Boat Against the Current

“Wow, what a sweet couple!”

“Looks like they’ll be getting married soon. Hahaha, I’ll finally get a daughter-in-law!”

Her stepfather’s voice behind her woke Lucille from her daze. She quickly took a few more pictures of the highlight of the night.

River and Sophia soon parted. Sophia waved toward the third floor with a bashful smile. “Thanks for everything, Lucy! Let’s stop here!”

Lucille heaved a sigh of relief and brought her equipment downstairs, returning to her parents’ side.

Victoria was holding Sophia’s hand and smiling at her. “Dan and I encountered some delays along the way and ended up a little late. I hope you don’t mind, Sophia.”

“Of course I don’t! You came right on time. We haven’t distributed the cake yet.”

Dan patted his son’s shoulder with a proud smile. “I’m glad you found the love of your life, River. Since you gave Sophia that necklace, isn’t it time you invited her family over? We should start discussing your wedding.”

Sophia turned bright red, looking at River with love overflowing in her eyes. She then looked at Lucille. “I’m okay with anything, but I don’t have many friends here. I may ask Lucy to be my bridesmaid.”

Lucille was busy rubbing her sore hands, so she did not hear what Sophia said. It was only after Victoria nudged her and repeated the request that she understood.

She raised her head, her expression still calm and even. “Sorry, I may be busy from now on. I won’t be able to attend the wedding, but I wish you and my brother all the best. Welcome to the family, Sophia.”

Sophia, Victoria, and Dan’s smiles widened. On the other hand, River gave Lucille a dark look, his smile slowly fading.

Having completed her long and painful commission, Lucille went straight to her bathroom as soon as she got home. After washing up, she dragged her weary body to her bedroom.

The moment she opened her door, before she could even go in, a powerful pair of arms pinned her against the corridor wall. River rained kisses down her neck, still wet from the shower, leaving a trail of red marks in his wake.

His sudden assault almost caused Lucille to scream. She pressed her tongue to her throat, swallowing her cry as she tried to dodge his kisses.

The more she tried to evade him, however, the harder he kissed her. In the end, he even grabbed her chin.

She struggled desperately, the terror in her eyes deepening with the footsteps coming up the stairs. “You’re crazy!”

River scoffed, his eyes bloodshot as he whispered into her ear. “Yeah, I’m crazy. Go on, why don’t you scream? Show everyone our relationship. Show them how you melt under your stepbrother’s kisses.”

The footsteps stopped and then headed back down the stairs. Lucille’s heart finally settled back in her chest.

She used all her strength to push away his arm pinning her to the wall and ducked away from him, her voice still trembling with fear. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

River followed her with his dark gaze. “I should be asking you that. ‘Welcome to the family?’ What the hell was up with that?”

Lucille paused. She did not get it. He only approached her to get revenge, so why was he bothered by something so trivial?

“What’s wrong with me saying that? You two are getting married, aren’t you? You even kissed in front of me!”

“Lucille Shaw! I told you, we’re just acting! I only kissed Sophia because I saw our parents!” He seemed to be actually angry now, his tone brash and harsh.

Lucille could not tell if he was just pretending. Even so, she instinctively believed he was still acting, so she nodded. “Yes, I know. You’re an amazing actor!”

So when was this show going to end? He had already broken her heart. Wasn’t that enough?

Lucille did not say the rest out loud. She just blinked, the tears she had been holding back spilling forth.

She was too tired to continue this charade with him anymore. Why wouldn’t he let her go?