Chapter 21 Lennox's hand reaching for the clay suddenly froze mid air , her fingertips suspended . She really hadn't expected Lucas to confess at this moment . Her ears burned like they'd been scalded , heat rushing up instantly . When she turned her head , she collided straight into those emerald eyes . She'd always known how captivating those eyes could be when focused on someone , but meeting them up close still made her heart skip a beat . After just a second , she hastily looked away , her fingertips unconsciously scratching at the edge of the work table . " Lucas , why … why do you like me ? " Her lashes trembled lightly , her voice barely audible . Lucas tilted his head . " Since when does liking someone need a reason ? " Lennox pressed her lips together . " But I … might not be what you think . " " I don't look at you through imagination . " Lucas leaned forward slightly , his tone especially serious . " The Lennox I see secretly shares leftover bread with homeless people on street corners , stands her ground when customers pick fights , and lights up when she's working with clay . " " Like the sun - warm and bright . " " Isn't it natural to fall for the sun ? " Lennox felt her cheeks burning at his words . In all her years , no one had ever praised her so directly . Back with Hayes , all she'd heard was " spoiled " and " arrogant . " Those people didn't even bother getting to know her before slapping labels on her . But now , someone was calling her the sun . Only … she wasn't ready to start over yet . As if seeing through her hesitation , Lucas smiled , his tone relaxing : " You don't need to answer right away , and don't feel pressured . I just wanted you to know how I feel . " " Lennox opened her mouth , finally managing only a quiet : " Thank you . " Feelings weren't a game . She couldn't make such a rash decision . " I need some time to figure out my own heart , Lucas . I can't give you an answer right now . " Lucas ' eyes crinkled . " That's fine . What you think matters most . " From that day on , their relationship returned to how it was before . fore : are! Lucas really understood boundaries . Even after laying his feelings bare , he didn't pressure her at all , still coming to the shop regularly like always , chatting about pottery and sharing stories . Lennox's life returned to peace . The door chimes rang again and again , but Hayes never appeared . She'd thought her decisive rejection that day had finally made him give up , until one evening when she closed the shop and went home . The moment she pushed open her door , she found Hayes sitting on her living room couch . Dark circles ringed his eyes , stubble covered his face - he looked utterly wrecked . 15:21 A Billion - Dollar Goodbye : Too Late for Second Chances . Mr. Ex 16.0 % Chapter 21 " How did you get in ? " Lennox's hand shot into her pocket , gripping her phone with fingers hovering over the emergency call button , her heart hammering wildly in her chest . Hayes slowly looked up , bloodshot eyes forcing out a smile more painful than crying : " Len , I can't just watch you be with someone else . " " We were …. about to get married . " A strong sense of unease flooded through Lennox as she stared at him warily : " What exactly do you want ? " Hayes looked at her and smiled : " You'll find out soon enough . " Before Lennox could back away , sharp pain shot through the back of her neck . Her vision went black as she lost consciousness completely . When she opened her eyes again , she saw a familiar ceiling . She bolted upright , looking around . The paintings on the walls , the plants by the window , even that desk lamp she'd used for years - everything clearly told her one fact . This was her small apartment in the capital . How had she gotten back here ? Lennox quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed . Just as she was about to rush to the door , it suddenly opened from outside . Hayes walked in carrying a bowl of porridge , wearing the gray loungewear she'd bought him , smiling as naturally as always : " You're awake ? Just made some porridge . Come eat . " Lennox stood frozen in place , her gaze ice - cold : " What is this supposed to mean ? " Hayes set the porridge on the nightstand . When he turned around , his eyes held an almost obsessive tenderness . " In one week , we're having our wedding . " ♡ ( 0 ) 900 ( 0 ) Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!