"Oh, it is alright. You also need time after what you have gone through. It is totally fine.

" Grandfather Smith said to which Veronica supported,

"Oh my god, child, I can't imagine what you have to go through..

"

"i...It is just...fine..after all, I'm back at my place.

" Jennifer muttered in between her breath, audible for everyone to hear.

But the one who was most shocked was no one else by Lucas, whose lips were now curved into a relaxed manner.

The fact that she hasn't revealed something major still made his heart tremble. He was shocked, to see such a change in herself, but on the second note, it is understandable as well.

In fact, she has no choice left in her hands. Maybe her parents were successful in convincing her?

He doesn't care as long as she is supporting and marrying him, Lucas thought.

However, Grandfather Smith had more plans held under his sleeves. He looked at his grandson when he coughed a bit to say out loud,

"I was thinking… Lucas, why don't you and Jennifer go on a walk outside?

"

"She has been here for the very first time. Go and make her explore the mansion as well.

" Hearing this, Lucas's smile widened as he stared back at Jennifer to ask,

"Shall we?

"

Gulping the saliva present in her mouth, Jennifer brought her trembling hand and kept it on his extended arm.

She was deathly afraid, unwilling. But to keep him happy and gain his trust, she will have to go through the process as well.

"Y-yeah..

" Jennifer told as both of them walked towards the extended back door leading towards the garden.

However, the ugly expressions weren't left unnoticed by Jack, who was currently standing at the bar while taking the sip of his drink.

The narrowed eyes were already curved upwards into a smile as a scoff left his lips, 'Seems like she is too much annoyed, tsk tsk…'

Meanwhile, Olivia's heart skipped a beat after hearing Grandfather Smith's wordings. Her nails were digging into her flesh when she took a deep breath to not let her nerves be worn out.

Closing her eyes, Olivia maintained her composure in front of everyone. Yet it was startled when Lucas's soft voice entered into her ears.

Knowingly, her heart didn't hurt that much as compared to the last time..

After all, she has expected this day to arrive. As well, since Jennifer is back, surely one day both of them will get married.

Afterward, Olivia felt the seat beside her being squeezed. Immediately, she snapped open and her gaze traveled to see Jack coming and literally sitting beside her.

'What happened to him? Wasn't he standing near the bar and not taking any part in the conversation?' Olivia raised her guards as she looked at Grandfather Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Taylor engaged in a conversation.

"You are unhappy.

" A deep yet whisper gave the chills down her spines.

Peeking at the man beside her, she shook her head.

But this wasn't enough for him as he enquired for more,

"Your heart didn't break when Lucas brought Jennifer out in the garden?

"

"No-none of your business..

"

"Oh, surely you are right. It isn't in my concern. But as you are my secretary, I thought of why not to ask you when you looked so gloomy to me.

" Jack's words made sense to her when Olivia wished that she could dig a hole for herself.

He was acting weirdly, trying to get closer to her. However, her heart was for now diverted into some other way around.

She was only craved to learn, what was Lucas talking to Jenifer about?

Will he ask her about the marriage? Will they do something more than just walk? Tons of questions were raised in her mind, yet there was no answer to any of them.

Sealed lips of hers gave Jack the kind of satisfaction when he only whispered,

"Try your luck, because you never know if Ms. Taylor is successful in snatching your position, Ms.Olivia.

"

With this, he got up from his seat to leave the daze in Olivia's back in the deep thought.

Her mind lasted with a scary thought that crossed her mind, 'Will my importance lower in his eyes if....Jennifer comes closer to him?'

...

Outside of the mansion, back in the garden.

Jennifer was walking along with her head down. Without any will to do so, only she had to gather her courage to control her feet and not run away from this bastard.

"Jennifer….I forgot to say something to you.

"

Hearing this, Jennifer lifted her eyes to look at his face with the evident question that lingered,

"I'm listening?

"

"I'm sorry and thank you. For not uttering anything about your past and your so-called marriage with that Johnson heir.

" Lucas had no intention of acting aloof with her anymore.

If he has to convince her and keep her by his side, surely it is needed to melt her heart. Marrying her will come soon, however, this time with her permission.

Whereas, Jennifer's heart was crossed with the cages and the thick ropes. Letting out a sigh, she pressed her lips tightly. 'Is your sorry enough for me? Tsk tsk, you are so foolish, Lucas…'

But she never raised her own voice aloud. Simply walking with hands locked along with his arm, she spoke,

"It will take time Lucas. Everything can't be forgotten in a few days or not.

"

"Give me some more days so that.. I'm able to adjust with others.

" Jennifer answered honestly.

"As per your wish, you have all the time by yourself. But trust me, this time…

" with this, Lucas turned around to look at her intoxicating eyes.

The same stare gave Jennifer goosebumps, making her feel disgusted all over her body.

Lifting her chin with the help of his fingers, he stared into the round gaze which was directed at him,

"...I'm not letting you go away from me. In this life, you are mine. Exclusively mine..do you understand that?

"

....

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