chapter1136

Lucinda's chest tightened the moment Kylie spoke. Caspian again. Always Caspian. It was obvious they just wanted her tied to him, so she wouldn't get in the way of Lydia and Connor.

She shuffled over to the couch, head down, her eyes glistening with hurt as she faced her parents. "Dad, Mom, I broke up with him. I'm sorry. I know this isn't what you wanted."

Kylie's mug hit the coffee table with a sharp clink, water splashing onto the spotless tablecloth. You broke up? Lucinda, what happened? Did you and Caspian have a fight?" She set her mug aside, worry etched all over her face.

Cameron looked just as shocked. Caspian had always seemed so thoughtful and considerate since they started dating. How could things fall apart so quickly?

Yeah, Lucinda, what happened between you two?" he asked.

Lucinda twisted the hem of her shirt, fingers pale from the grip, her voice shaking just a little. Mom, he's nice to me. He's always giving me expensive gifts, taking me to fancy restaurants. But he never actually listens to me. He doesn't care what I want. Every time we're together, he just decides things for me. He's too controlling, too possessive. Being with him feels suffocating."

Cameron frowned, taking a slow sip of coffee, staying silent, clearly not buying her explanation.

Kylie thought for a moment. She'd always seen Caspian go out of his way to put Lucinda first, always afraid to upset her. She folded her hands in her lap, speaking gently. Lucinda couples argue sometimes Boys can be a little clueless about how girls feel. That doesn't mean he doesn't respect you. Relationships take time and patience."

Cameron chimed in, Lucinda, I've been around a long time and I know Caspian has

a lot of potential. He does everything for you. Anyone can see how much he cares. Are you really sure about this?"

They were only saying this because they didn't want her to regret it later. If she was firm, they wouldn't push her anymore. But to Lucinda, their attitude made it clear they were just scared she'd break up with Caspian and go after Connor, messing up Lydia and Connor's relationship.

She took a slow breath, steadying herself, and met their eyes. "Dad, Mom, I know you want what's best for me, and I appreciate it. But if a relationship is missing respect and understanding, no amount of money or gifts can make up for that kind of emptiness."

She paused, her eyes shining with unshed tears, her voice growing stronger. don't want to live under someone's control every day, losing who lam. It's like a bird longing for the open sky. You can lock it in a beautiful cage and give it everything it needs, but it will never feel the joy of flying. That's not the kind of life I want."

Kylie and Cameron fell silent, unsure what to say. Lucinda pressed on. "I've really thought this through. This isn't a rash decision.

The living room grew quiet, the ticking of the clock suddenly so loud. Then, the soft sound of wheels rolling caught everyone's attention. A maid was pushing Mr. Norwood into the room.

Seeing Lucinda's tearful eyes and how upset she looked, he immediately asked, "Lucinda, what's going on? Tell me what happened."