Chapter 118

Serena's POV

The ffith day, we went to biggest mall there. I used to think shopping was my forte. After all, I'd spent years cultivating a discerning eye for luxury brands and mastering the art of strategic purchases. But watching Lucas shop was like witnessing a force of nature - swift, decisive, and completely overwhelming.

I held the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle diamond-set women's watch, its weight a testament to its precious metals and stones, admiring the hand-polished surfaces, the intricate hand-engraved details, and the seamless integration of diamonds into the dial. Before I could even check the price tag, Lucas's voice cut through my contemplation.

"We'll take it," he said to the eager sales associate, not even glancing up from his phone.

"Wait, I haven't even tried it on-"

"Do you like it?"

"That's not the point! I haven't-"

"I like it," he stated simply, his grey eyes finally meeting mine with that infuriating mix of authority and affection. "That's enough."

I watched in disbelief as the sales associate whisked away the cardigan, adding it to the growing collection of bags and boxes. This had been happening all afternoon - every item I showed even a flicker of interest in was immediately purchased. A silk scarf I'd merely touched, a pair of heels I'd glanced at twice, a handbag I'd commented on in passing - all bought without hesitation.

"Aren't you worried about going bankrupt?" I asked, half-joking.

Lucas stopped walking and turned to face me. The afternoon sun streaming through the skylight caught his profile, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. "You shouldn't underestimate your boyfriend's capabilities, Serena. This is pocket change. Feel free to choose whatever you like."

His casual dismissal of what must have been tens of thousands of dollars made my head spin. "So what wouldn't be pocket change to Mr. Harrington?"

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to that low, intimate tone that never failed to make my pulse quicken. "Perhaps... when your name appears next to mine on legal documents. Then we'd be talking about half my assets."

My heart stuttered. Was he really talking about...? The casual way he dropped marriage into conversation made me simultaneously thrilled and terrified. This man moved at his own pace, completely unconcerned with normal relationship progression.

"I'm tired," I announced abruptly, desperate to escape the intensity of the moment and the implications of his words. "Can we get something cold to drink? I saw a café back there."

A knowing smile tugged at his lips, but he didn't press the issue. "Of course." He gestured for the sales associates to handle our purchases and placed his hand lightly on my lower back, guiding me toward the café.

The café offered a welcome respite from the afternoon heat. After the whirlwind shopping spree, its cool interior and simple décor felt almost soothing. Almost - until Lucas decided to approach ordering ice cream with the same excessive enthusiasm he'd shown for shopping.

"We'll take one of each flavor," he told the server, who brightened at the prospect of such a large order.

"No," I cut in quickly. "Just one chocolate, please." When Lucas raised an eyebrow, I added, "Too much ice cream isn't good for you."

The server looked between us, uncertain, until Lucas nodded his acquiescence. As she went to prepare my order, I noticed something. "Aren't you getting anything?"

His lips curved into that infuriating smirk. "As you said, too much ice cream isn't good for you."

The chocolate ice cream was perfect - rich and creamy, melting smoothly on my tongue. I was savoring my third spoonful when Lucas suddenly leaned across the table and took a bite from my cone, his lips touching exactly where mine had been moments before.

"What are you doing?" I nearly dropped the cone in surprise.

"Helping myself," he replied with perfect composure. "No need to order another one. As you mentioned, too much ice cream isn't good for you."

I narrowed my eyes at him but continued eating, determined to ignore his provocative behavior. Two bites later, he did it again.

"Lucas!" His full name came out sharper than I intended.

"Yes?" The picture of innocence, except for that glint in his eyes.

"Stop eating my ice cream!"

"I'm helping you eat less. It's for your health." His tone was serious, but his eyes danced with amusement.

Before I could formulate a suitably scathing response, a cheerful voice interrupted us. "Excuse me!" A man with a professional camera hung around his neck approached our table. "I hope you don't mind, but I couldn't resist capturing that moment. The lighting was perfect, and your interaction was just so..."

I tensed, expecting Lucas to shut down this invasion of privacy with his usual cold efficiency. Instead, he surprised me by asking to see the photos.

The photographer showed us his camera display, and I felt my chest tighten. There I was, looking at Lucas with an expression I'd never seen on my own face before - soft, unguarded, absolutely besotted. Even while supposedly angry at him, I'd been looking at him like... like...

I quickly handed the camera back to Lucas, pretending to be completely unfazed. "Where to next?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.

"That's up to you."

"Bungee jumping." The words came out before I could stop them.

Lucas's eyebrows rose slightly, but he simply stood and offered me his hand. As we left the café, I couldn't help thinking: *Can't we just have one peaceful day without my heart doing backflips?*