“Isabella, let me drive you home.” A familiar voice spoke from nearby.

She looked up to see Lucas standing by his car at the curb, watching her intently.

“That’s very kind, but I’ll just call a cab.” She declined politely, not wanting to impose.

“It’s late. It isn’t safe for you to be out alone. Please, get in.” Lucas insisted firmly.

After a moment’s hesitation, Isabella nodded. She opened the passenger door and slid inside.

“You really don’t have to keep driving me around, Lucas. It’s too much trouble for you,” she murmured as she fastened her seatbelt.

Lucas started the engine, his expression clouded with concern and something else he kept hidden. “You’re going to be working at Blackwood Enterprises?”

“Yes. It’s a joint project. I couldn’t refuse,” Isabella replied, her voice heavy with reluctance.

“Isabella…” Lucas began, then stopped. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. He knew all too well the pain Ethan had caused her. The thought of her facing that old hurt again troubled him deeply.

“I know what worries you, Lucas,” Isabella said, turning to face him with resolve. “But I have to do this for the studio. I’ll be done once the project is finished.”

Lucas exhaled slowly. “I still don’t like the idea of you being near Ethan.”

Isabella gave a bitter laugh. “Lucas, Ethan and I are over. He’s just a business associate now. Besides…”

She paused, her tone laced with irony. “His heart belongs to Sophia. He doesn’t care about me anymore.”

Lucas gripped the steering wheel tighter, a flicker of pain crossing his face.

“Isabella!” He tried to speak again, but the words wouldn’t come.

Isabella turned to look out the window. “Thank you, Lucas. I truly appreciate this.” A heavy silence settled in the car, broken only by the soft hum of the engine.

They arrived at Eleanor’s apartment complex, and the car came to a smooth stop. The moment Isabella stepped out, a small figure came running toward her, throwing himself into her arms. “Mommy!” It was Liam. He buried his face against her, murmuring, “Mommy, you’re home.” Isabella’s heart melted instantly. She knelt down, scooped Liam into her arms, and kissed his cheek. “Have you been good, Liam?”

“Yes!” he replied brightly, his arms wrapped tightly around her neck, his eyes shining with happiness.

Noticing Lucas getting out of the car, Liam offered a polite greeting. “Good evening, Lucas.”

Lucas smiled at the tender scene and gently ruffled Liam’s hair. “Liam, you’re such a good boy.”

“Isabella, have you been looking for a place to rent?” Lucas asked, concern evident in his voice.

The question reminded Isabella of the task she had neglected. “I’ll start searching tomorrow.”

“Let me help you. You look exhausted,” Lucas said, his worry palpable.

“That’s very generous, but I can manage, Lucas. You’ve already done so much,” Isabella replied sincerely, her voice tinged with guilt.

She was grateful for Lucas’s kindness, but she was determined not to rely on him constantly. She needed to stand on her own to protect both herself and her son.

“That’s what friends are for,” Lucas said with a weak smile.

He watched Isabella cuddling Liam, their tender interaction stirring a whirlwind of emotions within him. How he wished he could openly stand by her side. But…

He glanced at Isabella, yet found himself speechless, the words he needed to say trapped in his throat.

“Go upstairs and get some rest,” he murmured gently.

Isabella nodded, and with Liam snug in her arms, she headed inside.