Chapter 1045



Just then, Lucas’ expression grew serious. “Gordon looked into Holley…” He briefly summarized the results of the investigation.

Belinda’s eyes flickered with hesitation. “So, that night when she tried to strangle me… Maybe she really didn’t do that on purpose?”

Lucas shook his head, his expression serious. “We can’t rule out the possibility that her doctor’s visits were a deliberate ploy. Think about it—if she deliberately displayed signs of distress and spoke about sleepwalking to her psychiatrist, the doctor would naturally assume her actions were a symptom of stress. So… we can’t say for certain whether it was intentional or not.”

A sharp pang pierced Belinda’s heart.

How had the people she once held dearest changed so drastically?

Lucas, observing the turmoil in her expression, instinctively reached out and pulled her into his embrace, allowing her to rest against his shoulder.

“Don’t overthink things,” he murmured soothingly. “Right now, the most important thing is for you to focus on resting.”

Belinda’s gaze flickered as a sudden thought surfaced. She straightened slightly, searching Lucas’ face with concern. “You’ve been on the post-exposure medication for a few days now. Have you experienced any side effects?”

“I’m fine,” Lucas assured her. “Haven’t experienced anything unusual.”

“Really?” Belinda asked.

“Yeah,” Lucas replied without hesitation.

Relief washed over Belinda’s features, and she exhaled softly. “That’s good.” She knew that reactions to the medication varied from person to person. Knowing that Lucas wasn’t suffering any discomfort eased her worries.

After a brief pause, Belinda pressed her lips together for a moment before speaking again. “By the way, Harold and Norma came by yesterday. Norma apologized to me, and Harold said they won’t interfere in our relationship anymore. They’re leaving everything up to us.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow at that.

Belinda shot him a pointed look. “When you go back home today, make sure to apologize to Norma. Understood? You were definitely harsh to her that day.”

Lucas didn’t argue. He nodded. “Alright.”

“Good,” Belinda said with satisfaction, though her expression soon turned serious again. “Did you tell Harold and Norma about your risk of infection?”

“No,” Lucas replied, shaking his head. “And I don’t plan to. There’s no need to make them worry unnecessarily.”

“But—” Belinda frowned, her lips parting to argue, but Lucas gently cut her off.

“No buts. Just trust me on this one,” he said.

Though concern still lingered in Belinda’s eyes, she said nothing more.

“We’ll be fine. Both of us. Don’t worry.” Lucas tightened his arms around Belinda.

Belinda leaned into him, silently drawing comfort from his presence.

Lucas stayed with her until the afternoon before finally heading to his office.

Not long after his departure, Catherine arrived at Belinda’s place.

“Belinda, I’m so sorry,” Catherine said. “I’ve been tied up with a research project in Soling with my professor. I only found out about everything yesterday when my brother told me. I should’ve come here sooner.”

Belinda shook her head, offering a reassuring smile. “Don’t be silly! There’s nothing to apologize for. Look at me—I’m doing fine.”

But Catherine wasn’t so easily convinced. As her gaze traveled over Belinda, her brows knitted together in concern.

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