?<strong>Chapter 485:</strong>


    Belinda’s face remained impassive, though it briefly stiffened. She raised her eyes to Lucas, shock etched across her features. She struggled to respond, “Lucas! Are you hearing yourself now? What nonsense are you spouting?”


    But Lucas remained undisturbed, his gaze unwavering as he looked at her. “I am serious. I know my feelings and understand what I’m saying,” he said.


    With that, he gently ced his hand on her shoulder, his expression earnest, his tone emphasizing each word. “Belinda, I have feelings for you.”


    Belinda’s reaction was immediate. Her pupils dted in an instant, and she quickly averted her eyes, her longshes veiling the emotions flickering within them. Her breathing quickened. Despite herself, her heart fluttered wildly at Lucas’ deration.


    The unexpected confession left her stunned. She half-joked to herself that Lucas might be delirious or feverish to have dered such feelings.


    Trying to regain herposure, Belinda took a long moment before finally lifting her eyes to meet Lucas’ once more. Their gazes locked, and Belinda’s heart skipped a beat. In the depths of Lucas’ eyes, she saw her own reflection staring back at her. For a moment, she found herself unable to hold his gaze.


    Belinda inhaled deeply, her lips pressed together momentarily before responding withposure. “Oh, I see.”


    Lucas’ brow furrowed. He was caught off guard by her measured demeanor. “Is that all?” His voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction.


    “What more do you want?” Belinda retorted, meeting his gaze once more. “What response were you expecting, Mr. rk? Did you imagine I would be thrilled, shedding tears of joy, rushing to get back together?” Her tone was thick with sarcasm.


    ?@?é$? ???t?εя? íπ ?alπoνεl?.c??


    Lucas was left speechless for a moment. He hadn’t anticipated this reaction, though he had hoped for some enthusiasm in response to his confession of love. Yet, her reply was far from what he had hoped for.


    “Are you done, Mr. rk? May I leave now?” Without waiting for an answer, Belinda walked towards her car.


    Lucas watched her leave, his expression a mix of frustration and confusion.


    Once inside her car, Belinda noticed her hands trembling slightly on the steering wheel. Sheposed herself, started the engine, and drove off.


    When Belinda arrived at the Thomas family’s residence, Mollie informed her about the Wagner family’s attempt to apologize. “They came here to apologize, but we turned them away right at the door,” Mollie said.


    Looking remorseful, Mollie added, “I’m sorry, Belinda. This matter is all my fault.”


    Belinda took Mollie’s hand tofort her. “It’s okay, Mollie. You were just trying to help.”


    “But let’s put any further matchmaking on pause for now, alright?” Mollie thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. She believed that, for now, it was best to let things unfold naturally.


    Belinda exhaled in relief. For the time being, she would be spared from more matchmaking attempts—a small but wee reprieve.


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