Chapter 998



As Lucas departed, her sobs intensified.

Just then, Jennifer’s friend said to her, “Jennifer, this is no time for tears! Get home! See if your father can still find a way to salvage this situation!”

Sniffling, Jennifer nodded fervently. “Yes! You’re right!” She then quickly left.

After leaving the Dream Club, Johnson went to visit Belinda at her home.

When he saw her, his expression tightened with concern. “Belinda, you don’t look so good. What’s wrong?”

Bethany, standing nearby, sighed deeply. “What do you think? She has been retching all day, and now, she’s running a fever.”

Johnson’s brows knitted in worry. “Is this all due to the medication?”

Belinda, her voice raspy, nodded. “Yeah. Side effects hit everyone differently; I guess mine’s particularly bad.”

Pausing briefly, she asked, “Why are you here so late? Did something happen?”

Johnson hesitated, then sighed. “Not exactly. I just wanted to check on you. And…”

He took a breath before continuing, “Belinda, you and Lucas… What’s going on between you two?”

Belinda’s tone hardened as she interjected, “There’s nothing between Lucas and me.”

Johnson exchanged a brief look with Bethany.

He leaned forward, his voice earnest. “Belinda, listen. No matter the outcome—whether or not you are infected—Lucas will never leave you. He loves you. You need to believe that.”

Belinda’s expression remained impassive; it was as if an impenetrable wall had risen around her heart. “But I no longer love him,” she stated flatly.

Her eyes were devoid of emotion.

Johnson reacted instinctively. “That’s not true! You—” Before he could utter another word, Belinda cut him off again, her tone final, “Enough, Johnson. I’m exhausted. I need to rest.”

With that, she slowly rose and ascended the stairs with weary steps.

Johnson cast Bethany a resigned glance.

Bethany remained silent, but concern flickered in her eyes.

Once Johnson left, Bethany made her way upstairs to Belinda’s room. She found Belinda curled tightly beneath the covers, looking vulnerable.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bethany spoke in a gentle voice. “Belinda, I know you’ve never truly stopped loving Lucas…”

Belinda tensed up when she heard that.

But before she could say anything, Bethany continued, “You’re not afraid of Lucas rejecting or leaving you. Deep down, you know that he will never abandon you. But the more you believe that, the more fearful you become, right? Because what you’re really afraid of is being a burden to Lucas. Am I right?”

Belinda felt a wave of emotion wash over her.

Her best friend truly did know her best.

Even though Belinda didn’t respond, Bethany knew she had hit the mark.

.

.

.