are you saying the person you care about is Blaine Jackson?" 

Claire leaned subtly closer to Blaine, as if to emphasize her point. "Isn't it obvious?" 

Lucas's eyes widened, his glare fixed on the pair. His rage burned silently, the tension crackling in the air like a live wire. When the elevator doors finally opened, Claire took Blaine's arm and stepped out confidently, leaving Lucas rooted in place. 

Snapping out of his daze, Lucas stormed after them. Just as Claire was unlocking her door, he grabbed her wrist. "I don't believe you actually like him!" 

Caught off guard, Claire stumbled slightly. 

"Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant. The fact is, I care about Blaine," she said firmly, pulling her wrist free. 

"If you truly cared about him, why wait a year? Why not fall for him the moment you met?" Lucas countered, his voice thick with disbelief. 

Claire hesitated, but then a sly smile tugged at her lips. "Do you think I'm some naive child who believes in love at first sight? I prefer something deeper—feelings that grow over time. That's what Blaine and I have. We've spent the past year together, and we're happy." 

"You're lying!" Lucas accused, his voice rising. "You're doing this to get back at me for not caring enough before. That's why you're using Blaine to put on a show. Admit it!" 

Claire averted her gaze for a moment, uneasy. *How does he see through me so easily?* she wondered. 

"This isn't about my eyesight," Lucas retorted, cutting through her thoughts. "Do you have any idea what this is doing to me? I've got a fever, my head's pounding, and now my wife is telling me she's in love with another man. Do you expect me to just sit back and let this happen?" 

"Your fever has nothing to do with me," Claire said coldly, though her resolve faltered slightly at his flushed complexion. 

"It has everything to do with you," Lucas shot back. "And if you don't believe me, I'll prove it." 

Before Lucas could process her words, Claire turned abruptly, pulled Blaine close, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Tilting her head up, she leaned in as if to kiss him. 

Lucas's heart slammed against his chest. He reached out instinctively, grabbing Claire and pulling her away just before their lips could meet. His fury erupted. "Claire, stop it! I know you're faking this to make me jealous. Fine, you win! I admit it—I'm jealous! I feel awful! Can we stop this nonsense now? Please!" 

Claire felt the heat radiating from his hand and realized his fever was no bluff. For a brief moment, doubt flickered in her heart. 

But before she could act on it, Blaine cleared his throat softly, as if urging her to continue. 

"I'm sorry, but you've misunderstood," Claire said, her voice icy. "What will it take for you to believe that I don't love you anymore?" She pulled away, opened the door, and walked in with Blaine, leaving Lucas stunned. 

As she tried to shut the door behind her, Lucas slipped inside. 

"Mr. Zeller, you're in the wrong apartment. Yours is next door," Claire said pointedly. 

"We're neighbors, aren't we? Neighbors drop by all the time. Or are you so petty you'd kick me out?" Lucas replied, his tone laced with determination. 

Blaine raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with suppressed laughter. He turned away quickly, trying not to expose the charade. 

"Dropping by?" Blaine asked dryly, sinking into a single armchair. 

"Yes, dropping by," Lucas shot back, standing his ground. 

Claire sighed, ignoring Lucas as she turned to Blaine. "What do you feel like eating? There are plenty of fresh ingredients in the fridge—Sarah stocked up. I can whip up your favorites." 

"I want some too!" Lucas interjected loudly, though his hoarse voice betrayed his lack of appetite. 

Claire didn't spare him a glance. Blaine shrugged nonchalantly and turned on the television while Claire disappeared into the kitchen. Lucas frowned, his frustration mounting. 

When Claire returned with ingredients in hand, Lucas seized the opportunity to wedge himself between her and Blaine. He plopped down on the couch next to her, determined to stay in the picture, no matter what.