Chapter 3

It was just one of those instances. Over the next six months, I went through bouts of crying and raging.

After all, Lucas had once been smitten with Claire. She was the long-held love of his past, and their frequent meet-ups and interactions were a constant reminder.

There was always the nagging fear that their old flame might flare up again.

Each time I voiced my concerns, Lucas would roll his eyes in irritation. Instead of reassuring me, he'd fire back, questioning my lack of faith in him.

When my outbursts got too intense, he'd jab a finger at me and scold, "She's my late brother's wife. With my brother gone, I can't just turn my back on her. Emily, can't you be a bit more broad-minded?"

But was I really being narrow-minded?

That toddler, barely able to string words together, would excitedly shout "Daddy" at the sight of Lucas.

He'd tug at Lucas' and Claire's hands, creating an idyllic picture of a family.

Meanwhile, I stood there, feeling like an intruder in my own life.

Everyone around me was quick to preach about forgiveness and understanding.

Claire had endured so much, losing her parents at a young age and then her husband. Left with only her child, she was seen as the poor, helpless widow.

They said I should bite my tongue and bear it, all because she was a victim of fate.

So, whenever she needed Lucas, I was expected to step aside without a word.

The child carried the Summers name, sharing blood with my husband.

As the brother of her deceased husband, Lucas felt a deep-seated obligation to care for this widow and her son.

And I was supposed to be right there with him, shouldering this responsibility for the rest of our lives.

But where was the fairness in that? I had no debt to Claire.

*****

Lucas had rushed to the hospital. Earlier, I'd received a text from Claire.

She was all in a tizzy, saying her darling son had spiked a high fever out of the blue and she was at her wits' end. So, she'd had to ask Lucas for a hand.

And of course, she tacked on a line telling me not to get the wrong idea, reminding me Benji was Lucas' nephew and he was just helping out his brother.

I stared at the message, a bitter laugh tugging at my lips as tears welled up.

Busy? Give me a break.

Lucas' mom had moved in with Claire to look after the boy, and they'd shelled out big bucks to hire two nannies.

But every time there was a problem, whether it was Benji being hospitalized or a simple water cut-off at home, Claire's first thought was always my husband.

After getting Lucas over there, she'd send me these phony texts, telling me not to be jealous.

And then came the photos. In them, Lucas was holding Benji, and he and Claire were smiling at the camera, looking for all the world like a happy family.

I showed Lucas the photo and called him out on it. He just shrugged me off. "It's just for the kid's sake. Grow up, will you? Stop being so jealous."

My challenges always ended with me getting chewed out. The Lucas who once promised to be my rock now chose to protect someone else.

All because his unrequited love, Claire, was on her own.

He felt duty-bound to take care of her and the kid, whether it was due to his old crush or to fulfill his brother's obligations.

He even expected me to keep my mouth shut and put up with it. It was heartbreaking.

Meanwhile, the movie was about to start. An usher noticed me standing around and spoke up, "The movie's about to roll. You'll miss the start if you don't head in now."

It was clear he wouldn't show up. So, why should I wait? I glanced down at the two tickets in my hand and decided to go in alone.

It was meant to be a side-splitting comedy. Everyone in the theater was roaring with laughter, but I sat in the corner, silently shedding tears.

It wasn't funny at all. Otherwise, why would I be crying?

The one-hour-forty-five-minute movie gave me plenty of time to clear my head.

So, as soon as the credits rolled, I made a beeline for the hospital.

Thanks to the hospital room number Claire had given me, I quickly found the ward.

Inside the hospital ward, Lucas cradled the little one in his arms. Claire approached, bent down, and pecked the baby on the cheek.

Then, she looked up at Lucas, a sweet smile gracing her face.

Lucas responded with a warm smile of his own, his eyes sparkling with hidden affection that threatened to spill over.

Suddenly, I burst through the ward door. At the sight of me, Lucas frowned, and his smile faded away.

"What brings you here?" he asked.

Without uttering a word, I made my way straight to the end of the bed and glanced at the medical chart hanging there.

"It's just a mild cold. Can't Mom and the two nannies handle taking care of the kid?" I retorted sharply.

Claire's eyes welled up instantly. She stared at me, looking all hurt and forlorn, and big teardrops started rolling down her cheeks.

She sobbed, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, "Emily, I lost my husband at a young age. But this child is Lucas' nephew. I had no other option but to ask him for help.

"I know I was wrong. From now on, even if we end up on the streets, I won't bother Lucas again."

The more she pleaded, the more pitiful she seemed, making me look like the bad guy.

Lucas couldn't stand it any longer. He stepped in front of me, still holding Benji in his arms.

Frowning, he started scolding me, "Benji is little. I'm just lending a hand. Why are you being so petty?"

The irritation in his voice was palpable.

Claire, standing beside him, shot me a smug, taunting look.

She'd never been an angel; otherwise, she wouldn't have pulled such stunts.

As for Lucas, this was the man who once vowed in front of all the guests to make up for the pain my broken family had caused me.

Now, it seemed he'd gone back on his word.

I pointed at Benji in his arms and then at Claire. "Petty? Or have you already taken on the role of Benji's dad?" I sneered.

Lucas furrowed his brows, looking utterly bewildered. "He's my brother's son. My brother's gone. Why can't I treat him like my own?"

My heart ached as if being squeezed in a vise at his words.