chapter517

Lucinda didn't feel as desperate as she once had. Now, she just wanted to give herself one more shot. Marriage, for a woman, was like getting a second life, and she wanted to make a good choice. She had already made up her mind. If Mikey wasn't interested, then that was that. Her parents had always promised to treat her like their own daughter, so there was no need to rush into anything. As long as she still had the Norwood name, finding a good match shouldn't be a problem.

Not long after, Mr. Jefferson's call came in. Mr. Norwood picked up right away, trying to sound upbeat. "Samuel, so what did Mikey say?"

There was a pause on the other end, then Grandpa Samuel's voice came through, gentle and apologetic. "Wayne, I'm sorry. Mikey... well, he doesn't think of Lucinda

that way."

Mr. Norwood froze. "Oh..."

Samuel went on, "He's swamped with work lately, barely has time for anything else. All he thinks about is his career. He said he just isn't in the right place for a relationship right now. Lucinda is a wonderful girl, so please don't take it the wrong way. Tell her not to be sad. She really is a good kid, and I'm sure she'll find someone who's just right for her."

With Samuel making things so clear, Mr. Norwood couldn't keep pushing. He just nodded. After a few polite words, they hung up.

The living room went completely quiet. No one spoke first. Cameron, Blake, and Kylie didn't seem surprised by the outcome.

Lucinda felt a flush creeping up her cheeks. Her chest felt tight. She never really liked Mikey, but being rejected still stung. She wondered, if she were a real Norwood by blood, Would Mikey have turned her down so easily? Would Grandpa Samuel have still spoken up for her, like he used to?

Grace just stood there, stunned. Her mind was blank. Mikey had really rejected her daughter? Lucinda was such a catch, and he still said no? No wonder he wore glasses every day. He must be blind.

Her anger quickly turned to worry, frustration, and a knot of dread. If Lucinda couldn't marry someone from the Jefferson family, all her years of careful planning would be for nothing. at couldn't be

allowed if things really went wrong, Night Eagle wouldn't let her off easy. But Connor was already completely smitten with Lydia, and Mikey was not interested. What was she supposed to do now?

Mr. Norwood cleared his throat and tried to smooth things over. "Lucinda, don't be upset. You know how those Jefferson boys are. Work always comes first for them. Mikey's career is taking off, so he really doesn't have time for romance."

Kylie tried to cheer her up too. That's right, Lucinda. You're amazing. You'll definitely meet someone special.

Cameron jumped in as well. School's starting soon. Capital College is full of great guys. Maybe you'll meet someone you really like there."

Grace was fuming inside. How many boys at Capital College could even compare to the Jeffersons? The Norwoods were clearly just looking to marry Lucinda off to anyone. It was outrageous.

Lucinda took a deep breath and forced a small smile. "Dad, Mom, I'm okay You're right. I'm only eighteen I'm still young and I'll meet the right person eventually. For now, I want to focus on my studies and not worry about relationships."