Chapter 998 Leaving Tully City

"All this stuff was yours to begin with. It's only fair I give it back. I can't stay in Tully City much longer. Once I've taken care of this, I'm heading back to Lake City." I kept it brief. "This house is yours to live in, so don't worry. It's in my name, but it was your money that paid for it. It's really your place. Your situation being what it is, I'm letting Astoria stay here too to look out for you. But if that's not okay with you, I'll find her another place." "Yvette!" Lucas' voice cracked with emotion. "I know I messed up leaving like that. I get why you wanted me clean. It was for my own good... I'm sorry, I..." "Lucas, I've never really owed you anything. However, we were married once, and that counts for something. This is what I can do. If it's not enough, or if there's something else you need, just say the word. "I'll do what I can, as long as it's on the right side of the law." He bit his lip, his dark eyes holding mine. After a long pause, he finally said, "So, is all this just because you don't want to feel like you owe me anything?" I nodded, my words heavy with honesty. "Look, by the book, you're a criminal, and you've got what's coming to you. I shouldn't feel sorry for you. "However, on a personal note, I did deceive you back in the day, even if I had my reasons. That deception played a part in your downfall. You're still here, still breathing. What I'm doing... is my way of settling that unease inside me." His eyes were tinged with red, his voice deep and lingering. "So, all this time, you've been helping me because you're feeling guilty? You shielded me from the city enforcers, kept Idris from finding out about me, risked finding a doctor, got me into rehab, and took care of my wounds—all because you felt guilty?" "Yeah." He let out a bitter chuckle. "What a guilt trip," he said, his voice dripping with irony. I just watched him, my face an ice mask. I knew exactly what I was doing. Emily had a point. I could play dumb about a lot of things, but not about everything. Lucas looked broken, a shadow of his former self. I caught my breath for a moment before speaking, "Your addiction is your own battle, but Lucas, don't let it hurt Astoria. She's a good soul. She's sticking around because of the time you saved her back in Eastern Ollibery." I was aware of how heartless I sounded and how they could sting. However, sometimes, sugarcoating the truth did not do any good. Lucas stayed silent. I did not expect any words of comfort or understanding from him. I glanced at the clock, looking detached. My flight back to Lake City was booked, and with my bags packed, I had no reason to stay. Astoria came downstairs, her belongings in tow. Noticing our silence, she bit her lip and turned to me. "Ms. Scott, I'm heading out to shop. Need me to pick up anything for you?" I shook my head. "It's fine. I've booked a flight to Lake City. I'll be leaving tonight and might stay there for some time. If you need anything while I'm gone, just call me." "You're heading out today?" She looked surprised, her eyes darting toward Lucas. I did not bother to check Lucas' reaction and just nodded with a composed face. "I only came to Tully for business. Now that it's wrapped up, staying here doesn't seem right. I've got a pile of stuff to handle back in Lake City." She let out a small, disheartened hum. Her eyes flickered to Lucas again. She seemed on the verge of saying something more but held back. After a short pause, she offered, "How about I drive you to the airport? When's your flight?" I glanced at my watch. There was plenty of time. "No need to rush. It's still three hours away. You have your own things to do. I'll just grab a cab," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "But..." she started to protest. "You've just settled in here, and there's still stuff you need to sort out. Don't worry about me," I told her, my smile unwavering. She bit her lip and then gave a small nod. She said quietly, "Okay."