?<strong>Chapter 43:</strong>


    “Why did you purchase a new bed?” Harold confronted Lucas with a fierce scowl.


    Unfazed, Lucas retorted, “What do you think a bed is for, if not for sleeping? Especially since you had all the other beds removed from the house.”


    Harold argued vehemently, “You and Belinda are still married. Married couples share one bed, not separate ones.”


    Lucas coolly met Harold’s gaze and replied, “Our marriage might notst another month. Why does sharing a bed matter now?”


    Harold was momentarily at a loss for words. After a pause, he quickly responded, “Consider not divorcing. Where else will you find a wife as great as Belinda? You’re overlooking your good luck. Don’t regret it once she’s gone.”


    Lucas couldn’t help but scoff at Harold’s words, a sneer of derision crossing his face. “Regret divorcing Belinda? Trust me, that’s something I’ll never regret.” His voice rang with conviction, full of certainty.


    What he failed to realize was that soon, he woulde face to face with the true meaning of regret.


    Harold fixed his gaze on Lucas, his voice heavy with authority. “Is Verena the reason you’re divorcing Belinda?”


    Lucas remained silent.


    The sternness in Harold’s face deepened instantly. “Lucas, hear me clearly. I will never let you marry Verena as long as I am alive!”


    Norma’s expression creased with worry at these words. She quickly said, “Harold, don’t get worked up like this. It’s not good for your health.”


    Lucas’ expression darkened. He stared at Harold, his look fraught withplicated emotions. “Why can’t I marry Verena? You’ve been against it for six years. Isn’t that enough time to demonstrate her love?”


    Harold exhaled deeply, his gaze pleading as he said, “Lucas, as your father, would I ever harm you? Verena isn’t the right match for you. Trust me onest time; end things with her and make your marriage to Belinda work, will you?”


    Hearing that, Lucas scoffed sharply. “You’ve been ying the same tune for six years—iming to protect me while manipting my choices, threatening me to sever ties with Verena, and forcing me into a marriage with Belinda. You always think you’re doing the right thing for me.”


    After a pause, he continued coldly, “But, Dad, I’m not the naive kid I was back then anymore. Do you honestly believe I’d still give in to your threats and back down?”


    Lucas’ tone sharpened dramatically as he reached the end of his sentence. His eyes, unblinking and determined, locked onto Harold’s in a steady, unwavering challenge.


    Faced with Lucas’ firm stance, Harold felt his anger surge, hisplexion rapidly reddening.


    “Harold, please, calm down,” Norma said, cing a calming hand on Harold. She then turned to Lucas urgently, saying, “Lucas, this isn’t the time to stress your father. Please, just stop talking now.”


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