chapter845

Breanna could barely hold herself back from smacking Caspian right then and there.

"Give me those bags. I'll return them myself."

Caspian stopped trying to argue about apologies. He just grabbed the gift boxes and hurried over to Lucinda.

"Lucinda, look, these are all the new collections you like. I'll just leave them in your car, okay?"

Lucinda pressed her lips together, still acting stubborn. "I told you I don't want them. Take them back."

"Lucinda, for you, I'd give up everything I own. Buying you a few gifts is nothing. I just want to be with you."

He stared at her with that intense, love-struck gaze.

Honestly, if Lucinda didn't need something from Caspian right now, she wouldn't have even bothered with him.

"I never asked you to give up everything for me," she muttered.

Sensing Lucinda's anger fade a little, Caspian finally let himself breathe. "I know, I was just making a point.

"I'm tired. I'm going home."

"You can't go just yet. I already made a dinner reservation. Let's eat before you head back, okay?"

Lucinda hesitated, thinking it over.

Caspian tried again. "It's late, Lucinda. I don't want you going home hungry."

She finally nodded. "Alright, fine."

Caspian relaxed a little, finally feeling like things might be okay.

After dinner, Lydia and Connor were dropped off at the Norwood house.

Kylie and Cameron were surprised when they saw the staff carrying in a small mountain of shopping bags and boxes. "Wow, you bought all this?"

Lydia nodded. "Yeah, Connor insisted. Oh, and there are gifts for both of you, and Grandpa too."

Connor was thoughtful like that, picking out gifts for everyone in her family... except Lucinda, of course.

"Really? That's so sweet of him," Kylie said.

Just as Kylie and Cameron started unpacking their presents, Lucinda came in with her own bags.

Hers were all jewelry, so the boxes were small. She didn't have nearly as much as Lydia.

Kylie smiled, asking, "How was your day, Lucinda? Did things go well with Mr. Hansen?"

The second Lucinda saw Lydia, her mood crashed.

And honestly, her day with Caspian had been a disaster. She didn't even want to think about him anymore.

"It was fine," she said, barely looking up.

Kylie walked over, eyeing the gift boxes in Lucinda's hands. Did he get you all these?"

Lucinda glanced at Lydia's huge pile and her face darkened.

"Yeah. I told him not to buy so much. I really don't need anything."

Kylie

just of That's smart. You're other Too many gifts isn't achet

just starting to get to know

good idea.

Lucinda forced a smile. "Did Lydia just get back too? Looks like her fianc spoiled her."

Kylie smiled. "She just got home, yes. Conhor didn't just buy gifts for Lydia. He got something for your dad and me, and for your grandpa too. We're just opening them now."

Lucinda's heart dropped. She chewed Caspian out in her head.

Connor knew to buy gifts for the whole Norwood family. Caspian, on the other hand, didn't have a clue.

He really couldn't compare to Connor. Not ever.

The next afternoon, Lydia headed back to school.

As soon as she reached the dorm entrance, she ran into Sandy.

It was blazing hot outside, but Sandy was wrapped up tight, covering everything but her eyes and hands.

When she spotted Lydia, her eyes flashed with a cold, unfriendly look.

Lydia frowned. Something about Sandy felt different-chillier, darker.

Sandy just stared at her, silent and unmoving.

Lydia raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you boiling in all those layers?"

Sandy's

anyes turned sharp and

bet

mean. "Look at you, barely wearing anything. Who are you trying to lure

in this time Content belone.