I suppressed the ache in my heart and turned away to avoid Alex''s gaze, too


    afraid to see the disappointment and sadness in his eyes.


    Henry scoffed, "An illegitimate son and a maid''s daughter truly are a match for each other. You two are so affectionate."


    "Henry, don''t spout nonsense," Xena warned softly.


    I kept my gaze low the entire time, too scared to look at Alex.


    "Alex, there''s a private restaurant nearby that makes delicious food. I''m not sure if it''ll suit your taste, though. Why don''t I take you there to try the food?" Xena asked sweetly.


    Alex nodded, and the two of them exited the café. As they passed me by, Xena intentionally knocked into me.


    I stumbled to the ground. Only then did I have the courage to lift my head and look at Alex''s back.


    Xena wrapped her arm affectionately around Alex''s and was saying something to him. Meanwhile, Alex walked out in steady steps without any hesitation.


    Alex was as dazzling as ever, even when I stared at his back.


    Upon reaching the car, Alex opened the door for Xena like a gentleman while Xena smiled and thanked him. The two of them looked harmonious.


    When Xena got into the car, Alex got around the car and slipped into the driver''s seat. He did not give me a single nce through it all.


    I felt sad and lucky at the same time. After all, I looked unbelievably pathetic right now, and I was afraid the image would stay in Alex''s mind.


    Henry got to his knees and lifted my chin with his finger. "So? Are you regretting


    it? If you admit it and beg me, I''ll consider making you my girlfriend."


    I turned away in disgust. "Hah! The


    mere sight of you disgusts me. nose tingled as I walked over to Lucas, wanting to find out if he was awake.


    Unwilling to give up, Henry approached and began, "You-"


    At that moment, bitterness and anger exploded within me. "Get lost! Stay away from me!"


    Startled by my anger, Henry backed up and frowned. "You''re really crazy. You two are truly a match."


    When Henry was gone, the café


    returned to its peaceful state. I took a cup of warm water from the table, fed Lucas with it, and tried to wake him up.


    Even though I was busy taking care of Lucas, the disappointed look in Alex''s eyes stayed in my mind. knew there was officially a distance between me and Alex now


    The sadness within me intensified until I could barely hold it in. Everything in front


    of me grew blurry as hot tears rolled down my cheeks.


    Although I knew Alex and I were never meant to be together, I never thought our rtionship could be so tense.


    "S-Serena?" Lucas called out weakly.


    I wiped my tears and helped Lucas to the couch. "You''re awake."


    Lucas gulped with difficulty and looked at me. "Serena, were you crying? What''s wrong?" he asked nervously.


    I simply shook my head.


    Scanning the surroundings, Lucas frowned. "Why am I here?"