Chapter 172

Rachel's POV

I stood at the edge of the track and my attention was fixed on the way Milo and Stella gravitated toward Serena. An unexplained rage welled up inside.

"Kids, come here!" I called out, ensuring my voice carried just the right note of maternal warmth. "Don't you want to wish your godmother luck?"

Milo glanced my way with that polite, distant look I'd grown to hate. Stella didn't even bother turning around. I'd spent hours choosing this outfit, even buying a matching hair ribbon to coordinate with Stella's. The ribbon now felt tight against my scalp.

"Darlings, no hug for me?" I bent down, arms outstretched, forcing a sweet smile. "Or I might just have to catch you and squeeze you anyway!"

"Thank you, Ms. Thorne," Milo replied with careful politeness, the formal address landing like a slap. Stella merely shifted closer to Serena, as if seeking protection from my affection.

Lucas stood nearby, his athletic frame casually elegant even in standard running gear. I straightened up, subtly adjusting my stance to highlight my figure. "The weather's perfect for a race, isn't it, Lucas?"

He nodded absently, his eyes tracking Serena as she helped another child adjust their shoelaces. The tenderness in his gaze made my stomach clench.

*Serena, you picked the wrong person to mess with.*

The race began, and I positioned myself carefully. When Lucas approached with the baton, I saw his focus was already ahead, checking Serena's position in the next lane.

This only fueled my anger - seeing how everyone, from Milo and Stella to even Lucas, had their eyes fixed on Serena all day. I started running.

I saw Serena gaining on me with each stride. My breathing was becoming labored - I'd never been particularly athletic, and she was clearly in better shape. The sound of her footsteps grew closer, steady and strong behind me. Just as she was about to pass, I made my move.

I shifted my trajectory ever so slightly, drifting into her lane. Serena was running at full speed, too focused on the finish line to notice my subtle intrusion. The collision was inevitable.

The impact knocked the breath from my lungs as we crashed together. The track's surface was hard against my back, and I felt a genuine flash of pain shoot through my shoulder and ankle.

Around us, gasps and cries of shock erupted from the crowd. Through my peripheral vision, I caught sight of kids and Lucas's worried face as they ran toward us. I had anticipated the next scenario.

But Lucas wasn't toward me. His found Serena, checking if she'd been hurt. I watched him help Serena to her feet and scanned her for injuries. The concern in his expression was sincere. Something inside my chest withered.

Serena shook her head and pushed away from his touch. It made me surprise. I needed to grip this opportunity.

I let out a pained moan, it wasn't entirely feigned. "It hurts..." I whimpered, watching their reactions come to me.

"Are you alright?" He finally turned to me, his voice carrying professional courtesy rather than personal worry.

"It hurts," I whimpered, playing up the injury. Surely now he'd sweep me into his arms, carry me to safety like in all those romantic movies. "I don't think I can walk."

"I'll help you to the medical office," he offered, turning his back to me. "Climb on."

A piggyback ride. Like I was one of the children. Instead of carrying me in his arms - something he could have easily done. That small detail made my heart sink. I swallowed my disappointment and allowed him to carry me off the field, past the concerned whispers of other parents. Over his shoulder, I watched Serena gather Milo and Stella close, their small faces turned up to her in genuine worry.

"Should I call an ambulance?" Lucas asked once we reached the medical office.

"No, I just need rest," I managed, hope flickering. Surely he'd stay with me now.

"I'll have my helicopter take you to the hospital for a proper check," he said instead, already pulling out his phone.

I watched Lucas's back as he made arrangements for the helicopter, his posture straight and businesslike. My ankle throbbed, but the pain in my chest was far worse. He hadn't even looked at me since helping me to the bench.

"It's really not that serious," I ventured, trying to keep my voice light and casual. "There's no need for a helicopter."

Lucas didn't turn around, his phone still pressed to his ear. "The hospital is better equipped to assess any injuries." His tone was the same one he used when dictating memos - professional, detached, devoid of any personal concern.

Through the gaps between spectators, I could see the awards ceremony beginning. Milo stood proudly on the podium, his small face beaming as he received his medal. Stella bounced excitedly beside him, and Serena... Serena stood watching them both with such natural maternal pride that it made my stomach twist.

"I feel silly making such a fuss," I tried again, forcing a small laugh. "It's probably just a mild sprain."

"Better safe than sorry." Lucas finally turned to face me, but his eyes were cold. "Walter will accompany you to the hospital."

The dismissal in his voice was unmistakable. My carefully maintained composure began to crack. "Lucas," I said softly, using his first name deliberately, "about what happened with Serena..."

"What about it?" His question cut through the air like ice.

I swallowed hard, pressing on. "I don't want you to think... I mean, you shouldn't blame her for anything."

A muscle twitched in his jaw. "Why would I blame Serena?"

"I just..." My hands twisted in my lap, nails digging into my palms. "I don't want this little accident to cause any problems between - ."

"Rachel." His voice stopped me cold. "We both know exactly what happened out there."

Heat rushed to my face. "I lost my balance-"

"You crossed into her lane." He stated it as a fact, no anger, just cold certainty.

Each word felt like a slap. "That's not-"

"It needs to stop." He wasn't even looking at me anymore, his gaze fixed on the award ceremony where Milo was now hugging Serena. "You're the children's godmother. That's a privilege and a responsibility. But you keep trying to make it something more."

"I care about them," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I care about you."

"No." His response was immediate and final. "You care about the idea of us. The perfect family you've imagined. But it's not real, Rachel. It never was."

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I wouldn't let them fall. Not here, not in front of him. "I just want..."

"I know what you want." His voice softened slightly, but that only made it worse. "And I'm sorry, but it's not going to happen. You're crossing boundaries that shouldn't be crossed."

The helicopter's distant thrum filled the awkward silence.

"Let's go," Lucas demanded.