Ch. 2621..2630

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2621-Claudia held her head in anguish, and sank to the ground.

Lucas stepped forward and held her. "It's all over now. All the kidnappers have been caught."

"Is it? Can it really be over? How can my life go back to what it was before?"

Claudia forced a bleak smile, while Lucas remained silent.

Claudia pushed him away gently. "You better stay away from me. Just like Thalia said, I'm cursed, and anyone who gets too close to me ends up getting hurt."

Lucas held onto her arm. "Calm down. Your sister is emotionally unstable. Why would you believe what she said? Do you really take to heart everything she

said? It was all said in anger. There's no need to take it seriously."

Claudia seemed dazed. It was unclear whether she had taken in Lucas' words.

Seeing this, Beatrice could not bear it anymore and pulled both teenagers up.

"Lucas, she's probably not going to listen to whatever you tell her now. How about we go back first, and then find a psychologist for her? It might be more effective to have a professional talk to her than saying these things."

Lucas kept frowning but eventually nodded. Although it seemed like the matter had come to an end, Beatrice could not help but sigh as she watched the dazed expression on Claudia's face and Lucas' constan concern. There was likely more to it than met the eye.

Both teenagers were immediately taken to the hospital. Despite appearing uninjured, having been in the hands of those kidnappers was undoubtedly traumatizing.

Meanwhile, Jimmy was unusually excited. The rescue had gone exceptionally well. He had expected Stan to put up more of a fight, but everything had fallen into place perfectly.

Although Henry's injuries were not light, they were better than expected. Originally, they had anticipated that all three of them would be injured, but from the looks of it, Claudia and Lucas seemed to be in relatively good condition. They sincerely hoped that nothing serious would happen to Henry as he was the sole provider of the family.

Upon arrival at the hospital, it was discovered that both Lucas and Claudia bore signs of being beaten, though Claudia's injuries were milder. Her more serious issue was psychological trauma. "Grandma, I won't be going back tonight. I'll stay with my classmate for now," Lucas said, watching Claudia being handled by the doctor with some concern. Naturally, his grandparents had no objections.

"Just make sure to take care of yourself. The doctor just gave you an antibiotic injection. Don't hesitate to call for help if you develop a fever tonight, understood?" Beatrice reminded him.

Lucas nodded. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself."

His chest bore signs of being beaten, with some inflammation, so the doctor administered an antibiotic injection. He would be in the clear if he did not develop a fever that night. He was still young, so he would likely recover quickly, so they did not take it too seriously.

As for the elderly couple, they had intended to take Claudia back with them.

However, since their grandson insisted on staying, they had no choice but to let him accompany.

her. After all, the hospital was their family's business, so thy were hot worried about him not being taken care of if he fell ill at night.

They were well aware that Claudia's father had sacrificed himself to save the two teenagers by luring the other kidnappers away. Without him, perhaps both Claudia and Lucas would not have survived. Beatrice and Cedric were grateful for this; they understood the importance of his sacrifice.

Meanwhile, they had also arranged for someone to keep an eye on Henry, and they had selected the best doctors) foRhim, even borrowing a surgeon from a neighboring city and arranging for a plane to bring them over, just to ensure he arrived in time.

After a day of worry and stress, the two elderly people did not linger any longer and went home to rest.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2623-"The hospital isn't just for the two of you, so mind your manners," said one of the nurses.

Claudia immediately apologized to the nurse and tried to shield Thalia, but to her surprise, Thalia fiercely pushed her aside and ran out.

On the hospital rooftop, Thalia burst into tears. "Oh God, why do you do this to me? Why give me a sister I don't like? I don't need her! Can't you take her away? If you can, just let me be an only child!" With her cry, a sudden thunderclap echoed through the sky. Rain poured down on her, but she did not flinch. In her mind, Thalia had made a decision.

She would take matters into her own hands if God could not hear her heart's desire and give her the outcome she wanted. After all, her fate was in her own hands. With a lifetime ahead of her, she refused to live in anyone else's shadow.

Lucas never would give her a second glance as long as Claudia was around.

She knew the answer, and she was determined to change the outcome with her own strength.

Claudia took a couple steps forward, but she could not shake off her concern for her father, so she stopped. Holding her forehead in anguish, she said to Lucas, "Thank you, Lucas… But no matter what, this is a matter between my sister and me. Your involvement will only make things more complicated."

Lucas replied in a subdued tone, "You indulged in your sister too much. Even though it's not your fault, she blames everything on you. Don't you think that's unfair to you?"

Claudia fell silent. Of course she realized it was unfair, but ultimately, this was a matter between sisters.

"She's my sister…" Claudia murmured.

Instead, Thalia had looked at Claudia as if she were an enemy. What sister would look at her older sister like that?

"Forget it. Let's not talk about it anymore. Aren't you tired? Why don't you sit and wait for your father to come out," Lucas suggested.

It was only then Claudia felt all the exhaustion surge through her body. Previously, she had been holding herself together since so many things were happening at the same time. However, as she finally sat on the chair, she realized just how exhausted she was.

She wanted to drift off to sleep right then and there if she could. However, the glaring red light above the emergency room continued to prick at her, reminding her that her father might not come out alive. Claudia was at a loss. She leaned her head against the wall and kept praying to the heavens, begging for her father's safe return.

As Lucas had guessed, after being caught in the rain for a while, Thalia returned on her own, acting as if nothing had happened. She silently sat in a chair two spots away from both of them.

Meanwhile, Claudia had drifted off to sleep without realizing it. Lucas did not want to bother with Thalia, but seeing her so drenched, he could not help but worry that Claudia would be distressed to see her younger sister like that when she woke up.

"You'll get sick like this. Go to the nurse's station and get a clean set of clothes to Change into."

Thalia seemed to come alive again

upon hearing Lucas talking to her; her eyes shone brightly as she looked a him. There was an uncontrollable smile on her face, she knew that.

Lucas cared about her, despite saying some harsh things to her earlier.

She quickly nodded. "Okay, I'll go change into a new set of clothes and come back in a while.

After all, he had immediately shown concern when she got gaughtin the rain. Was that not a sign of interest in her?

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2622-After being examined, Claudia requested to wait outside her father's emergency room. However, upon seeing Thalia sitting in a chair by the door, she hesitated to approach any further. Claudia was not sure if she had the right to be there for her father.

Lucas frowned upon seeing her so hesitant. It was her father after all, so what was she hesitating about? He could not understand why she could not just go in.

With a firm grip, he pulled Claudia toward the door of her father's emergency room. However, Thalia interpreted it as Claudia showing off yet again after observing their interaction. She knew Claudia was manipulative.

'Even in the hospital, she's still showing off her relationship with Lucas!' thought Thalia.

Thalia glared at them as they stood there holding hands, her eyes practically shooting daggers. She wished she could tear Claudia apart right then and there.

"Thalia… I want to wait for Dad to come out with you…" Claudia's confidence evaporated in front of her younger sister. She even mustered a pitiful smile to appease her aloof sibling.

Thalia did not even spare her a glance. She responded indifferently, "Of course, you can. Who am I to tell you no? If you want to come, then come. We're outside Dad's emergency room, so can't you show some self-respect? Stop fooling around with other boys, or have you forgotten what he said?"

Claudia recoiled like a frightened bird. She immediately withdrew her hand, but upon seeing Lucas' puzzled expression, she forced an apologetic smile. "I know.

I've never dated anyone. I'm very aware of what my top priority is right now."

She was almost ready to swear to her sister.

Lucas could tell her emotions were off, so he did not press further. Instead, he directed his gaze toward Thalia, the instigator of the tension. She seemed familiar to him, but he could not recall if he had met her before.

After a moment, he said coolly, "Your father is hospitalized, and you and your sister should be supporting each other. Why are you being so harsh to her?"

As soon as Lucas finished speaking, Claudia immediately grabbed his hand, and her eyes pleaded for him to stop. "Please, don't say anything more."

"How am I being harsh to her?"

Thalia could not believe that the boy she had secretly admired for so long would accuse her like this just for Claudia's sake. "Did I say something wrong? All of this is because of her. My father is still lying in there, and I haven't settled the score with her or with you, and yet you turn around and blame me!"

Lucas lowered his head sincerely. "I know all of this is because of me.

You can blame me, but you shouldn't take it out on yourlsister. she's inrodent." "Innocent? My dad's innocent too, yet she's the reason he.

ended up like this!" Thalia was almost shouting, and Claudia looked up at her with distress.

'Does she hate me to this extent?' thought Claudia.

However, the more pitiful Claudia looked, the more Thalia hated her.

Claudia could easily evoke sympathy and forgiveness with her pretty face and pitiful expressions HoweVef, Thalia was different. Even then, as she faced the possibility of losing her father and lashed out at her sister, it seemed unreasonable to Lucas.

With other patients in the hospital, Thalia's outburst quickly caught the attentionloPthe furses. The contenti is on

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2624-Lucas was not really that concerned, but he did feel that the shift in Thalia's mood was too sudden. Nonetheless, he was fine as long as she was willing to listen to him.

When Thalia returned, she sat beside Lucas.

Lucas subconsciously frowned. He was not used to sitting so close to strangers, but with Claudia's head leaning on his shoulder as she slept, he could not move away. He had no choice but to endure the discomfort.

Thalia noticed all his subtle movements and could not help but smile faintly; she knew Lucas' earlier words were hints. He even straightened his shoulders when she sat next to him.

'Is it really necessary to posture himself in front of me?' thought Thalia.

However, the day's events were indeed too chaotic. Confirming Lucas' intentions toward her was the only happy thing that happened to Thalia that day.

As time passed by, the red light indicating the emergency room remained lit, making even Lucas uneasy.

Although he was much more mature than his peers, he was still a teenager. It was because of him that Henry ended up in the emergency room.

'I'd probably be the one lying inside the emergency room if I hadn't asked Claudia to come along with me at that time,' thought Lucas with a frown.

He prayed for Henry's safety. However, as time passed, he knew it was almost impossible.

'Please keep…' Thalia nervously bit her thumb. 'Dad, you must come out safely.

We still need you to take care of us!' Thalia kept repeating this sentence in her heart. She wished vehemently that she could exchange Claudia's life for their father's.

Unfortunately, things did not go as she wished.

When the doctor walked out dejectedly, even Lucas sensed that something was wrong.

"Doctor…" Claudia was on the verge of collapse, and it was even Lucas who supported her to go talk to the doctor.

Not to mention Thalia on his left, grabbing his arm. He did not understand what had come over her.

He had only asked her a simple question a moment ago, and she was clinging to him as if they were old friends. She was even pressing herself closer to him.

"Doctor, is my… Is my dad okay? You've been trying to save him for so long, so he should be fine now, right?"

The doctor did not know how to break the news to them, especially when they were so young. When faced with three pairs of imploring eyes, he could only shake his head helplessly.

"I'm very sorry. Your father's injuries were already very severe when he arrived at the hospital. We tried everything we could. We even removed the blood clot in his brain, but unfortunately, he's in critical condition. He might never wake up іна again. He's what we call in a vegetative state."

After the doctor finished speaking, nurses promptly wheeled Henry out.

Claudia and Thalia were still in a daze.

Thalla rushed up to the doctor and grabbed his collar. "Doctor, what did you just say? You must be joking"

right? My dad was perfectly fine when he was brought in. How could you say he won't wake up after all this effort? Did you do your

seriously or are you just of €

competent enough? Get me another doctor. It must be you who's o m responsibig for my dad's condition.

Höw could he not make it? You're lying!"

The doctor empathized with how Thalia was feeling, but he had other surgeries to attend to. The only reason he was there to save Henry was because Beatrice had asked him to.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2625-Lucas gestured for the nurse beside him to take care of Thalia, then left hastily.

Claudia was also in agony. She walked over to Thalia defeatedly, wanting to pull her up, but both ended up collapsing on the ground together.

"Claudia, oh Claudia. Sob! Tell me this is all fake! They must be lying to me.

Everything was fine when we left this morning, and now they're saying Dad is in a vegetative state. They're lying to me, right? Tell me!"

Thalia shook Claudia repeatedly, who could only cry. She could not accept the truth herself, so how could she convince Thalia to accept it?

Although Thalia always acted tough toward her dad, they both knew she loved him deeply. Every little prank she pulled was just to get Henry's attention. She

was just a mischievous child.

'Thalia must be in unbearable pain for having to face the fact that Dad might never wake up,' thought Claudia.

She hung her head in shame, believing more than ever that it was all her fault that Henry was in a vegetative state. She leaned on Thalia's shoulder in anguish, ignoring her resistance. At that moment, Thalia was the only family she had left to rely on.

Lucas remained silent with his fists clenched; he was unsure of how to face this reality. He felt like the outsider, the least qualified to tell them not to be sad.

What could he do?

"I'm really sorry…" His apology was drowned out by the sisters' cries, and no one responded to his apology.

After becoming a vegetative state, there were still so many things to handle.

Since the day her father fell into a coma, Claudia had lost all her smiles.

Lucas had been there every step of the way, accompanying them through all the procedures. He ensured Henry was transferred to the intensive care unit and hired someone to take care of him. He owed them that much, at least.

Every time they visited their father in the hospital, Claudia's face would be awash with endless tears. Thalia, on the other hand, stood beside him with a cold expression. Since that day, she had not spoken a word to her sister.

She had resented, she had hated, and she had gritted her teeth in anger, but in the end, fate cruelly took away their father. It was at that moment she realized that if heaven could not give her what she wanted, she had to take matters into her own hands.

After arranging their father's care, the two sisters became like strangers. Claudia wanted to approach her sister and talk to her but seeing her indifferent expression, she slowly fell behind. Eventually, it became a pattern where Thalia walked ahead and Claudia followed behind.

However, when they reached home, Thalia suddenly seemed to have a change of heart and started to engage with Claudia as if she had a sudden epiphany.

"Are you still taking your depression medication?"

Claudia, seeing her sister willing to engage with her, felt happy and did not know what to say. She "Um, yeah. I'm still taking it.

responded somewhat awkwardly et

doctor said my condition is under control now, and while there aren some other psychblogical issues, they're manageable. Don't worry, I'll definitely get better soon!"

Claudia had been seeing a psychologist since the day theirm father fell into accoma. She understood that the problems she was facing were serious, even

emotions had been very low, and she had even contemplatedleaving this world.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2626-Later, under the doctor's guidance, Claudia gave up on that idea. After all, she still had her younger sister to take care of, even though Thalia was not willing to engage with her. However, she knew that was her own fault.

Thus, Claudia was so surprised when Thalia was willing to talk to her again.

Thalia gave a mysterious smile and replied, "Well, as long as you're taking it.

After what happened to Dad, I don't want to see you falling sick too."

Claudia immediately showed a touched expression. She then stepped forward to grab her sister's hand. "Thalia, it's all my fault for what happened before. I know you've been resenting me all this time… Don't worry. From now on, I'll take good care of Dad. Please don't ignore me anymore, okay?"

Despite feeling disgusted, Thalia did not show it on her face. Instead, she pulled Claudia into an embrace and patted her shoulder.

"Claudia, I'm sorry for what I said before. We're sisters, so how could I blame you? Just make sure you keep taking your medication, or it won't get better."

Claudia nodded repeatedly. "I'll definitely get better. I'll be healthy, and then we can live a good life together."

"That's the spirit."

Out of Claudia's sight, Thalia revealed an incredibly sinister smile. She knew that Claudia was a bit closer to her goal.

More than a month later, Claudia finally returned to school. With such a big change at home, many classmates were concerned about her, but she always smiled faintly and did not want to say too much, showing a noticeable difference from her previous lively and enthusiastic self. However, everyone showed understanding.

It was only in front of Lucas that she would talk a bit more.

"Lucas, thank you for your concern. Now that Dad can't be with us anymore, it's just the two of us sisters relying on each other. To be honest, never thought Thalia would forgive me, after all… Well, let's not dwell on the past. Oh, by the way, Thalia also asked me about you. She wanted me to tell you that the past is behind us. We're all victims, and she doesn't blame you."

"She really forgave you?"

Claudia nodded. "Of course she forgave me. Otherwise, why would she ask me to relay such a message?" Lucas remained noncommittal.

"Alright, I won't waste your time anymore. I'm heading home now. Thalia is also learning to share the household chores with me. You know, I used to handle all three meals on weekends by myself. feel really relieved and glad she's becoming more responsible don't know if it's good or bad, but we can only take life one day at a time. At least the next time we visit Dad in the hospital, we'll be able to smile vet and tell him that we've been doing well during this time."

Lucas felt somewhat reassured after watching her smile and bid himm farewell He thought she was doing better.

Thus, he was understandably shocked when he learned she had ended her life.

Lucas' initial reaction upon hearing this news was disbelief, She hadn seemed tahave come to terms with seemed tochave come to terms with everything, so how could she do it?

However, the truth of the matter was he had received a call from Thalia pleading for help. Lycas.comforted Thalia ovef the phone, still unable to believe it. He had wanted to go see for himself, but Thalia persuaded him otherwise.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2627-Thalia said the situation at home was too dire at that moment, and she did not want to involve him anymore.

Lucas seemed to have no reason to intervene further. After all, it was her family's private matter. When he returned home, he even mentioned the news to his grandparents, who also could not believe it. "She doesn't seem like the kind of girl who'd make such impulsive decisions," they said.

Lucas sighed. "Perhaps the impact of the past events, especially after her father fell into a coma, has been too great on her. It's all my fault for dragging her into this mess…"

The Riveras knew deep down that since the moment Henry fell into a coma, the fate of the two Garcia girls had become their responsibility. They could not just stand idly by when it came to Claudia's affairs. "Ask Thalia if she needs any help when the right timing comes along," his grandparents advised.

Lucas naturally agreed; it was only right for him to take up the responsibility of handling Claudia's affairs.

What was most tragic and ironic was that Henry woke up from his coma shortly after Claudia's affairs were settled. The hospital called to inform them. Since Lucas was responsible for taking care of Henry, he was also notified immediately.

Lucas and Thalia arrived at the hospital almost at the same time. Henry chatted with Thalia for a while and asked why Claudia had not come. Thalia and Lucas exchanged glances, both unsure of where to begin.

Henry sensed something was wrong and, despite his weakness, pressed for answers. Under her father's persistent questioning, Thalia tearfully revealed the truth about Claudia's suicide.

Upon hearing the news, Henry became extremely agitated and nearly passed out again. With the doctor's intervention, he regained some consciousness.

Using his last strength, he entrusted his youngest daughter to Lucas, making him promise to take good care of her and ensure her mental well-being.

Lucas, already burdened with guilt, nodded without hesitation. Unexpectedly, after saying those words, Henry seemed to let go of all worries, and closed his eyes forever to join his eldest daughter.

That day, Thalia cried her heart out. Lucas, consumed by guilt, stayed by her side. In the end, he arranged for her to be taken home while he handled Henry's affairs. However, he did not expect Thalia to ask him to help with her transfer procedures right after that, saying she wanted to go to Molomia.

"Why choose somewhere so far away? There are plenty of top universities in the country."

Lucas was puzzled, but Thalia's voice sounded particularly desolate over the phone.

"I want to leave this city. There are too many painful memories here. Every time I think about it, I feel so much pain. I just can't stay here anymore."

Lucas remained silent for a long time. "If you want to go to Molomia, I'll help you make it happen. I'm just worried if this is an impulsive decision…"

"What else do I have to be impulsive about? My sister is gone, my dad is gone.

Lucas, just let me have this one thing. I don't want to stay in this place anymore."

Since Thalia said so, Lucas naturally had no reason to refuse. Within a week, he arranged everything for her, and Thalia flew to Molomia for her studies not long after.

At first, out of responsibility, Lucas occasionally flew over to visit her especially since shewas unfamiliar with the place. That was how Thalia and Lucas kept in touch over the years.

Listening to Quinn recounting their past, Lucas remembered that Thalia and Claudia did not ave a good"

relationship before Claudia's death.

Surprisingly, Thalia often reminisced about Claudia after her death.

"So you're saying that Claudia's death wasn't a suicide, but Thalia manipulated things oake illook like one? That it was Thalia who killed her own sister?" Lucas ooked incredulously at Quinn.

Quinn had never seen such a shocked expression on the face of the usually composed company president, indicating just how stunned he was.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2628-Quinn nodded heavily. "I know I haven't gathered enough evidence yet, but I've lived with her for so many years. She's bound to slip up sooner or later."

Lucas felt the whole thing was absurd. To think Thalia killed her sister for her ridiculous idea of love! It was not until Quinn laid everything out in front of him that all those strange details from the past flooded back into his mind.

"That's why I had to tell you that Thalia is a very dangerous woman. She must be the mastermind behind Melody's kidnapping. I even suspect she had something to do with your grandmother falling down the stairs!"

Lucas closed his eyes and, after a moment, responded hoarsely, "Call me immediately if Thalia comes back here."

Quinn nodded. She had chosen to take Lucas' side since the moment she decided to lay everything bare. After all, even a fool knew they would be better off choosing Lucas over Thalia.

Having arranged everything, Lucas hastily left the house. He quickly got into his car and headed back to the hospital. He could not shake off his worries about Melody.

Lucas was certain Thalia would come back to take revenge against Melody if she was truly as ruthless as Quinn described. He did not understand what he had done to make Thalia so obsessively in love with him. He could not even recall any significant interaction between them. Unknowingly, he had befriended a murderer!

Lucas could not forgive himself.

Upon arriving at the hospital, before even entering Melody's room, he received some good news-his grandmother had woken up. He changed direction and felt instantly relieved when he saw two guards still standing at the door of the ward.

The most important thing at that moment was to find evidence against Thalia for her crimes. He needed to bring her to court and make her face the consequences.

His grandmother was very weak, but upon seeing Lucas rushing over, she even managed a faint smile, signaling for him not to worry about her.

Even Cedric, who was always emotionally reserved, could not help but turn redeyed. He held onto his wife's hands tightly, as if afraid that letting go would mean losing her forever.

"There you are, Lucas."

"Grandma… Grandma!" Lucas knelt beside Beatrice's bed.

Beatrice gently patted Lucas's head. "Come now, you're a grown man now. You shouldn't be acting like this. I'm fine. I know you've been through a lot lately.

How's Melody? I heard she had a little accident."

Since Beatrice had just woken up, Cedric did not dare to tell her everything, only mentioning that Melody had a minor accident.

Lucas naturally understood his grandfather's concern, so he smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's nothing serious.

Grandma, I wanted to ask you something about the day you fell down the stairs.

Was it?"

"You've already guessed it, haven't you?"

Lucas nodded "I've learned some very frightening thingstoday.cOl Unfortugately I Misjudged someone.

I've been friends with a wolf in

sheep's clothing all these years.

Grandma, rest assured, y wont let !

this matter go easily. ill make sure shé pays for her crimes!"

It seemed there were other reasons, given how angry Lucas was. Beatrice wanted to ask about it, but sne had just woken yp and was loo weak. she felt tired after speaking for just a few minutes. Lucas noticed this and immediately got up to leave, leaving only his grandfather to keep his grandmother company.

"Grandpa, please take care of Grandma. I'll handle the rest."

Cedric nodded and waved to signal Lucas to leave with peace of mind.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2629-Lucas paused at the door of Melody's room before twisting the handle and pushing it open.

To his surprise, he found Thalia inside.

Thalia, upon seeing his stern expression, smirked. "What's the matter? It's only been a while since we last saw each other, and you don't recognize me anymore?"

Lucas' face turned livid, and he glared fiercely at the guards by the door.

"Now, now. You shouldn't blame them. They won't dare to stop me from coming in as long as I insist I'm your friend. You're the careless one. You'd rather listen to your grandmother talking than come back to your beloved wife's side. Seems

like you're not that concerned about her after all. Just like how you used to like my sister, but then eventually forgot about her!"

Lucas' pupils dilated slightly. He had not even started questioning her, yet Thalia had already admitted to everything.

"So you really did kill Claudia!"

Thalia chuckled. "Me? Kill my sister? You must be joking. I just gave her the medicine she usually takes. The pills were hers, and she took them herself. Isn't that right?"

Lucas, enraged to the point of laughter, retorted, "She was your sister! Aren't you afraid she'd come back and haunt you? How can you be so calm after doing so many wicked things? Don't you have any conscience at all?"

Ret Thalia's face darkened. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she stood up, covered her ears, and screamed, What do you know? Nothing! Do you know how much I've suffered all these years? It's all because of you! Do you think wanted to do all those things? It's all because you've never spared me a glance when my sister was around. It was only after she was gone did you bothered to smile at me. Just what am I to you, Lucas?"

"What are you to me? If it weren't for your sister, why would I even bother with you? You caused your sister's death, yet you dare to shift all the blame onto us,"

Lucas retorted sharply.

Thalia looked bewildered. "Don't you remember? It was you who approached me back then… And you gave me this handkerchief. I've kept it close to me all this time! Look!"

Thalia frantically pulled out the handkerchief, but Lucas had long forgotten.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I have no recollection of ever meeting you alone, and I don't understand why you insist on pursuing me. To me, your so-called love is just a heavy burden weighing on me. I don't like you, and never like a woman like you!"

Lucas's words were like the final straw that broke the camel's backy leaving Thalia on the verge of colapse. She trembled as she sat back heavily in the chair.

"You don't remember… You rescued me from the deepest despair. Yoy were like a beaçon of light in my life, bat now you're saying you don't remember? You don't even remember your handkerchief?"

Lucas maintained a cold expression, reminiscent of the one he had when he first approached her. After all these years, he still held himself aloof.

Thalia had used every trick in the

book to get closer to him, only for him to claim he did not remember.

Then what had she been doing for the past 20 years? In the end, all she had become was a joke.

 

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2630-"If I were you, I'd choose to stop here, turn myself in, and repent for my crimes!"

Lucas said indifferently, but secretly, his palms were sweating.

He had to appear nonchalant to divert Thalia's attention away from Melody. He feared that she might act out and hurt Melody.

"Hahaha… Lucas, don't you think it's too late to say such things now? Repent?

What's the use of repenting now?"

Lucas frowned and asked her if she was not afraid of Claudia coming back to haunt her in her dreams.

"What is there to be afraid of? If I were afraid, I wouldn't have done it in the first place! I've steeled myself that things would change since the moment I chose to

overdose Claudia's food with sleeping pills," replied Thalia.

'Claudia, oh Claudia. Don't hate me. You took so much from me, and I just gave you a little punishment. As for Lucas, I'll take good care of him on your behalf.

You can just rest in peace,' thought Thalia. Lucas showed a look of disgust. "Do you really think people liked your sister just because of her face? The qualities she possessed are something you'll never have in your lifetime. You'll never be like her!" Lucas' words delivered the final blow, completely shattering Thalia's beliefs. She became overwhelmed with sorrow. "Why are you treating me like this? Why?"

Lucas, neither understanding nor caring about Thalia's pain, simply advised her to stop. "You've committed too many crimes. There will be consequences."

"Consequences?" Thalia sneered. "The only wrong thing I did in my life was falling in love with you. If it weren't for you, I'd be living a happy life now… Huh, you ruined my life, so I'm going to ruin yours too!" Before Lucas could react, Thalia suddenly attacked Melody-who was lying on the bed with a knife hidden in her hand.

Lucas' pupils dilated. He lunged toward the bed, ignoring the gleaming blade.

"You're even willing to risk your life for this "Youoman, huh? Fine. I'll make sure you two can never be together for the rest of your lives. I want you two to live in eternal agony!

Thalia's smile turned sinister, fueled by her growing resentment as Lucas continued to risk himself.

Why? What made Melody so great that Lucas would be willing to risk his life for her?

'It was Claudia before, and now it's Melody, while I had never truly been a part of his world,' thought Thalia.

A clear, melodious voice rang out, causing Thalia to look in disbelief at the woman lying an thebed. How could shè be awake? She even grabbed Thalia's wrist, rendering her unable to move.

Thalia turned back to look at Lucas incredulously. When she snuck into the hospital, Melody was dearly Stil upconsdibus in her bed. Thalia had even said many harsh words to her and held a knife to her neck. She did not even flinch.

'How could she be awake now? Was Lucas pretending all along? Was this alljust a trap to catch me?" thought Thalia.

Seeing Melody unharmed, Lucas finally sighed in relief. At least one worry was lifted from his shoulders.