Chapter 1020



Norma hesitated, her eyes full of guilt as she finally looked at Belinda. “If, though I pray it never comes to that, you’re diagnosed with AIDS… I know Lucas would never abandon you. I also know he’ll love you just the same. But… But…”

She stopped there, unable to finish because she felt embarrassed to say the rest.

At that moment, Belinda spoke up. “Norma, you don’t have to explain any further. I completely understand your concerns.”

Her tone was soothing. “Honestly, I am thinking the same thing. The last thing I want is to be a burden to Lucas.”

She lifted her gaze to meet Norma’s and continued, “You don’t have to worry. I’ll keep my distance from him. From this moment on, I won’t have any contact with him.”

Norma should have felt relieved. After all, this was exactly what she had hoped to hear.

Yet, instead of a sense of accomplishment, a heavy weight settled in her chest.

Norma swallowed hard before speaking again. “I believe things will turn out fine. Once it’s confirmed that you’re in the clear, I’ll fully support you and Lucas being together.”

Together. “And if the worst happens… Harold has already said that he’ll assemble a research team to find a cure.”

Belinda gave a small nod and smiled. “Please pass on my thanks to Harold.”

Seeing the sincerity in Belinda’s expression, Norma felt a pang of guilt. She reached for Belinda’s hand. “I’m sorry, Belinda. Truly, I am.”

Belinda gently pulled her hand away, shaking her head. “There’s nothing to apologize for, Norma. I get it. I’ve already blocked Lucas’ number. I made it clear to him that there would be no future for us. So you can rest easy.”

Norma parted her lips to respond, but before she could utter a word, the door suddenly burst open.

Belinda and Norma turned, only to see Mollie storming in, her face a mask of barely contained fury.

“Mrs. Clark, don’t flatter yourself! Your son isn’t some prize that everyone is fighting over! No matter what happens with Belinda’s diagnosis, she won’t be with Lucas!” Mollie exclaimed, her voice sharp with indignation.

The sheer force of Mollie’s words sent a ripple of tension through the room. Norma’s face stiffened, a flicker of embarrassment passing through her expression.

Rising to her feet, she hesitated before saying, “Mrs. Thomas…”

Mollie cut her off without hesitation. “There’s no need for explanations. Mrs. Clark, please leave.”

Norma froze for a moment, then, regaining her composure, gave a slight nod. “Very well,” she murmured. Then, she turned to Belinda. “I will leave now.”

Belinda offered a polite nod. “Alright.”

As soon as Norma walked out, Mollie sank into the seat beside Belinda, still seething. “Unbelievable! Norma’s actions are like stabbing you in the back! You don’t even have a confirmed diagnosis, and she’s already asking you to stay away!”

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