Chapter 148



When he realized what had just happened after a few seconds, his expression darkened, and he spoke in a low, firm voice. “Get down.”

“I-I’m scared! Mice! There are mice in the room!” Belinda’s voice was a shaky whisper, her body vibrating slightly against Lucas’. She clung to Lucas tightly, as though afraid that if she loosened her grip, Lucas would throw her to the mice.

“Why are you so terrified of a few mice?” Lucas asked, perplexed. He glanced around, finally noticing the little creatures scurrying about inside the room.

Before Belinda could respond, the room was plunged into darkness.

“Ah!” Belinda shrieked, her eyes snapping shut as she buried her face against Lucas’ neck, clutching him even tighter. Lucas felt her warmth and the delicate scent of her hair, a wave of something unfamiliar stirring within him.

Seconds passed before he managed to regain his composure, a flash of irritation crossing his features. “Get down.” His voice was firm, reaching to pry Belinda’s legs off him.

Belinda’s grip tightened instantly, her voice breaking as she shook her head. “I’m scared! Lucas, please… Don’t make me get down!”

Her words, tinged with a sob, made Lucas pause, his gaze softening as he studied her. A flicker of resignation crossed Lucas’ eyes as he sighed quietly.

He carefully cradled Belinda in his arms and, feeling the need to leave the room, made his way toward the door. He reached for the handle—only to find it locked.

With a grim realization, Lucas knew exactly who was behind this. The mice, the sudden darkness, and the locked door—Harold’s handiwork, no doubt. Lucas exhaled sharply, the absurdity of the situation settling in. Wasn’t Harold a bit too old for these childish tricks?

“W-What’s wrong?” Belinda’s voice trembled as she noticed Lucas’ sudden silence.

“The door is locked from the outside,” Lucas replied, his voice steady.

“W-What?” Belinda’s face drained of color as she processed his words. Being stuck in here, with the mice… She couldn’t even handle the thought of it. Her pulse quickened, and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to push away the rising panic within her.

Lucas, initially intent on having Belinda get down so that he could make a call, hesitated as he saw her distress. Her fear was evident.

He quickly pulled his phone from his pocket with one hand, found Harold’s number, and dialed it without another word.

The phone rang for a long time, but Harold didn’t pick up. Lucas had expected as much. He glanced down at Belinda, his voice low and calm. “My father isn’t picking up my call. Looks like he wants us to stay locked in here a little longer.”

Hearing that, Belinda bit her lip, frustration evident on her face. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke in a low voice, her tone tinged with discomfort. “Lucas, could you carry me to the dining table and set me down on a chair?” She couldn’t bear the thought of him holding her forever, not knowing when the door might open.

Lucas paused, assessing the situation before he turned on the flashlight on his phone. With a swift motion, he carried Belinda over to the dining table. When her feet finally touched the chair, Belinda crouched down immediately, her hands pressing hard against her ears. The sound of the mice skittering across the floor seemed to have invaded her mind, like a relentless, torturous echo that made her tremble uncontrollably.

Her thoughts spiraled back to a distant memory—elementary school, that day… That day was the day she had tried to forget for a long time. She shut her eyes tightly, breathing heavily, as panic crept up her chest.

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