?<strong>Chapter 22:</strong>


    With a forced chuckle, Belinda responded, “Harold, isn’t that a little over the top?”


    Immediately, Harold adopted a pitiful look. “I’m just feeling a bit lonely and thought it’d be nice if you and Lucas could keep mepany more often. Is that unreasonable?” He embodied the image of a dejected elder now.


    Both Lucas and Belinda didn’t know what to say.


    With a heavy sigh that carried a tone of resignation, Harold continued, “Never mind, I understand. Young people like you wouldn’t want to stay with an old fellow like me. It’s okay; a bit of solitude won’t harm me—”


    Unable to bear such words from Harold, Belinda quickly interjected, “Harold, I’ll move back here to keep you and Normapany.”


    She only said she would move back, not mentioning Lucas. Moreover, she had nned to discuss her impending divorce from Lucas with Harold the following day, meaning her return to the rk family home would be brief.


    At her words, Harold’s demeanor transformed as he beamed and then turned to gauge Lucas’s reaction.


    Lucas’s brow furrowed. He was clearly displeased by the turn of events.


    Harold’s tone became serious. “Is it really so burdensome for you to spend time with an old man like me?”


    “Lucas, just say yes. Mom’s missing you, too,” Norma chimed in, giving Lucas a meaningful look.


    Facing Harold, Lucas seemed to have thought of something and eventually gave in.


    Harold’s face brightened immensely. “Excellent! Hooper has already prepared your room. It’s gettingte; perhaps you should rest for the night.”


    When he entered the bedroom, Lucas scowled at therge bed dominating the space.


    Belinda, maintaining herposure, headed straight for the bathroom to shower without a word.


    The butler, Hooper Todd, had arranged everything meticulously, from fresh clothes to toiletries.


    After her shower, Belinda slipped into her loungewear and settled into bed.


    Lucas exited the other bathroom and, seeing Belinda in bed, scoffed, “Belinda, me sharing this bed with you is out of the question. You might as well forget about the idea now.”


    Belinda couldn’t help but roll her eyes in response. “As if I’d ever want to share a bed with you—I’d probably end up with nightmares.”


    Belinda made her intentions clear with conviction, saying, “I’ll be sleeping in the bed, and you can use the sofa.”


    Lucas frowned. “The sofa, really?”


    With a taunting smile, Belinda said, “Mr. rk, isn’t it time you showed some gentlemanly behavior?”


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