Chapter 793



When Belinda heard Lucas’ words, her brows quivered slightly.

In a composed tone, she asked, “Oh really? What did Verena say to you?”

“She mentioned… She orchestrated all of that because she yearned to be together with me…” Lucas didn’t hold back, recounting to Belinda everything Verena had said during their earlier conversation. As she listened, Belinda’s long, luscious eyelashes fluttered, her expression revealing a complex mix of emotions.

Verena must have reached the end of her rope to express such vulnerable sentiments.

It was evident that her earlier strategy of maintaining her distance from Lucas had failed, leaving her no choice but to lay her cards on the table. Lucas looked intently at Belinda. “I didn’t engage with her; I merely asked her to leave.”

Belinda’s eyes flickered momentarily before she turned to face him, silent yet expectant, sensing there was more…

As anticipated, Lucas added, “But starting today, there will be no further ties between Verena and me. Whatever debt we owed each other has been settled.”

At his declaration, Belinda’s pupils constricted sharply.

In that instant, she found herself grappling with a confusing blend of relief and something else; it was difficult to articulate.

She contemplated that Verena would have preferred Lucas to punish her—at least in that scenario, some connection between them would still linger, and Lucas would still owe her something.

However, the reality was undoubtedly the hardest pill for Verena to swallow.

Lucas’ expression grew serious, his eyes focusing on Belinda.

In a deep, gravelly tone, he declared, “Belinda, from this moment forward, Verena is no longer a part of my life. I have erased her contacts and blocked every connection.”

Under Lucas’ unwavering gaze, Belinda felt a twinge of discomfort. She fluttered her lashes and turned her head aside, attempting to feign indifference. “That’s your affair. You don’t need to inform me.”

Lucas, however, remained resolute. “Anything that pertains to me, I want you to know.”

Belinda remained silent but couldn’t help but let her eyes drift away, reluctant to meet Lucas’ intense gaze.

After a brief pause, she finally spoke again. “Alright. Your injured hand has been iced long enough. You should leave now.”

“But I haven’t started teaching you how to swim yet,” Lucas said.

“I’m not interested in learning that anymore,” Belinda replied.

“Why?” Lucas furrowed his brow, a hint of suspicion creeping into his voice. “Is it because of me?”

Belinda remained silent; however, the look on her face made it abundantly clear.

Lucas regarded her intently. “I promise that when I teach you, I will be a professional instructor and won’t bring up anything unrelated.” He then seemed to remember something important. His narrowed eyes glinted slightly as he added with a teasing smirk, “Or are you worried that spending too much time around me will lead you to lose control and show your love for me?”

“That’s impossible!” Belinda snapped, her irritation flaring.

“If you’re not worried about that, then why are you refusing to let me teach you?” Lucas challenged, his voice calm but provoking.

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