Chapter 1038



Lucas’ expression turned even colder. His voice dropped to a warning. “Don’t make me say that again.”

His sharp eyes locked onto hers, his tone laced with an unspoken threat. “Or would you rather I throw you out myself?”

Holley’s face went pale. She turned to Belinda. “Belinda, what do you want me to do?”

Belinda hesitated, then finally spoke. “You can go home. I’m fine here.”

Holley’s brows drew together, her sorrow deepening. “Even you…” Her voice wavered. “Fine. If you won’t believe me, then what more is there for me to say? I’ll go, alright? I’ll leave!”

By the time the last words left her lips, her voice was thick with suppressed sobs.

With that, she turned and hurried upstairs.

Lucas didn’t spare Holley another glance. He took Belinda’s hand and guided her back to her room.

Seated beside her on the couch, he reached out, his fingers gently touching her neck, his face full of concern. “Does it still hurt?” His touch was light, as if he were handling something fragile and precious.

Belinda shook her head. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

But in reality, the pain still lingered. She just didn’t want Lucas to worry about her.

Lucas’ face was grim. “What exactly happened last night? Tell me everything.”

Belinda hesitated, then slowly recounted everything.

As she spoke, Lucas’ expression darkened, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

His hands clenched into fists, his gaze flickering with restrained fury. After a pause, Belinda asked, “Do you remember I told you about Holley’s sleepwalking before?” Lucas gave a slight nod. “Yeah.”

Belinda exhaled shakily, lowering her gaze. “To be honest, I don’t know if she was really sleepwalking or…”

Belinda took a deep breath and continued, “Last night, when she was strangling me, her grip was so strong. For a moment, I actually thought she was going to kill me.”

Lucas’ face darkened further, his fury evident.

Without a word, he pulled Belinda into his arms.

He knew how hard this must be for Belinda.

Her own mother had nearly killed her…

“I’m okay,” Belinda murmured in his embrace.

A beat of silence passed before Lucas spoke again. “Starting today, I’ll live here with you.”

Belinda’s head snapped up, her eyes widening.

She blinked at Lucas in disbelief. “What did you say? You want to move here and live with me? What for?”

“To stay by your side,” Lucas said. “I am worried about you.”

Belinda immediately replied, “There’s no need for that. Margie is here with me.”

“That’s not enough. I’ll still worry about you,” Lucas said firmly. His decision was final.

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