Lucas had already regained his composure and looked at Bethany calmly.

　　"When did you get here? Why didn't you call ahead?" he asked, walking inside and sitting down casually on the sofa.

　　I remained standing in place, my mind in turmoil.

　　Bethany didn't respond to me. She just turned and followed him, sitting next to Lucas and, without hesitation, affectionately draping her arm around his.

　　"I just wanted to surprise you," she said, sounding ...