The Heart Never Forgets

Chapter-15

CHAPTER-15

Could this really be the same Della—the girl whom both Ethan and Lucas used to look after with such care? Lucas was suddenly reminded of that day long ago, when the three of them were swimming together in a pool—it was, naturally, the height of summer. The three of them were enjoying their ice cream together. But suddenly, Della’s ice cream slipped and fell into the pool water... Without a second thought, Lucas and Ethan simultaneously dove into the pool to save Della’s ice cream. The whole situation was rather comical, yet their sincerity toward one another was always undeniably genuine. But today, Della was enjoying her ice cream alone with Ethan. Did she not spare a single thought for Lucas? Lucas became somewhat distracted. Inwardly, he grew intensely jealous at the thought that Della now prioritized Ethan over him. Yet, the truth remained that it was Lucas—not Ethan—to whom Della was betrothed. It took a sharp nudge from Della to snap Ethan back to reality...

Della: What happened? Where did you get lost? Tell me!

Lucas: Oh! Sorry, Della—I suppose I got a bit distracted. What was it you wanted to ask?

Della: I wanted to know why you brought me here. Is there something you want to tell me?

Ethan: Yes, I do want to tell you something. It’s very important.

Della: What could be so important?

Ethan: It is precisely because the matter is so important that I brought you here.

Della was growing restless. There was a dinner invitation at Ethan’s house that evening, and Della needed to get ready. Moreover, she wanted to look her absolute best to impress Ethan, so she needed time to prepare.

Della: Look, Ethan—I really need to get home a bit early.

Ethan: Why?

Della: Oh! Have you forgotten? Everyone is invited to Ethan’s house tonight. I want to do some shopping with my mother.

Lucas: That’s not a problem at all. I’ll make sure to get you home right on time. Just try not to be so restless, and listen to what I have to say.

Della: Alright then—go ahead. Tell me what you want to say. Without making any excuses—and with his characteristic restlessness—Lucas blurted out the complex, deeply significant news.

Lucas: Della, our marriage has been arranged.

Della didn't quite grasp the gravity of Lucas's words. Perhaps she was feeling too thrilled about the evening party; consequently, she hadn't fully registered what Lucas had said. Della assumed Lucas was talking about his wedding. So, without a moment's delay, she extended her hand to offer her congratulations.

Della: Congratulations, Lucas!

Lucas stared at Della for a moment, his mouth hanging open in astonishment.

Della: Now what’s the matter? Come on, let’s go... As Della turned to head toward the car, Lucas grabbed her hand and pulled her back toward him. He planted a light, playful tap on her cheek. Della looked at Lucas, utterly bewildered.

Della: What is it?

Lucas: Tell me, Della—where have you drifted off to? Do any of my words actually reach your ears at all?

Della: Yes, your words reached my ears just fine.

Lucas: Alright then, tell me: what did I just say to you?

Della: You said your marriage has been arranged, right? And now I’m going to go see Auntie to find out who this mischievous friend of mine is getting married to. Come on, let’s go!

Lucas: Della! Lucas was starting to get angry now. Della felt a bit taken aback. Lucas pulled her close. His entire body was trembling. The Della he saw today bore no resemblance to the Della he had known all this time. This Della didn't have a single moment to spare to listen attentively to what Lucas had to say. This Della was so consumed by her love for Ethan that her eyes and ears seemed to have gone completely numb. Seething with rage, Lucas gripped Della’s right hand tightly. Della winced in pain.

Della: What is going on, Lucas? Why are you getting so angry? Lucas: Are you making excuses, or are you just pretending not to hear me, Della?

Della: What do you mean? What are you trying to say? Stop being so cryptic and just spit it out. I’m already running late as it is.

Lucas: Oh, really? I know exactly who you’re in such a rush to get to. But if you just pay close attention to what I have to say right now, I hope all that restlessness of yours will vanish. My marriage isn't going to be with anyone else—it’s going to be with you. Do you understand, you silly girl?

Upon hearing this, Della was initially left somewhat stunned. She simply couldn't bring herself to believe it. After composing herself slightly, Della turned to Lucas and asked:

Della: What on earth are you saying, Lucas?!

Lucas: Yes—I’m telling you the absolute truth. Our marriage was arranged for us when we were both very young children.

Della: No... I don't believe... "Lucas, stop joking around with me. I don't find this amusing at all."

Lucas: "I didn't bring you here just to joke around. This is the truth."

Della: "No, that’s a lie. If there were any truth to this, surely we all would have known about it by now. Wouldn't we?"

Lucas: "Yes, you're right. But we weren't allowed to know about it. Our parents were simply waiting for the right moment."

Della: "No, I don't believe you. Besides, you and I are nothing more than friends. I could never, ever think of you as a romantic partner—no, absolutely not! It’s impossible. Let go of me; let me leave."

Lucas: "Wait, Della—hear me out for a moment. This isn't a decision for you or me to make. It is our parents' dream."

Della: "I don't want a dream like that."

Lucas: "But what about the dreams I've already started dreaming about you?"

Della: "Stop dreaming about me, Lucas!" Della shouted.

"We can only be friends—nothing more."

Lucas blocked Della’s path, holding his hand out in front of her.

Lucas: "If we can't be partners, then we can't be friends either—not ever, Della. Just remember that."

Della: "What do you mean? What are you trying to say?"

Lucas: "I'm not easily provoked. But if anyone disrespects my parents' decision, I will make sure to teach them a lesson. Della, I will remain just a 'friend' to you only as long as Ethan remains just a 'friend' to you."

Della: "No! I've already started falling in love with Ethan."

Lucas: "Don't worry; after we get married, you'll start falling in love with me, too."

Della: "That will never happen, Lucas! You just don't understand."

Lucas: "If that doesn't happen, then Ethan will never be yours."

Della: "What? What are you saying, Lucas?"

Lucas: "I won't let you be with Ethan." I will wipe Ethan off the face of the earth.

Della: Lucas!! You have no idea what you're saying. You've lost your mind!

Lucas: Della, listen to me—in love and in war, anything goes. Ha... ha...

Della was so horrified by Lucas's words that she ran out of the room in tears. She simply could not believe that Lucas was capable of speaking like that! Lucas had changed. How was everything turning so completely upside down? Was Della about to face a truly terrible time?