#Chapter 17: The Weight of Legacy

“How did you know I had questions?” I asked him. “Shana, I’ve known you since we were kids. I can tell when there’s something on your mind.” He gave me a knowing look. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, grateful for Lucas's willingness to open up despite the emotional weight he was carrying. His offer to answer my questions reassured me, knowing that he trusted me enough to share his secrets. "Lucas," I began softly, careful to choose my words, "Your relationship with your dad… It seems strained, to say the least. What happened between the two of you?” Lucas sighed, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the confines of the restaurant. "My dad and I have never seen eye to eye. You already know I’m his illegitimate son from a one-night stand. But he regrets what happened because he already had a family, and I was not accepted by them as his child. My mother passed away giving birth to me, so I grew up with Grandma Jo.” His words struck me, revealin