Lucas Anderson returned Andrea's phone to its original place before proceeding to his wardrobe to select his outfits for the next day. After taking a bath, he climbed into bed and fell asleep. Meanwhile, Andrea finished her work in the study room and returned to the bedroom to find Lucas already asleep.
Upon seeing that he wasn't waiting for her, Andrea felt a pang of sadness. She quietly slipped under the duvet and lay down beside him.
The following morning, as Lucas Anderson awoke, his vision was immediately filled with Andrea's face hovering inches from his own. He studied her features with a deep sense of adoration, whispering softly, "You are so gorgeous, Andrea. I could spend a lifetime just gazing at you and never tire of it." With these words lingering in the air, he reluctantly slid out of bed.
Lucas reached for a pen and scribbled something on a piece of paper. Glancing back at the bed, he noticed Andrea beginning to awaken. "Good morning, Sunshine," he greeted her warmly, his smile broadening.
Andrea returned the smile, though somewhat shyly. She wasn't accustomed to such endearing wake-up calls. Throughout the five years of her marriage to Valentine Anderson, she had never experienced such tender moments.
Lucas extended the paper towards Andrea. "I've listed the three top schools in Vegas City for you to consider. I'm planning on enrolling Pete in one of them," he explained, his voice carrying a note of initiative.
As Andrea accepted the paper and reviewed the list of schools, she couldn't help but be taken aback by Lucas' thoughtfulness. These were the very institutions she had contemplated for Pete's transfer, but her recent hectic schedule had prevented her from taking action.
She looked up at Lucas, her eyes reflecting her approval. "We'll go with the one you think is best," she assured him, her trust in his judgment evident.
Lucas, who had risen from the chair and was now preparing for the day, suggested, "I think the first one on the list would be a good choice."
"Alright," Andrea agreed without a second thought, confident in the quality of all the options he had presented.
After enjoying breakfast together, Lucas Anderson took Pete to the school he intended for his son to attend. Once the registration was handled, Lucas brought Pete to a nearby playground.
"Pete, Daddy will leave you here and come back to pick you up in a little while," Lucas said, patting Pete's head with a warm smile.
Pete, with unwavering trust in Lucas, replied confidently, "Okay, Daddy."
He scampered off to join the other children, and Lucas turned to head back to his car, driving in the direction of the Anderson estate.
Parking a short distance from the mansion, Lucas exited his vehicle and approached the imposing residence on foot. As he arrived, he encountered Benita, who was just about to drive away.
Upon seeing him, Benita's body shook with fear, and she stuttered, "Lu..Lucas."
Lucas offered her a comforting smile and clarified, "I'm not Lucas Anderson, I'm Valentine Anderson, your brother. There's no need to be afraid."
Benita's face was a picture of sheer terror, too frightened to speak, as sweat beaded on her forehead.
Lucas decided not to linger with Benita and proceeded into the mansion, where he found Mrs. Anderson directing the staff.
"Mom," he called out, and Mrs. Anderson turned to face him, her expression a complex tapestry of emotions.
"Mom, you don't seem thrilled to see your son. Am I not deserving of that title?" Lucas teased, his smile intact.
Mrs. Anderson, caught off guard, hastily replied, "Of course, you are my son..." She trailed off, her words faltering as she struggled to articulate her feelings.
With a light-hearted chuckle, Lucas asked, "Mom, between Valentine and me, who do you love more?"
The question struck Mrs. Anderson like a thunderbolt, whitening her face. Although she favored Valentine and had distanced herself emotionally from Lucas over the years, the bluntness of the question left her unable to voice her true feelings.
"Don't ask such a silly question. You're both my sons, and I love you equally," Mrs. Anderson claimed, managing a smile that did little to hide the involuntary twitching of her features, which only accentuated her wrinkles.
"Mom, if you love us equally, why can't I be Valentine Anderson? I want to enjoy all the things he's enjoyed during my absence—your love and care, my sister's affection, the love of the woman who adores him. Is that too much to ask?" Lucas's smile persisted, but his voice carried a tinge of melancholy.
Mrs. Anderson was at a loss for words, her guilt preventing her from responding to her son's plea.
"A mother is supposed to support her son's dreams. Please, don't let me down again. The first time was already too painful," Lucas sighed heavily, his expression turning mournful.
His words brought Mrs. Anderson to the brink of tears, and just as she was about to respond, the butler interrupted.
"Madam, Ma'am Andrea has arrived to see you," he informed.
Lucas, sensing the moment to withdraw, turned and left without further comment. Mrs. Anderson watched him go, feeling a surge of sorrow and guilt that brought tears streaming down her cheeks. Her maternal affection was now tangled with remorse, unable to provide the love Lucas sought.
Composing herself, Mrs. Anderson made her way to the living room where Andrea awaited her.
"Mom," Andrea greeted, rising to her feet as soon as she saw Mrs. Anderson.
"Andrea, please, have a seat," Mrs. Anderson offered, motioning towards a chair.
Knowing Andrea's time was precious, Mrs. Anderson wasted no moments and asked, "Andrea, how are things between you and your husband?"
The seriousness in Mrs. Anderson's voice during their call had been palpable, yet the question seemed surprisingly ordinary to Andrea. Recalling her husband's recent efforts as a father, a smile graced Andrea's face as she replied, "Very good."
Mrs. Anderson opened and closed her mouth thrice without managing to say a word.