chapter968

Kylie was kneeling next to Lucinda, her voice shaky with panic as she called her name. Lydia stepped forward, steady and calm.

"I'll handle this."

The second Kylie saw Lydia, her panic faded a little. Relief washed over her.

Lucinda had swallowed a lot of water. Lydia moved quickly, her actions smooth and confident. Within moments, Lucinda started choking, then coughed up a mouthful of water. Slowly, she opened her eyes, dazed but awake.

Lydia... why did you save me? I don't want to drag everyone down anymore.

Lucinda's words were barely a whisper. She looked so fragile, her voice so soft you could miss it if you weren't close.

Lydia didn't answer. Instead, she stood up and turned to Kylie and Cameron. "She's okay for now. If you're worried, you can take her to the hospital just to be safe.

Lucinda was so pale, barely able to speak. Cameron nodded right away. "Alright. Let's get her checked out."

Making sure Lucinda was safe at the hospital was the only thing that would help them breathe easier.

Connor watched from the side, bored with Lucinda's act. Some things, he thought, Kylie and Cameron needed to figure out on their own. If he and Lydia called her out now, accusing her of faking for sympathy, it would only cause more problems.

Lydia went with Kylie and Cameron as they rushed Lucinda to the hospital. The tests came back clear, and only then did everyone finally relax.

By the time they made it back to the Norwood house, the sky was already turning light. No one had told Mr. Norwood about Lucinda's incident. They didn't want to worry him any more than he already was, especially since Lydia's kidnapping still hadn't been resolved. The old man had been waiting up, anxious for any sign of them.

When he saw Kylie supporting a ghost-pale Lucinda through the front door, he shot up from his chair. Lucinda, what happened? Are you alright?"

Lucinda's eyes were swollen, her cheeks streaked with tears. She could barely get the words out. "I'm sorry, Grandpa... I didn't mean to make you worry."

Mr. Norwood looked completely lost.

Cameron stepped in. "Dad, Lucinda's exhausted. We're going to take her upstairs so she can rest."

The old man just nodded. Alright.

Before he left, he glanced over at Lydia. Seeing that she was unharmed, he finally let out a breath and relaxed.

It had been a long, draining day. Lydia went straight to her room as soon as she could.

Lucinda's suicide attempt was

meant to make everyone feel guilty. And with the way Leila's kidnapping went down, there was nothing left behind to pin on Lucinda. There was no proof. It wasn't the right time for her parents to see who Lucinda really was.

Kylie and Cameron took Lucinda back to her room themselves. She looked so defeated, her tears never stopping, and their hearts melted.

Lucinda, we've never once thought you were a burden. Even after Lydia came

back, you've always been our daughter. Don't let your mind go to dark places," Kylie said softly.

Lucinda stared at them with hurt in her eyes. Mom, Dad, do you... still want me to be your daughter?"

"Silly girl, of course we do."

"Then... you're not mad that I almost got Lydia hurt?

Kylie and Cameron went quiet.

Lucinda dropped her gaze, voice trembling. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault. If it wasn't for me... Lydia never would have...

Cameron looked at her seriously.

"Lucinda, it was wrong of you to tell

your friends Lydia was just our adopted daughter. But what

happened with the kidnapping, that was all on Leila."

Kylie let out a long sigh. "Lucinda, you and Lydia are both our daughters. Your sister is quiet, but she has a good heart. Since she came home, she's been taking care of everything. You should learn from her. It would make us so happy to see you two getting along."