Chapter 154

Watching the scene unfold, Laicas felt a flicker of dissatisfaction. He was beginning to think it might be time to have a serious conversation with Kenneth about his sister’s entitled behavior. But before he could dwell on it, Wendy switched gears with surprising ease.

She held up a shirt with a bright smile. “Lukey, look at this one! I think it’s perfect for you!” She grabbed a matching pair of pants. “And these trousers–now it’s a full set!”

Lucas gave them a once-over, his eyes narrowing slightly. They were exactly his style–simple, sharp, and the kind of clothes he usually wore. Just as he was about to pay, Wendy beat him to it. “I’ve got it. Lukey, this is my gift to you.”

For some reason, that warmed him more than he expected. After all, even Aurora had never really bought him anything like this.

“Alright,” he said, a rare trace of softness in his tone. “Looks like you’ve grown up.”

Wendy grinned and leaned in playfully. “Of course I have! I used my own secret savings for this, you know. Don’t treat me like a kid anymore!”

Dressed in a pure white dress, her cheerful energy practically radiated from her. Beside Lucas, she looked every bit the lively, dating young woman. To outsiders, they made quite the picture.

Whispers floated around them. People were murmuring how perfect they looked together. When Wendy heard it, she tilted her chin slightly and smiled with the smug pride of a peacock. She instinctively tightened her grip on Lucas’s arm, as if claiming him for herself.

But Lucas gently pulled his arm free. “Wendy, I’m married,” he said calmly. “This isn’t appropriate.”

He had always seen Wendy as a younger sister, and gestures like that clearly crossed the line of what was acceptable between siblings.

Wendy froze for a moment, a flicker of awkwardness and embarrassment flashing across her face, but it passed quickly, replaced by her usual sweet smile.

“You’re right, Lukey. I wasn’t thinking,” she said, tilting her head and feigning innocence. “I just see you like an older brother. I mean, I don’t think your wife would mind, right…!” She trailed off deliberately, casting him a hesitant look. Before Lucas could respond, she went on as if nothing had happened. “Anyway, I don’t know many people here in Ravenshore. You’re the only one I really trust. I mean, your wife probably just doesn’t know how close you and my brother are–we’ve known each other for so long.”

Lucas thought about it for a moment. She wasn’t entirely wrong.

They ended up going for dinner afterward. At the table, Wendy kept reaching over with her fork to serve him food, watching his expression carefully every time she placed something on his plate. When she noticed he wasn’t pleased, she immediately apologized.

“Oh no, Lukey, I just thought this dish was really good, and I wanted you to have more. I only meant to share it with you.”

Lucas’ brow twitched as he held back his irritation. Kenneth’s request flashed through his mind, and he took a breath to steady himself.

“It’s fine. Just eat your own food,” he said calmly.

After that, Lucas took a few distracted bites and completely lost his appetite. He hadn’t touched any of the dishes Wendy placed on his plate. Seeing that, her expression darkened. She clenched her fork tightly, emotions flickering across her face.

Chapter 155