?<strong>Chapter 221:</strong>


    “Alright, that’s enough! Time’s up!” he said quickly, his voice louder than necessary.


    No one had been counting the time, but Ryan’s words snapped everyone back to reality. The room stirred as everyone realized they were still ying a game. But in those fleeting moments when Belinda and Lucas were kissing, it hadn’t felt like a game at all.


    As Belinda and Lucas kissed, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a quiet, intimate stillness. No one dared interrupt them.


    Finally, Belinda pulled back, ending the kiss. Her breath was uneven, and her cheeks were faintly flushed. The kiss left her feeling warm all over.


    Belinda’s cheeks flushed like a summer rose, the soft hue adding an irresistible charm to her already delicate features. Her natural beauty now carried an air of special allure.


    Lucas’ gaze lingered, his eyes darkening as he looked at Belinda. His Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily. He couldn’t deny it—he was drawn to her charm.


    Belinda rose from hisp withposed grace and returned to her seat. As soon as she sat down, Bethany leaned in, her expression brimming with mischief. “So,” she whispered, nudging Belinda’s arm, “how does it feel?”


    Belinda’s thickshes fluttered for a second as she feigned indifference. “What are you talking about? It’s nothing. The kiss is ordinary.”


    Bethany smirked, teasing her. “Oh, really? Then why are you blushing?”


    Belinda stiffened, heat rising to her cheeks again. Flustered, she red at Bethany. “I’m not blushing! It’s just a bit warm in here.”


    Bethany nodded solemnly, her voice full of mock understanding. “Oh, absolutely. So warm. In fact, I’m starting to think I should turn on the air conditioner now.”


    Belinda shot her a pointed look, her lips pressing into a thin line. “You’re impossible,” she muttered, turning away in defeat.


    Bethany’sughter spilled into the air.


    After a few more rounds of games, Johnson finally suggested they wrap things up. “Anyone who wants to stay, feel free—I’ve got the tab covered,” he dered generously.


    Belinda and her group decided to call it a night. The car ride home was quiet.


    Neither Belinda nor Lucas said a word, though the tension between them seemed to hum softly in the confined space. It wasn’t until they were back home, standing in the quiet of their room, that Belinda broke the silence.


    “Lucas,” she began hesitantly, her eyes seeking his. “Earlier, when Johnson needed to hold me for those squats… Why did you insist on drinking for me?”


    Lucas stilled at her question, and the image of Johnson’s hands on Belinda shed in his mind. His jaw tightened, a flicker of irritation passing over his features. He turned to Belinda, his voice low.


    “I’d have no dignity left if I let my wife get held by another man in front of that many people.”


    Belinda blinked at him, her lips parting slightly. “Is that the only reason?” she asked, her voice soft, almost searching.


    Lucas met her gaze steadily, his eyes unreadable. “What other reason could there be?” he asked, his tone indifferent.


    Belinda’sshes lowered briefly before lifting again. She stared at Lucas intently.


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