chapter832

After Lucinda's message, the group chat lit up with even harsher words about Lydia. The girls went all in, saying everything they could to tear her down. The nastier, the better.

Seeing their messages roll in, Lucinda felt her mood lift. She stayed in the chat for a bit, gossiping and laughing along, before finally starting her car and heading home. When she pulled up to the Norwood house, Lydia was nowhere to be found.

Lucinda rolled her eyes. Of course. Lydia had probably run off to find Connor again. Nothing had even been made official between them, but she was already living with him. Their parents just let her get away with anything. It was unbelievable.

As soon as Lucinda stepped inside, she heard Kylie's voice drifting from the living room. Honestly, Lydia has such a lovely vibe. When she stands next to Elliot, you'd think they were a couple."

Cameron laughed. "They do look good together. Like they were made for each other."

Lucinda put on her brightest smile and called out, "Dad, Mom, I'm home."

Kylie and Cameron saw her come in and their smiles paused for a second before returning.

Kylie asked, "Lucinda, didn't you say you were meeting friends this morning? How did you end up at Elliot's place?"

Lucinda answered easily, "Oh, I did meet up with my friends. Around lunch, I booked a spot near Elliot's office so we could all eat together. In the end, Elliot wouldn't let me pay, so Leo covered the bill. After lunch, I came straight home."

She glanced around the room, making it obvious. "Has my sister not come back yet?"

The message was clear. If she was already home, where exactly was Lydia? Cameron said, "Your sister's busy. She'll probably be home tonight."

Lucinda walked over and poured tea for both her parents, looking polite and thoughtful. Then she said, Dad, Mom, there's something I want to talk to you about."

Cameron looked at her, encouraging. "What is it, Lucinda? You can tell us anything."

She gave a shy little smile. It's about Caspian. You met him at the international piano competition. He's been asking me out lately. I think he's a really good guy, So..."

Kylie jumped in, You fell for him, right?

Lucinda hesitated, like she was really thinking it over. "I'm not totally sure yet. But I keep thinking about him, and he's honestly been so sweet to me. I was hoping to give dating him a try, if you're okay with that."

Kylie looked at Cameron, waiting for his reaction.

Cameron paused, then spoke

seriously. "Lucinda, your mom and I aren't the type to be controlling. We respect your choices, especially when it comes to your relationships. But have to ask. Do you really want to be with him, or is there something el?e making you say yes?

Both Kylie and Cameron were worried Lucinda might still be thinking about Connor.

They didn't want her to rush into anything just to move on.

That just wouldn't be fair to her. They had raised Lucinda themselves, after all.

Lucinda was

quiet for a few

seconds, then nodded with

determination. "Dad, Mom, I've really

thought about this He's been so

genuine with me, and I don't want to

miss out on someone like that.

That's why I want to give it a chance."

Hearing this, Cameron reached over and gave her shoulder a gentle pat. "Lucinda, you're growing up and have your own mind now Hansen family is well respected in the city, and Caspian seemed like a great young man when we met him at your competition."