Chapter 5. Obsession

Shimma’s POV

As I sat there, my gaze fixed on the TV, an idea struck me. I had just the right plan to get Lucas to leave and have Mattias all to myself.

When Lucas brought my fruit juice on a tray along with some cookies, he placed it on the table. “Here’s your appetizer,” he teased, but I couldn’t find it funny—not after yesterday.

Just as he was about to head back into the kitchen, I called out, “Mattias!” My voice brightened with excitement, making Lucas pause in his tracks as he turned to me. “What if we have a picnic instead? We could take the ice cream and cake outside!”

There was a moment of silence, then I heard Mattias chuckle. “That sounds like a great idea! I would love that,” he responded enthusiastically.

Lucas’s expression shifted, a hint of reluctance showing. “I’d love to join you guys. It sounds fun!”

A knot tightened in my stomach. “Actually, I was thinking it could just be the two of us,” I said, trying to keep my tone li