Chapter 440

Since when did her beloved Lukey become such a blunt, no-nonsense guy? In her memory, he had never been like this. Now, caught off guard by his words, Wendy had no idea how to respond.

After a moment of scrambling, she forced a smile and said, “Lukey, don’t be so harsh. Besides, I already made it up to you, didn’t I?”

“You think one meal makes up for everything?” Lucas looked at her smile and couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle. Since when had he and Aurora become so cheap that a single home-cooked meal could wipe the slate clean?

“That’s not what I meant!” Wendy grew flustered. Why wasn’t he playing along like he used to? Anyone else would’ve responded with a polite brush-off, maybe even a half-smile. But Lucas? He cut her off completely, giving her no room to maneuver. How was she supposed to continue the conversation after that? In that moment, Wendy began to question everything—her persistence and plan. Was it even worth it anymore? Had she just made a fool of herself? She gave an awkward little laugh. “No, Lukey, I didn’t mean it like that. I just want to stop imposing on you both. I’ll cook more often for you two, as long as you like it.”

But Lucas watched her closely, and the smile on her face looked more forced than kind. Something about it didn’t sit right with him. He shut her down without hesitation. “That won’t be necessary. We have a housekeeper for that. You don’t need to worry about it.” With that, Lucas made it clear: there would be no next time. One meal was enough. Any more, and he’d start questioning what was in the food. And truthfully, the whole situation just felt off.

He had watched Wendy grow up, but now? The woman standing in front of him—doing and saying all this—didn’t feel like the little girl he once knew at all. Lucas didn’t see the point in dragging this on. But Wendy feigned a look of hurt. “Why, Lukey? I’m doing this willingly. Why won’t you let me?”

“I don’t need you to.” His brows furrowed as he stared at her, patience wearing thin. Was she not listening? He’d already told her repeatedly. Why did she keep going in circles with this pointless conversation?

It was just a waste of time. “That’s enough. If you don’t have anything else to say, then go. I’m done here and heading to bed.”

He hadn’t forgotten his promise to Aurora. If this dragged on any longer, she might start getting impatient. At that thought, his expression darkened further, and he looked at Wendy with clear irritation. “Is there something else? If not, move. I’m leaving.” He already cleaned up the dishes, and Lucas had no desire to waste another second on meaningless chatter with Wendy. Why stay here talking in circles when he had someone soft and warm waiting for him in the bedroom? Just as he took a step to leave, Wendy blocked his path. She stretched her arms wide across the doorway, bold and unflinching. Lucas narrowed his eyes. “What do you think you’re doing?"

Wendy smiled, almost playfully. “Lukey, how about we strike a deal?”

“I’m not interested.” He made a move to push past her, but she suddenly latched onto his arm and leaned in, voice dropping low into a whisper with a hint of threat. “Lukey, I couldn’t help but notice that your sweet little wife still doesn’t know who you really are, does she?”