Vivian didn't notice the sudden change in Charlotte's expression. Still smiling brightly, she teased, "Charlotte, wasn't your Prince Charming supposed to pick you up today? You've been going on about him nonstop lately."
Charlotte's mind was completely consumed by the image of Lucas standing next to Lavinia. She couldn't even muster the energy to entertain Vivian's teasing. Instead, she quickly made up an excuse. "Vivian, something urgent just came up. I need to leave right now."
Without waiting for a response, she said a hasty goodbye and made her way toward Lucas and Lavinia.
"Lucas, you're here to pick me up!" Charlotte raised her voice, her tone sweet and exaggerated, as if deliberately trying to draw his attention.
Lucas snapped out of his daze at the sound of her voic
