Chapter 114

Serena's POV

I pressed my lips together, wrestling with my thoughts. *Yes, I had said that, and I truly didn't want to go public with our relationship. Being with Lucas... I wasn't entirely confident about it. Perhaps I had developed some feelings, or maybe I just couldn't resist his kindness.*

*But after what happened with Ian, combined with growing up in the Sinclair household, trusting anyone had become incredibly difficult for me. Going public would only complicate things. Beyond my fears about whether this relationship would last, I worried that Lucas's prominent position would become another obstacle in my path. Right now, all I wanted was to handle my own affairs independently. I couldn't bear the thought of tethering myself to anyone else.*

"Yes," I responded quietly, the single word carrying the weight of all my unspoken doubts.

"Serena," Lucas continued, his reflection taking a step closer, "shouldn't you give me a deadline? When will you allow me to acknowledge us publicly?"

The weight of StarRiver Group's future pressed against my shoulders, a constant reminder of why I couldn't afford any distractions. Yet here I was, my heart betraying my carefully constructed walls every time Lucas was near.

"I-" The words caught in my throat.

Lucas's reflection showed him running a hand through his dark hair-a rare gesture of frustration from someone who usually maintained perfect composure. "I understand your concerns about StarRiver's situation," he said quietly. "But I'm not asking for a public announcement. I'm just asking for a timeline. Even if it's ten years from now."

The absurdity of his statement made me turn around. "Ten years?"

His gray eyes held mine with unwavering intensity. "For you, I've learned to wait. Whether it's a moment, a year, or a decade."

Something in my chest tightened at his words. This was exactly what I feared- his sincere words were fatal. I turned back to the window, watching as a plane's lights blinked across the night sky.

"The board meeting is next week," I said finally, deflecting. "I need to focus on that first."

Lucas didn't push further, but I heard him move closer. His presence radiated warmth behind me, close enough that I could catch the subtle scent of his cologne. "Then I'll help you prepare for it. That's what partners do, whether public or private."

I closed my eyes, feeling the familiar conflict rise within me. Part of me wanted to lean back into his strength, to accept the support he so freely offered. But the other part-the part shaped by years of family politics and corporate machinations-whispered warnings about dependency and vulnerability.

"I can handle it myself," I murmured.

"I know you can." His voice carried no hurt, only quiet conviction. "That's not why I'm offering."

"Sometimes," Lucas said softly, "strength isn't about handling everything alone. It's about choosing who to trust with your vulnerabilities."

His words hit too close to home, and I felt my carefully maintained composure crack slightly. "And what if that choice is wrong?" I whispered, voicing the fear that had haunted me since Ian's betrayal.

"Then you learn and grow stronger," he replied. "But you don't let one wrong choice deny you all the right ones."

My feelings for Lucas aren't nearly as cold as they used to be. Something is growing, taking root in my heart faster than I can control. The way he commands every situation, his unwavering presence... I find myself defenseless against it.

His intensity leaves me no place to hide, and truthfully, I'm not sure I want to hide anymore. The feelings are there, sprouting and growing stronger with each passing day.

But there's this weight in my chest, these doubts that won't let go. How long will it take for me to truly let down these walls I've built? When will I be ready to give myself completely to this relationship, without any reservations? It feels unfair to Lucas, moving forward into something deeper when I'm still carrying all this emotional baggage. He deserves someone who can give their whole heart, and right now... I'm not sure I can be that person.

Lucas clearly recognized my inner conflict. A touch of sadness flickered in his eyes. He paused for a moment, then shifted the conversation.

"Why hide being Lumi Nova?" His voice was gentle but direct, carrying genuine curiosity rather than accusation.

I tensed involuntarily, though I couldn't deny the care evident in his words. "I never intended to keep it hidden," I said softly, "but my mother asked me not to tell anyone."

"If I'm not mistaken," Lucas said, his tone suddenly taking on an oddly playful edge, "your mother passed away years ago? Unless... she's been appearing in dreams? Or perhaps rising from the grave!"

I shot him a sharp look, startled by his irreverent words. But something in his slight smile made the knot in my chest loosen unexpectedly. It was the first time anyone had spoken so lightly about my mother's death, and strangely, it felt a weight lifting from my chest. The tension eased, replaced by an unexpected lightness.

"My design talent must be largely inherited. When I was little, my mother personally taught me design. Actually, my mother was also an internationally renowned designer, but she was extremely low-key and never participated in competitions, always keeping her identity hidden. When I was very young, my mother told me that if one day my designs were recognized, I should never reveal my identity to the public."

Lucas looked surprised.

To be honest, I was too, thinking back on it now.

"I never understood why my mother insisted on this, perhaps she was worried about drawing too much attention. But..." I tried hard to recall my mother's face as I spoke, "my mother wasn't actually the type to just accept things passively. That's why I couldn't understand why she would make such a request of me. Sadly, she's no longer here, and I'll never know the answer. She was the only person in this world I truly trusted, the only one who genuinely cared for me. I'll always keep her words close to my heart."

Lucas fell silent.

I could tell he was also pondering why my mother would make such a request of her daughter, why someone who was clearly a top designer would choose to remain anonymous.

"If it weren't for Evelyn's trap this time, I probably would have kept hiding it forever," I said softly.

I felt somewhat dejected about not being able to fulfill my mother's wishes.

Lucas must have sensed my mood shift because he tried to comfort me. "Actually, sometimes life's regrets turn out to be the best arrangements in disguise. Your mother didn't want to see you being bullied like this. Maybe she had a change of heart and rearranged your fate, forcing you to reveal your identity under these circumstances."

I looked at Lucas.

Though it sounded a bit like sweet talk, I had to admit it did comfort me.

"I hope so," I smiled slightly, feeling more at peace.

After all, my mother had always said never to make things difficult for myself.

If there were things I couldn't prevent, I could only accept them gracefully.

Lucas remained quiet, giving me space to process my thoughts. Finally, he spoke again. "There is one thing you said earlier that I have to disagree with."

I turned to look at him, curious despite myself. The expression on his face was unreadable in the dim light, but his voice carried an undercurrent of something I couldn't quite identify.

"What's that?"