Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

There was an enormous pomegranate tree in the yard.

Lucas stood beneath its heavy branches, lost in thought as he stared up at the clusters of ripening fruit.

Chloe walked over, her voice soft but clear. "Lucas."

He turned, gazing at her. She wore a long white dress today, her hair loose and gently curled around her shoulders. The simple, fresh look brought back memories—Lucas could almost see the girl she'd been years ago, full of hope and dreams.noveldrama

"Chloe, you look beautiful," he said quietly.

She didn't even flinch. "Thanks."

Lucas let out a slow breath. "Standing here reminds me of when you were in high school, dancing ballet. You had to watch your weight so closely-your mom and your coach were always on you about what you ate. Sometimes, when you were starving, you'd snack on pomegranate seeds. You once told me they didn't really fill you up, but you could just keep eating them, tricking your brain into thinking you weren't hungry..."

Chloe remembered those days, too. Lucas had always peeled the pomegranates for her, picking out the seeds and putting them in a glass jar. She'd eat them one by one whenever hunger hit, savoring the tart sweetness.

She met his eyes, her face unreadable. "What's your point?"

Lucas looked away, a bitter smile on his lips. "If I could do it all over again, I'd never let things end up like this."

"I wish I could go back and talk to that insecure, stubborn, awkward kid I used to be. I'd tell him not to screw things up, not to lose the person he loves most, not to make such a mess of his life that he'd regret it forever."

His voice caught, emotion threatening to spill over.

Chloe let out a sigh. "Lucas, there's no going back. Life doesn't work like that."

He took a shaky breath, lifting his head. "I'm leaving. I'm going to Africa for aid work. And honestly... I probably won't ever come back."

Chloe blinked, surprised. "That's... sudden. Why?"

"If I stay, I'm afraid I'll ruin your

hass. I'm scared I'll never bee

let go, that I'll just keep

MS

wanting things I shouldn't

Her chest tightened, emotions swirling. "What about your parents? What about Aaron?"

"My parents have Belle and Justin to

look after them. And Aaron... From now o

he's your and Connor's son.

I know you don't want me around him anymore."

He paused, swallowing hard. "Chloe, I'm leaving Aaron in your hands. I know

Linda and I hurt you, but Aaron's innocent."

He turned to leave.

"Don't you dare walk away, Lucas."

Chloe hurried after him, anger

flashing across her face. "How can

you be so irresponsible? You're

Aaron's father. Even if I wish it

weren't true, Aaron thinks of you that way. He's not some clueless kid. He knows what's going on. If you just vanish, it's the most irresponsible thing you could do. You weren't even going to say goodbye, were you?"

Lucas's hands curled into fists. "What do you want me to do?"

"I don't care where you go, but as Aaron's father, you owe it to him to be honest.

Whatever you decide, you need to tell him yourself."

A voice suddenly called out from above. "No need. I heard everything."

They both looked up.

Summer was standing on the balcony not far away, watching them.

For a moment, Lucas's expression twisted with pain and regret.