Chapter 504



But Verena stayed silent, not answering the question. Ryan hesitated, wanting to say something, but eventually stopped himself. After a while, he turned to Lucas with a sigh. “I’ll leave you two to talk.” He then left, the soft click of the door marking his exit.

Verena managed a faint smile, directed at Lucas. “Lucas, thank you for being here—especially so late. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you,” she said.

Lucas didn’t respond immediately, his calm, penetrating gaze holding hers. It seemed as if he could see right through her thoughts. Overwhelmed, Verena looked away, unable to bear the weight of Lucas’ gaze.

After a heavy silence, Lucas finally spoke, his tone gentle but firm. “Please. Don’t ever do this again.”

At his words, Verena’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I don’t want to do something like this, Lucas,” she replied, her voice trembling, her sobs caught in her throat. “But when you told me you loved Belinda and that you couldn’t marry me… It felt like my entire world was falling apart.”

Lucas spoke softly, his words unyielding. “I’m sorry, once again, for everything.” After a brief pause, he added, “Still, Verena, ending your life won’t change the reality of our situation.” His tone was unsettlingly calm, the words cutting deep.

His voice, steady yet piercing, struck Verena’s heart with precision. Startled, she looked up, her face etched with disbelief and profound anguish. She had never expected such harshness from Lucas. Yet, Lucas remained composed, his lips curling ever so slightly in a detached expression.

“There was a time I thought you were all I wanted, that our future together was inevitable,” he said. “But as time went on, that certainty faded. What once felt like a dream became a duty—a path I followed out of obligation, not desire. But Belinda awakened something in me I didn’t realize was missing. When I realized I had fallen for her, I understood that I only wanted to be with her. And now… I can’t imagine a life without her.”

Verena felt overwhelmed, her tears falling freely, cascading in a torrent of grief. Lucas’ words were like daggers, devastating her already fragile spirit. Never had she imagined she would hear something like this from Lucas.

Through her sobs, she cried out, “Then what about me? Have you even considered my feelings?” Her voice cracked under the weight of her despair.

“I’m sorry for disappointing you, but matters of the heart can’t be forced,” Lucas said, his voice steady.

After a brief pause, he continued, “From now on, we can remain friends, but that’s all. Take care of yourself.”

Without another word, Lucas turned and walked away, never once glancing back.

“Lucas! Lucas, please come back!” Verena called out, desperation in her voice. But Lucas didn’t seem to hear her. He continued walking, his pace steady, never looking back.

Once Lucas was gone, Ryan opened the door and stepped inside. The sight of Verena’s tear-streaked face made it clear to Ryan what had just happened.

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