Chapter 71

Serena's POV

I felt a strange mix of warmth and unease as Eleanor leaned across the table, her eyes bright with sincerity despite the slight flush from the wine. "Quinn is my best friend, no one else comes close..." She paused, then broke into a wide smile. "Well, except you now, Serena. You're also my best friend."

The sudden declaration caught me off guard. I could sense Eleanor's genuine feelings toward me. Her sincerity was precisely what made my emotions so complicated and conflicted. My chest felt tight whenever I thought about it.

I turned to glance at Lucas, who was politely managing his drinks throughout the evening.

Tonight. The words that needed to be said couldn't wait any longer.

As the dinner drew to a close, everyone was in high spirits. The wine had loosened the atmosphere considerably, and Drew was absolutely insistent about continuing the evening with some jazz performances.

Before I could voice any objection, our entire group was already heading to the luxurious entertainment club on the sixteenth floor.

Lucas must have noticed my discomfort. "If you're bored, I can take you home," he offered quietly. When I shook my head, his eyes softened. "I want you to know more about... my life."

That made me pause. There was something vulnerable in the way he said it, like he was offering more than just a glimpse into his social circle.

When the doors opened to the VIP room, I had to admit I was impressed. Though compact, the space was meticulously designed - all gleaming surfaces and subtle lighting that made everything feel intimate yet luxurious.

"What song do you want? I'll queue it for you!" Eleanor called out, already comfortable on one of the plush sofas. Her enthusiasm was infectious, even as I noticed Jace slip out to the restroom for the third time, his face notably pale.

"Don't drink too much," I warned Eleanor, watching her reach for another glass. "You'll feel awful tomorrow."

Eleanor nodded in agreement, but her body language told a different story as she gravitated toward Lucas. As I stood up to select a song, I caught sight of her practically collapsing against Lucas's shoulder.

Lucas steadied her with a reflexive motion. Though his expression flickered with annoyance, he didn't push her away.

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers unconsciously touching the delicate chain around my neck. Then, squaring my shoulders, I made my way to center stage. Taking my place at the microphone, I began singing while the jazz band improvised an accompaniment. The vocalist stepped to the side, providing backup harmonies.

The familiar melody of the song flowed through me, but my attention kept drifting to the scene I'd left behind. Each note carried the weight of emotions I was trying to process - frustration, uncertainty, and something else I wasn't quite ready to name.

As I sang, time seemed to slow down. The dim lights of the VIP room faded away, and I lost myself in the lyrics of "Unfaithful." I barely registered the others' presence until the final note faded, and sudden applause jolted me back to reality.

"You should've been a singer!" Eleanor's excited voice cut through my daze. "You're even better than me!"

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, unused to being the center of attention in this group. Drew's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he glanced between Lucas and me. "Nice singing, Serena, but those lyrics... are you trying to say something?"

"What are you talking about?!" Eleanor straightened up from where she'd been leaning against Lucas, her voice sharp despite her drunken state. "It's just a song! You don't think Lucas is the third wheel, do you?"

The irony of her defense made my chest tighten. I watched as Lucas remained silent, his usual composed expression softened by alcohol, a slight flush coloring his cheeks. He looked more approachable than ever, and that somehow made everything harder.

Singing with people I barely knew suddenly felt suffocating. This would probably be the last time I'd be here with them, I realized. The thought brought a strange mix of sadness and resolution.

The night wore on, with Eleanor and Drew taking turns at increasingly enthusiastic performances. I stayed in my corner, watching Lucas's profile in the shifting lights. The slight flush on his face deepened as the evening progressed, his usually sharp eyes taking on a dreamy quality I'd never seen before.

"Let me take you home," Lucas said finally, his voice carrying a gentleness that alcohol had unleashed.

I took a deep breath. It was now or never. "Lucas, I need to talk to you."