chapter834

Lucinda sat there in silence for a few seconds before finally meeting her

grandfather's eyes. "Grandpa, Caspian actually had a crush on me way back in middle school. But because I was engaged to Connor then, I never really talked to him."

She paused, letting the words settle. "He's never given up, not even after all these years. Now that I'm no longer tied to the Jeffersons, and he's always been so genuine with me, I just... I want to give him a real chance."

Earlier, when she'd talked to Kylie and Cameron, she'd been so sure of her feelings for Caspian. But now, in front of her grandfather, her story had shifted without her even realizing it. It sounded almost like she was turning to Caspian for comfort after being rejected by the Jeffersons.

That thought made her grandfather's heart ache even more.

Lucinda, what happened with the Jefferson family... that was just fate. None of us could have changed it," he said, his voice gentle. "But now you're free. You're only eighteen. You have so many paths you could take. I'm not against you dating someone, I just want you to find someone you really like, someone who truly cares for you, someone you can trust with your future."

Lucinda's eyes stung with tears as she wrapped her arms around her grandfather's arm, giving it a little shake. Thank you, Grandpa. I just... I don't want to miss out on someone who's been so good to me. That's why I'm finally brave enough to try this, to see if he's really someone I can trust with my heart."

Her grandfather was quiet for a moment before asking softly, "Are you sure about this?"

Lucinda nodded, her expression firm. I am."

Her grandfather finally nodded too. "Alright, Lucinda. If you want to give it a try, then do it. I hope he treats you well and you'll be a good match.

He looked at her seriously. But... you need to remember to look after yourself, too.

"I will, Grandpa. I promise."

She hesitated, then added, "Caspian and I don't have an engagement or anything official, not like Lydia and Connor. They're actually engaged. I'll make sure to keep things appropriate between me and Caspian while we're dating."

She didn't say it outright, but the implication was there. Lydia and Connor definitely weren't keeping much distance.

Her grandfather knew she still hadn't gotten over what happened with the Jefferson family. All he could say was Lydia may be engaged to Connor, but she's still young She knows how to handle herself."

Hearing him defend Lydia, Lucinda suddenly felt a wave of anger rise up inside her.

Why was it always like this?

Lydia could stay out all night, spend every hour with Connor, and no one in the family would say a word. But if Lucinda did the same, everyone would make a fuss. Why was it okay for Lydia but not for her?

Annoyed, she headed back to her room. As soon as she sat down, her phone rang. It was Leila.

Just seeing Leila's name made Lucinda want to groan. She always kept up a perfect front at school, but Leila and Paige were the only ones who actually knew alfter secrets. It made her anxious, always worried that one day they'd let something slip.

She answered anyway. "Lucinda."

"Leila, what's up?"

Leila sounded panicked. Lucinda, what's going on with all these rumors online? That girl with your brother today... was that Lydia? Why did they seem so close?"

Leila had been crushing on Elliot forever, always pestering Lucinda for defans about hip Once she didn't mind sharing. Now, just hearing from Leila or Paige made her feel irritated for no real reason.

"Leila... what do you want me to say? You saw it yourself. But don't worry, my

brother would never be with her."