Chapter 311 : A Hopeful Morning

*Lucas*

The woven fibers of Lauren's doormat were cool beneath my feet as I shifted from foot to foot, my heart hammering a rhythm that seemed too loud in the quiet of the morning. The picnic basket felt like an anchor in my hand, laden with more than just breakfast—it carried my hopes, a tangible offering of the feelings I harbored for her.

The sun wasn’t even up yet. She had made her feelings quite clear, and I had hurt her with the sting of my own rejection. Was I crazy? Maybe. But I knew I was crazy for this woman and I would forever regret it if I didn’t at least try.

I had to try. Because what I felt for Lauren–it was far too big to walk away from. She consumed my thoughts every moment of every day. I found myself drifting toward her when she was in sight and finding ways to seek her out when she wasn’t.

So, I was doing this. She was worth it.