When Lucinda said that, everyone’s faces relaxed with relief. Blake gave her an approving nod. “That’s the right attitude. The Norwood family can absolutely support you, so just focus on what you love. School comes first.”
Lucinda nodded earnestly. “I will.”
All four of her brothers were basically geniuses, and Lydia was on another level. She was the same age as Lucinda but had already accomplished things most people couldn’t pull off in several lifetimes. Lucinda had made up her mind. She would learn from Lydia. She wanted to get better at everything and didn’t want Lydia to leave her in the dust.
Back in her room, Lucinda let out a heavy sigh. For the first time in a while, she felt like she had a goal again, a sense of motivation building up inside her.
But then, to her surprise, Grace, who had always been her biggest supporter, closed the door behind her and hurried over, looking anxious. “Lucinda, what are you thinking?”
Lucinda caught the worry in Grace’s eyes and gave a small, helpless sigh. “Grace, I just… I really don’t want to get into any kind of relationship right now.”
She still couldn’t get over Connor. The thought of accepting someone new felt impossible. Besides, it wasn’t like Mikey liked her that way. Why should she set herself up for disappointment?
Grace was so flustered, she couldn’t even find the right words. She took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice. “Lucinda, if you don’t try to marry into the Jefferson family now, while you’re still a Norwood, how will you ever find a family that good later on?”
“Grace, it’s not like I have to marry someone from the Jeffersons. I’m only eighteen. There’s plenty of time to think about marriage after college.”
“But do you really think you’ll be able to stay in the Norwood family for that long?”
Lucinda hesitated, then said, “Mom and Dad already told me I’ll always be their daughter. I can stay as long as I want.”
Grace was so frustrated she nearly slapped her own leg. “But Lucinda, with how things are between you and Lydia, do you really think she’ll let you stay with the Norwoods forever?”

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