Chapter 194: A Clever Trap

When Lucas Zeller and Claire Grace finally returned to the apartment, Lucas was utterly exhausted. A drive that usually took thirty minutes had turned into a nearly two-hour walk. Adding to his fatigue, Claire—his "Snail Girl"—complained about her aching feet just ten minutes into the journey. Naturally, Lucas carried her the rest of the way. 

Claire had forgiven him, and in Lucas's mind, her forgiveness was worth any effort—even carrying her on his back until dawn if necessary. Despite passing by several spots where they could have hailed a cab, he insisted on walking all the way back. 

So, when Sarah saw Lucas carrying Claire into the apartment, her eyes widened in disbelief. 

"Mr. Zeller, what happened to Claire? Is she okay?" Sarah asked, her voice tinged with shock. 

Claire, blushing furiously, muttered into Lucas's ear, "Put me down! We're home already." 

"Not yet," Lucas replied with a teasing grin. "I have a surprise for you. But first, Sarah, could you open the door for us?" 

"Oh, sure!" Sarah quickly took the keys and unlocked the door, stepping aside as Lucas carried Claire inside. 

Once inside, Lucas walked Claire to the living room. She scanned the area, her curiosity piqued. However, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. 

"Where's the surprise?" she asked, pouting as she lightly punched his back. 

"It's in the bedroom," Lucas said, carrying her further into the apartment. 

He pushed open the bedroom door and flipped on the light. Claire gasped as her eyes landed on the wall. There, displayed prominently, was a massive photograph of the two of them. The picture captured an intimate moment—a kiss. She was dressed in a soft pink dress, gazing at him with a mix of shyness and affection that spoke volumes of her love. 

"Snail Girl," Lucas asked softly as he set her down, wrapping an arm around her, "do you remember where this was taken?" 

Claire sniffled, nodding vigorously. "It was the day Roy Lin and Lauren Wells were trying on wedding outfits and taking their bridal photos. I still remember Lauren joking around and pushing us to kiss for the camera. I never saw the pictures afterward. I can't believe you kept this one all along." 

"I picked it up this afternoon from a gallery on Larkin Street. Do you like it?" He gently tilted her chin upward so their eyes met. "After you left, I realized how terrible I'd been as a husband. I didn't even have a single photo of us together. When I remembered this set was with Roy, I went to him and picked out my favorite one. I had it enlarged and hung it here so I could see you every night before I sleep and every morning when I wake up. It makes me happy." 

Claire's eyes filled with warmth, though she rolled them for effect. "I remember you promising me I'd see the photos in just a few days. Instead, it took a whole year!" 

Lucas grimaced, guilt flashing across his face. "I know. I'm sorry. That was my fault. But look—doesn't it make the room feel cozy and special now?" 

Claire took a step back, scrutinizing him with mock suspicion. "You went through all this trouble... It's almost like you knew I'd forgive you! Did you bribe Sarah to betray me and help you?" 

Lucas chuckled, raising a brow. "That's a harsh way to put it. First, I wasn't scheming—I was confident you still loved me. Second, Sarah didn't betray you. She just wanted two people who love each other to be together." 

"Hmph! Who says I love you?" Claire retorted, pushing him away as she walked toward the living room. Her eyes immediately fell on something odd—her luggage, which had previously been in the apartment next door, now neatly stacked in their living room. "Wow! Sarah must've been bribed. She's never this helpful without a reason!" 

Lucas laughed. "Fine, you caught me. I promised her I'd create more chances for her to spend time alone with Tara. Turns out Sarah has a crush on him. That guy's been talking about blind dates since last year, but he's still single. Who knows? Maybe they'll hit it off." 

Claire snorted. "So she ditched her best friend for romance? Some friend!" 

As she muttered, she suddenly felt herself being lifted into the air. Startled, she punched Lucas's chest lightly. "Hey! Put me down! Haven't you carried me enough for one day?" 

"I have something to say," Lucas replied, ignoring her protests. 

"Fine, but you don't have to hold me to say it. And—hey! Why are we going back into the bedroom?" she cried, panic creeping into her voice. 

"I'm tired, so let's talk on the bed," Lucas said cheekily, carrying her into the bedroom. 

Despite her protests, he placed her gently on the bed and leaned over her, his arms braced on either side of her. His dark eyes glinted with mischief and something deeper—desire. 

Claire's heart raced. "You said you had something to say. So say it!" 

Lucas smirked. "You were just calling me names in your head, weren't you?" 

"What? No!" Claire's eyes widened in surprise. 

"You were," Lucas insisted. "Your lips were moving, and I could tell you were muttering insults." He pinched her pouting lips playfully before his expression softened. "I've realized something important. You're the most important person in my life. The one I love most. And I want to tell you—I love you." 

His voice faltered slightly as he whispered the last three words, but Claire caught enough to feel her cheeks flush. 

"What did you say?" she teased, feigning ignorance. 

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "You know exactly what I said. It's the three words you've always wanted to hear from me." 

Claire smiled mischievously. "I have no idea what you're talking about." 

Lucas groaned. "I'll spell it out for you. I. Love. You!" he shouted, his face a mix of exasperation and determination. 

Claire burst into laughter, her joy spilling over. 

"Hey! I'm confessing my love here, and you're laughing at me?" Lucas huffed, leaning closer. "Let's see how you like this punishment!" 

Before she could protest, his lips captured hers in a passionate, possessive kiss, silencing her laughter and filling the room with the promise of love rediscovered.