"We came here to be together. But you keep focusing on her—do you not love me anymore?" Kayla stood outside Lukas and Sandra's room, voice sharp with disappointment. She hated seeing them sharing a room like that.
"Kayla, you know you're the only one I love! I just... I don't know how to handle this situation anymore! I told you, maybe it's better if we end things. I don't want to keep hurting you with all this uncertainty."
"So easy for you to say 'end things'? You never said that before. Are you falling for her? Just admit it!"
Lukas pulled her into a tight embrace. "Then what should I do? Keep stringing you along in this mess?"
"Please, fight for us, Lukas." She cradled his face between her hands, tears brimming in her eyes. "I love you so much."
"That's the problem... I can't promise you anything right now."
"Don't change! Please, don't change! You used to swear we'd be together no matter what. Why are you hesitating now?"
"Because I love you so much... and I don't want to keep hurting you." Lukas caressed her tear-streaked face.
"Then change rooms. I don't want you sleeping with her. You've been sleeping separately anyway, haven't you?"
"Yeah, but we're leaving tomorrow. What's the point of booking another room for one night?"
"You can sleep on the couch!"
"I'm not feeling well. I'm not used to that. Kayla, don't worry, we—"
"You sleep in my room. I'll share with Sandra!" she snapped, pushing him out and locking the door behind her.
Kayla stormed toward the bed, her face burning with fury. She glared at Sandra, who was still fast asleep, hatred surging inside her. It was clear—Lukas was beginning to fall for her. His behavior had completely changed! Kayla wasn't going to stand by and let that happen.
Without warning, Kayla yanked Sandra off the bed, throwing her to the floor. Sandra woke up with a jolt.
She remembered falling asleep on Lukas's back just a few hours ago. So why was Kayla here now?
"What the hell is wrong with you?! My back hurts!" Sandra quickly stood up.
"Sleep on the couch. I'm taking the bed."
"This is my room. You get out!" Sandra barked back.
"Don't test me! Or else—"
"What? Gonna threaten me with that video again? Go ahead, if you dare." Sandra cut her off.
"You've got guts now." Kayla sneered. She reached to grab Sandra's hair, like she always used to—but this time, Sandra caught her wrist mid-air.
With one sharp twist and a shove, she threw Kayla out the door and slammed it open.
"Aghhh!" Kayla hit the floor hard, clutching her bruised elbow in disbelief. How could Sandra get so strong, so fearless? This wasn't the weak woman she used to bully.
"Don't mess with me!"
The loud commotion made everyone pour out of their rooms, jaws dropping at the scene before them.
"Kayla…" Lukas helped her up. He looked at Sandra—arms folded, eyes blazing with fury.
"Why did you hurt her?"
"What, should I have just stood there while an outsider tried to kick me out of my own room?" she retorted coolly.
"Don't be so aggressive, Sandra! You could've talked it out."
"She started it!"
"Lukas!" Kayla sobbed, clinging to him as if seeking protection. Her cries grew louder, hoping to paint herself the victim.
"You went too far, Sandra." Lukas scolded her coldly.
"Oh really? And what about you two? Who really went too far here? Me, or you?" Sandra walked straight to Thomas and hugged him tightly. "Take me home, Thomas."
Thomas froze, startled by the sudden closeness. He could feel Lukas's piercing gaze behind him.
"Please… take me home."
"Okay." He nodded slowly, glancing at Lukas, who said nothing.
"She likes you, Thomas. If you like her too, marry her. If you're meant for each other, just say the word—I'll file for divorce."
"Lukas, you—"
"He's right. I do like you. Grant the wish of this shameless man already." Sandra grabbed her bag and phone from the room and dragged Thomas toward the exit.
"Are you sure you want to go home now?" Thomas asked gently.
"You want me to stay and watch them be all lovey-dovey? Just take this as pity for someone with a pathetic life like mine."
Thomas paused and held her as she began sobbing uncontrollably.
Sandra didn't even understand why she was this angry. Did she… have feelings for Lukas? Why did it hurt so much to see him with another woman?
"Don't cry, it's okay."
"Sorry if I made you uncomfortable…"
"It's okay. Let it out." He stroked her hair gently. "I'm sorry I haven't done more for you. I just hope there's a better fate waiting for you both, someday."
"I understand. Don't worry." Sandra tried to calm herself and offered a small smile.
"We've got a long ride ahead. Mind if I grab a coffee first?"
"Sorry for the trouble."
"No problem." Thomas smiled softly.
*****
Back at the villa, Lukas tended to Kayla's bruised arm. But his mind was split. Worrying about Kayla's injury… and Sandra, who just left with Thomas.
The thought of them alone, on a long drive, made him uneasy. Why did Sandra always cause chaos and piss him off?
"You're worried about her?" Kayla asked bitterly.
"I'm just worried Mom will be home when she arrives alone. If I'm not with her, she'll flip. And now that Grandma's no longer in Singapore… Sandra's always making things harder." Lukas muttered in frustration.
"Can't you just make an excuse?"
"We're going home too. I can't risk losing my inheritance."
Lukas grabbed his wallet, suitcase, and car keys. Kayla followed. She didn't mind. At least tonight, she knew Lukas had defended her. That meant she still mattered more than Sandra.
"You want to leave with me, or wait until tomorrow and go with Maxim?"
"With you. What's the point of me staying if you're not here?"
"But your arm—are you sure you're okay?" he asked, concerned.
"As long as I'm with you, I'll be fine." Kayla hugged him tightly, lifting her face to his. "Can we still kiss… like we used to? Before Sandra came into the picture?"
Lukas hesitated, then nodded. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers gently.
"I hope we get married someday. Be together forever." Kayla kissed him back, more aggressively this time. She had to win his heart back completely. She knew she could. Sandra wouldn't steal him away.
Lukas smiled faintly when the kiss ended. But something felt… off. It was bland. The feeling wasn't the same.
He was losing his mind. Why was he still thinking about the wife he never even loved?