#Chapter 58: Lies and Secrets

As Lucas repeated his assurance that James and I would always be his best friends, frustration bubbled within me, taking over my train of thought.

I couldn't bear to hear him say those similar words again—

it was as if he was using them as a shield, a way to justify his actions without considering how they affected us.

"Stop saying that," I blurted the words out, unable to hold back my emotions any longer.

Lucas looked taken aback by my outburst, a frown crossing his face.

"Shana, what's wrong now?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I'm just—"

"No, Lucas." I stopped him from saying anything else.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

"It's just... It's not fair, Lucas," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "You're willing to trade your own lifetime happiness for status and money... I can't understand that."

Lucas sighed, "Shana, it's not that simple. It's not like I want things to be this way," he said, his eyes pleading for my understanding. "My father is...