Ch. 701..710

Chapter 701 Chapter 701 "Ah!"

The person cried out in surprise, collapsing to the ground, scattering the contents they were holding all over.

Aveline stumbled a few steps before regaining her balance.

Looking closely, she saw i I was a young girl with only one arm, dressed in tattered clothes, with visible scars on her face. "Hey, are you okay?"

Seeing this, Aveline's heart tightened with concern, and she quickly rushed to help the girl up.

However, as soon as the young girl moved, she cried out in pain, indicating she was hurt somewhere. Noticing this, Aveline hesitated to touch her further and instead asked, "Where does it hurt?"

Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as she looked at her only arm and replied, "My arm... it hurts so much..."

When she had fallen earlier, she instinctively tried to support herself with her arm, and a sharp pain shot through it. Aveline glanced at her arm and saw a protrusion. It was clearly a fracture!

She immediately called for an ambulance.

"Don't move. I've called an ambulance; it will be here soon," Aveline reassured her gently, trying to calm her down.

The girl, her eyes filled with tears, looked toward the scattered books on the ground. Seeing this, Aveline quickly gathered the books and neatly put them together.

When the ambulance arrived, Aveline got in with the girl, who was then taken straight to the operating room for treatment.

Aveline stood nearby, holding the books, her brows slightly furrowed.

She glanced at the time; over an hour had passed.

But now, leaving the girl here was something she simply couldn't bring herself to do.

The girl's broken arm was her responsibility.

She had to see it through to the end.

In less than an hour, the girl was wheeled out, her fractured arm already treated. Her face had been carefully cleaned, revealing several obvious scratches.

"How is she?" Aveline asked the doctor.

The doctor briefly explained the girl's conde long fracture would take a e to heal, and during thi period, she wouldn't be able to use Von her arm.

Looking at the girl, Aveline's gaze softened with sympathy.

She went ahead and paid the hospitalization fee. When she returned to the ward, she saw the girl still looking at her.

Aveline gave her a gentle smile and asked, "Hey, do you know your family's phone number? Should I call your mom or dad to come over?"

In situations like this, it was always better to have a parent around.

The girl's eyes suddenly reddened at the mention of her parents.

"Please don't call them... Please, don't," she pleaded.

Seeing her reaction, Aveline quickly nodded. "Alright, I won't. But what's your name?"

With a trembling voice, the girl replied, "I'm Annie Hunt."

Aveline nodded. "Nice to meet you, Annie. I'm Aveline. Since you don't want your parents to come, I'll take care of you until your arm heals." But Annie shook her head. "No, that's not possible. I need to go to school. I still have to work."

Aveline's expression turned serious. "But your arm is fractured. You can't go to school like this. I'll talk to your teacher about getting you some time off. And you can't work either; you can't do anything with your arm like this. The only thing you need to do is focus on recovering. Don't worry about anything else."

Annie was only sixteen, yet she was so frail and still had to work with only one arm. It was clear how tough her life had been...

Annie remained anxious and uneasy but didn't argue further.

Aveline continued, "Rest for now. I'll arrange for a caregiver. Someone will be with you around the clock, and I'll come by every day." Annie gave a faint nod.

As Aveline left the ward, her phone rang. It was a call from Lucas.

Chapter 702 Chapter 702 Aveline couldn't help but sigh before answering the call. "Hello?"

Lucas' deep, magnetic voice came through, his tone revealing no emotion. "Aveline, it's been two hours already. Where are you?"

Aveline cast a glance towards the ward before responding, "Something unexpected has come up on my end. I won't be able to make it today. Let's reschedule our visit to the lawyer's office for tomorrow instead."

"You wish." Lucas scoffed lightly. "I already agreed to your request, but you're the one who didn't show up, Aveline. Not everyone has time to wait for you."

Aveline closed her eyes briefly. She had anticipated this outcome.

After a pause, she asked, "Then what about the court session?"

Lucas let out a cold laugh. "Even if you bring it up to court, I won't attend. Aveline, I have no intention of divorcing you. I've always been very clear about that." Aveline had nothing more to say.

Yes, of course.

This was such a good opportunity, and yet so many things had gone wrong.

Could it really be that fate didn't want them to divorce?

But what was the point of staying together?

Aveline couldn't figure it out, and she decided not to dwell on it anymore. "Alright, I understand," she said, before promptly hanging up the phone.

She turned around to arrange for a caregiver.

...

Lucas stared at the disconnected call, his eyebrows furrowing.

In fact, he was still standing at the entrance of the lawyer's office.

The lawyer was still waiting for them to settle the divorce.

All he had to do was tell her to come over now, and they could finalize the procedure.

But why would he say that?

His stance had always been unwavering-he didn't want a divorce!

The only reason he agreed to it in the first place was because he couldn't stand looking into her gloomy, dark eyes anymore.

Her eyes used to sparkle with light.

And now?

He had waited for her all day, and she never showed up!

He had given her a chance, but she refused it!

So, she couldn't blame him now.

Lucas glanced over at Desmond and said calmly, "Find out what happened to her today."

"Got it."

The car drove away from the lawyer's office, and Lucas closed his eyes to rest in the back seat. When he returned to the hospital, he received the information Desmond had managed to uncover. As he looked over the details, a faint smile tugged at his thin lips.

It seemed fate truly didn't want them to divorce. They had been just one intersection away, and then something like this happened...

Clearly, they were meant to be together!

swr Lucas' mood brightened considerably, and he even sent Desmond a bonus.

Desmond finally understood whenever the couple's relationship.was harmonious, his bonus would surely double. From then on, he would be praying daily for them to reconcile soon, so he could get rich faster and reach the peak of his life!

After arranging for a caregiver, Aveline returned to the ward and saw that Annie had fallen asleep. However, she didn't seem to be sleeping well. Her brows were furrowed tightly, and her whole body was tense. Aveline sat by the bedside, frowning. What kind of family would force a disabled child to earn money? "Don't hit me, I can make money..."

At that moment, Annie suddenly cried out in her sleep and then opened her eyes wide, filled with terror and panic. Aveline quickly spoke, "Annie, it's okay. No one is hitting you. You're in the hospital. You're safe."

Annie looked at her in fright, as if just realizing where she was, tears suddenly started strandet Ds & ly started streaming down her face.

"Aveline, I... I have to go home. I must go home. If I don't, my parents will beat me to death..."

Chapter 703 Chapter 703 Aveline's brows furrowed deeper. Despite everything she had said, Annie still insisted on leaving. Was she really that afraid of her own home?

"Then I'll go back with you," Aveline suggested after a moment's thought.

She needed to explain the situation to Annie's parents.

Given Annie's current condition, she was in no state to do anything; her injured arm simply wouldn't allow it.

"No, you can't!" Annie shook her head immediately, her face showing even more fear. "Aveline, I was the one who ran into you. My broken arm has nothing to do with you. My family mustn't find out about this. If they do, they... they..."

She hesitated, struggling to get the words out, but finally continued, "They'll definitely try to extort money from you."

Saying this, she closed her eyes in despair. Trapped in a hopeless situation, she didn't want to drag an innocent person into her troubles.

Aveline's frown deepened. Could her parents really be this kind of people?

Having grown up without parents, she couldn't understand this dynamic.

But right now, she couldn't just let Annie leave.

After thinking for a moment, she suggested, "How about this? Call your family and tell them you've found a job as a tutor. Say that your employer requires you to stay in their house to make easier to help with the student's homework. If they ask, I'll tell them I'm your employer."

Annie's eyes reddened, and tears fell in the next second. "Aveline, why are you being so kind to me?"

The girl's cry was pitiful, like a little kitten, hesitant even to sob out loud.

Aveline felt a pang of compassion and replied, "I told you, your arm was hurt because of me. I need to see you fully recover."

Annie bit her lip and stayed silent for a moment, but it seemed she had agreed.

After a while, Annie spoke, "Aveline, will this trouble you too much?"

"It won't." Aveline shook her head. "Just focus on getting better. The sooner your arm heals, the more I'll feel at ease."

"Okay!"

Annie nodded, then asked shyly, "Aveline, I don't have a phone. Could I borrow yours?"

"Of course."

Aveline replied and took out her phone. Annie gave her the number, and Aveline dialed it for her.

Holding the phone to Annie's ear, Aveline got up and walked over to the window, giving the girl a bit of privacy.

A Annie spoke softly, explaining that she had found a tutoring job where the employer provided food and accommodation, and all she needed to do was teach a child.

Her parents immediately agreed, instructing her to send them the money as soon as she got paid.

Annie agreed, and after the call ended, she breathed a small sigh of relief.

She hadn't expected that escaping from such a family would be this easy...

"Aveline," Annie looked over at Aveline and whispered, "I spoke with my parents; it's all set."

Aveline walked back over and asked, "Did they ask any questions?"

Like whether the employer was a man or a woman, if the tutoring job was reliable, or if it was safe. Annie shook her head. "No, they didn't."

Aveline thought she might have been overthinking it and decided to change the subject. "That's good. Now, get some rest. I'm going home to prepare dinner. Is there anything you like to eat?"

Annie's eyes brightened a bit. "I... I'm okay with anything."

At Anne, she should have been full of spirit and energy.

instead, she was so cauhet timid, and so sensitive.

Chapter 704 Chapter 704 Aveline felt a mix of emotions, but her smile grew even gentler. "Alright, I'll make you something nice." She stood up and left.

Back at Maple Garden, Selena immediately approached her, asking, "How did it go? Did you manage to get it done? Can you finally tell me what it was all about?"

Aveline sighed softly. "It didn't work out. In fact, a lot of things went wrong."

Selena was stunned. "What happened?"

Aveline briefly recounted the events on the road, not hiding the original plan of getting a divorce.

After hearing the whole story, Selena's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? How could all this happen? You were planning to get a divorce today, and then all these things just happened? Could it have been Lucas' doing?"

Aveline paused in her washing, realizing she hadn't considered that possibility.

But could he have orchestrated one accident, let alone two?

Besides, Annie clearly didn't know her, and she even had a fractured arm. Even if this was an act meant to delay her, there was no reason to go to such extremes.

So, Annie certainly wasn't someone Lucas had arranged.

Selena, rubbing her chin, speculated, "It's just a guess. Maybe it really was all just a coincidence. But from what you've said about that girl, it seems like her family has been draining her dry. Even in her condition, they're still thinking of ways for her to make money. Such heartless parents!"

Aveline nodded. "I never imagined there could be parents like that in this world."

She had once longed for her parents, but as she grew older, that desire faded. It only occasionally resurfaced in moments of seeing other families reunited.

Selena waved her hand dismissively. "Don't think too much about it. If parents are like that, then it's better not to have them at all."

Aveline smiled but didn't respond. If only things were that easy to resolve.

...

After preparing a nutritious, well-balanced meal, Aveline carried the lunch box to the hospital.

When she pushed open the door to the ward, she saw Annie looking blankly at the headboard. Her thin, pale face was devoid of expression; it was hard to tell what she was thinking. "Awake?" Aveline asked softly.

Hearing her voice, Annie turned her head, and her eyes immediately brightened. "Aveline!"

Aveline smiled as she set up the small tray table and then adjusted the bed to a more comfortable position. She placed the lunchbox on the tray and opened it, letting a rich aroma waft through the air. Annie's eyes grew even brighter.

"Try my cooking and see if it suits your taste," Aveline said, sitting down beside her and holding a spoon to feed her.

Annie felt a bit awkward and embarrassed, taking a small bite. Her eyes sparkled even more.

"It's so delicious!" she couldn't help but exclaim.

She had never tasted food this good. At home, she only ever ate leftovers. The meat was always reserved for her brother, and it had been a long time since she had tasted anything like this. No, not even once!

Aveline laughed softly. "If you like it, eat more."

Annie's initial hesitation gradually faded, and she began to relax.

Meanwhile, news that Aveline had gone to the city hospital with a lunchbox quickly reached Lucas.

At that moment, Aaron was sitting nearby, munching on an apple. Hearing the bodyguard's report, he clicked his tongue twice. "Four hundred thousand dollars down the drain, and after a month, she won't even look at you again. Tsk tsk, you really messed up this time."

Chapter 705 Chapter 705 Lucas' brows furrowed, and he shot Aaron a sharp look.

"Got a lot of free time on your hands, don't you?" he asked coldly.

"Absolutely," Aaron replied without hesitation. "If I weren't free, why would I be hanging around here with you?"

Lucas' expression grew even colder. "If you're that idle, I might as well find something for you to do."

Aaron chuckled and said, "No need for that. I'm quite enjoying my leisure right now. Oh, by the way, you might not know this, but Rina is pregnant and starting to pressure Russell into marriage."

Lucas' lips curved slightly. "When's the wedding? I'll make sure to prepare a generous gift."

"Would you look at that!" Aaron couldn't help but remark. "You're practically gloating now that you know Russell's getting married. He's no longer a threat to you, is he? But don't get too comfortable. Don't forget, Sidney's still hanging around Aveline."

He took another bite of his apple, chewing thoughtfully before adding, "Though, I've got to admit, Sidney's not hard on the eyes. He's got that whole 'good boy' charm going for him - the kind that drives girls wild these days. Who knows? Aveline might just fall for that type." Lucas didn't say a word, but his expression noticeably darkened.

Aaron glanced at him and asked, "You're getting discharged soon. What are you planning to do next?"

Lucas responded coolly, "What do you mean, do?"

"I mean your situation with Aveline," Aaron continued. "You can't keep dragging this out forever. You need a resolution, either a divorce or a proper relationship."

He felt that things had been in a stalemate between them for far too long; there had to be some kind of outcome.

Lucas remained silent.

Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen-it was a call from the nursing home.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end sounded urgent. "Mr. Lucas, something's wrong. Madam Barbara is missing!" Lucas' frown deepened. "When did this happen?"

"Just a moment ago," the caretaker replied. "kstepped out to get some water, and when I came back, she was gone. I've searched the entire nursing home, but I can't find her anywhere!"

Lucas abruptly ended the call and immediately ordered his men to start searching.

Seeing this, Aaron offered, "I'll help you look for her."

Fortunately, Barbara had a tracking device on her. Finding her would only be a matter of time.

But how did she manage to get out, considering her age and limited mobility? And where could she have gone?

Half an hour later, Lucas received a call saying that Barbara had been found.

"Bring her back to the nursing home," he ordered. "Double the number of bodyguards."

The bodyguard responded promptly, "Understood, Mr. Lucas. When we found Madam Barbara, there was also a woman with her."

Lucas' brow furrowed. "Who?"

The bodyguard replied, "She introduced herself as Juliet Cooper and Madam Barbara refused to let her leave. What should we do, Mr. Lucas?" Lucas' frown deepened. "I'll come over now."

Aaron rose to his feet. "I'll tag along.

You know, for someone Madam Barbara's age, she sure has a knack for escape attempts. Makes you wonder if she's got a rebelliousz streak - maybe an old flame of freedom still burning in that heart of hers."

Upon arriving at the nursing home, Lucas pushed open the door to the room and saw his grandmother holding a young girl's hand, smiling brightly at her.

It was clear she was having one of her episodes.

"Grandma," Lucas called as he walked over.

Barbara's gaze shifted to his face, and she looked blank for a moment before saying, "Ah, my dear grandson! Just in time. Look at the bride found for you. Isn't she beautiful?" en FindNovel.net

Chapter 706 Chapter 706 Hearing this, Lucas' brows furrowed immediately. He glanced at Juliet first and said calmly, "Thank you for staying with my grandmother and making sure she didn't get lost." Juliet's eyes brightened as she looked at Lucas' handsome face. She shook her head and replied, "You're welcome. I really enjoy chatting with Madam Barbara."

She smiled at Barbara, who was immediately delighted. "Such a lovely granddaughter-in-law."

Juliet blushed at the compliment.

"Miss Cooper, could we have a word outside?" Lucas asked.

"Sure, no problem," Juliet nodded.

She gently withdrew her hand from Barbara's grasp and reassured her, "Madam Barbara, I need to use the restroom. I'll be back to keep you company soon, alright?" Barbara nodded eagerly. "Okay, okay, just make sure you come back, my dear."

"Yes, yes!" Juliet nodded and then stepped out of the room.

In the hallway, Juliet's eyes shone brightly as she gazed at Lucas, who stood tall and handsome. A blush crept across her cheeks. She had fallen for him at first sight!

"Miss Juliet, thank you for your help today. Here's a small token of my appreciation. I'll have my driver take you home. If you need anything else, please feel free to let me know," Lucas said with a polite but cold expression on his striking face. Despite his courteous words, his tone was distant.

The bodyguard beside him handed her a bag with a luxury brand's logo on it.

Juliet blinked and smiled.

"Oh, no need for a gift. I'd love to be friends with you. How about we exchange contacts?" she suggested, pulling out her phone.

Lucas replied, "That's not convenient. My wife tends to get jealous."

"Your wife?" Juliet's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You're married?"

"Yes," Lucas confirmed with a nod. "I need to go back and check on my grandmother now. Have a good day, Miss Cooper.

With that, he turned and went back into the room, not sparing her another glance.

"This way, Ms. Cooper," the bodyguard gestured politely.

Juliet clutched her phone tightly, feeling a wave of shock. A young, accomplished man like Lucas was married? How could this be? She bit her lip lightly and then turned to the bodyguard, asking, "What's his name?"

The bodyguard hesitated.

Juliet frowned and added, "What? I saved Madam Barbara, and I can't even know his name?"

The bodyguard quickly replied, "His name is Lucas Tudor."

"Lucas Tudor..." Juliet murmured the name to herself. Once she got into the car, she immediately gave her bodyguard an order.

She wanted all the information on Lucas!

She was curious to see what kind of woman his wife was.

From a young age, she had never lost anything she set her eyes on!

Inside the room, Barbara kept glancing eagerly at the door. When Lucas entered without Juliet, she anxiously asked, "Grandson, where is my granddaughter-in-law? Where did she go?"

Lucas frowned, took out his phone, and showed the screen to Barbara, speaking softly, "Grandmother,dook closely. This is your granddaughter-in-law."

Barbara squinted at his phone and said, "What is this? I can't see clearly. Who is this inside?"

She then turned back to Lucas, "Where's my granddaughter-in-law? Where is she? She was here a moment ago, how can she just disappear?"

Chapter 707 Chapter 707 Lucas kept quiet and frowned.

Realizing that Barbara couldn't see the photo on the phone clearly, he decided to call Aveline directly.

"Hello?"

The call was quickly answered, and a soft, gentle voice came through.

"I'm sending someone to bring you to the nursing home," Lucas said. "Grandma isn't in a good state."

Aveline was taken aback and asked, "What happened?"

"You'll know when you get here," Lucas replied curtly before hanging up.

Barbara was still anxiously asking for her granddaughter-in-law. Lucas reassured her, "I've sent someone to bring her over. She'll be here soon. Why don't you rest for a bit?"

But Barbara looked like she was about to cry, seemingly blaming Lucas for losing such a big granddaughter-in-law.

Lucas was speechless.

Forty minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Lucas called out, and Aveline pushed the door open, her expression filled with worry. Her hair was slightly disheveled, showing her concern.

"What's wrong with Grandma?" she asked urgently as soon as she entered.

Lucas reached out and patted Barbara gently, then pointed towards the door. "Grandma, look, your granddaughter-in-law is here."

"Granddaughter-in-law, granddaughter-in-law..." Barbara muttered as she turned her head to look towards the door.

When she saw Aveline, she paused for a moment, then turned back and slapped Lucas on the shoulder. "You're lying to me! You're lying again! This is not my granddaughter-in-law. Where did you take her? Bring my granddaughter-in-law back! Bring her back to me!" Barbara began to throw a tantrum, crying like a child.

Lucas' brows knitted tightly. He had not expected this outcome at all.

Aveline watched for a moment before frowning and asking, "What's wrong with Grandma...?"

"She doesn't recognize anyone anymore, Lucas replied. "She ran outside. She out today and met a girl was grabbed her and insisted she was her granddaughter-in-law."

Hearing this, Aveline pressed her lips together.

So, when Barbara had stubbornly insisted that she was her granddaughter-in-law before, itl.net wasn't because of affection or liking her-it was just confusion?

Realizing this, a faint sadness and disappointment flickered across her heart.

She walked over and spoke softly, "Grandma, it's me, Ave. Do you remember me?"

Barbara was still crying and throwing a fit, even raising her hand and slapping Aveline, clearly not wanting her there.

Lucas' face darkened immediately. He glanced at the doctor nearby. "Sedative!"

The doctor nodded and quickly administered the sedative. Gradually, Barbara's condition stabilized, and she fell asleep.

Lucas stood up and walked directly to Aveline, looking at the red mark on her cheek.

Barbara's outburst had been uncontrolled, and the slap had landed hard.

On Aveline's fair cheek, a handprint had already appeared.

Lucas reached out, intending to touch her face, but as his fingers were about to make contact, he hesitated, afraid of hurting her. His fingers curled slightly, and he said, "She's getting more confused by the day."

His gaze was intense and heated, and Aveline instinctively looked away, saying, "Grandma's health isn't good. It's understandable."

Lucas turned to the nurse and instructed, "Get an ice pack."

"There's no need," Aveline shook her head. "Grandma didn't use much strength. It doesn't hurt."

Lucas frowned. "I know her strength. I've been hit by her too. It definitely hurts."

Chapter 708

Chapter 708

The nurse had already brought over the ice pack.

Lucas grabbed Aveline's hand and led her out to the sitting area. He sat her down on the sofa and pressed the ice pack directly against her cheek. "Ouch..."

The coldness made Aveline take a sharp breath. She reached out her hand and said, "I can do it myself."

"No, you can't control the pressure properly," Lucas replied, refusing to give her the ice pack. He stayed right next to her, holding it against her cheek himself. Aveline wanted to roll her eyes.

This was her own face-how could she not control the pressure?

Aveline, eager to maintain her distance, reached for the ice pack. But in her haste, her hand missed its mark and instead landed squarely on his.

Lucas chuckled softly. "If you wanted to hold my hand, you could've just said so. No need to beat around the bush. Here, I'll let you."

With that, he took her hand in his other hand, holding it firmly.

"Are you crazy?" Aveline snapped.

When did she ever want to hold his hand? She just wanted the right to put the ice pack on her own face!

Lucas gazed at her and whispered, "Yes, I'm crazy. Do you have a cure?"

Aveline was speechless.

When he acted shamelessly, he was truly unbeatable.

Deciding not to fight him anymore, she tried to pull her hand away, but he kept it tightly locked in his grip.

"I've already let you hold my hand, so why are you still resisting? Or... do you want to feel my abs?" Lucas teased as he noticed her struggle. Aveline glared at him.

Seeing her silent, Lucas suddenly guided her hand toward his shirt, "Go ahead, feel them."

"Lucas!" Aveline called out sharply.

"Yes, I'm here," Lucas replied, but his hand didn't stop. He had already pressed her hand against his abs.

"Feel that? Do you like it?"

He looked at her intently, his voice low and provocative.

At that moment, they were very close to each other. Lucas' dark, deep eyes were fixed on her face, greedily scanning every inch of it.

He noticed that her features were a

symphony of beauty. Her forehead was smooth and unblemished. Her eyebrows were delicately arched. Her eyes were pools of mesmerizing depth Her nose was perfectly sculpted. And her lips... oh, were a masterpiece unto.

wer lips

themselves - soft, inviting, and

irresistibly kissable.

Aveline's fingers instinctively curled slightly, feeling the firmness under her palm. Despite him being hospitalized for so long, his muscles were still defined. However...

She spoke with a hint of disdain, "You call this abs?"

She even deliberately gave them a squeeze before curling her fingers in mock disgust.

Lucas' handsome face darkened instantly.

If these weren't abs, then what were they?

Sure, he had been in the hospital for a while, but his muscles were still there! They just weren't as firm as before.

A few days of working out, and they'd be back!

His lips pressed together tightly as he released her hand.

The moment Aveline's hand was freed, she quickly pulled it back. To Lucas, it seemed like she couldn't wait to get away from him, which only darkened his expression further.

en FindNovel.net

After applying the ice pack for a while, the red mark on her cheek faded away. He tossed the ice pack into the trash and got up to leave.

Aveline wiped the moisture from her cheek with a tissue. Her skin was cool from the ice, but throughout the entire time, she hadn't really felt the coolness.

The only thing she could feel was his fresh, intoxicating scent and the intense heat of his gaze.

It had been incredibly uncomfortable.

But thankfully, it was over.

She stood up and left. Her car was waiting at the entrance of the

nursing home. She opened the door, but to her surprise, found Lucas sitting in the back seat, his eyes closed as if resting. FindNovel.net

She paused, then asked, "Don't you have a car?"

Chapter 710 Chapter 710 Aveline felt a bit surprised. Ever since she had last seen him at the breakfast shop, he hadn't shown up again. His sudden appearance today was indeed unexpected. After all, she had made things quite clear before. She smiled slightly and nodded. "Sure, we're almost home anyway. By the way, have you had dinner?"

Russell nodded. "Yeah, I have."

Aveline smiled again. "Then I don't need to cook."

Russell's lips curved into a smile. His delicate, handsome face took on a more mischievous look, his beautiful eyes holding an unreadable emotion as he gazed at her.

Aveline tried not to think too much about it.

The elevator doors opened, and they both entered the apartment.

Selena wasn't home, which puzzled Aveline, but she didn't ask about it.

"What would you like to drink?" she asked, glancing at Russell.

But Russell kept his gaze fixed on her and said, "Aveline, stop fussing around. Just sit down."

Aveline paused, then grabbed two glasses of juice and sat down on the living room sofa.

As twilight slowly enveloped the world outside, Russell continued to stare at Aveline's face. Suddenly, he said, "I'm getting married."

Aveline froze for a moment. "Congratulations! When's the wedding? I should have enough time to prepare a gift."

But Russell replied, "Aveline, I don't want your congratulations, and I don't want you at the wedding either."

His words were blunt.

Aveline's fingers curled slightly, her gaze lowered. At this point, she couldn't pretend she didn't understand anymore.

She moved her lips, then spoke, "Russ, I've always been grateful to you."

Russell smiled faintly. "I know, but from the beginning, I never wanted your gratitude."

He looked intently at her. "If I had appeared in your life earlier, would the outcome be different now?"

Aveline paused, considering his words.

"Maybe," she replied softly.

Russell let out a helpless smile. "But unfortunately there are no 'what ifs' in this world. The two of you seem like you're destined to be together. No matter how much time has passed or what you've been through, you're still not willing to let go of him."

Aveline remained silent.

Russell gave a bitter smile, "Aveline, do you love him that much?"

Aveline replied, "I don't love him anymore."

Her tone was calm; whatever love she had once felt had disappeared amid all they had gone through.

But Russell insisted, "But your words don't match what you're really feeling. You still soften toward him, and he can still affect your emotions with what he does." Aveline paused, momentarily thrown off.

Russell looked at her seriously.

"Aveline, my marriage is just a temporary arrangement. When everything is settled in the future, if you want to leave, come find me, and take you away. Alright?"

Aveline instinctively lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes, which held a hint of earnestness and deep emotion. He wasn't hiding anything anymore.

She picked up her juice, took a sip, then gripped the glass tightly.

"Russ, don't do this," she said softly.

Seeing her reaction, Russell knew exactly what it meant she wasn't willing to leave with him.

He lowered his head, his lips curving slightly in a strained smile. When he looked up again, he said, "Alright,è don't feel burdened by it. My feelings for you are my own business; they have nothing to do with V Swnow Aveline felt her heart in turmoil, unsure how to respond. The complexity of their relationship left no room for a proper response.

Besides, she wasn't divorced yet, and he was about to be married. Everything was just too complicated.

"Remember, even if you find out the date of my wedding, don't come," Russell said, his gaze steady on hers, making his request clear.