CHAPTER 19

Lucas’ POV I was taken aback to discover that Giselle had returned to the country, reaching out to spend my birthday with me. Caught up in a whirlwind of office tasks, her request left me torn. After all, I had promised my son that this day would be dedicated solely to him. Disappointing him was the last thing I wanted.             “Please, just a brief moment, babe,” Giselle pleaded on the phone. “I want to congratulate you and mend things, Lucas. I'll be back. If you're too busy, I understand, but it's truly just for a moment.”             Sighing, I reluctantly agreed, “Alright, but only after an hour. I'm swamped with work.”             Her voice brimming with joy, she exclaimed, “Thank you, babe! I love you.”             As I hung up, an unfamiliar lump formed in my throat. It used to come effortlessly, reciprocating her “I love you,” but now, it felt awkward and unsettling. For some reason, the word “love” stirred thoughts of Zara within me.             Shaking off the unease, I