Chapter 30 Deciding to Switch Back

Alex's Perspective:

Ever since Lucas and I got busted in front of Cecilia, I'd been on edge. Lucas had yet to learn what Cecilia's capable of, and sticking around any longer would be playing with fire.

Lucas, his mom, and Saki had all been super nice to me. I couldn't let him deal with that mess instead of me.

With that in mind, I borrowed a smartwatch from Saki and called Lucas again.

"Hello?" Lucas picked up fast, sounding totally fine. I felt a bit of relief.

"Lucas, Mom's at work right now, and it's simply Saki and me at home. Let's switch back today. How about we meet at the statue in the city square?"

"Sure, my dad's not home either. I'll get someone to bring me over, and we'll switch back when we get a chance," Lucas agreed without hesitation.

I could hear the excitement in his voice about going home, but...

I glanced at Saki, who was chilling on the couch watching TV, and felt a pang of reluctance.

In that fancy house, I was always alone. Here, I had Saki with me. We waited for Mom to come home from work, then gathered around her to chat about our day. We ate her not-so-great cooking and listened to her gentle bedtime stories. These simple, everyday moments were what I cherished the most and found hardest to let go of.

But no matter how much I didn't want to leave, I had to switch back. This was Lucas's life, and I couldn't keep it forever.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asked, picking up on my silence.

"Nothing," I sniffled. "It's settled then. I'll say goodbye to Saki and head out."

The thought of leaving made me want to cry. Stella wasn't back yet, and I couldn't properly say goodbye to her.

"It's okay, Alex. We're just apart for now. Once our plan succeeds, we'll be a family and together every day. You might even find us annoying then," Lucas said, trying to comfort me with a joke.

His words did make me feel a lot better.

"No way! I'll never get tired of you guys!" I promised earnestly. Living with them made me so happy; how could I ever find it annoying?

"That's great; see you soon."

"Yeah, see you soon."

I hung up, feeling a heavy sense of reluctance wash over me. I really didn't want to leave.

"Lucas, you're going to drain my smartwatch battery. Why do you always use mine? Where's yours?" Saki walked over, annoyed as she took back her watch.

Seeing her upset made my reluctance even stronger.

"Sorry, I won't use it again," I said, holding back tears and patting her head.

"What's wrong?" Saki asked, worried. "Why are your eyes red? You can use it; I won't complain anymore." She handed the watch back to me.

"I've finished using it. I don't need it anymore." I put the watch back on her wrist. "This watch's battery doesn't last long. I'll buy you the best one later."

"Really? Lucas, you're the best!" Saki hugged me happily. "Thank you, Lucas."

I hugged her back, not wanting to let go. After spending so much time together, I already saw Saki as my sister. No matter what the future held, I would protect her and Stella.

With that thought, I gently pushed Saki away and looked down. I didn't dare look into her eyes, afraid she'd see I was about to cry.

I said to her, "Saki, stay home, okay? I'm going to get you some ice cream."

"Okay, come back soon. I'll be waiting," Saki said with a sweet smile.

"I'll be back soon." I couldn't stay any longer, afraid I'd start crying.

I quickly left, but as I closed the door, I couldn't help but look back at Saki. She stood there, smiling and waving at me. I quickly wiped away my tears and ran to the elevator.

Once inside, I allowed myself to cry softly. Of course, I didn't want to leave. But this life belonged to Lucas, and I couldn't selfishly keep it for myself.

Cecilia had once mocked me, saying I was born without a mother and brought bad luck, causing disaster to those around me. So no matter what, I couldn't let Lucas get hurt because of me! With that thought, I wiped my tears and forced myself to stop crying.

Lucas's Perspective:

After hanging up, I let out a heavy sigh. I could sense Alex's reluctance, and it made me feel bad too. But after being away from Mom and Saki for so long, I really missed them.

Besides, if we stayed switched for too long, we might slip up and ruin the plan, or worse, cause big trouble. We would be a family soon enough, so Alex would just have to bear it this time.

With that in mind, I found the butler and asked him to drive me to the city square.

As I got into the car, I felt no reluctance at all, only joy and excitement at the thought of seeing Mom and Saki again.