The Joker Is Missing!

2.10 : Responsibility As A Man

"Why are you here?"

Grace looked at the shocked Lucas and the crying Rachel, a silent smirk playing on her lips. She had anticipated Rachel's arrival when Lucas planned to leave, seizing the opportunity to gain Rachel's pity.

As expected, Rachel's voice trembled, "Lucas, is what she said true? Do you really have a child?"

Rachel ignored the man’s question, her focus solely on the revelation.

Child..

They had a child!!

This sudden information stabbed Rachel's heart ruthlessly, leaving her no chance to process it. The heartache was unbearable, and despite her unwillingness to show weakness, tears streamed down her pale face.

Lucas remained silent, his expression unreadable, acquiescing in his stillness.

Grace, observing the unfolding drama, seized the moment to begin her act. She held Rachel's hands tightly, her face a mask of guilt and sadness, a smile more painful than a cry.

"Rachel, I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I know I've wronged you when we were young. I understand what I did wasn’t right, even knowing you were married, but... I love him."

Rachel choked on her words, but Grace pressed on, not waiting for a response.

"I love him to the point where I would do something so shameful! I felt betrayed and heartbroken after he broke up with me because of your marriage. I thought that as long as I remained silently by his side, I would be satisfied. But I'm not. That's why, that time I—"

She stopped herself, the implication of her actions hanging in the air.

Grace tightened her grip on Rachel's hands, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I—I'm not asking for much. I just want my daughter to have a father. I don’t care about the rumors; my daughter is just a newborn! I can’t bear the thought of aborting her now. I’m useless, unable to provide for her needs. Rachel, I’m so lost. I don’t know what to do."

Rachel was flustered, wanting to comfort Grace, but was interrupted by Lucas’s harsh words.

"Grace, have you had enough? Your pathetic act needs a little improvisation; otherwise, you'll just look like a clown. Just get to the point. How much do you want this time?"

Grace's inner thoughts churned as she pretended to be shocked. Her crocodile tears, which had stopped for a moment, burst forth again.

"Lucas, am I really that kind of woman in your eyes? How could you say that to me? Do you really love me?"

The question hung in the air, silencing the room.

Rachel dared not breathe, wishing to become invisible. She didn’t want to hear his answer, yet a flicker of hope hidden deep within her stirred.

Grace's face lit up with anticipation, her heart racing with excitement.

Two hearts beat faster—one filled with fear, the other with hope.

Lucas answered honestly, without hesitation. "I do."

Rachel's eyes dimmed in despair, but she managed a brave smile. She stepped toward Lucas, her courage shining through. "Then take responsibility as a man!"

Two question marks popped up in Lucas's mind as he was intruded upon by his timid wife’s words.

Rachel held Lucas’s apathetic gaze and continued, "Since you two still have feelings for each other, you should take care of your sweetheart and your daughter."

Lucas wanted to intervene, but Rachel pressed on, her warm and gentle smile now grating on his nerves. "Don’t worry about our marriage. Grandpa knows about your feelings for someone else. He told me a few months ago that we can officially divorce if you want."

"You don’t have to worry about my daughter. She’ll understand the reason for our divorce. She's a smart child, after all."

"Enough!"

Rachel fell silent, her courage deflating like a balloon.

Lucas massaged his brow, striving to remain calm. Glancing at Rachel, he saw the shadow of a little girl on her face.

He sighed. "I do love you, Grace—"

Grace’s smile blossomed in triumph, but Lucas didn’t look at her. He continued to stare at Rachel.

"—But that was in the past."

His words sent both women’s emotions into chaos, but there was more to come. His next sentence stunned them both, especially Rachel.

"Rachel, I know I wronged you during our marriage. You’ve always felt guilty for what happened between Grace and me, but that wasn’t your fault. You’re the victim in this unfortunate marriage... So, I’m sorry."

"I'm sorry."

The young master of the respected Joker Family and well-known CEO was actually saying sorry?!

Grace, who had known this man for years, stood frozen in disbelief before jealousy and hatred twisted her features as she glared at Rachel.

When Grace and Lucas were together, she had never heard him apologize, even when he made mistakes. She often swallowed her grievances and took the initiative to apologize during their arguments.

The unfairness of this moment gnawed at her.

Rachel was shocked, but the surprise quickly faded, replaced by tears. She instinctively hugged Lucas, pouring out years of hidden grievances in an endless stream of sobs.

Lucas held her indifferently, offering no words of comfort, just gently patting her back. Inside, his heart raced, and his mind spun. He didn’t know how to comfort her beyond that simple gesture.

Life can be very hard sometimes, leaving one to wonder why. Yet sometimes, a little compassion is all anyone needs to get by.