Chapter 381 : Time for Answers

*Lucas*

I was leaning against the railing of my boat, the salty sea breeze messing up my already messy dark hair. The early morning sun cast a warm glow over the marina, but I barely noticed it. Instead, my gaze was fixed on the phone in my hand, willing it to ring.

"It’s probably nothing," I murmured to myself, trying to shake the unease that had settled in my gut. Lauren, with her golden hair and curves that could drive any man to distraction, had been slipping away from me lately, disappearing like the tide pulling away from the shore.

I couldn’t believe I’d let it come to this, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was hiding something from me—something important. Clara had confirmed the excuse Lauren had tossed out as she slipped out of bed early this morning, but something still didn’t feel right. I couldn’t shake it.