Lucas said, "When you shot down the idea back then, I figured that was it. I didn't expect you to come to me two years later asking me to marry you."

Sophia met Lucas's gaze, her eyes full of earnest emotion. "Lucas, I was stubborn before. I didn't want to feel trapped by marriage so young. But things are different now. I want a lile with you future together, a place we can call our own."

Lucas replied, "But Sophia, I'm already married now."

Sophia said, "But you told me you would divorce her."

a real

Lucas responded, "I wasn't thinking clearly before. I subconsciously felt that since you saved me, I should take responsibility by marrying you. But I've realized that taking responsibility doesn't necessarily mean I have to marry you. I can do it in other ways. Sophia, let's just let this go."

His tone was as calm as ever, reminiscent of their time together in the past. But Sophia could read between the lines.

He was tolerating her for now, but his patience had limits. She knew him too well-understood the heat behind his cool exterior. If she pushed too far and he truly turned cold, things wouldn't end well for her. He had indeed fallen in love with Aveline and didn't want to divorce her!

It seemed she had to take matters into her own hands.

Sophia took a deep breath and smiled faintly at him. "Since you've put it this way, I shouldn't continue to bother you. I'll find my own happiness. So, Lucas, are we still friends?"

"Of course."

Latas lips curved into a slight amthe

Sophia blinked and asked, "Then you give me a hung opt the past two years behind us."

She spased at him earnestly, confident in her appeal in her mind, si wasn't asking for much. Unlike the other women who might Hurr themselves at him, she was sure held accept a simple hung from her appropriate"

Sophia's smile completely vanished, and tears welled up in her eyes She stood up and said, "Then I won'bother you anymore"

with that, she turned and walked away, hor figure looking fragile and unsteady. The prosthetic leg under her dress was particularly noticeable.

Lucas watched her indifferently, a hint of mockery flashing in his eve

Just then, Sophia suddenly cried out pain, "My legg

She clutches the joint of her prosthelle leg, her face turning pale

Desmond, who was closest to her, quickly supported her and asked, " Miss Winter, what's wrong?"

Sophia replied in pain, "My leg hurts. it suddenly hurts so much..."Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Lucas approached and said, "I'll take you to the hospital"

Tears streamed down Sophia's face. Wouldn't that be too much. trouble for you?"

Lucas replied, "It's fine. The hospital isn't far from here. Let's get your

checked first.'

Sophia nodded, and with Desmond's help, she hobbled towards the exit. But she hadn't gone far when her body staggered, and she fell towards Lucas,

Desmond quickly caught her. "Miss Winter, pardon me."

Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms.

D