Lucas glared at her sarcastic tone. "I wasn't dancing with her to upset you, alright? I didn't even realise at first that you were friends with Viscountess Gerrard. And if I had known, it wouldn't have made any difference to me. Because she's…"
"Because she's what?" Celia tensed, ready to tear his throat out if she didn't like his next words.
"Because she's kind of a bitch."
Celia gawped, then burst into laughter, shocked by his unexpected reply.
Lucas also smiled, though his eyes were pools of aching sorrow.
"You were really worried that silly girl would turn my head?"
"Maybe a little." she muttered.
"I can't believe you thought I'd forget you so quickly, Celia. You're all I think about."
She swallowed and looked away, wrapping her arms around herself. "I wish I didn't love you like this." she said after a long pause. "I wish I could simply forget all those moments we stole away together back home."