Facade of Love

Chapter 404 What's the New Scheme?

I froze. That night, Lucas had tied me up and taken my phone. That explained it.

It was Lucas's trap, alright, but it also meant that what I saw between him and Alice was true.

My heart felt like it was being stabbed by a thousand knives, the pain so dense it was hard to catch my breath. I could not blame Idris, and I had no right to point fingers at him. The one who was in the wrong, from the start to end, was Lucas, the instigator.

We were all victims of him.

Idris stood before me, looking thinner. As I touched his face, I managed a weak smile, "Idris, please let me go. What is done is done. You should take good care of Alice. I really love Charlie. I will step aside for you two if you do the same for us. Can we part on good terms?"

Tears filled his eyes as he looked at me, his voice rough but controlled. "Do you love him?"

I nodded, my lips dry. "Idris, I'm sorry, but we can't live in the past."

He laughed, a sad, hollow sound, and after a long pause, he looked at me with defeat and agreed, "Alright, I'll let you go." Then he filled out the form and signed his name without another word.

"Why have you decided to split up?" the clerk asked, looking over the paperwork.

I bit my lip and stole a glance at Idris next to me. He did not return my gaze, just said in a heavy tone, "I'm not in love anymore."

The staff member looked up at his words, probably struck by how handsome he was. They blinked in surprise, then turned to me with a puzzled look. Regarding me, the staff member asked, "And you, ma'am?"

I fought back the sting in my chest and said evenly, "I'm not in love anymore."

With a small sigh, the staff member stamped the paper.

Becoming husband and wife was not all fireworks and excitement, and now, becoming strangers was just as mundane. One line about lost love, a turn of the back, and we were both free.

Stepping out of the office, I clutched the red marriage booklet and gave him a wobbly smile. "See you around."

He just looked at me, eyes a fierce red yet holding back a storm, saying more than words ever could.

"Yvette." Lucas hopped out of the car, came over, and slung an arm around me. He smirked at Idris, "Mr. Young, thanks for stepping aside." © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Idris gave him an icy stare, his voice a cold warning, "Charlie, don't count your chickens before they hatch."

Lucas just snorted with laughter, gave him a cocky look, and said, "No need for you to worry about that. Come on, Yvette. Let's head home."

He led me to the car, and before shutting the door, Lucas threw one last taunt at Idris. "Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that Yvette and I are tying the knot at the end of the month in Lake City. I hope you can make it, Mr. Young."

My brow creased in confusion. A wedding? This month?

What was Lucas playing at?

Idris did not even glance at Lucas, his dark eyes locked on me. I looked away, allowing Lucas's announcement to hang in the air, unanswered.

"Mr. Young!" Alice's voice, light and soft, cut through the air. I glanced over instinctively. She was all about pink, and with spring in full swing, she looked even more stunning than usual, if that was possible.

Idris, with his movie-star looks, just frowned a bit at the sight of her and kept quiet.

He shot me a quick look before telling Lucas, "Sure thing. I'll get you guys a great wedding gift when it's time."

"Much appreciated." Lucas's grin was all show as he hopped into his car. He threw a look at Alice trailing behind Idris and then spun to me, "She's a looker, that one. Hard to believe Idris isn't falling for her, right?"