Chapter 32
"Really?" Chloe lounged back in the plush leather chair like a lazy cat. "I've always wondered what went down between you and Lucas at that summer camp. Lucas isn't exactly the type to be easily seduced."
When Lucas was with her, he was protective and caring. Chloe could feel his love. But after that summer camp, Lucas had completely changed. The love was gone and replaced by hatred.
Linda's face flushed slightly as she seemed to recall something from years ago.
Chloe, sensing she was onto something, shrugged. "Never mind, I'm not interested in your dirty laundry."
"It's not what you think," Linda hurried to explain.
But Chloe had lost her patience and stood up. "Linda, don't mess with me, or I might just revert to who I was three years ago. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to do my makeup."
Chloe had to get ready to anchor the noon news. As Linda watched Chloe disappear from sight, her expression turned icy.
'Chloe, I will take everything from you. Your husband, your job, your family. I will leave you with nothing. You will be deserted by everyone, disgraced. I'm waiting for that day. Then you'll understand why I did all this.'
Later that night, Linda returned to her suite at the Eldridge Hotel. Lucas was already there.
Linda walked over, pleasantly surprised. "Weren't you supposed to go back home today?" Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
Lucas wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his hand resting on her abdomen. "I missed you and the baby."
A shy blush crept across Linda's face. "With you saying that, it doesn't matter where you are. I'm happy."
Lucas pulled her into a tight embrace. "Linda, I'm sorry for putting you through all this."
Linda's voice was soft and gentle. "As long as your heart is with me, I don't feel any hardship. Luca, we'll be a happy family of three once the baby is born."
Lucas nodded. "Don't worry, I'll sort things out with Chloe soon. I'll make sure you and the baby have a proper place in my life."
At the mention of Chloe, Lucas' face darkened. "Today was your first day at the TV station. Did Chloe give you a hard time?"
Linda's eyes flickered. "No... She blames me for taking you away, and she's always been like that."
"I knew it. She bullied you, didn't she? I'm going to sort this out right now."
Lucas started to walk away, but Linda grabbed his arm, her voice gentle yet firm. "Don't. When I'm with you, this little bit of grief means nothing. You going back now will only make things worse, and your parents will dislike me even more. I can handle this."
Thinking of his parents' attitude towards Linda, Lucas stopped. He pulled her close again. "If you're ever mistreated, you must tell me. I won't let Chloe keep bullying you. And remember, I was never hers. You didn't take me from her; Chloe never deserved me."
Linda leaned against Lucas' chest, a determined glint in her eyes. Then she spoke softly again. "Luca, have you met Connor? Do you know him?"