chapter283

Back when Grace was around, she'd always be there to clean up after Lucinda, picking up everything she left behind. Now, with Grace stuck in the hospital because of her injury, Lucinda's bedroom floor was a complete disaster.

As she stared at the mess, someone knocked on the door. Garrett's voice followed. "Lucinda? Are you asleep?"

Lucinda's anger disappeared in an instant, replaced by panic. She glanced at the chaos on the floor and frantically began scooping things up. There was just so much. For a second, she honestly wished she could wave a wand and make it all vanish.

Lucinda?" Garrett called again, knocking a little louder. He didn't get an answer, so he checked his watch. Just past nine. No way she'd be asleep already.

Lucinda rushed to tidy up, her breathing heavy as she regretted losing her temper earlier. She tried to smooth out her wrinkled clothes and ran her fingers through her hair, then took a deep breath. Trying to look calm, she forced a small smile and opened the door just a crack. Sorry, Garrett, I was in the bathroom. Did I make you wait?"

Garrett didn't seem suspicious at all. He smiled at her. "We ate a ton tonight. Want to walk with me in the garden? Help our stomachs settle?"

Lucinda hesitated for a moment, then her face lit up. Yeah, sure, Garrett.

They strolled side by side through the garden, just like they always used to. It was summer, but the night air was cool, and the garden was so lush and green that it almost felt like they were walking by a river.

Lucinda couldn't help but slip into old memories.

"Garrett, do you remember when I was little and there was a swing set out here? No matter the season, even if it was raining or snowing, you'd wrap me up in layers and bring me outside so I could swing."

Garrett grinned, nodding. "There was that time it snowed, and I snuck you out to play. I dropped you by accident, and Grandpa was so upset he kicked me twice."

Lucinda burst out laughing. "But that never stopped you from taking me out again. You'd event sneak me cream when it was snowing.dreally miss those days." fo

She started thinking about her childhood or really, the time before Lydia came back. Life was so easy then Everyone spoiled her and treated her like she could do no wrong. Whether she was right or wrong, they always loved her, always cared.

How did everything get so messed up, so fast?

Lydia showed up, and suddenly her parents didn't have time for her anymore. Garrett was always focused on Lydia. Even Connor was gone, totally swept up by Lydia Grandpa Santuer who used to dote on her, barely looked at her now. Was it just because she wasn't a real Norwood? Did that mean they all had to treat her like she didn't matter anymore?

It was all Lydia's fault. Lydia ruined everything. Why did she even come back?

"Lucinda, here, take this."

Garrett held out a card.

Lucinda stopped in her tracks, surprised. "Garrett, what's this..." Her heart fluttered. Was he giving her fifty million too?

"There's twenty million on this card. I was in a rush coming back and didn't have time to get you a real gift. Take it and buy yourself whatever you want."