Chapter 117



Belinda’s lips curved into a sly smile as a sudden thought lit up her eyes. Tilting her head, she asked playfully, “Or… Could it be that seeing me with another man has made you jealous, Mr. Clark?”

At those words, Lucas’ reaction was swift and unintentional. He abruptly stood up, tension rippling through his body. A moment later, he quickly composed himself, his sudden outburst giving way to a cool, dismissive air. He regarded Belinda with a hint of derision. “Jealous? Maybe if it were Verena, that might be possible. But you…”

His voice trailed off as he appraised Belinda with a dismissive sweep of his eyes. “Why would I feel anything for someone who means so little to me?”

Belinda held his gaze steadily. In fact, a pang of regret sliced through her as soon as she posed the question. She knew well that Lucas would never get jealous because of her. His words, though expected, tightened her chest painfully. Yet, she forced a laugh, masking her hurt.

She stepped closer to Lucas, her voice low and steady. “Really? Not even a little?”

Lucas met her advance with a steady, unmoving gaze. The light danced briefly in her eyes, lending a glimmering sharpness to her stare. He caught his breath for a moment.

Then, he said, “Of course.” He let out a cold laugh. “I have no feelings for you whatsoever.”

As the silence stretched between them, Belinda suddenly rose to her tiptoes, her arms snaking around Lucas’ neck, and without a word, pressed her lips firmly to his in a bold, unexpected gesture.

Lucas stood, rooted to the spot in sheer astonishment, his eyes wide as Belinda’s unexpected kiss landed on his lips. His first instinct was to stop the kiss, his hands moving to her shoulders to gently push her away.

But Belinda’s arms clung tighter around his neck, drawing him even closer, preventing any distance between them. For a brief moment, Lucas found himself unable to resist Belinda. She deepened the kiss, her boldness surprising even herself.

As they kissed, Lucas felt his defenses crumble, a warmth spreading through him that left him momentarily powerless, his eyes fluttering shut under the intensity of the moment.

Suddenly, Belinda stepped back, breaking the kiss abruptly. Lucas, caught off guard, staggered slightly, his eyes snapping open in a mix of confusion and realization. The spell of the moment was broken, leaving him visibly shaken. He realized fully what had just happened.

His expression soured instantly, his gaze icy as he stared at Belinda. “Belinda! What do you think you’re doing? Who gave you the right to kiss me?” His voice was sharp, tinged with both shock and a faint trace of indignation.

Belinda faced Lucas with a smug smile, her tone teasing yet sharp. “You claim to feel nothing for me, yet why did you close your eyes just now? Isn’t that a sign that you enjoyed the kiss, Mr. Clark?”

Lucas’ expression darkened even more, a mixture of anger and confusion washing over him. He opened his mouth to retort, but Belinda interjected smoothly, “Denying your feelings, Mr. Clark, isn’t a very good habit.”

After dropping her cutting remark, Belinda turned on her heel and strode toward the bathroom, shutting the door behind her without a backward glance. Lucas stared at her retreating figure, his expression darkening. His jaw tightened, and the veins on his forehead bulged visibly.

A loud bang echoed through the room as his fist struck the desk.

“Damn it!”

.

.

.