Hearts Laughing in Sweet Love

He squeezed tighter, her face contorted in pain as she let out a sharp cry, tears streaming.

Lucas let go, stepped back, and sized her up again, his gaze turning frosty.

It was clear—she looked nothing like Emma when crying.

He made his way toward the hotel, his companion limping after him, gritting her teeth.

"Leave," Lucas murmured, his voice a cold whisper.

Petrified, the woman clammed up and froze, not daring to step closer.

I had just met my boyfriend, Michael Andrews's parents.

They were the sweetest couple and really clicked with my family and career.

Mrs. Andrews gifted me a bracelet.

They planned to visit my home next month.

I was tying the knot.

Michael dropped me off, wrapping me in his usual embrace, planting a kiss on my cheek.

For the first time, I tiptoed and reciprocated.

Michael looked taken aback but quickly pulled me in for a deeper kiss.

"Emma..." Michael murmured, hugging me even tighter.

"You've got work tomorrow. It's getting late. Better head home."

He reluctantly released my hand， "Catch you tomorrow."

"Sure."

I watched him drive off, a gleam of joy in my eyes.

My smile stiffened as I turned and headed upstairs.

Suddenly, I was blinded by harsh headlights.

Instinctively, I threw up my hand to block the glare.

But then the car door swung open, and there was Lucas.

Despite the eight years, I recognized him instantly.

In that instant, a chill ran through me.

I felt choked, unable to breathe, as if a hand were wrapped around my throat.

My eyes ached, swollen with unshed tears.

I was rooted to the spot for two solid minutes before snapping back to reality.

"Emma."

As I walked past, I avoided looking at him.

But Lucas just leaned casually against the car, calling out as if no time had passed.

"I'm back."

He extended his hand, his demeanor easy, smile barely there.

Like he'd only been gone a couple of days, not years.

I eyed his clean, long, and ringless fingers.

Maybe he took them off for this.

But why should I care?

Slowly, I looked up, meeting his eyes with a steady gaze, "Was there something you wanted?"

"Emma, who was that guy just now?"

"My boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

Lucas cracked a smile, stepping in to gently cup my chin.

"And what does that make me, Emma?"

"Lucas, cut the crap."

I coolly brushed his hand aside, "I'm heading home."

Lucas chuckled, eyeing me like I was easy prey.

Nearly a decade ago, a few sweet words from Lucas were all it took to sweep me off my feet.

Now, he acted like he owned the world, manipulating my fate as if it was nothing.

"I'll walk you home then."

He closed the distance, slipping his arm around me, and rested his chin on my shoulder, "Is Emma the Sweetie upset?"

It felt just like those high school days.

Lucas loved to hold me like this, sweet-talking me into listening.

He was a big man on campus, always the center of attention.

Plenty of pretty girls threw themselves at him.