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Chapter 87
“Ah? What brings you here?”
Arista froze for a moment as Ares greeted Becky behind her. Becky, who had been scanning Arista with a snake-like gaze, shyly smiled as if nothing had happened.
“I haven’t seen Lucas lately, so I came to check on him. I hope I’m not disturbing anything?”
“Not at all. We were just about to take a break ourselves.”
Becky held Lucas’ arm tightly and sat across from the Lydia siblings.
Setting down the desserts she had brought, Becky noticed the cheesecake on the table.
“Oh? There’s dessert here too?”
“Yes. Lucas actually bought it himself.”
“Oh my, really? Honey, how did you know I was coming here?”
“Ah, it’s not that…”
“My brother bought it for me.”
As Lucas stammered, Arista interjected.
Becky, frowning, met Arista’s lofty, purple eyes.
Arista crossed her legs, lifted her chin, and gave Becky a look that clearly said, “What are you going to do about it?”
“…He bought it for the princess.”
“Yes, a few days ago I helped my brother with something. Today, he brought me my favorite cake. I didn’t buy it myself, but please enjoy it.”
Becky’s lips trembled. She eyed the box next to the cake warily.
It was from the bakery she had wanted something from but hadn’t gotten because it was too difficult to buy.
She thought Lucas had understood her hint before—but perhaps she was wrong?
At the time, she hadn’t wanted anyone to notice her unrequited love for Lucas, but judging by his attitude now—
“It’s like a declaration of war.”
“Honey, why aren’t you eating?”
Becky snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Lucas’ voice. A cup of tea had been set in front of her.
“Thanks.”
She smiled at Lucas, but inside, Becky was a whirlwind of emotions. The princess who had stuttered before now seemed self-assured, which made Becky uneasy.
Could it be she’s planning to tell Lucas I was with another guy?
What she had thought to be naive turned out to be cunning.
When her eyes met Arista’s, the princess smirked, raising one side of her mouth as if mocking Becky.
Not to be outdone, Becky glared back and had an idea.
“By the way, Princess, are you seeing anyone seriously?”
Arista’s hand trembled slightly. Becky realized she had hit a nerve when she saw Arista’s eyes darken.
Arista set down her teacup and smiled faintly.
“No. Unfortunately, no one.”
“Oh? I thought a beautiful lady like you would have plenty of admirers.”
“I am popular. But no one has captured my interest.”
“Then, shall I introduce a man to you? What do you think, Lucas? Isn’t it such a waste for the princess to let her youth go to waste?”
Becky leaned closer to Lucas, subtly glancing at Arista.
“Well, that wouldn’t be bad…”
The women’s expressions shifted with Lucas’ positive response. But he added an unexpected comment.
“To introduce a man to someone as wonderful as Arista, it would have to be an exceptional man. Otherwise, she’d be wasting herself.”
The words were a compliment to Arista and, perhaps unintentionally, a slight to Becky—meaning none of the men she could introduce were worthy of Arista.
“Ew, that’s not true.”
“Haha, is it not? But don’t you agree? Arista’s too valuable to just give to any man.”
“Hmm, at least someone of a marquis or higher.”
Listening to Lucas and Ares, Becky and Arista’s expressions were worlds apart. Becky looked sour and upset, while Arista, momentarily forgetting Becky’s presence, was overjoyed by Lucas’ compliment.
“Arista, you agree, right?”
Lucas suddenly asked Arista. She shyly laughed and waved him off.
“Why are you praising me so much? I don’t care about anyone in particular.”
“Eh, you can’t just say anyone. There are plenty of fools among men. Be careful choosing. I’m sure you’ll pick wisely, though.”
“Haha, thanks for the compliment.”
“But really, you have no intention of dating? I’ve never seen you in a relationship.”
Ares realized that Arista had never really had anyone close to her. She had a few friends, but none could be called a lover.
“I’m not interested in dating.”
“You’re old enough now. Won’t you date before marriage?”
“I’ll handle it myself, so mind your own business.”
While the atmosphere remained lively, Becky felt left out. The strong bond between the three others was unbreakable, which frustrated her.
Feeling a surge of jealousy, Becky spoke.
“Is that so? I thought you already liked someone. Am I wrong?”
The statement landed like a bomb. The room fell silent. Becky swallowed nervously.
It was a risky move. Arista could reveal her feelings for Lucas at any moment. But that was unlikely.
Better yet, Becky hoped that Arista’s unrequited love would be exposed so she would be out of Lucas’ life forever.
Arista’s expression darkened, making Becky feel a shiver run down her spine.
Before the two could escalate, chaos erupted around them.
“What? You like someone?”
“Who is it?”
“You’ve never mentioned it!”
Ares and Lucas grilled her with questions. Arista, initially pleased by Lucas’ surprise, was soon pushed back by their relentless questioning.
“…Is it such a surprise that I like someone?”
“Well…”
Lucas, meeting Arista’s gaze, froze. Why am I surprised she has a crush?
“Of course! That explains why you’ve never dated with that face.”
Before Lucas could finish, Ares started panicking.
“Who is it? Did you confess? You weren’t rejected, right? Surely you didn’t not confess?”
Arista, irritated, pushed Ares away.
“Why are you overreacting? I didn’t know you cared this much.”
“I-I don’t care! I’m just curious as family.”
Ares coughed nervously, realizing he had overreacted.
“So, who do you like?”
A soft voice whispered into her ear. She turned to see Lucas looking at her seriously.
Arista awkwardly looked away.
“Well… yes.”
“Who?”
“I can’t say. But… I’ve liked them for a long time.”
Ares stammered in surprise, and Lucas frowned slightly.
“What do you like about them?”
“…Everything. You don’t need a reason to like someone. I just fell at first sight.”
Her first love, Arista, had fallen at first sight, making Ares thrilled and curious.
“Tell me secretly, just to me?”
“No. Gross. Go away.”
Arista moved away from Ares, clearly disgusted.
Meanwhile, Becky, seeing her plan not unfolding as expected, clicked her tongue.
‘I knew this wouldn’t be easy.’
She still intended to drive Arista away from Lucas, pressing closer to him and letting out a snort.
“I thought it was just a rumor, but the princess really has someone she likes. And at first sight, no less. Fascinating, right, Lucas?”
She deliberately raised her voice, wanting Arista to hear, then looked at Lucas triumphantly—but her smile faded.
Lucas wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were fixed on something else, staring intently.
Becky followed his gaze and saw Arista playfully tussling with Ares.
“First love and a crush…”
Lucas muttered quietly, only Becky could hear.
Becky immediately realized Lucas liked Arista—maybe even more than he ever did her.
Lucas was a perfect 10 out of 10 boyfriend for Becky, but sometimes, the affection felt incomplete.
Even with his endless love, it never felt entirely genuine.
His sweet words and gentle touches weren’t unique to Becky—they were the same for past lovers.
She had approached him once out of curiosity about his devotion to one person, but now, seeing the truth firsthand, she panicked.
No. Where are you looking, Lucas? You’re mine!
Lucas still looked at Arista.
“Lucas.”
Startled, he turned to Becky and smiled, easing the tension.
His usual expression, warm eyes, and familiar smile—but that clarity in his gaze felt unfamiliar today.
Even if someone else were sitting there, his eyes would be on them, not her.
She had foolishly thought he loved her.
“Why? Didn’t you have something to say?”
Hearing no reply, Lucas asked kindly. Usually, her voice filled a void in his heart—but now it left him wanting more.
“Lucas.”
“Hmm?”
“Let’s get engaged.”
“…What?”
Becky’s calm, serious tone made everyone stop in surprise, including Lucas and the Lydia siblings.
There was no coyness, no prettifying expression—just a straightforward confession.
Lucas realized she was serious.
Engagement. He had thought about it with Lucia before. But now…
Why can’t I say anything?
It felt like a thorn in his throat. He had expected engagement eventually, but could not simply rejoice at Becky’s words.
He glanced at Arista, who looked shocked, her violet eyes wide in surprise.
“I-It’s not that I don’t want to! I was just shocked…”
“I want to be engaged, marry you, have cute kids, and live happily together.”
Lucas smiled and stroked her head, though it felt forced.
“So… we’re engaged now?”
“…Yes.”
“I’m so happy! I love you, Lucas!”
Lucas wrapped his arms around her petite frame.
Ares clapped from the side, celebrating the engagement, and even Arista—
“…Congratulations.”
Her congratulations lacked any warmth. At that moment, Lucas could no longer bring himself to look at Arista.
And he didn’t know why.
