?Chapter 1256:


    A grin tugged at Lucas’s lips when he heard her answer.


    The next morning, Belinda went to work at the hospital and secured a couple of days off. Then, bright and early on the third day, she set off with Lucas to Soling.


    Lucas had a ce of his own there, so afternding, they made a beeline for his property.


    After a while, Belinda and Lucas stepped out for a bite.


    They picked a spot in Soling with a solid reputation.


    Belinda must’ve been starving—she dug into the food with gusto once it hit the table.


    Lucas, working through his own te, kept sliding extra portions onto hers. Midway through the meal, Belinda excused herself from their private room to go to the restroom.


    On her way back, the door to another private room swung open just as she passed, and out stepped a tall, sturdy guy.


    He was looking visibly impatient, but the second he spotted Belinda, his face lit up.


    “Belinda!” His voice carried a spark of delight as he called out to her.


    Belinda turned, brows jumping in recognition. “Darwin? What a coincidence! You’re in Soling, too?”


    Darwin dipped his head in confirmation. “Yep. What’s got you out here? You on your own?”


    Belinda said, “No, I’m with Lucas. Came along for his work trip.”


    “Oh, I see.” Darwin exhaled quietly, a flicker of resignation crossing his face.


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    It was an answer he should have expected.


    “How’s your wound doing? Are you bouncing back okay since you got out of the hospital?” Belinda asked.


    Darwin gave her an easy smile. “It’s all good now. The cut’s closing up well, though it has been itching something fiercetely—I keep fighting the urge to scratch it.”


    Belinda quickly advised, “You mustn’t scratch it! That itch is a sign it’s healing properly. If you tear it open now, you’ll risk an infection. If it’s driving you crazy, grab some ointment to calm it down.”


    Her concern warmed Darwin inside, a quiet joy settling in his chest.


    A faint grin curved his lips as he met her eyes with a soft nod. “Alright, I’ll listen to you. I’ll pick up some ointmentter.”


    “Good, then…” Just as Belinda was about to excuse herself, another woman suddenly stepped out of the private dining room.


    She was tall and lean, not a jaw-dropping beauty but with a poised, graceful vibe.


    The woman walked up to Belinda with a warm smile before looking at Darwin.


    “Is this a friend of yours, Darwin? Aren’t you going to introduce us?”


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