Chapter 196

Chapter 196:
Though his voice was not loud, it was clear enough for both women to hear.
Holley’s face broke into a smile, her tear-filled eyes shining with relief. Her voice trembled as she murmured, “Okay, I understand now.”
Belinda cast Lucas a lingering look, her eyes brimming with gratitude that seemed to stir something deep within her. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly, though she quickly turned her attention back to Holley.
Picking up a tissue, Belinda leaned closer and gently dabbed at Holley’s tear-streaked face. “Mom, you can stop crying now,” she said tenderly.
Holley sniffled, her lips trembling as she managed a small smile.
“These are tears of happiness, sweetheart,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Belinda sighed lightly, a trace of resignation flickering across her face. Seeing Holley like this tugged at her heart, filling her with a mix of protectiveness and sorrow.
Once her tears were wiped away, Holley shifted slightly, her composure returning. “Mr. Clark, Belinda,” she said hesitantly, her tone a bit cautious, “have you two had dinner? I can cook something for you.”
“I’ll do it,” Belinda interjected quickly, rising to her feet with purpose. Without waiting for a response, she strode toward the kitchen.
Now, in the spacious living room, only Lucas and Holley remained.
Holley sat still for a moment, her gaze darting nervously. Though she was in her own home, Lucas’ imposing presence made her feel strangely out of place, as if she were the guest here.
The silence stretched, heavy and awkward, until Holley finally spoke, her voice careful but curious.
“Mr. Clark, so… How are things between you and Belinda now?” she asked.
The question hung in the air. Lucas’ expression changed slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line as he lapsed into silence.
About half a minute later, Lucas finally spoke, his voice low and rough. “It’s alright.”
Holley gave a small nod, her expression softening as she said, “As Belinda’s mother, I only ever wish for her to live a happy life. Belinda has had such a hard time growing up with me. She has endured so much ridicule because of my mistakes. I have failed her as a mother…”
Her voice wavered, and her eyes grew misty again, tears threatening to fall once more. She continued, “Now, as long as she can live happily, I’m satisfied.”
Lucas listened in silence, offering no response. He knew what Holley wanted to hear—that he would promise to take care of Belinda and ensure her happiness. But it was a promise he couldn’t make and wouldn’t make. So, he let the silence stretch between them.
Noticing Lucas’ lack of reaction, Holley frowned slightly, a hint of unease flickering across her face. She hesitated but eventually pressed on, her tone more deliberate. “Mr. Clark, you know, Belinda has only ever liked two people in her life. You—”
Lucas’ gaze sharpened, his brows drawing together. “Two?” he interjected.
“Uh, yes.” Holley nodded, a bit startled by his sudden interjection. “When Belinda was about fifteen,” she continued carefully, “she came home one day and told me she had a crush on a boy. She said he was very outstanding—so much so that she wanted to work hard to improve herself and become someone worthy of him.”
Lucas’ eyes narrowed, his gaze darkening with a shadow of something unspoken. There was an odd, almost unreadable meaning in the look he gave Holley.
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