Chapter 189: Uneasy

Lucas Zeller leaned back on the couch, letting out a long breath. Fatigue washed over him like an incoming tide, pulling him into a drowsy stupor. He wanted nothing more than to succumb to the haze, allowing himself to drift off. 

But he couldn't. Not with *that wolf* hanging around Claire Grace. 

Out of the corner of his eye, Lucas noticed Blaine Jackson stealing glances toward the kitchen. A flicker of irritation ignited in his chest, quickly growing into an inferno that burned away any trace of sleepiness. 

"Hey, Blaine," Lucas leaned in, his voice sharp. "Are you even a man?" 

Blaine turned his head slowly, his eyes narrowing into a stormy glare. "What? Is my mere existence making you feel inadequate?" 

"Cut the crap! I'm asking if you understand the concept of 'don't mess with another man's wife.'" 

Blaine's lips curved into a lazy smile, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing further in feigned thought. "Sorry," he replied casually, "I was raised with a broader European perspective. Those outdated, chivalrous idioms don't resonate much with me." 

Lucas's fists clenched. "Claire is *my wife*! So back off." 

"You're not my friend," Blaine countered, his voice calm but pointed. "So technically, she's not a friend's wife, is she?" 

Lucas's anger flared brighter. "Fine, I'll say it outright—leave Claire alone." 

Blaine straightened up, locking eyes with Lucas. "And what if I said, 'no'? Why don't you divorce her if you're so concerned?" 

"Divorce?" Lucas barked a laugh. "You've lost your mind!" 

"Exactly. So don't waste time asking me to leave her alone. Claire likes *me*. We're perfect together. You're just in the way." Blaine's confidence was maddening. "Why hold on to someone who doesn't love you back, Lucas? There are plenty of great women out there." 

Lucas's voice softened, though his determination didn't waver. "Because Claire is the only one for me." 

He didn't believe Blaine's claims. If Claire truly loved Blaine, why would she have responded so passionately to their intimate moments last night? That kiss—fiery, unrestrained—was not the action of a woman in love with another man. 

Blaine tilted his head, a smug grin on his face. "She's my one and only too. And last year, when we won the Asian Design Awards with 'The Violet Snail,' she proved that we're meant to be. We're a perfect match." 

Lucas's face twitched with barely contained rage. "If it weren't for me canceling the 'Liquid Diamond' launch event, I would've had my own surprise for her. You think you're so perfect, but let me tell you, there's no way I'm letting you have her. Like it or not, you two aren't going to end up together!" 

"Even if she loves me?" Blaine's voice turned icy, every word a calculated jab. "Living with someone who doesn't love you back—that's a miserable life, Lucas. You're smart enough to realize that, aren't you?" 

"I—" Lucas hesitated. Could he live like that? Would it matter if her heart belonged to someone else? 

Blaine pressed on. "Imagine being with Claire, only to hear her talk about me all the time. How would that feel? Painful, right? So, for your sake—and hers—let go. It's the best thing for everyone." 

Lucas slammed a fist on the table, his frustration boiling over. "You're full of it! Even if she doesn't love me, I won't divorce her. Get that through your head!" 

"Then let's settle this. A challenge. Let's see who wins her heart in the end." Blaine's tone was mocking, goading Lucas. 

"I'm not an idiot," Lucas snapped. "She's already my wife. Why would I agree to some stupid competition?" 

"Because you've already lost." 

"You're insane!" Lucas stood abruptly, but the sudden motion caused his vision to blur. He staggered, gripping the couch for support as dizziness overtook him. 

Blaine's smirk softened into something resembling concern. "You should go home and rest. You look like you're about to collapse." 

"Stay out of my business," Lucas muttered, eyes shut tight against the spinning room. Forcing his feet to move, he headed toward the kitchen. 

Claire Grace was at the counter, carefully arranging food on a plate. The familiar scent of her cooking filled the air. But before she could turn around, a pair of arms encircled her waist from behind. 

She froze, recognizing the embrace immediately. 

"Lucas?" she asked softly. 

He rested his head against her back, his voice a low murmur. "I feel terrible. My head's spinning, and my stomach's a mess." 

Claire's heart clenched. She tried to sound indifferent. "Then go home and sleep." 

"I can't. There's a wolf in the house, and I can't leave you alone with him." His voice was growing weaker, his weight pressing more heavily against her. 

"You're being ridiculous. Blaine and I have been living under the same roof for ages, and nothing's ever happened." Claire attempted to pull his hands away. "Let go. The food's going to burn." 

Lucas tightened his grip, leaning more heavily against her. "I think I'm burning up too…" His voice trailed off, and suddenly, his body went limp. 

"Lucas!" Claire cried out, turning just in time to catch him as he slumped to the floor.