Lucas looked down at his right hand, his eyes hooded. This hand… He had once touched her scraped knees, his fingertips stained with her blood—the blood she had shed for him.

He had fallen in love with her, but why? Why was luck never on his side? He had missed his chance with Serenity! If only he had known. If only he had not mistaken someone else for her! Jealousy blinded him in the heat of the moment. If it had not, he could have helped Serenity when she sought help!

Lynette was an impostor who masqueraded as the little girl who saved him as a child! He should have investigated Lynette carefully. If he had known that Lynette was using Serenity's identity, maybe everything would have been different! What a fool!

Lucas grew breathless, overwhelmed with pain and deep regret. If he had been more vigilant with all the investigative work, he might have gotten a chance with Serenity!

***

Serenity went back to work the next day. It had been a few days since her absence from the office.