?<strong>Chapter 1148:</strong>


    Lucas chuckled, amusement flickering in his eyes. He took her hand and nted a kiss on her palm. “I swear, just a little longer.” Overwhelmed by fatigue, Belinda soon gave in to sleep.


    The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.


    Belinda stirred, blinking groggily as she became aware of the strong arms wrapped around her. She was nestled in Lucas’ embrace, dressed in fresh pyjamas. A faint soapy scent clung to her skin, telling her that he had bathed her while she slept.


    Memories of the previous night flooded back. Anger red within Belinda.


    With a scowl, she reached down and pushed Lucas’ hand away from her waist.


    The movement jolted Lucas awake.


    Slowly his heavy-lidded eyes fluttered open, their usual sharpness dulled by sleep.


    His voice, low and gravelly, carried azy charm. “Morning.”


    Belinda, still fuming, threw the covers aside and sat up.


    When Lucas noticed her bad mood, his heart sank.


    A flicker of unease crossed his expression as he quickly sat up as well. “Belinda…”


    Belinda acted as if Lucas didn’t exist,pletely brushing him off.


    Lucas could tell she was angry.


    Recalling his behavior the previous night, even he himself had to admit that he had crossed the line.


    Cautiously, he reached out and tugged at the hem of Belinda’s clothes. “Belinda, I—”


    Before he could finish, Belinda pped his hand away without hesitation. Without a word, she climbed out of bed and headed straight for the bathroom.


    Panic red in Lucas’ chest, and he hurried after her. “Belinda, I messed up, okay? I was a jerkst night. I—”


    Bang!


    The door mmed shut in his face, cutting him off mid-sentence.


    Lucas flinched and rubbed his nose—he had almost gotten hit. Even though Belinda hadn’t locked the door, he didn’t dare push it open.


    All he could do was wait outside.


    When Belinda finally emerged, she didn’t so much as nce at him. Without missing a beat, she walked past him and straight into the dressing room.


    Lucas followed her like a shadow. “Belinda, I know I was wrong. Please, don’t stay mad at me, okay?”


    But Belinda didn’t respond. Once she finished getting dressed, she went downstairs, and Lucas trailed after her.


    “Margie, I won’t be having breakfast at home today,” Belinda said to the maid.


    Margie blinked before nodding. “Oh, okay.”


    Lucas was still tailing Belinda when she reached the front door. Finally, she had had enough. She turned, her patience snapping. “Stop following me!” she eximed in anger.


    Lucas halted immediately, wearing a hurt expression. “Alright,” he said. Watching Belinda leave, he let out a defeated sigh before trudging back upstairs to wash up and get ready for the day.


    By noon, he couldn’t hold back anymore and called Belinda. “Let’s have lunch together,” he suggested.


    “NO, I’m eating with Darwin in his hospital room today,” Belinda replied tly. She was doing this on purpose, knowing it would get under his skin.


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