Ch. 21..30

Chapter 21 Aveline's lips tightened as she dialed Selena's number, but it kept going unanswered.

They had just parted ways not long ago, so why would she go to Moonlight Tower?

Recalling what she had said earlier, Aveline's breathing grew heavy. Confronting Lucas was definitely something she would do.

Not daring to overthink, she hurried out and hailed a taxi to Moonlight Tower.

Entering quickly, she found the lobby in disarray, shattered glass everywhere, as if there had just been a robbery.

"Where's Selena?"

Aveline grabbed a waiter, asking urgently.

The waiter pointed to a private room down the corridor. "In there.

Aveline hurried over and pushed open the door, finding Selena being held by two bodyguards, her face flushed with anger.

"Let go of me!"

She was still struggling incessantly.

On the sofa, Lucas's expression was grim, his white shirt stained with blood, and his dark eyes staring lifelessly at Selena.

His right sleeve was rolled up to his elbow, revealing a wound on his arm, while Sophia sat beside him, tending to it.

Aveline widened her eyes as she rushed over and pushed the 1/3 bodyguards away. "Let her go!"

Everyone looked over.

Lucas's expression grew even darker upon seeing her.

Selena said, "Ave, why are you here?"

Aveline asked, "What on earth happened?"

Selena pursed her lips and didn't speak, her eyes like daggers at Lucas. If looks could kill, Lucas would have been torn to pieces by now.

Aveline took a deep breath and looked at Lucas. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Lucas's voice was cold. "You should ask her that."

"Hey, you mute, what's your attitude?" Selena's anger flared up immediately. "Oh, you're not mute anymore, and you've forgotten how Ave treated you, you ungrateful bastard!"

She scolded him ruthlessly, showing no restraint. Then she turned to Aveline. "I warned you long ago not to take in just any man. Now look, he's regained his memory, can talk, and has gone home to inherit the things with his old flame, making you look like the mistress."

Aveline remained silent.

After three months, Selena's fighting spirit than ever.

was s "Hold her down," came Lucas's cold, magnetic voice.

The two bodyguards immediately moved to restrain Selena.

Seeing this, Aveline intervened, "No, you can't touch her."

П But the bodyguards only listened to Lucas.

Selena was pinned down again. This time the bodyguards were determined to make her kneel.

Aveline turned to Lucas, her gaze landing on the wound on his arm, and she spoke with a trembling breath, "Lucas, no matter what Selena did, it was for me. If you're angry, take it out on me." Lucas's eyes darkened as he stared at her. "She did everything. Why should I take it out on you?"

Aveline choked up and said, "What will it take for you to let her go?"

Lucas replied, "Make her apologize. She tried to hurt Sophia."

Selena gritted her teeth. "I will never apologize to her. Who does she think she is? Does she deserve an apology from me?"

Lucas signaled the bodyguards.

The bodyguards applied more force, and Selena cried out in pain, her face turning pale.

"I'm sorry, Miss Winter!" Aveline said directly to Sophia.

Chapter 22 "Selena is impulsive. If she did something to hurt you, I hope you won't hold it against her. I promise she won't do it again."

Selena's eyes turned red instantly. "Ave, why are you. apologizing? This has nothing to do with you!"

Aveline ignored her and looked at Lucas. "Is this enough now?"

Her face was slightly pale, and there was a shattered light in her eyes.

Wasn't it just forcing her to comply?

Why wasn't he satisfied when she had already complied with his wishes?

She was truly blind.

Why didn't she listen to Selena?

The taste of reaping what one sows was truly unpleasant.

Lucas looked deeply at her, feeling a wave of irritation. What did this matter have to do with her?

A cold, harsh aura enveloped him.

Sophia spoke up at this moment, "I'm fine, but Lucas is injured. I understand that Miss Quin is angry, but hurting someone is against the law. I hope Miss Quin won't do this again in the future." She looked at the two bodyguards. "Let go of Miss Quin."

The two bodyguards immediately released Selena.

Ave..."

Selena looked at Aveline.

Aveline said, "If there's nothing else, we'll leave now. We won't disturb you any longer."

Selena began to panic and quickly followed.

Lucas stared coldly at the two bodyguards. "Whose men are you?

The two bodyguards were stunned. "We are your men, Mr. Tudor.

"So, you do know." Lucas's tone grew even colder. "Get out of here, and don't let me see you again."

The two bodyguards were immediately terrified and wanted to say something, but under Lucas's cold gaze, they shivered and left with their heads down.

Sophia was slightly taken aback by the situation.

What did he mean by this?

Was he displeased that the bodyguards listened to her?

"Lucas, your injury has been treated. Be careful not to get it wet," she said softly, suppressing the strange feeling in her heart.

Lucas took out a cigarette, lit it, and half-closed his eyes. The smoke enveloped his face, making it hard to discern his expression.

Sophia looked at him. "Lucas, are you still worried about Miss Young's injury? She seems to have recovered."

"No," Lucas replied coldly.

Sophia's eyes flickered. Really?

If he wasn't worried, then why did he deal with Paul and his gang so harshly?

The protestors came to the construction site to cause a disturbance before, and he never personally intervened. But when Aveline got hurt, he sent those people straight to prison.

They just wanted fair compensation. Wasn't this too severe?

"I'll have someone take you home."

Lucas stood up and left the private room.

Sophia watched his tall back and suddenly asked, "Do you like her? If you do, I won't say anything. After all, saving you was my one- sided decision. Even though I lost a leg, I've gotten used to it over the past two years."!

"Don't overthink it."

Lucas looked at her. "Go home and rest well. She and I will get divorced soon."

He opened the door, and Desmond was already waiting outside.

Lucas gave a brief instruction and then left quickly.

Desmond looked at Sophia. "Miss Winter, please."

Sophia lowered her eyes, hiding her emotions.

"Ave, wait for me."

Selena caught up with Aveline, seeing her pale face and feeling a surge of guilt. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect him to be so ruthless now."

Aveline took a deep breath and said, "Why are you apologizing? You did it for me. But promise me, don't go to him alone again. We can't afford to provoke him.

Chapter 23 Selena said, "I'm just so angry."

Aveline sighed softly. "Your anger only brings suffering for both of us."

Selena choked, a few traces of guilt appearing on her delicate face. "I know I was wrong."

"Alright, weren't we going to have dinner together? This meal is on you," Aveline said.

"No problem!"

-Selena cheerfully agreed, linking her arm with Aveline's as they walked to the roadside.

By the time they finished their meal, it was already evening.

Selena wanted to go home with Aveline, but Aveline refused.

"You've been taking care of me in the hospital for so long. Go home and rest well, or else you won't be pretty anymore," Aveline said.

Selena immediately covered her face. "Really? Am I not pretty anymore? That's unacceptable. I need to go home and take care of myself. Bye, Ave darling."

Watching her leave, Aveline's smile carried a touch of helplessness.

Returning directly to her apartment in the Waterfront District, she went upstairs. The light on her floor had gone out at some point, leaving the hallway shrouded in darkness.

She took out her key to unlock the door. As she entered and tried to close the door behind her, a force prevented her from doing so.

"Who?"

Aveline exclaimed in surprise and turned around to see Lucas' handsome face.

He had been hiding somewhere, seemingly waiting for a long time, as his body carried a slight chill.

Aveline pushed him. "Get out. You're not welcome in my house."

She remembered the humiliation he caused her today. What did he want now?

Lucas grabbed her wrist firmly, his voice low. "A luxurious apartment, six million. Don't you want it anymore?"

Aveline paused. "You can send the deed and the check directly to me. There's no need for you to trouble yourself."

Lucas tightened his grip on her wrist.

Aveline took a deep breath. "What are you going crazy for?"

Lucas walked in, closing the door behind him.

He turned on the lights, and the room was suddenly bright.

Aveline pressed her lips together, looking at him. She pulled her hand away, her clear eyes filled with a hint of mockery. "What? Was my apology today not sincere enough? Should I apologize again? Tell me, h "Aveline," Lucas interrupted her, "why do you have to be so sarcastic?"

Aveline almost laughed in anger. "Listen to yourself. Is that how a person talks? Wasn't it you who made things difficult for me first?"

As soon as she voiced her accusation, her eyes turned red. She immediately turned her head and took a deep breath. "Lucas, what happened today made me feel like I did something wrong you. But the truth is Her voice trembled slightly.

She tried hard to control her emotions, but his presence made it difficult. When he wasn't around, it was easier to keep everything in check, but once he appeared, her emotions broke free.

How could he treat her like that?

She hadn't done anything wrong. Neither had Selena. Everything happened because they were perceived as a threat to Sophia's safety.

She gave a bitter smile. "We have nothing more to say. Bring the deed and the check, and we'll file for divorce immediately."

She didn't want to stay in this marriage for another day.

Lucas looked deeply at her, his lips pressed into a line, a heavy atmosphere surrounding him. He walked over to the sofa and sat down.

"Ave, my wound hurts," he said in a hoarse voice.

Aveline was really infuriated to the point of laughter.

"Lucas, do you have no shame?"

How could he say his wound hurt after everything she just said, without even a change in his expression?

Chapter 24 "Six million and the house, don't you want them anymore?"

Lucas looked at her with an emotion in his eyes that Aveline couldn't decipher.

Aveline clenched her fists, staring at him, and suddenly felt deflated.

She did want them.

With money and a house, she wouldn't have to work anymore. She could leave this city, go far away, and make sure he could never find her.

Oh... how naive of her. As if he would ever look for her.

Keeping a cold face, she found the first aid kit, sat down beside him, opened it, and began disinfecting his wound.

"It hurts," he said softly.

His deep, magnetic voice, slightly hoarse, carried his unique roughness, making it a real temptation to Aveline.

Her breathing became slightly erratic, and instead of being gentle, her movements became more forceful.

This time, Lucas didn't say anything.

He just watched her quietly. Her expression was indifferent, her delicate features stunningly beautiful. Though she usually didn't wear makeup, she had a touch of purity about her. Two completely different temperaments blended well within her. "It's done."

Her cold voice broke his thoughts, As Aveline packed up the first aid kit, she said, Mr. Tudor, please keep your word. I want to see the check and the deed by tomorrow morning. Then I'll go with you to file a divorce. She closed the first aid kit with a snap and turned to look at him.

"If you were to back out, then we wouldn't get divorced. We can just drag this out. It won't be my loss anyway."

With that, she picked up the first aid kit, put it away, and went straight into the bedroom.

Lucas stared at the beautiful bow on his arm, his eyes darkening.

After taking a shower, Aveline wore only a camisole nightdress. She planned to have a glass of water before going to bed, assuming he had left. But when she opened the door, she saw him still sitting on the so He was staring at his injured arm, lost in thought.

Aveline paused for a moment before casually walking towards the water dispenser.

With her back to him, she couldn't see his expression.

After drinking half a glass of water and just setting the cup down, a strong arm encircled her waist.

Startled, Aveline immediately began to struggle. "Lucas, what are you doing? Let go of me!"

Soft kisses fell on her shoulder and neck, his hot breath caressing her delicate skin, causing her to shiver.

In their half-year of marriage, she knew how to provoke his nerves, and he knew how to do the same.

After just a few teasing touches, Aveline's face turned red.

He turned her around, his dominant presence overwhelming as he kissed her lips.

Smack!

Aveline suddenly raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

"Lucas, you bastard!"

Her eyes reddened at the corners. "We're getting divorced. What do you think you're doing?"

Lucas pressed his tongue against his cheek, his eyes fixed on her. "But we're not divorced yet. And this is the second time you've slapped me."

Aveline trembled with anger. "What? Are you going to hit me back?"

Lucas suddenly grabbed her wrist. "I can't just let it go unpunished."

Before she could react, his domineering kiss descended, seizing her breath and locking her firmly in his embrace.

"Mmph!"

Aveline struggled, their teeth clashing, the taste of blood spreading in their mouths.

But Lucas didn't let go. He gripped her waist, lifting her up, and then hooked her legs around his waist.

Chapter 25 Bastard! This big bastard!

Aveline's body went limp, but she still struggled.

Helping Sophia during the day and then coming to her at night. What was this about? Couldn't Sophia satisfy him?

Sweat beaded on Lucas's forehead as he kept her pinned beneath him, his movements forceful and intense. "Ave, be good, or it will be unpleasant for both of us." Aveline's eyes were red. "Get out! Get out!"

She pounded on him. "Don't you have someone to take care of? Go find her! Go!"

Lucas didn't want to hear another word and kissed her again.

In the room, muffled cries intertwined and gradually shattered as the temperature rose. The struggle continued.

Late into the night, everything fell silent.

Aveline lay with her back to him. "Add another two million to the divorce settlement."

Lucas's breath grew heavier, but he didn't say anything.

Aveline closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling. The closer she got to him, the more it hurt.

The pain was cold and piercing, making her curl up involuntarily.

Just then, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Aveline stiffened. "What are you doing?"

Lucas said, "I feel like I'm losing out."

So what?

Was he going to continue?

Aveline gritted her teeth. "Lucas, If I had known you were this awful, I wouldn't have taken you in even If you were starving on the street."

As soon as she finished speaking, she cried out in pain.

This man was he a beast?

He actually bit her shoulder!

She struggled, but the next second, she felt a wetness where he had bitten her-he was gently soothing the spot.

"You can't undo the past," he said with a steady voice.

There were no what-ifs.

Aveline was furious. "So, please, let me go. I've already agreed to the divorce. What are you trying to do now?" She let out a cold laugh. "Lucas, don't tell me you want to take responsibility for Sophia and still not divorce me?" Lucas replied, "Go to sleep."

Aveline, however, was no longer sleepy. She turned over and looked at his face in the darkness. "Answer me!" Lucas's deep voice came softly, "It seems you're not tired yet."

Aveline was speechless.

Damn him!

She cursed him silently but didn't dare to act out anymore. Lucas really could be ruthless, and she was afraid she wouldn't get any sleep tonight.

Soon, the sound of steady breathing came from beside her. Lucas turned his gaze to her.

In the darkness, he couldn't see her face clearly, but he knew her features were relaxed and soft, tinged with a bit of tranquility.

In the past, she would snuggle in his arms and sleep soundly.

But now, his arms were empty.

After a long while, the faint sound of the bedcovers rustling came. Lucas pulled the soft woman into his arms. In that instant, his unsettled heart seemed to find its place again. The next day.

Aveline woke up in Lucas's arms.

For a moment, she felt disoriented, as if none of those things had ever happened, and he was still her Lu.

He was still asleep, his handsome face deep and captivating, with long eyelashes. She used to marvel at how his eyelashes, for a man, were longer than a girl's.

Aveline instinctively reached out to touch him, but suddenly, her wrist was grabbed, and Lucas's eyes snapped open. He flipped over, pinning her beneath him. "Ave, good morning."

Aveline didn't struggle; she just looked at him calmly.

Lucas slowly leaned in, but just as his lips were about to touch.

hers, she said, "What if we don't get divorced?"

Chapter 26 As the words fell, the air seemed to freeze.

Aveline blinked, then smiled and pushed him away. "Lucas, this is pointless."

Wanting a divorce and to sleep with her-where did he get such audacity?

Aveline went straight to freshen up.

Lucas's emotions, which had finally calmed down, became agitated again.

By the time Aveline came out, Lucas had already left.

Without any expression, she went to the kitchen, made some salad, and ate a few bites. Then she took out her phone and called Desmond. "Hello, Miss Young."

Aveline said, "I'm taking a day off today. Could you assist me?"

Desmond was startled and then asked, "May I ask why you're taking a day off, Miss Young?"

Aveline replied, "To get a divorce."

Desmond kept quiet.

He shouldn't have asked.

"Alright, I'll help you with that."

"Thank you."

After hanging up, Aveline got up to wash the dishes.

Then she started cleaning the house. She did a thorough cleaning, but even after the house was spotless, something still felt off.

Her gaze swept over the coffee table, and she saw the couple's mugs on it.

They were an eyesore.

Aveline immediately found an unused box and packed everything in the house that belonged to him.

The mugs, clothes, shoes, socks, fitness equipment, even his razor and mouthwash-everything went into the box to be thrown out!

When everything was packed, Aveline looked at the contents of the box and felt a bit dazed.

So, after living here for a year, all his belongings fit into just one box?

Her fingers rested on the edge of the box, her eyes filled with bitter reflection.

This was destined to be a relationship that couldn't last, which was why his things were so few, too few to ever truly integrate into her life.

Her chest ached with a sharp, sour pain. She took a deep breath, picked up the box, and placed it outside the door, intending to throw it in the trash later. When Lucas came up, he saw the box at the door. He glanced at the familiar items inside, and as he bent down to look closer, his expression darkened.

Aveline was sitting on the sofa eating fruit when her phone rang. She picked it up and answered, "Hello?"

"Come down," came the man's low, indifferent voice.

Aveline asked, "Is the divorce agreement ready?"

But the call had already ended.

Ha! What a temper!

Aveline finished her last bite, then got up, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs.

When she reached the door, she noticed the box was gone.

Where did it go?

Did someone throw it away?

She stood at the door thinking for a moment but didn't dwell on it since she was planning to throw it out anyway.

She locked the door and went downstairs, spotting a luxurious car parked nearby. The car's tinted windows blurred the man's stern features, softening his cold demeanor somewhat. Aveline opened the car's back door and was about to get in.

"Am I your driver?" Lucas's cool voice came from the front seat.

Aveline got in anyway. "We're going to get divorced, not on a date. Cut the crap and drive!"

Lucas kept quiet.

His face darkened, and he gripped the steering wheel with one hand, not moving for a long while.

Aveline waited for a while, seeing he had no intention of starting car. She rolled her eyes. "So hard to please."

the She got out and then sat in the passenger seat.

This time, the car started, the engine roaring as they quickly left the district.

They soon arrived at the lawyer's office. Aveline took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and got out of the car.

Lucas followed behind her. Just then, his phone rang. He answered it, and whatever was said made him frown. "Alright, I'm on my way."

Hanging up, he grabbed Aveline's hand. "You're coming with me.

Chapter 27

Aveline was taken aback. "Where are we going?"

Lucas, looking tense, opened the passenger door and pushed her inside, a sense of urgency in his actions.

Once he got in the car, Aveline frowned and asked, "Where exactly are we going?"

Lucas replied, "Grandma had an episode."

Barbara?

Aveline's mind flashed to the sweet old lady suffering from dementia, and she felt a mix of emotions.

The entire drive, she stayed quiet until they arrived at the nursing home.

Lucas walked briskly ahead, with Aveline following behind.

They walked down a long corridor and arrived at a charming little building. Inside, several caregivers looked flustered, and from afar, they could hear Barbara's cries. "Granddaughter-in-law, I want my granddaughter-in-law.

Waaa, granddaughter-in-law..."

Hearing this, Aveline was stunned.

Patients with dementia often have poor memory. She thought Barbara had long forgotten her, but it seemed she still

remembered after all this time.

They quickly entered the building, where Barbara was sitting on a sofa, not letting anyone come near, and continuously calling for her granddaughter-in-law.

 

"Grandma." Lucas stepped forward and took her hand. "I'm here.

Barbara stopped crying, but only for a few seconds. She then pushed Lucas' hand away.

"Not you. You're a bad boy. I want my granddaughter-in-law, granddaughter-in-law!"

Lucas's temple throbbed, and he glanced at Aveline.

Barbara noticed Aveline at that moment, immediately stopped crying, and reached out her hand. "Granddaughter-in-

law, you're here. You finally came to see me. I thought you didn't want me anymore. Waaa..."

Aveline felt a complex mix of emotions, but she managed to put on a smile. "Madam, I haven't forgotten you. I've just been caught up with things lately."

Barbara tightly gripped her hand, her wrinkled face still wet with tears. "What happened? Is that bad boy bullying you? Don't worry, I'll teach him a lesson!"

She looked over at Lucas. "Come here."

Lucas complied, bending down. "Grandma, what is it?"

Smack!

Barbara raised her hand and slapped Lucas on the shoulder.

"Don't be afraid, granddaughter-in-law. Grandma has taught the bad boy a lesson." Barbara patted Aveline's hand reassuringly.

Lucas was stunned.

 

Aveline couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"She's laughing, she's laughing My granddaughter-in-law is happy, isn't she?" Barbara clapped her hands joyfully.

Aveline nodded. "Yes, I'm very happy. Madam, if the bad boy

bullies me again, I'll come to you, and you can help me deal with him,"

"Good!"

Barbara eagerly agreed, not letting go of Aveline's hand." Granddaughter-in-law, let's go have some fun, shall we?"

"Sure," Aveline replied, thinking it best to keep Barbara's spirits up. She agreed to whatever Barbara suggested.

Lucas watched the elderly woman and the younger woman leave the small building and head towards the garden. An unbidden softness appeared in his eyes. Just then, his phone rang. He looked at the screen; it was a call from Sophia.

"Hello?"

Sophia's gentle voice came through. "Lucas, I'm here to visit Madam Barbara. I saw your car. Are you here too?"

Hearing this, Lucas instinctively said, "Today isn't convenient. Maybe you can come another day."

Sophia's voice hesitated on the other end. "Is it because you're with her? I saw her; she's with Madam Barbara."

Chapter 28 Lucas frowned and hung up the phone, then walked out.

In the garden, Sophia had already approached Barbara. She held out a cotton candy shaped like a kitten. "Madam Barbara, look at this cute little kitten."

Barbara's eyes lit up when she saw the cotton candy, but she didn't take it. Instead, she tugged on Aveline's hand.

"Granddaughter-in-law, you get me cotton candy. I don't like kittens; I like bunnies."

From the moment Sophia appeared, Aveline had instinctively tensed up. But when she heard Barbara's voice, she suddenly relaxed. An indescribable feeling welled up inside her, making her feel a bit sad and "Okay, I'll get you one," Aveline said.

Barbara smiled brightly. "My granddaughter-in-law is the best."

Sophia, still holding the cotton candy, froze awkwardly. She slowly withdrew her hand and looked at Aveline. "Madam Barbara likes you very much."

Aveline replied calmly, "She just happens to find me pleasing."

Sophia smiled slightly, lowering her eyes with a hint of displeasure flashing in them.

'What did she mean by that?

'Was she implying that I didn't please Barbara?' "Grandma," Lucas said as he walked over, "are you tired? Do you want to rest?"

Barbara clutched Aveline's hand. "I want my granddaughter-in-law to come with me."

Aveline said, "Alright."

She supported Barbara and started to walk back to the small building.

After a few steps, Barbara noticed that Lucas wasn't following. She immediately waved him over. "Grandson, come here!" Aveline couldn't help but feel amused.

The tone she had used to call him sounded a bit insulting, didn't it?

Lucas walked over and supported Barbara. "Let's go, Grandma."

Barbara was delighted. "Grandson, you need to cherish you wife, or she'll run away, and you'll regret it. It'll be too late by then!"

She leaned in closer to Lucas. "Let me tell you, regret is a very, very bitter feeling. You won't be able to handle it!"

He needed to understand that once something is done, it couldn't be undone.

Lucas just listened, saying nothing.

Aveline glanced at him, her clear eyes shimmering slightly.

Regret? How could he possibly regret it?

They were already at the lawyer's office. If it weren't for Barbara causing a scene, they would have filed for a divorce by now.

A wave of bitterness spread within her, and she forced herself not to think too much.

Sophia stood behind, watching the group, feeling like they were a happy family while she was just an outsider.

Her other hand suddenly squeezed the cotton candy. The fluffy treat was instantly crushed, eventually forming a lump that she tossed into the trash.

Aveline and Lucas helped Barbara back to her room when Lucas's phone buzzed. He looked at Aveline. "Please take care of Grandma for a moment."

Lucas immediately took his phone and stepped out.

"Where is he going?" Barbara asked, puzzled.

Aveline replied, "Your grandson is very busy with work. He's dealing with something for his job."

"Oh," Barbara said, not seeming to mind his absence.

Aveline took out a storybook and began reading to Barbara.

After about ten minutes, Barbara fell asleep.

Aveline tucked her in and quietly left the room.

As she walked to the garden, she saw two people standing together. The sunlight poured over them, with Lucas's back facing her, and in front of him, Sophia was looking up at him, her eyes filled with affection. Aveline intended to look away, but the next second, she saw Lucas reach out and hug Sophia.

Her breath caught, feeling as if a knife had been plunged into her heart, the pain causing her to sway slightly.

Chapter 29

Aveline looked away and turned to leave the nursing home.

HIS BONUS

"Lucas, thank you. I suddenly feel a lot of pain in my leg," Sophia said, leaning on Lucas's arm for support, frowning.

Lucas stared at her prosthetic leg and asked in a deep voice, "Do you need a wheelchair?"

Sophia shook her head with a smile. "No, this pain happens

every day. I just have to endure it. It's a lingering issue from two years ago..."

Realizing what she had said, she quickly added, "Lucas, don't misunderstand. I didn't mean anything by it, I just..."

"I'll have someone take you home," Lucas interrupted, guiding her outside.

Sophia lowered her gaze slightly. She had seen Aveline and

deliberately mentioned her leg pain to make Lucas support her. From Aveline's perspective, it would look like Lucas was hugging her.

Though it was a misunderstanding, she felt she had to act. She needed Aveline to know she and Lucas were the true couple and that Aveline was just the third party.

She savored Lucas' warmth and walked slowly. Just then, Lucas's phone rang. He looked at the screen, his expression darkening.

"Hello?"

Aveline's voice came through. "I'm waiting for you at the lawyer's office. Please come as soon as possible."

With that, she hung up.

Her tone was exceptionally cold.

Lucas's lips pressed into a thin line as he put his phone away.

Sophia saw that it was Aveline who had called. Her eyes flickered, and she suddenly let out a soft groan.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asked.

Sophia's face quickly turned pale. "I... my leg suddenly hurts so much, Lucas, why does it hurt so badly?"

She grabbed Lucas's arm, tears streaming down her face.

Seeing this, Lucas scooped her up and quickly walked outside. I'll take you to the hospital."

Sophia sobbed softly while still maintaining an understanding demeanor. "Lucas, do you have work to attend to? If you do, should go. I can manage on my own."

you

"It's fine," Lucas replied as he started the car and sped towards the hospital.

Sophia watched his handsome, stern profile, her heart pounding uncontrollably. He still cared about her.

Aveline was nothing!

Aveline waited outside the lawyer's office until the staff had finished work for the day, but Lucas never showed up.

She was extremely irritated.

What was this about?

 

He had agreed to come for the divorce, so why didn't he show up?

As dusk settled, Aveline stared at the sunset for a long while before taking out her phone to call Lucas again.

"Hello?"

This time, it wasn't Lucas who answered the call, but Sophia.

Aveline's words stopped in her throat.

"Miss Young, are you looking for Lucas? He's in the shower. I'll let him know you called." Sophia's voice was soft and sweet, carrying a unique allure. It sounded as if she had just been through something intima Aveline's throat felt like it was being squeezed by a tight grip, making it hard to breathe.

She hung up the phone without saying a word.

They... they!

Her whole body trembled with anger, but more than that, she was heartbroken.

They weren't even divorced yet. How could he treat her like this?

Was he that eager?

Her eyes stung with tears, and she blinked to hold them back. Just then, her phone rang again. Thinking it was Lucas, she was ready to unleash her fury. But when she looked, it was Selena's name on the scre She took a deep breath and answered the call. "Hello, Selena?"

Chapter 30

"Darling Ave, want to come out and have some fun? I found at great new bar," Selena's excited voice came through. Aveline took a deep breath and said, "Sure, send me the location.

"OK, see you soon."

After hanging up, Aveline looked at the sunset once more, the pain in her chest still lingering. She scoffed at herself.

He was already messing around with Sophia, so why should she care anymore?

Once she got the divorce settlement, she'd be living the high life with young, handsome men on each arm, carefree and happy! Why not start enjoying that life a bit early?

When Aveline arrived at Feline Bar, Selena was waiting at the entrance. She rushed up to her and gave her a big hug.

"Ave, how do you manage to look prettier every time I see you?" Aveline laughed. "You always know how to flatter me." Selena linked arms with her and led her inside. "I heard the DJ here is wild. You're going to love it!"

Aveline teased, "Did you forget I'm a married woman?"

Selena scoffed. "Why should that matter? Does that scumbag remember he's a married man? He's out there with his so- called 'true love,' isn't he? Ave, life's too short. Enjoy it while you can. There are plenty of fish in the sea!"

 

"You're right!"

Aveline nodded, fully agreeing with her.

"Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk!"

Selena raised her hand. "Yes!"

People were just starting to fill the bar. The lights weren't fully on yet, but it was clear the place was popular. Selena had already reserved a booth and led Aveline over, calling. a waiter, "Bring us all your best drinks."

"Sure thing," the waiter replied cheerfully and walked away.

Aveline glanced around, but Selena grabbed her arm. "Ave, look over there."

Following Selena's gaze, Aveline saw a man in a black leather jacket step out. His hair was

dyed gray, and his face was both delicate and handsome, with sharp eyes that exuded a certain fierceness. He had a roguish charm, and it was easy to get mesmerized by just a simple glance from him.

"Isn't he hot?" Selena asked.

Aveline nodded. "He is."

Selena continued, "He's the DJ here. He's got a big attitude and usually doesn't bother with people buying him drinks, but I bet he won't ignore you. If he were to see you, he'd turn into a little. puppy!" Aveline looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"

Selena blinked mischievously. "Life's short, enjoy it while you can, right?"

Aveline kept quiet.

That quick, huh?

Honestly, she wasn't quite ready for this.

At that moment, the walter returned with their drinks.

"Let's start with the drinks."

Aveline picked up a bottle and poured some for Selena.

Selena raised her glass. "My dear friend, don't be afraid. Ditch that scumbag and the future is wide open!"

Aveline smiled and took a sip of her drink. It wasn't very strong, with a pleasant sweet and sour taste.

Unable to control herself, she drank one glass after another.

Soon, everything around her started to blur and sway. She shook her head, and her gaze unintentionally fell on the gray-haired

man.

However, all she could see was Lucas's stern face.

Ha...

If he didn't care anymore, why should she hesitate?

Selena was right, the wide-open field was waiting for her to explore!

Aveline stood up unsteadily and made her way directly toward the gray-haired man