Sweet Subterfuge novel by Trina Duo novel Chapter 123

Chapter 123
With everyone’s attention on her, Lana, the little princess, smiled proudly during Lucas” speech.
“Two years ago, we were both in Bartham, celebrating her birthday with her family. However, due to my job transler last year, we were separated by distance, spending more time apart than together. It caused my sittle princess a great deal of hardship. She left her family behind and flew to Covenford to spend her 24th birthday with me today.”
Lucas’ hand gradually moved upward, wrapping around Lana’s waist. Affection lilled his gaze, and his tone grew gentler as he said. “I hope
you like everything I’ve prepared for you.”
As his words fell Lana burned her head to look at him.
“I really like it” she said softly.
The audience began to cheer, shouting. “Kiss her! Kiss her!”
They seemed more excited than Lucas himself, Blushing, Lucas laughed along with the crowd. He looked at Lana but made no moves.
After a while, he shook his head and said. Tm shy. Let’s skip that”
Immediately, a chorus of boos erupted from the audience, and someone even shouted, “Lucas! What kind of man are you?”
It caused a wave of laughter. Even Lucas himsell laughed along.
“There are too many people here, it wouldn’t be appropriate,” he said, scratching his nose. Handing the microphone to Lana, he asked. “Is there anything else you’d like to say?”
Lana took the microphone and curtsied to the crowd.
“Thank you for coming, everyone.” she said, her voice soft and sweet, perfectly complementing her cute doll-like face.
“And of course…” She turned to Lucas. “The person I want to thank the most is my boyfriend.”
Lucas’ grin grew wider, and he laughed even louder. Without warning, Lana cupped Lucas’ face with both hands and tiptoed to place a light kiss on his lips.
Lucas froze, staring at her. Meanwhile, screams, whistles, and table-pounding noises erupted in the venue due to Lana’s bold actions. Larissa, on the other hand, was shocked.
She still remembered Lana as a ten-year-old girl in middle school constantly receiving warmings from her parents and teachers about not engaging in early relationships, despite receiving confessions from male classmates every day.
Larissa thought that, given Lana’s strict upbringing, she would never have a romantic relationship in her entire life-she would end up in an arranged marriage just like she had when the time came.
But clearly, Lana liked Lucas. So much so that she publicly kissed him, disregarding the strict family rules.
Larissa was surprised to find hersell envious of Lana. She couldn’t help but feel jealous that Lana had gained approval from the Seymours. A wave of sadness washed over her as she was reminded of the stark contrast between herself and Lana. They were destined to walk different paths from the moment they were born.
It took quite a while for the commotion to die down.
Blushing, Lucas finally said. “Make a wish, Lana.”
“Okay.” Lana clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. Meanwhile, Lucas watched her intently as if she was all that he could see.
About 30 seconds later, Lana opened her eyes and blew out the candles. Then, the lights in the venue were turned back on,
Larissa closed her eyes as they adjusted to the dazzling light. With his hand, Kevan shielded Larissa from the light. Through his fingers. Larissa saw Lana and Lucas on stage, holding the cake knife together to cut the beautiful cake.
Lucas wore a happy, silly smile on his face. But Lana’s smile was different. It didn’t quite reach her eyes.