Chapter 2

When I woke up the next day, Lucas had already left.

He always left for work earlier than me. There was breakfast on the table, still warm.

As I drank my porridge, I suddenly felt dazed.

He was always this considerate and thoughtful, which was why I mistakenly thought he loved me too.

Halfway through eating, my phone rang.

Peyton had created a reunion group chat.

"Everyone, I miss you all! Tonight's gathering---no one's allowed to skip!"

I didn't want to go, but when I scrolled down, I saw Lucas had already replied: "I'll be there on time."

Maybe I just couldn't let go. I also replied "I'll be there on time."

That day I had to work late, so I was delayed.

When I pushed open the private room door, my old classmates were already seated.

Peyton sat in the main seat, Lucas beside her, smiling beautifully.

That kind of smile---he rarely showed it to me.

Peyton was the first to stand up, her voice sweet and bright. "Leah, you're late! You have to take a penalty drink!"

I forced a smile, scanned the room, and finally found an empty seat in the corner.

I secretly glanced at Lucas, but he only looked at Peyton the whole time, pouring her drinks and serving her food, as if he didn't know me.

As luck would have it, sitting next to me was my high school rival, Felix.

He had a look of enjoying the show, deliberately raising his voice. "Hey? Why aren't you sitting with your husband Lucas?"

At those words, the whole room went silent.

Everyone's eyes swept back and forth between Lucas and me.

Peyton didn't seem that surprised. Instead, she smiled with pursed lips and deliberately asked:

"Lucas, I thought you were against marriage? Turns out you just hadn't met the right person!"

She turned to me with a smile. "Leah, congratulations! Lucas is so much better now than before. You should thank me for rejecting him back then."

I didn't say anything, just quietly looked at Lucas.

Honestly, I was almost grateful she asked, because I really wanted to know how he would answer.

Lucas unconsciously glanced at Peyton, then casually curved his lips:

"Hey, Leah and I---we're just doing this to deal with our families."

The room exploded with chatter.

"When did you two get married? Why didn't you tell us?"

"You've been single all this time---weren't you waiting for Peyton?"

"Leah, are you two real or fake?"

I gripped my glass tightly, not daring to look up.

Perhaps seeing my embarrassment, Lucas added: "We're close, and our parents know each other well. Stop making a fuss."

His vague answer finally forced my tears back.

I smiled and looked up. "That's right, it's fake. He and I have no relationship at all."

As I said this, I kept staring into Lucas's eyes.

He frowned at me, a flash of confusion in his eyes. I almost thought he was going to explain.

But soon, he looked away and stopped looking at me.

The atmosphere gradually became lively again.

Felix suddenly spoke up. "Since it's fake, and Peyton's back, isn't this your chance, Lucas?"

Someone nearby joined in the teasing:

"Exactly! You chased her for three years back then. Now you're both single---isn't this perfect?"

"Hey, come to think of it, you two are actually a good match now!"

Peyton blushed and laughed, saying "Stop it" with her mouth while her eyes looked brightly at Lucas.

Lucas didn't respond, just smiled, and didn't stop this nonsense.

The teasing voices made my head buzz, and my stomach suddenly cramped.

I rushed to the bathroom and threw up everything.

I washed my face and looked at myself in the mirror, forcing my expression back to calm.

When I came out, I realized I'd been worrying for nothing.

The excitement in the private room hadn't stopped at all. Lucas just glanced in my direction, then looked away again, continuing to pour drinks for Peyton.

The gathering ended very late.

Peyton had drunk a lot, clinging to Lucas's arm the whole time, laughing unsteadily.

Lucas supported her. "Let's go drop her off first."

I shook my head. "You go ahead. I'll call a car and go back myself."

He frowned, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something.

But before he could speak, Peyton in his arms mumbled and leaned closer.

He looked at the person in his arms with the care of treasuring something precious, stopped paying attention to me, and got in the car with her.

Peyton enjoyed the feeling of everyone's adoration.

Lucas was her devoted follower---even if she didn't like him, she wouldn't allow anyone else to take him away.

I stood there and suddenly laughed.