Chapter 53

Lucas’s musky scent reached me before I could lay my eyes on him. I could tell that he was in close proximity as I inhaled his cologne which was occupying a greater percentage of the air outside.

I served myself some banana cake, and the feeling of giddiness overwhelmed me inside. Food has always been a mood-lifter for me, making me forget the rising anxiety inside my body.

“You look so beautiful, Charlotte Manning.” The whisper in my ear caused my insides to turn. My skin suddenly grew taut as I took a deep breath in before turning back. Lucas was standing behind me, too close for the cluster of people to gossip about, but not close enough for me.

He had changed his attire from the last time I saw him in Vivian’s room, looking ravishing in a black tuxedo and a black shirt underneath that was halfway buttoned, leaving his chest out for my eyes to get lost in.

“And you don’t look bad yourself,” I said, looking at him with pure admiration and lust. I was unsure if he could read my emoti