Chapter 268

Serena's POV

Lucas's eyes met mine, still holding that same quiet strength I'd always admired.

"Money, status, power - they're all temporary pleasures," Lucas says with surprising serenity, his voice carrying clearly through the phone receiver. "Once you've experienced them, that's enough." I can't help but think that even Howard, in his final moments of acceptance, hadn't achieved such tranquility. Perhaps it's easier for Lucas to be philosophical about it all - after all, he didn't build this empire with his own hands. Or did I misjudge him?

"How's your case progressing?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady despite the anxiety churning in my stomach.

"Good news, actually," he replies, maintaining eye contact. "I received the court notification yesterday. The hearing is set for the 27th - just twelve days from now."

My heart skips a beat. "Lucas, don't lie to me." The words tumble out before I can stop them. Suddenly, I'm terrified of facing the reality of his situation. The uncertainty of his fate weighs heavily on my shoulders. What if this is truly the end?

"I wouldn't dare lie to you anymore," he says with a self-deprecating smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm being honest."

"Don't worry," he adds, attempting to comfort me through the glass. "If something happens to me, you have my blessing to marry someone else."

The words leave me speechless, my hand tightening around the phone receiver.

"I'm kidding," he quickly adds, his voice softening. "You haven't even married me yet..."

Something breaks loose inside me, and before I can second-guess myself, I blurt out, "If you make it through this unharmed, I'll marry you."

Lucas freezes, clearly caught off guard by my sudden declaration. The happiness in his eyes is tinged with disbelief, as if this moment of joy is too precious to be real.

"I mean it," I emphasize, each word deliberate and clear. "I promise."

"Alright," he responds, his voice carrying a slight tremor of emotion that he tries to mask.

Attempting to lighten the suddenly intense atmosphere, I change the subject. "By the way, Rachel is marrying Kennedy Rowan."

"Is that so?" He raises an eyebrow, his response surprisingly measured.

"You don't seem surprised," I observe, studying his reaction.

"Not really. The Thorne family needs powerful allies right now. There are only a handful of families in their league, and Kennedy was bound to be one of Rachel's potential matches."

I can't help but press further. "Don't you feel any guilt towards Rachel?" After all, from beginning to end, Rachel's only crime was loving him too deeply. Despite her questionable actions behind the scenes, her feelings for Lucas had always been genuine.

"Some," he admits without hesitation, "but not much. She repeatedly tried to harm you - I couldn't overlook that."

"But she was good to you..." I begin, only to be cut off.

"You matter more to me than she does," he states firmly. His meaning is clear: he might forgive actions against himself, but never against me.

My heart flutters at his words, touched by his unwavering devotion.

"What's wrong? Do you want me to be kinder to her?" he asks, eyebrow raised. Despite his gaunt appearance, his expression remains commanding and slightly teasing.

"No," I reply honestly.

"No?" he prompts.

"I just wanted to confirm your feelings," I admit.

A small smile plays at his lips. "Serena, do you know how much joy your little moments of jealousy bring me?"

"I'm glad my discomfort entertains you," I say dryly, but the warmth in my eyes betrays me.

I didn't linger long with Lucas outside the detention center, but as I walked away, my heart grew heavier with each step. Twelve days. The number kept spinning in my mind. What would happen after twelve days? Would he really be released without charges? I found myself sinking deeper into anxiety and uncertainty.

Finally, those twelve days passed. Since it wasn't the weekend, I needed to take the twins to school first.

"Mom, is something bothering you?" Milo asked from the backseat, tilting his head up. Next to him, Stella watched me silently, her gray eyes-identical to Lucas's-flickering with concern.

"What makes you say that?" I forced a smile.

"Well, when I asked for yogurt at breakfast, you gave me regular milk instead. And when I mentioned needing my spring uniform for the school event today, you pulled out my winter one," Milo listed methodically.

"And," Stella added softly, "when you did my hair this morning, even the ribbon was crooked. You're usually so precise about everything." Her delicate fingers touched the askew ribbon in her hair, her eyes full of worry.

"I probably didn't sleep well last night," I offered as an excuse. In truth, I hadn't slept at all, leaving me exhausted today. More than that, though, the thought of Lucas's court hearing had me inexplicably anxious. I hadn't told the children any of this-I didn't want them worrying about adult matters.

"Mom, is it because of Dad's court hearing today?" Milo suddenly asked.

I froze. So much for trying to hide it from them. But how did they know?

"We watch the news too, you know," Milo said matter-of-factly, as if reading my confusion.

Stella quietly placed her hand on my arm. "Dad will be fine. I dreamed about him last night-he came home and brought us presents." Her voice was soft but filled with conviction. "My dreams always come true."

My heart melted at their words. These twins, one comforting me with his innocent optimism, the other supporting me with her quiet wisdom. They both resembled Lucas so much, yet each had their own unique personality.

At school, I got out to walk them to the entrance. Watching them wave goodbye side by side, my vision blurred unexpectedly. Stella turned back one last time, her look seemingly saying, "Stay strong, Mom." I wondered if after today, our family of four would finally be reunited. I'd never yearned so much for completeness before, but having these adorable twins made the hope for happiness feel especially intense.

Lucas, you really can't disappoint us today...

After dropping off the children, I drove to the courthouse. Four security guards in dark suits followed me-I'd grown accustomed to their constant presence. The reporters waiting outside the courthouse seemed startled by this entourage, initially hesitating to approach. However, after glancing around, they couldn't resist the pull of a hot story and began closing in.

The security team immediately formed a protective circle around me, keeping the reporters at a one-meter distance as they fired questions:

"Miss Sinclair, why are you here? What's your relationship with Lucas Harrington? Reporters have noticed his son Milo seems very close to you."

"What's the nature of your relationship with Garrett Thorne? Are you dating?"

"Do you have any comment on the Thorne family publicly breaking off Rachel Thorne's engagement to Lucas Harrington?"

I maintained my composure, though each question felt like a dart aimed at my carefully constructed walls. The morning's tender moments with the twins felt like a distant dream now, replaced by this circus of flashing cameras and shouted questions. But I wouldn't let them see any weakness-I'd learned that lesson well enough in recent years.

An older reporter pushed forward, his voice cutting through the chaos: "Miss Sinclair, sources say you've been caring for the Harrington twins. How do you respond to allegations that you're using the children to get close to their father?"