chapter56

Connor was clearly keeping his distance from Lydia, avoiding her at every turn. That was perfect. He was doing it all for her sake.

She couldn't back down now. She just needed to find the right moment to tell Connor how she felt.

If Connor told everyone he chose her, there was no way Grandpa Samuel or her parents would to them getting married.

As for Lydia, well, she could choose Mikey or Chris. That is, if either of them would ever go for a country girl like her.

"Grandpa Samuel said he'll ask for my help next time. Mom, I'm heading upstairs," she said. There was still so much she needed to take care of.

Kylie nodded. Okay, Lydia.

With a quiet Mm," Lydia headed up the stairs.

Kylie watched her daughter's back disappear up the steps, not sure if she should feel proud or worried.

She's so young, yet already so skilled in medicine. Lydia must have gone through so much, but she never complained, not once. She was such a thoughtful girl, it almost hurt to think about.

After dinner that night, Lydia told Cameron and Kylie she was going to take her motorcycle out for a spin. They tried to arrange some bodyguards for her, but she refused flat out. All they could do was remind her to be careful, stay safe, and come home early.

Lydia nodded and slipped out the front door.

Mr. Norwood spoke up, grumbling, She's just a girl from the countryside. What's she doing riding around at night? You two ought to be teaching her proper manners and etiquette. Get her practicing piano, chess, painting, whatever. People will talk and say the richest man's daughter is just a backwater girl who doesn't know a thing."

Cameron shook his head. "Dad, Lydia's hardly clueless. She's a brilliant doctor. You know that better than anyone. She can fly a plane, she's even an instructor, and honestly, she's more qualified than I am. As for etiquette, Lydia's polite and thoughtful. What more do you want?"

Lucinda, listening from the side, burned with jealousy.

It was like Mom and Dad had eyes for no one but Lydia now.

Lydia wasn't nearly as perfect as they made her out to be.

Mr. Norwood let out a little huff. "Just because she knows medicine doesn't mean she should be arrogant. And about flying planes, Lucinda can do that too. Why didn't you buy her a plane?"

Lucinda had even worn her flight suit that morning, but apparently no one noticed.

Cameron and Kylie both looked uncomfortable. They hadn't even thought about getting Lucinda a plane.

Lucinda, I'm sorry. I just assumed you weren't interested. I'll call and buy one for you right now," Cameron said.

Dad, you don't have to spend the money. I can buy one myself, Lucinda answered, her voice soft and wounded.

But Cameron was having none of it. "You don't need to buy it yourself. I will get it for you."

Kylie looked at Lucinda, guilt written all over her face. Lucinda, I'm so sorry. We've just been so focused on your sister coming back that we didn't think about how you felt. If there's anything you want, just tell us, okay?"

Lucinda hesitated, her lips trembling. For a split second, she wanted to blurt out that all she really wanted was to marry Connor. But she swallowed the words. She couldn't take that risk.

If she said it out loud, she might lose her place in the Norwood family altogether.

She'd have to handle this on her own. As long as Connor told everyone he liked her, nobody else's opinion would matter.

Mom, Dad, I know you both care about me. I don't need anything. I just want to stay here with my brothers and sister and take care of you, to make up for everything you've given me these eighteen years. It's just... I don't think Lydia likes me very much."