Chapter 213: "Not Forcing You"

Claire Grace stared at the alluring woman approaching them, a series of familiar images flashing rapidly through her mind. 

"Lena?" she murmured, recalling the woman as a former perfume ambassador for Lucas Zeller's company, who had been abruptly terminated under his orders. However, Claire couldn't fathom why Lena was here now—or the meaning behind her cryptic words just moments ago. 

"Well, well, Mrs. Zeller, surprised you still remember me," Lena said with a sly smile as she sauntered over to Lucas's side. Her seductive gaze brazenly swept over his chiseled features, lingering provocatively. 

"Mr. Zeller, am I wrong? Your wife was indeed meeting another man behind your back. And their embrace just now—so intimate—" 

"You're lying!" Claire's sudden outburst silenced Lena, her voice sharp with indignation. "You don't know anything!" 

Lena blinked, momentarily stunned by Claire's fiery response. 

"My eyes aren't blind, you know," Lena countered with a smirk. "There were plenty of witnesses along the street who saw you and that man hugging." Then, turning back to Lucas, she added, "Now, do you believe me? Just because a woman looks innocent doesn't mean she's pure inside. If you ask me—" 

"Shut your mouth!" Lucas's patience snapped, his anger erupting as he directed his fury squarely at Lena. "Damn it! How dare you spy on my wife and spew nonsense here? Are you tired of living? Get out of my sight!" 

Lena froze, clearly intimidated by the blazing anger in Lucas's eyes. After a moment of hesitation, she stammered, "I was just trying to help you—" 

"If you don't leave right now," Lucas interrupted coldly, "I'll make sure you'll never work in this industry again!" 

"You!" Lena bit her lip, realizing he wasn't bluffing. Swallowing her resentment, she turned and stormed away. 

Lucas turned back to Claire and firmly took her arm. "Let's go home and talk," he said, guiding her toward the car. 

"Lucas, I... I don't want to go home," Claire whispered, her voice trembling. 

He stopped abruptly, his gaze locking onto her pale face. His heart ached as he noticed the distress in her expression. 

"Claire," he said softly, "I won't force you to explain or give me a reason. But you're coming home with me, no matter what." His eyes dropped to her stomach. "I don't know what's happened, or why you don't want to go back. But if you won't do it for yourself, do it for the baby. Your stress could harm the baby." 

His words struck Claire like a bomb, detonating deep within her chest. The baby? Prenatal care? It was all gone. There was no baby anymore—nothing left. 

"Claire?" Lucas asked, noticing her sudden trembling. Alarmed, he pulled her closer, wrapping her securely in his arms. His voice softened as he whispered into her ear, "Didn't we agree that any misunderstanding should be cleared up the same day it happens? Didn't you tell me not to let things snowball into bigger problems? Why are you shutting me out now, refusing to tell me anything?" 

Lucas knew that if Claire didn't want to talk, no amount of pressing would make her open up. But being shut out like this filled him with frustration. The memory of seeing her in Blaine Jackson's arms burned in his mind, igniting an explosive mix of jealousy and pain. 

He was her husband, the person closest to her. So why, in her moment of sadness, had she sought solace in another man's embrace? 

"Lucas," Claire finally murmured, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Her desperate grip made him frown, but her next question filled him with unease. "Would you ever stop loving me?" 

"Claire, what kind of question is that?" he asked, his brows knitting in concern. 

"Don't ask why. Just answer me," she insisted, her tone firm. 

"Claire," Lucas began with a gentle smile, trying to lighten the mood, "these are the kinds of questions we should discuss at home, don't you think? We're in the middle of the street. What if my answer makes you so happy you want to kiss me right here? We'd give everyone a free show." 

"But I want to know now," she said, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes that sparkled like stars. "You're my husband, and I'm your wife. It's not illegal for a wife to kiss her husband." 

Lucas chuckled at her persistence. "Well, since you're so fearless, why should I hold back?" He gazed at her intently before saying seriously, "Remember what you told me once? You said you'd never leave me unless I pushed you away. Now, I'm saying the same to you—unless you want to leave, I'll always stay by your side, loving and protecting you. You'll be my queen forever." 

"Do you really mean that?" Claire choked out, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. 

"Claire," Lucas said softly, holding her trembling frame tighter. "Of course, I mean it. Do you think I enjoy talking nonsense? You're my most precious treasure. You know I avoid other women unless it's for work because my heart belongs only to you. All I want is to love and protect you." 

"Lucas," Claire sobbed, burying her face in his chest. 

She knew everything he said was true. Yet, the more he loved her, the heavier her guilt became. Her heart ached, knowing she could never give him the child he longed for. 

What was she to do? How could she bear the thought of leaving him? After a year of separation, would their story end in heartbreak again, with happiness slipping through their fingers? 

"Claire," Lucas teased, brushing her hair tenderly. "After hearing my heartfelt confession, all you do is cry and wipe your tears and snot on me? No other response?" 

Claire sniffled, then pulled back slightly. Rising on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips softly to his.