Chapter 74

"You always think you know what's best for me, but that's not true. I can handle my own problems. I don't need you for my problems", Alice retorted, her voice laced with defiance.

Lucas clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin. "Handle it on your own? Look where that got you today. They slapped you, Alice!"

"I didn't ask for your interference! I don't need you to fight my battles! When you had to worry about me, you did not, now it is pointless" Alice shot back, her words fueled by a mix of anger and hurt.

Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Maybe you should have thought about that before lying to me and dragging another man into our relationship."

Alice was at a loss for words, her eyes reflecting a mix of defiance and frustration. "Stop dragging James into this, Lucas. He's my friend, and he was there for me," she asserted.

Lucas's eyes darkened with suspicion. "So you're admitting he's more important than me? Is that why you tell him everything and lie to me?"

"Damn, you... Fuck you" She wa