“But I do recall you being cautious of me, just because I look like him,” I reminded her.

“True, but it doesn't mean you are him,” she said. “You are Lucas. Not James.”

“I…guess so.”

“And that's all you should know,” she said. “Speaking of which. I talked to him about the relationship…”

Peace.

I could barely hear anything else. It always felt like my world would cease to exist whenever I was next to her. Every time I spoke to her that was all I felt. Absolute peace. No need to worry if she's a spy from my father or siblings and I don't have to worry about keeping my guard up.

I wanted her. I was starting to wonder what life would be like with her. There was the blackmail issue that my sister had brought up, but if we actually became a couple, there wouldn't be a problem.

Maybe there was no need to hide behind the mask of a tryst anymore.

“What do you think about this relationship?” I asked. “About making it a thing.”

“to be honest. I don't want it to happen,” she answered.

“What?” I arched a brow.

“Yeah, it's only going to make things worse and I don't want that,” she explained as she got to her feet. “In fact, I'm feeling tired about the whole thing.”

“I could have sworn you were okay with it,” I said, “or was that just me?”

“I was never okay with it to begin with,” she replied, “but I'm not sure you should be okay with it either.”

That was definitely not what I expected.

“Good night,” I said as I got up to leave.

“You aren't going to have dinner?” she asked.

“I think I lost my appetite,” I replied.

“That makes two of us,” she sighed. “Good night.”

It didn't make sense. If she wants the distance, then I'll give her that distance.

Chapter twenty-two

Are you Your Father's Child?

Olivia

I couldn't sleep after speaking with James. I returned to the wine room and tried to get myself something to drink. But because of his statement, I was scared to touch anything. I didn't want to get poisoned.

I felt lonely and started to sing, without expecting Lucas to join me. Lucas had slowly become a safe space. I don't usually open to people, but you just made me vulnerable enough to open up.

I mean he was aware of my past and didn't scorn or resent me for it. I felt like I could tell him anything. Even what happened today.

“Speaking of which. I talked to him about the relationship,” I said. “Did you know that Kate has been whipped by him? She doesn't like BDSM. I bet she told him but your father being your father refused to listen.”

I could feel his gaze. Lucas was staring at me with so much intent that I started to feel nervous.

But I powered through and continued with my story. “I mean he also said he wasn't sure if Kate has all the things he wants.”

“When I asked him what he meant, he started referring so how when we first met, he made a comment wishing that he had met me earlier,” I continued. “Maybe it's just me but his relationship with Kate has finally falling apart.”