Ch. 111..120

Chapter 111 Barbara's face instantly showed anger, her wrinkled features hardening. "That brat! I've told him before that a wife should be cherished, not bullied. He dares to bully you? I'll call him right now!"

She reached for her phone, which she always wore around her neck. It was an old-fashioned button phone with speed dial, and she quickly called Lucas.

"Grandma." Lucas's warm, magnetic voice came through the phone.

Barbara glanced at Aveline, who put a finger to her lips, signaling her not to mention her presence.

"Where are you, Lucas?"

Lucas replied, "I'm at home. Do you miss me, Grandma?"

Barbara huffed. "I miss you? Do you miss me? When was the last time you visited me?"

Lucas said, "I've been a bit busy lately. I'll come over right now."

Barbara responded, "Good, I'll be waiting!"

She hung up and smiled at Aveline. "Just wait, I will get revenge for you!"

Aveline hugged Barbara. "Grandma, why are you so good to me?"

Though they had never met before, but after their first encounter, Barbara had taken to her instantly, always smiling and treating her warmly.

For Aveline, who had never experienced familial love, this was a magical feeling. It felt like Barbara was her biological grandmother, not Lucas'.

Barbara hugged her back. "Because I like you the best!"

Aveline's heart softened, and she suddenly felt a pang of guilt for using Barbara to get back at Lucas. Maybe this wasn't the right thing to do.

They wandered in the garden for a while, and as the time for Lucas' arrival approached, Aveline said, "Grandma, when he comes, please don't tell him I'm here. I'll hide." Barbara asked, "Why?"

Aveline said, "Otherwise, he'll think I complained about him and bully me even more when we get home!"

Barbara immediately became serious. "I won't say a word, I promise!

Aveline smiled and said, "Okay, I'll hide now."

"Alright, go ahead," Barbara replied.

Her eyes sparkled as she watched Aveline hide, looking a bit excited but not forgetting her mission- to teach her grandson a lesson. How could Lucas bully his wife? This was unacceptable, he needed to be disciplined!

When Lucas arrived, he saw Barbara sitting in her wheelchair with at blanket over her legs, enjoying the sun.

His expression darkened slightly as he quickly approached and asked, "Grandma, is no one here with you?"

Barbara smiled warmly at him. "My dear grandson, come here and kneel down."

Though puzzled, Lucas knelt down and asked, "Grandma, what's wrong?"

The next moment, Barbara's smile vanished. She raised her hand and smacked him on the head.

Lucas was stunned. "Grandma?"

Barbara grabbed his ear and twisted. "Tell me, have you been bullying your wife?"

Lucas's usually handsome face twisted in pain, but he didn't dare struggle. "No, Grandma, I haven't bullied her."

Barbara twisted his ear harder. "If you haven't bullied her, why hasn't she come to visit me? How many times have I told you that you should cherish your wife? If you don't, someone else will, and then she'll lea BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you

Chapter 112 Lucas didn't understand why his grandmother suddenly brought up this issue, but he could only endure it silently.

"I understand, Grandma. I'll treat my wife well."

Barbara huffed. "That's more like it."

With that, she released Lucas' ear, which was already red from being twisted.

Aveline, hiding behind a nearby bush, saw this scene and pressed her lips together. At first, she was pleased. But her mood quickly turned somber.

After all, Barbara was Lucas' grandmother. Even if she scolded him, she wouldn't let anything really happen to him. The things she said. -Aveline didn't believe them, and she doubted Lucas did either. Forget it.

There was no point.

Just as Aveline was about to turn and leave, a gentle voice called out, "Madam Barbara.” Aveline's body stiffened. She turned and saw Sophia walking in from the entrance.

She wore a beige long dress that reached her ankles, but her prosthetic leg was still noticeable. Her hair was draped over her shoulders, her light makeup was elegant, and she looked gentle and graceful. Barbara looked at her. "Who are you?"

Sophia opened the lid of the snack container she was holding and offered it to her. "Madam Babara, it's me, Sophia."

Barbara's attention shifted to the spacks. "Oh, it's you She took a piece and started eating Sophia said. "Madam Babara, you still like these snodes. Tused to make them for you often."

Barbora smiled as she are "Really? Are you the good at making stocks? Will you make them for me again.

Sophia nodded. "If you like them, I'll make them for you ofte Barbara beamed. "I like them very much. I especially like them Sophia's smile deepened..

Sophia looked at Lucas "What a coincidence, I didn't expect you to be here too."

Lucas asked, "Do you come here often?

Sophia replied, "Yes, Madam Babara must feel lonely here by herself. Since you're busy, I thought I'd visit her often. Most of the time, though, she's asleep when I come. Today is a lucky day, she's awake."

Lucas responded with a noncommittal sound, his gare returning to Barbara's face.

She had crumbs around her mouth from the snacks Sophia gently wiped them away with a tissue. "Madam Babara, do you remember two years ago when you said you wanted Lucas and me to have a big, chubby great-grandchild for you?" Barbara held her snack, looking as if she was trying to recall. After a moment, she shook her head. "I don't remember. But you can't have a child with Lucas. He already has a wife." Sophia's smile froze." Madam Babara, I...” IS BONUS "Stop, Sophia," Lucas interrupted her. "Grandma's memory isn't good. Don't push it."

Sophia bit back her frustration but managed to hold her tongue. "I guess I was too eager." Suddenly, Barbara grabbed her hand. "Your snacks are delicious, and I like you too." Sophia's smile returned. "Then I'll spend more time with you, alright?"

"Yes, yes!" Barbara clapped her hands happily.

Lucas pushed the wheelchair while Sophia walked beside him, and they strolled through the garden, creating a picture of peaceful, happy times.

From the bushes, Aveline watched with a blank expression.

She felt like she was making a fool of herself. It was her own fault for putting herself in this situation.

But seeing Lucas treat her so poorly, how could she just leave it be?

A flicker of determination shone in Aveline's beautiful eyes, and she stepped out. "Grandma."

At her voice, all three turned to look at her.

Chapter 113 "My granddaughter-in-law!"

Barbara seemed to remember Aveline, reaching out to her joyfully Where did you go? Did you not want to play with me anymore?"

Aveline walked over and took her hand. "No, we agreed before. I would hide, and you would teach him a lesson."

Barbara was momentarily confused but then nodded. "Yes, yes Lucas bullied you, so I taught him a lesson."

Lucas's dark gaze fixed on Aveline. "Did you come here to complain to Grandma?

Aveline raised an eyebrow. "So, what if I did?

Lucas' expression darkened further.

Barbara didn't hesitate to smack him again. "I just told you, and you've already forgotten? Why are you glaring at your wife?"

Lucas fell silent.

Aveline turned to Barbara. "Grandma, you're so good to me.

Barbara laughed cheerfully. "I like you, so of course I'm good to you Try this, our housekeeper made these new snacks. They're delicious She picked up a piece and held it to Aveline's lips.

Aveline paused for a moment, glancing at Sophia. As expected, Sophia's face had paled.

Aveline accepted the snack. "Thank you, Grandma."

"Eat, eat! If you like it, I'll have her make more for you. Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets a raise for it!"

Barbara looked at Aveline proudly.

Aveline felt a mix of emotions as she took a bite of the snack and nodded. "It is really good."

Barbara turned to Sophia with a smile. "My granddaughter-in-law likes it too. You'll have to make these often."

Sophia could barely maintain her smile. "Of course, I will."

How infuriating! She had worked hard to please Barbara with her snacks, only to be treated like a servant! "Grandma, she's not a servant," Lucas said.

Barbara blinked. "Then who is she?"

Aveline also looked at Lucas, her eyes clear but laced with subtle sarcasm.

How should he introduce Sophia's identity?

If he had known it would come to this, why had he dragged his feet about divorcing Aveline? If they had divorced sooner, Sophia's. position would have been legitimate by now.

Aveline thought, "Lucas, the awkward situation Miss Winter is in now, is all your doing."

Lucas seemed to understand her thoughts. His voice was low and calm as he said, "Grandma, she's my friend. You don't remember, but two years ago, she saved my life. If it weren't for her, I might not be here Barbara looked enlightened. "Oh, right, she saved you. So, she became a servant in our house after that?"

Both Lucas and Sophia were speechless.

Even Aveline's lips twitched slightly.

Barbara took Sophia's hand. "You're a kind girl. You saved him, and. I'm very grateful. Don't worry, I'll make sure he gives you a raise."

Sophia kept quiet for a while before she pulled her hand back, forcing a smile. "I... I suddenly don't feel well. I need to go to the restroom."

Lucas frowned. "Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

Sophia shook her head. "No need."

She quickly walked towards the restroom.

Barbara continued to insist that Lucas give Sophia a raise. Lucas' eyes were fixed on Aveline.

"If you have a problem with me, take it up with me. Why involve Grandma?"

Aveline met his gaze with calm defiance. "Maybe because I knew it would get your attention." BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you

1. Chapter 114 Aveline turned to Barbara. "Grandma, he's bullying me again.

Without hesitation, Barbara raised her hand and smacked Lucas, not holding back at all.

Lucas fell silent.

His face was expressionless, but his gaze was so intense it seemed like he wanted to burn a hole through Aveline.

Barbara scolded, "Lucas, it seems you never learn. If you keep bullying your wife, I'll tell her to leave you!"

Lucas closed his eyes, suppressing his emotions.

Aveline smiled smugly and then turned to Barbara. "Grandma, are you tired? Do you want to rest?"

Barbara shook her head. "I'm not tired. I still want to play."

But as she said this, she yawned.

Seeing this, Aveline immediately said, "Let's go to your room and play. I'll tell you a story."

"Okay," Barbara agreed eagerly at the mention of a story.

Aveline walked over, nudged Lucas aside, and pushed the wheelchair towards the small building.

Lucas stared at her back, his eyes dark and brooding.

"Lucas." Sophia's voice was soft and muffled as she approached.

Lucas turned and saw her red, tear-streaked eyes. "What's wrong?"

Ba Sophia forced a bitter smile. "Nothing. I just didn't expect Madam see me as a servant. I understand she's sick and doesn't remember me, but what about Miss Young? Does she also see me as a servant of the Tudor family? We knew each other first. If it weren't for that car accident, we would be married by now..."

As she spoke, her emotions grew more intense, and tears fell again, making her look pale and fragile, evoking sympathy.

Lucas' sharp eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Sophia, she doesn't see you that way."

Sophia looked at him. "You don't know her, so how do you know she doesn't think that way? Or is it that you know her very well and care about her a lot?"

She paused and took a step back. "Lucas, you promised me you would divorce her. But what are you doing now? If you've fallen in love with her, just tell me. I won't interfere in your life. As for my leg, you d Lucas' frown deepened. "Sophia, don't overthink it. Now isn't the right time."

Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes. "Then when will it be the right time? She already sees me as a servant of the Tudor family. Will more people think this way about me in the future?"

Lucas' eyes grew colder, but his tone remained gentle. "She doesn't, and she wouldn't dare think that. Her purpose is to protect you.

Sophia hesitated, her expression showing uncertainty. "Really?"

"Yes," Lucas affirmed. His handsome, stern face remained calm and detached, revealing no other emotions. "I just returned to the Tudor family, and many eyes are on me. Keeping a distance from me is the Sophia broke into a smile, throwing herself into his arms. "Lucas, I knew it! I knew you cared about me. I'm sorry for misunderstanding you."

Lucas' body stiffened, and he instinctively pushed her away. "I need to check on Grandma."

Turning around, he saw Aveline standing not far away, her gaze cold and clear.

Aveline clapped her hands slowly. "How touching, how deep. I'm almost moved to tears. But Lucas, can you stop being such a jerk? Can you keep your beautiful love story without using me as a stepping st

Chapter 115 Aveline turned to Sophia. "Miss Winter, do you really believe this jerk the can't even protect you and needs to use une as a cover. Don't you find that ridi ridicul Unfortunately, she had overheard the entire conversation She was speechless after hearing Lucas' shameless words.

He really did love Sophial Loved her enough to drag an innocent person like her into this mess.

All her hears, her nightmares in the fiddle of the night, they were all If he didn't want her to have peace, then no one would have peace!

After all, she was alone and had nothing to lose, but may could take them down with her!

A wave of bi ess grow in Aveline's heart, and she began to resent Sophia's gase turned cold. "Miss Young, if you don't know the whole story, don't speak carelessly. The Tudor family might seem glamorous, but bucas has had a tough time these past years. I can't help him mu divorced!"

Aveline sneered. "Afraid I'll cause trouble? Then get dive In the past, she felt guilty for holding onto Lucas, thinking she owed Sophia because she had saved Lucas and lost a leg. She felt it was.

But now, she was willing to divor The one refusing to divorce was Ettas!

Aveline didn't owe them anything!

She walked closer, her beautiful, clear eyes looking at them. "You're so in love, isn't it a shame not to be together? Divorce me now, and I promise you'll never see me again. How about that?"

She looked at Lucas.

Seeing his face darken, she smiled, "What? Won't do it? Lucas, are you protecting Miss Winter or can't bear to let me go?"

"Have you had enough, Aveline?" Lucas' voice was cold, barely suppressing his anger. He pulled Sophia to his side, then grabbed Aveline's wrist and dragged her outside.

"Sophia, I'll have someone take you home," he said without looking back at her.

Aveline struggled. "Let go of me! You're disgusting!"

He had just hugged Sophia and made promises to her, and now he was dragging her around. What was the meaning of this?

Lucas opened the car door and shoved her into the passenger seat, trapping her between the seat and himself. His eyes bore into hers. Disgusting, am I?"

Aveline felt the pressure emanating from him, his cold aural enveloping her, seeping into her bones, making her heart sink.

"Lucas, what's the point of this?"

"What do you understand?"

His voice was low and hoarse, a hint of redness flashing in his eyes. He gripped her shoulders. "Aveline, behave. Don't do things that will upset me, or no one will be happy."

His demeanor suddenly turned sinister, with turbulent emotions in his eyes that Aveline couldn't decipher.

Aveline broke free from his grasp. I don't understand. Of course, I don't understand. I don't understand why, if you love Sophia, you won't divorce me. I don't understand why you keep bullying me! Lucas, I don't She was almost shouting, her suppressed emotions bursting out; and tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

Just because she had been kind enough to take him in, did she deserve all this?

If so, she had made a terrible mistake!

Chapter 116 Lucas was stunned.

He raised his hand to wipe away her tears, but Aveline avoided his touch.

"Don't touch me," she said, wiping her face hurriedly.

Lucas swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on her. "Aveline, you..."

He seemed to want to say something, but the words wouldn't come. He just stared at her, feeling a constricting pain in his chest. Seeing the hurt and sadness in her eyes, he felt lost and panicked. Aveline sniffled. "Lucas, let's divorce, okay? You have so many capable people around you who can protect Sophia. I just want a peaceful life, one without you."

Lucas' lips pressed into a straight line.

What would his life be like without her?

Memories of the past year, the moments they shared, flashed. through his mind.

She appeared to be simple.

But was she really as simple as she seemed?

When she found out his identity, why did she refuse to divorce?

Suppressing the emotions churning in his eyes, Lucas straightened up, closed the passenger door, and let the cold wind blow away his chaotic thoughts. His face regained its usual calmness. He opened the driver's door, started the car, and in a deep, magnetic voice, with a cool and indifferent tone, said, "You've taken this aonth's money, so let's discuss it after the month ends."

Aveline looked at him. "I'll return the money to you now. Let's go get divorced."

She took out her phone to transfer the money, but realized she didn't have the one million anymore!

She had used some of the cash to buy expensive clothes for Russell!

For a moment, Aveline didn't know what to say.

Lucas glanced at her.

Aveline sniffled. "Next month then.!

Oddly, he felt a sense of relief.

Silence filled the car for a long time until he suddenly asked, "Where do you want to go?"

Aveline replied in a muffled voice, "Maple Garden."

Lucas didn't say anything more and drove straight to Maple Garden.

When they reached the entrance of the neighborhood, he stopped the car instead of driving in. He didn't look at her, just took a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it. Aveline glanced at him, frowned, and seemed like she wanted to say something. She moved her lips but held back.

She got out of the car and walked inside.

Lucas watched her, his gaze deep and unreadable.

A cloud of smoke enveloped his face, obscuring his thoughts.

At that moment, his phone rang. He saw it was a call from Aaron.

"Hell Aaron's cheerful voice came through, "Lucas, I'm back. Aren't you going to welcome Prepare a graad feast for my remen!"

Lates's one was calm and detachel "Good ring handed "What de se *wall anted ite Lucas bang ago the phe A night fel, Asline ered and sing. If she did along shawn Seele we panning.

rm the wake sg, it was already right in the summing the parkered opper take but welling though ther aprumas, der fad Bellacing anything the decided to cus thur Hanself Jour trondering her pereina eijer je gets baseball bat and couchany walked peephole

Chapter 117 Seeing the person outside, Aveline froze.

Why was he here?

Clutching the baseball bat tighter, she turned around and walked away.

There was no way she was opening that door. Not now, not ever.

Just seeing this man annoyed her.

Aveline went into the kitchen and made a simple plate of pasta, then grabbed her tablet and started watching a TV show.

She was completely absorbed in the show, not caring at all about the person outside her door.

About an hour later, the doorbell rang again.

Assuming it was still Lucas, she ignored it and went about her evening routine, preparing to go to bed.

But this time, the doorbell kept ringing persistently.

Feeling irritated, Aveline stomped over to the door and yanked it open. "Can you stop-"

But her words caught in her throat when she saw two uniformed police officers standing there.

"What's going on?" she asked, bewildered.

The officers exchanged glances and stepped aside, revealing Lucas sitting on the ground. One officer pointed to him and asked, "Is this your husband?" Aveline was puzzled. "No, he's not."

"I am," Lucas said sullenly, pulling out their marriage certificate.

Aveline was speechless.

The other officer said, "Why won't you let your husband inside? If you have marital issues, discuss them at home. Making a scene outside is unbecoming for both of you. Whatever the issue, you should settle it privately."

Aveline didn't know how to respond.

She was utterly shocked.

Lucas had called the police because he couldn't get in!

For a moment, she was speechless.

"Did you hear me?" the officer said sternly when she didn't respond.

Aveline was startled and nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, I understand.

The officer turned to Lucas. "Alright, go in. Next time, don't call us for things like this; we won't handle it again."

Lucas stood up, his handsome face tinged with a bit of red, his eyes. slightly dazed. He nodded. "I understand."

Aveline frowned as she looked at him.

Lucas walked over, his gaze fixed intently on her.

The two officers were about to leave when Aveline suddenly asked, " Officers, since you even handle matters like this, would you help me if he had cheated on me?" Both officers paused, their brows furrowing.

"I didn't!" Lucas quickly said. "I didn't cheat."

Aveline let out a cold laugh. "Whether you did or not, you know the truth."

Lucas stared at her. "Aveline, I didn't cheat."

His eyes were tinged with drunkenness and determination, locked onto her as if she were the only person in his world.

Aveline's heart skipped a beat.

Seeing the tension, one of the officers said, "If there are problems in your-marriage, you can file a lawsuit."

With that, the officers left.

At the doorway, Aveline looked at Lucas coldly.

He was drunk. Otherwise, he wouldn't have said those things. He wouldn't have looked at her like that.

Aveline reached out to close the door, not wanting to deal with him.

But Lucas suddenly strode over and hugged her tightly, his tall, heavy body pressing down on her.

Aveline instinctively took a couple of steps back, ending up inside the apartment, while Lucas closed the door behind him.

"Let go..."

Chapter 118 "Ave," Lucas' hot breath brushed against her neck, causing a tingling sensation that felt like an electric current Aveline struggled even harder. "Lucas, let go of me!

Had he ignored everything she said before? Couldn't he just let this month pass peacefully? Why was he here again, making her think he actually cared?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She struggled more fiercely, but Lucas only held her tighter, his breath searing her skin.

Suddenly, Aveline bit down on his shoulder with all her might, tears streaming down her face.

Lucas paused but didn't release her, letting her bite him.

When Aveline finally tired, her breathing was heavy. "What do you mean by this?"

Lucas just held her, saying nothing Aveline exhaled slowly and reached for his phone.

"What are you doing with my phone, Ave?" Lucas asked, his voice muffled.

Aveline didn't respond. She found his phone, used his finger to unlock it, and started dialing Sophia's number.

Seeing this, Lucas immediately grabbed the phone and hung up, then threw it far away.

"You...

Aveline was furious.

"Lucas, don't you love Miss Winter? Don't you want to be responsible for her? Go find her. I won't stop you, I won't even be sad or hurt. Just go to her and leave me alone," Aveline said, trying to control her emotions.

Suddenly, Lucas released her and gripped her shoulders. His eyes. were tinged with red, and his voice was hoarse. "Why won't you be sad or hurt?"

Aveline was stunned. "Did you not understand what I said?"

"I'm asking you, why won't you be sad or hurt? Don't you like me?" that flickered Lucas stared intently at her, watching every emotion like me?"

across her face.

"Ave, don't you like me?"

If she liked him, why wouldn't she feel sad seeing him with Sophia?

'Are you crazy?"!

Aveline pushed him angrily. "You're just a jerk. Why should I feel sad over a jerk?"

"I'm not a jerk," Lucas suddenly said softly, his eyes downcast. His handsome face had a slight flush, and his eyes were clearly clouded with intoxication.

Aveline's heart tightened, but she refused to be swayed by his looks. "You are a jerk. You once said you'd love me forever, but after regaining your memory, you don't love me anymore. You want to divorce me a Her eyelashes trembled. "You're not a jerk to Miss Winter, but you betrayed me."

"I am not a Lucas repeated, then hugged her again. "Ave, I'm not a jerk, I'm not."

Aveline's heart felt like it was being squeezed by a giant hand, filled with an aching pain.

She spoke calmly, "Then divorce me right now."

If he wasn't a jerk, he shouldn't waste her time. He was destined to be responsible for Sophia. She would let go.

"No divorce," Lucas muttered, his weight pressing down on her again, pushing her backward.

Aveline had to step back until she ended up sitting on the sofa, with him leaning heavily on her, still murmuring in her ear. "I'm not a jerk, no divorce..."

Chapter 119 Aveline closed her eyes for a moment, then suddenly spoke softly, " Okay, no divorce, Get up, and I'll make you some sobering tea,"

Lucas stopped mumbling and looked up at her, trying to discern if she was telling the truth.

Aveline gazed at him calmly.

After a long pause, Lucas lightly brushed his nose against hers." Really no divorce?"

"Yes."

Aveline forced herself to remain calm, suppressing the fluttering in her heart.

Lucas seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and released her.

Aveline stood up and walked straight to the kitchen.

Lucas rubbed his forehead.

"Lucas, the sobering tea is ready."

Aveline's voice came from the kitchen.

Lucas froze. That was quick?

He looked up, and in the next second, a basin of cold water was thrown over him.

Lucas squeezed his eyes shut, letting the water flow down his body, soaking the sofa and the carpet.

Avch ice was cold. "Are you sober now?"

Did he think that getting drunk and acting crazy would make her forget everything that had happened?

She remembered every word he had said before.

Lucas seemed to freeze, not moving for a long time as water dripped from his face and hair.

Aveline suddenly felt uncertain.

She picked up the basin and turned to leave.

If he wanted to sit in the living room, so be it. She wouldn't accompany him.

But the next moment, a gust of wind swept past her, and she was suddenly lifted into the air. She gasped as her lips were captured in a kiss.

The basin clattered to the floor with a loud bang.

Aveline struggled immediately. "Mmm... Lucas, are you crazy?"

Lucas kissed her wildly, his eyes fixed on her, his lashes still wet with droplets of water. He was completely drenched, holding her tightly, and now she was getting wet too. He finally tossed her onto the bed.

Aveline tried to get up and run, but Lucas grabbed her waist from behind and pulled her back!

"Lucas, let go of me!" she cried out.

He flipped her over, gripping her chin as his heated breath enveloped her, silencing her voice and breath.

She struggled, but he pried her legs apart.

The coldn rom their wet clothes against their skin spread, creating uncomfortable friction for both of them. Lucas kissed her lips, chin, and neck...

1 His fingers roamed her body, igniting fires wherever they touched. Despite her intense struggle, her body eventually began to respond.

The initial roughness gave way, and his movements became fierce and relentless. Her words shattered into fragments.

He was like a fierce beast lurking in the darkness, seizing his prey with unrestrained aggression, marking her with his scent and repeatedly affirming his claim.

Aveline's eyes were tinged with red, her entire being exuding a chaotic allure.

Lucas' kisses lingered on her lips, silencing her every time she tried to utter something he didn't want to hear.

Gradually, the room was filled only with the sounds of their ragged breaths intertwining.

After what felt like an eternity, Aveline thought she might die on the bed. Finally, Lucas' movements became gentler.

"Bastard..."

Her voice was hoarse, and she lay on the bed, too exhausted to support herself.

Lucas pressed tender kisses along her beautiful spine.

Chapter 120 Lucas ignored her words, and Aveline closed her eyes, giving up on struggling.

She had given up struggling long ago.

She couldn't break free.

If she kept struggling, she was sure he would leave her exhausted on the bed.

Sleep overtook her, and Aveline closed her eyes.

Lucas' kisses traveled to her ears, and as he gazed at her closed eyelids, his expression became more complex and deep.

The water on his body had been replaced by sweat. He stared at her swollen lips from his kisses and suddenly grabbed her chin to kiss her again.

Aveline, who had finally fallen asleep, was awakened once more.

"Mmm... you bastard," Aveline mumbled, pushing him weakly, but he didn't budge.

Lucas deepened the kiss, his actions deliberate, as if he wanted to merge her into his own body.

Maybe this way, she wouldn't say things that made him angry or talk about divorce so casually.

The next morning.

When Aveline woke up, Lucas was no longer in the room.

The chaotic memories of the previous night lingered in her mind. She turned over and immediately frowned.

Her back and waist ached.

She felt terrible.

Damn him!

Aveline cursed silently and took a while to get up and wash up.

She nibbled on some bread, and her phone rang: Seeing that it was Selena calling, she answered and put it on speaker.

"Hello?"

"Ave, do you want to go shopping?"

"I don't have the energy for shopping," Aveline replied.

"What's going on?" Selena asked.

Aveline sighed. "Maybe in a few days."

Her hesitant tone only fueled Selena's curiosity. "Did you hook up with a younger guy last night? Ave, did you finally decide to let loose? Tell me, how was he? Any good?" Aveline let out a bitter laugh. "He's a bastard, alright, but one you know."!

Selena's laughter died instantly. She cursed a few times on the other end before saying, "Look at it this way, at least you got some enjoyment out of it, right?" Aveline stayed silent.

Selena continued, "You need to come out shopping even more now. Get a makeover and buy some things. A woman has to treat herself!"

Aveline thought for a moment. "Alright, come pick me up."

"Got it!"

When they met up, they headed straight to a beauty salon. After a full treatment, Aveline felt revitalized.

Selena linked arms with her and clicked her tongue. "Seriously, that guy is such a bastard. You've got bruises all over."

Aveline said, "Let's not talk about those unpleasant things. Today, the shopping's on me!

Selena cheered, "Ave, you're the best!"

They went into a mall and headed straight for a jewelry store. What's the point of saving all that money if you don't spend it?

Selena's eyes lit up when she saw a pink diamond necklace. "Ave, come check this out. Isn't it beautiful? It would look amazing on you.

Aveline walked over, her eyes also lighting up at the sight of the necklace. "Can you take it out so I can see it?” "Of course," the sales assistant said.

As soon as the tray was handed over, another hand moved it aside.

Sophia's voice came through. "Lucas, do you like this necklace? I love it."

Aveline and Selena turned simultaneously to see Sophia and Lucas standing there. Sophia took the necklace and held it up to her neck, looking at Lucas with anticipation.