15
Images of Jennifer’s last look at him flashed through Lucas’s mind
There was no emotion in her gaze, as if he were just a stranger–a passerby in her life.
Suddenly, Lucas stood up, ready to leave. But just as he turned, Lydia walked in.
“Lucas…”
She looked delicate and timid as always, her big, watery eyes giving the impression that she’d been wronged somehow.
“Why did you drink so much again? You’ll be complaining about a headache tomorrow.”
Lydia walked over, wrapping her arm around his, her voice soft and filled with concern.
Lucas was about to say something but caught a familiar scent–the perfume.
His heart skipped a beat. He was about to push Lydia away, but he hesitated.
“Why does it smell so strong?”
Lucas’s suddenly gentle tone made Lydia blush with excitement.
“Is it the same perfume as last time?” he asked.
Lydia’s smile froze, but she nodded. “Yes, it’s the same one.
Outwardly, she looked happy, but inwardly, a slow resentment was building.
She’d taken this perfume from Jennifer’s dressing room. She had intended to throw it all out–Jennifer’s expensive, unopened bottles of designer perfumes.
But Lucas only liked this scent. Anytime she tried another, he would show obvious distaste.
So she forced herself to keep using it.
“As long as you like it, I’ll wear it every day.” Lydia said sweetly.
But suddenly, Lucas’s expression darkened. He pulled his arm from her grasp and even pushed her away with force.
“Lucas?” Lydia looked at him in confusion, and the others in the room were equally stunned
“Lydia.”
Lucas looked at her with an eerily calm face, but everyone could see the fury in his eyes.
“Lucas, what’s wrong?” Lydia tried to reach for his arm again.
But this time, Lucas raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face.
“Lucas!”
“Lucas, you you hit me? Lydia held her cheek, tears welling up from shock and hurt.
Lucas let out a cold laugh. “Aren’t you supposed to be allergic to peaches, Lydia?”
“You cried to me, saying Jennifer poured peach juice on your bed, that she nearly killed you. Or was that a lie?”
