"How long have you known Carla?" asked Lisa.
"About two years, " Lucas answered despondently. "Mom, can you take care of the kids for two days? I want to bring Carla to the beach—"
"Don't you understand?" The older woman furrowed her brows. "You've known her for two years, and you practically clung to her no matter where she goes. Carla has spent a lot of time with you in private. If she has feelings for you, you won't be panicking right now."
"Carla likes me, but…" Lucas tried to explain, but his voice quickly trailed off. Even he could not convince himself.
Perhaps Carla had feelings for him, but she saw him strictly as a friend and did not have romantic feelings for him. Otherwise, she would not have kept a distance from him.
"Well…" Lucas exhaled a deep breath and lowered his head in dejection. "I don't know what else to do. I've done everything I could. I feel so useless."
"Silly boy, you're too honest." Lisa gave him an indulgent look. "Think about it. How did Zayn and Carla fall in love?"
Zayn was an unfeeling, willful, and arrogant man. He was also the Lierger family's rival, yet Carla could not forget him.
"I don't get it either, " Lucas responded, a frown creasing his forehead. "I heard that they ended up together by chance back then. Carla got pregnant and gave birth to the children without knowing
Zayn's identity. Then they—"
"That's right, " Lisa cut in when he mentioned a crucial point. "They didn't even know each other at first but had sex, then she got pregnant and gave birth to the kids. Carla believed that she belonged to Zayn. In fact, most women would think the same. Once a man made his mark on her, she'd submit to him completely without even realizing it. You just have to make your mark on her, so she'll fall head over heels for you, get it?"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Lucas did not share his mother's sentiment. "After falling in love with each other, we'll have sex naturally. I can't possess her just because I want her to fall in love with me. That's wrong and utterly disrespectful."
Lisa was rendered speechless. "Forget it. You don't even understand what I'm saying. What a waste of time."
"Mom, stop spouting nonsense. That's an immoral act!" he insisted. "Just take care of the children for us. Carla loves the sea, so we'll spend some time there while I try to win her heart. I believe she'll reciprocate my feelings one day as long I am sincere."
"Fine. If you can persuade Carla to agree to the beach getaway, I shall take care of the kids, " Lisa agreed, too unbothered to educate her stubborn son further. "I've summoned the magician troupe to perform at the manor for the kids tomorrow, anyway."
"That's great!" Elation filled Lucas' entire being. "I'll talk to Carla about the beach getaway now."
"All right. I need to inform the kids about the good news too. I'm sure they'd be delighted to learn about that."
Lisa placed her cup down and stood up to leave her room.
"Thank you, Mom." Lucas gave her a quick hug before dashing off to seek Carla.
Watching her son walking away eagerly, Lisa shook her head in a resigned manner.
"Lady Lisa, why did you agree to Sir Lucas' request? I thought you had a plan in mind?" one maid asked in a low voice.
"Carla won't agree to go on the trip with him. She's too focused on that ex-husband of hers to leave the manor." Lisa seemed sure of herself. "Our plan shall proceed as usual."
"Got it."
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