Chapter Forty Six

She knocked softly, but there was no response. Gently pushing the door ajar, she found Lucas sat on his bed, his back turned to her. Clearing her throat, she summoned the courage to speak.

"I apologize for cancelling on you to dine with Ethan," Emma began, her voice overflowing with regret. When Lucas continued to remain silent, she pressed on, her words spilling out in a rush. "I was afraid I could lose my job if I didn't go."

Lucas let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his emotions. "This is why I have refrained from pursuing romantic relationships, Emma," he admitted.

Lucas released a soft exhale as he rose from the bed, standing in the center of the expansive bedroom, his gaze fixed on Emma as she approached him with gentleness. "Emma, I love you wholeheartedly. I don't want any games between us."

"I'm not playing games with you, Lucas. I love you too," Emma protested, her heart aching at the pain evident in his voice. "I made a mistake, and I'm sorry. I