Ch. 881..890

Chapter 881 Chapter 881 The atmosphere was tense.

Aaron raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at Aveline's cold and beautiful face, and suddenly asked, "Am I being implicated here?"

"What?" Aveline didn't quite understand what he meant for a moment.

Aaron's smile faded, and his tone turned colder as he said, "Haven't you been curious about why Lucas suddenly left Larbor City and hasn't contacted you for so many days?"

Aveline's expression grew even colder. "That's his business. It has nothing to do with me."

"Hah!" Aaron immediately let out a cold laugh. "So, it has nothing to do with you. Aveline, I used to watch the two of you fight and struggle. I was always just an observer, never getting involved in your affairs.

"I even advised Lucas to figure out his feelings and not do things he'd regret. He was indeed changing, and I believe you noticed that too. But it seems to have been in vain. Have you stopped loving him? Is that why you're indifferent to the changes he's made?" Aaron's gaze was sharp, and he stared at Aveline while speaking.

The living room fell into a brief silence as Aveline didn't respond.

"Alright, it seems you really don't love him anymore," Aaron remarked, no longer dwelling on the matter.

Instead, he added, "Well then, his life or death will no longer concern you. I won't bother you with any news about him either. I'm here to take Selena with me this time. I want to talk to her face to face and ask if she'd want to come back home with me." Aveline responded, "She said she doesn't want to see you."

Aaron replied, "That's fine. I'll wait here for her. I believe that when it comes to feelings, it's better to talk things through. What's the point of staying silent?"

Upon hearing this, Aveline was suddenly a bit moved.

Talking things through...

Maybe she should go and ask Lucas as well.

At the very least, give him a chance to explain.

At that moment, in the upstairs room.

Selena's eyes widened slightly as she watched the tall man emerge from the bathroom.

With broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and defined muscles, he held a towelin one hand, drying his short hair. The muscles in his arms shifted as he moved, exuding strength.

His short hair was messy and damp, and a his bangs, his eyes held y as he looked ather.

"Ever heard of knocking?" Gavin spoke coldly, clearly displeased with her sudden intrusion.

Selena deep breath and said, orry, I didn't know this was y I just came in to hide in a moment."

belongs to en.kikistori Gavin asked coldly, "Hide from what?"

Selena's eyes flickered. "That's my business. I don't think I need to tell you."

bit, Gavin replied, "But you're hiding in my room. If you don't explain, you can leave now."

Selena was speechless.

This man was so cold and heartless!

She kept telling herself not to get angry-he was Aveline's eldest brother, the heir of the Tudor family. Who knows, she might need his help in the future...

After mustering up the courage, Selena finally spoke, "Aaron's here. I don't want to see him right now."

Gavin sat lazily on the sofa, the towel around his waist slightly wrinkling with his posture. "Why not just get a divorce?"

"What?"

Selena was stunned. "What did you say?"

Gavin said, "What's the point of sulking? Just get divorced-it's much more exciting."

Chapter 882 Chapter 882 Selena's eyes widened. "You..."

But Gavin stood up and walked toward her.

"Are you getting a divorce?" he asked.

Selena shook her head. "Why would I? There's no reason for that."

Gavin stopped right in front of her, and without another word, reached out his hand.

Immediately on guard, Selena took two steps back, her back pressing against the door as she eyed him warily. "What are you doing?"

Gavin saw the caution in her eyes, his expression growing colder. He grabbed the doorknob, opened the door, and pushed her out.

"You're a married woman. It's not appropriate for you to stay in my room."

With that, he closed the door.

"Hey, wait, you—"

Selena stood there, stunned, staring at the closed door.

For a moment, she was speechless.

This... this guy...

How could he act like that?

Then again... it wasn't completely unreasonable.

"Selena."

Before she could dwell on it, Aaron's voice echoed from the other room.

She turned to see him standing in the living room downstairs, looking up at her.

There was no point in hiding now. It was too late and frankly, pointless.

She walked down the stairs and asked, "What do you want?"

Aaron, noticing the coldness in her expression, stepped closer and took her hand, gazing at her. "Can we talk?"

Selena tried to pull her hand free, but his grip was strong.

She glared at him. "Let go first."

Aaron, however, said firmly, "I won't. I'll never let go, not in this lifetime."

His tone was commanding and possessive.

And his gaze-it was filled with a desire to claim her.

Damn it...

Why did Selena find herself liking it?

"What do you want to talk about?" Selena asked.

Aaron, instead of answering, asked, "Which room are you staying in?"

Selena's eyes widened in disbelief. "Hey! What's that supposed to mean? We haven't even talked yet, and you're already thinking about that? So, the only reason you came to find me was for that?" Aaron immediately covered her mouth, sighing as he glanced at Aveline. "Which room is hers?"

Aveline, still in a bit of a daze, pointed toward one of the rooms.

Without hesitation, Aaron scooped Selena up and carried her in that direction.

Aveline kept quiet.

She stared after them, completely numb.

So, this was how they interacted?

It was... not what she expected at all.

"What are you doing? Let me tell you right now unless this misunderstanding is cleared up, there's no way I'm sleeping with you! Don't even think about touching me!" Selena yelled as Aaron tossed her onto the couch. He shut the door behind him, tugged at his collar, and stood with his hands on his hips, staring at her.

Selena, still on guard, eyed him warily. "What do you want?"

Aaron replied, "To explain."

Selena lifted her chin defiantly. "Go ahead."

"That message from Anne Lawson-she's just an old childhood friend, not my crush. Stop jumping to conclusions. There's nothing between us. I've never liked her And more importantly, she's married," Aaron explained.

Selena's eyes widened slightly. "Married? She's married? Then why did she send you those texts? Telling you she was drunk and not feeling well, asking you to be with her? You expect me to believe there's nothing going on? Yeah, right!"

Aaron stepped closer, looking down at her puffed up cheeks, and gently took her hand. "Selena, she sent that message by mistake. I didn't reply That dinner you caught us at was the first and only time. I promise you if anything like that happens again, I'll bring you along. How about that?"

Chapter 883 Chapter 883 Selena looked into his eyes and fell silent.

Cutting ties?

That was impossible.

The Fletcher family had intricate connections throughout Cloudflare City. Even at the most ordinary gatherings, they could easily cross paths.

The only solution was to keep her distance and remain indifferent. Besides, there was no reason for her and Aaron to fall out over this. "Alright then, if she ever contacts you again, you'll let me know right away," Selena said, deciding not to dwell on the matter any longer. Aaron smirked. "I promise."

He sat beside her and asked, "Ready to head home?"

Tomorrow was New Year's Eve, their first one since they got married, and after that, their wedding ceremony was right around the corner. Selena nodded. "Yeah."

She stood up. "I'll go let Ave know."

Aaron nodded. "Let's go together."

As they walked out, Selena casually asked, "By the way, do you know what Lucas has been up to? It's been a while since anyone's heard from him."

Aaron gave her a knowing look. "I just talked to Aveline about him. She doesn't seem interested in what he's up to."

Selena found it strange but knew Aveline had been indifferent about Lucas lately, so she didn't press further. "Let's drop it, then."

When they went downstairs, Selena told Aveline they were heading back to Cloudflare City.

Aveline smiled, teasing, "You really have no backbone, do you?"

Aaron raised an eyebrow, "Miss Young, I finally managed to calm her down. Don't go stirring things up again."

Aveline ignored him and had her staff prepare some things for Selena to take with her.

Selena graciously accepted everything.

At the door, she hugged Aveline. "Alright, I'll be back in a couple of days. Stay inside, it's cold out."

"Mhm." Aveline nodded, watching them leave.

Turning around, Aveline saw Gavin emerging from upstairs, dressed in a black, form-fitting turtleneck, his posture tall and commanding "Brother," Aveline greeted him.

Gavin nodded in response. "They've left?"

"Yeah." Aveline confirmed with a nod.

"Who left?" Gernard, appeared from his room, yawning.

"Selena," Aveline replied.

Gernard paused, glancing outside and catching a glimpse of the car tailing away. He clicked his tongue.

"Shedeft the moment hengue.

What a love-struck fool."

The siblings sat down in the living room, chatting idly.

her?

Suddenly, Gernard turned to Gavin and asked, "You didn't even try to stop her?"

Aveline blinked in confusion. "What?"

Gavin, his expression unchanging, replied, "Stop who?"

Gernard chuckled. "Selena, of course. Don't think I haven't noticed-you've got your eye on her."

Aveline immediately looked over at Gavin. "Brother, you...?"

Gavin shot a cool glance at Gernard. "I didn't realize when you became so invested in gossip."

Gernard let out a small laugh. "It's the holidays. With nothing else to do, anything entertaining catches my attention."

Aveline hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it... true?"

Gernard nodded. "Absolutely. You haven't spent as much time with us yet, but you figure it out soon enough. Gavin's the type who plays it cool. When he likes someone, he doesn't make the first move. He just watches from a distance, waiting like a hunter for the right moment. But this time, he miscalculated. Selena's married."

Chapter 884 Chapter 884 Aveline still had her doubts, but as she studied Gavin's composed expression, his lack of denial spoke volumes. So... it was true.

If Selena found out, she'd be over the moon!

Aveline touched her nose, shifting her gaze away.

...

By evening, Wilfried had returned.

With New Year's Eve approaching, members of the Tudor family were arriving one after another, filling the living room with lively chatter. The house buzzed with energy. Aveline, feeling exhausted, had taken a nap upstairs.

When she woke, she remained in bed, listening to the occasional bursts of laughter and the sound of children playing in the snow outside.

Despite the warmth of the festivities, she felt a hollowness deep inside.

Aaron's words echoed in her mind, causing her lips to tighten unconsciously.

She unlocked her phone, staring at the photo on her lock screen before her hand drifted to her stomach.

Just then, her phone vibrated. It was a message from Selena.

"Oh my God!"

"Ave, Lucas was shot! He's been in a coma for a while now!"

"Ave, did you see the message?!"

Selena sent three messages in a row.

Aveline shot up in bed, the color draining from her face.

She knew every word in those texts, but somehow, strung together, they made no sense to her.

Shot? In a coma? How could that be?

How could Lucas have been shot?

With trembling hands, Aveline dialed Selena's number, her fingers shaking uncontrollably. "Hello? Selena, what exactly happened?" Aveline tried to keep her voice steady.

Selena, equally shaken, replied, "I just found out! After the welcome event at the Tudor family, Lucas disappeared without a word, right? He went straight back to Cloudflare City, and that night, someone shot him almost hit his heart! They rushed him into surgery, and he's still in the ICU."

Kand Aveline couldn't believe it. "How could this happen?"

et Get "I don't know the details either," Selena said urgently. "All I know is that he might die. Ave, I know you still care about him. Come back, see him before it's too late."

Aveline was speechless, her mind swirling in disbelief.

She didn't even notice when the phone slipped from her fingers.

"Hello? Ave? Ave?" Selena's voice grew more anxious, but there was no response.

Worried, Selena hung up and immediately called Gernard.

Hearing the news, Gernard rushed upstairs, throwing open Aveline's door to find her pale and frantically packing.

"Sis, what's going on?!" Gernard grabbed her arm, his face full of concern.

"I need to go back to Cloudflare City, right now. Please help me, Gernard. Help me..." Aveline's voice trembled as she gripped his arm tightly, her knuckles turning white. Gernard frowned. "You want to leave now? But tomorrow is the New Year, and the whole family's here. Are you sure this is-"

"I HAVE to go Aveline cut him off, her grip tightening. Her eyes were red with emotion. "I made a terrible mistake, judged too quickly without knowing the truth. I need to go back he's waiting for me. Gernard, I need to go back!"

Though her words were disjointed, Gernard understood: she was desperate to return because of Lucas. Gritting his teeth, he sighed. "Of all times, this had to happen now!"

He gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll arrange for the private jet. You'll be back with him tonight."

Chapter 885 Chapter 885 Aveline's sudden decision to leave caught the entire Tudor family off guard.

Gavin and Wilfried hurried to her room, only to find that she had already packed her things. Their faces were filled with concern. "Ave, what's going on? Why the rush?" Wilfried asked, stepping forward.

Aveline took a deep breath. "Lucas is hurt. I need to go see him."

"This..." Wilfried was momentarily stunned.

Hadn't she been avoiding Lucas just recently? She didn't even want to see him. Why did she change her mind so quickly?

Aveline's eyes reddened as she looked at Wilfried. "Dad, I'm sorry I can't stay and spend New Year's with you. But I have to go. If I don't, I'll regret it for the rest of my life." It was serious-too serious.

Wilfried wanted to ask her to wait until after the holidays, but the words wouldn't come out.

Gavin broke the silence. "Let me find out exactly what's going on first."

There was no stopping her, though. After all, Lucas was the father of her child.

Wilfried sighed softly. "I thought we'd finally have a family reunion this year. But I guess we'll have to wait until next year."

"I'll come back as soon as he's okay," Aveline promised.

"Take your time. He's the father of your child, after all," Wilfried replied, knowing there was little he could say to change her mind.

Gernard quickly arranged the private jet, and Aveline, suitcase in hand, boarded.

Gernard joined her inside the cabin. "I couldn't let you go alone. I'll come with you."

Wilfried had insisted as well, "Yes, let him go with you. If anything happens, you can rely on him."

Gavin also chimed in, "Take care of our sister."

With that, Aveline had no choice but to accept their help.

"I'll come back as soon as I can," Aveline said, her voice thick with emotion as she looked at her family through teary eyes.

The plane took off, quickly disappearing into the night sky.

...

Cloudflare City.

At the hospital owned by Tudor Group, the ICU remained brightly lit.

Desmond, as usual, came by to check on the situation. Upon hearing that Lucas was still unconscious, with his condition worsening, his expression darkened. What now?

Could it be that Lucas wouldn't make it?

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.

Desmond turned and saw Aveline rushing toward him, her hair disheveled, eyes red, and breath coming in gasps. Selena and Aaron followed closely behind her. "Slow down, Ave! Slow down!" Selena urged, but Aveline ignored her, stopping directly in front of Desmond.

"How... how is he?" she asked breathlessly.

Desmond was surprised to see her, but quickly replied, "Ma'am, Mr. Tudor's condition is... not looking good." Aveline's face went pale, her legs almost giving way beneath her.

Desmond immediately caught her. "It was the Leo Tudor who shot him. The bullet was fired at close range and grazed his heart. Although they managed to stabilize him during n surgery, his condition hasn't improved. The doctors just said that ithe remains in a coma much longer, his heart could stop at any moment."

"Stop scaring her!" Selena scolded, rushing over to support Aveline.

She wrapped an arm around her, comforting her softly. "It's okay, Ave. He's still here, which means there's still hope. Let's figure out how to get in and see him. Maybe if you talk to him, he'll wake up." FindNovel.net Selena forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "You know Lucas, he's a calculating guy. Maybe he's just pretending to be weak to get your sympathy. Who knows, once you're by his side, he might wake up just to prove a point."

Chapter 886 Chapter 886 Aveline struggled to steady her emotions, glancing over at Aaron. "Can I go in?"

At this point, could anyone say no?

Aaron nodded, making arrangements right away.

Once suited up in isolation gear, Aveline entered the ICU.

The sharp smell of disinfectant seeped through her mask as she walked step by step toward the bed. Lucas lay surrounded by various machines, an oxygen mask covering his face. His once handsome features were now pale and gaunt. She approached him, reaching out to touch him, but stopped when she noticed the gloves on her hands. She couldn't feel anything through them. "Lucas."

Her voice was muffled, thick with emotion like her nose was stuffed.

Aveline blinked, fighting to keep her composure. "Why did you leave without a word? Not even a message. Do you know how angry that made me?"

"And then there's Maria-she works for you. Why didn't you tell me that sooner? If you had just explained, how could I have stayed mad at you?"

Her voice grew softer, more strained. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? Pretending not to wake up, not reaching out to me, just to see me worried, to make me give in. Is that it?"

By the time she finished speaking, her voice was thick with tears, her throat tight with emotion. She couldn't wipe her tears away, so they fell freely, blurring her vision.

"Lucas, wake up. Please... If you wake up, I'll stop holding grudges. I won't argue anymore."

Just as she finished, a harsh, labored breath suddenly sounded from the bed.

The machines next to him began beeping urgently.

Doctors and nurses rushed into the room, and Aveline was quickly pushed out.

"What's happening? What's wrong with him?" she asked frantically.

A doctor replied, "We need to check on him immediately. Please wait outside!"

Aveline was gently pushed out of the room, and Selena quickly rushed to her side, steadying her. "What happened? What's going on?"

Aveline shook her head, still dazed, her lashes wet with tears. "I don't know..."

One moment she had been talking to Lucas and the next, she was forced out.

Selena pulled her into a comforting hug. "It's going to be alright. Maybe Lucas was just too excited to see you. He'll be fine, I'm sure."

It was all she could say to try to comfort her.

The group stood in tense silence, their expressions heavy with concern as they waited for news from the doctors.

After what felt like an eternity, about an hour later, the doctor finally emerged with a relieved smile on his face. "Mr. Tudor is out of the critical stage. We're moving him to @regular room now." en FindNovel Upon hearing this, a wave of relief swept over everyone. Joy lit up their faces.

Selena immediately piped up, "See? I told you! He must've been so excited to know you were here. Just trying to scare you! When he's fully. recovered, you'll have to give him a hard time for this."

Aveline's tense heart finally began to ease, though she remained quiet.

By the time everything was settled, it was already past midnight.

Aveline sat by Lucas's bedside, holding his hand against her cheek. As she gazed at his still unconscious face, a deep ache settled in her chest.

If only she had known what he had gone through, she would've come back sooner.

Outside the room, Desmond gom, returned. "I've arranged for a nurse to take care of Mr. Tudor. Mr. Aaron, Miss Selena, you should take Mrs. Tudor home to rest now. Mr. Tudor is stable now, so you can come back tomorrow."

Selena shook her head. "Do you really think she's going to leave like this?"

Desmond glanced into the room, where Aveline sat, holding Lucas' hand, lost in thought.

He pressed his lips together.

He had called her when the incident first happened, but she hadn't picked up.

And now...

Now she was here, full of regret.

Chapter 887 Chapter 887 Well, that was the past.

She came back, and that's all that matters.

At the very least, they were in the same place now.

They could sort things out after Lucas woke up.

...

Aveline refused to leave, choosing to stay at the hospital to wait for Lucas to wake up.

Selena had no choice but to stay with her, worried for Aveline, especially since she was still pregnant.

The next day, Gernard arrived to find Aveline carefully and gently wiping Lucas down, her expression soft and patient.

"Sis, give our family a call. It's New Year after all," Gernard said.

"Okay." Aveline nodded but continued tending to Lucas until she was done. Only then did she grab her phone, sit on the couch, and open the family group chat for a video call.

It connected quickly, and Wilfried appeared on screen, wearing his glasses.

"Happy New Year, Dad!" Aveline greeted with a smile.

Wilfried grinned back. "Happy New Year, sweetheart. How's Lucas doing?"

"He's out of the critical phase. Once he wakes up, he should be fine."

Wilfried nodded. "That's good to hear. Make sure you're taking care of yourself, okay? Don't overdo it."

"I will, Dad," Aveline reassured him.

Gavin also chimed in with a few words of advice, followed by the rest of the family, each offering their support.

After all, Aveline was the apple of the Tudor family's eye now.

She responded to each of them with patience, and after nearly an hour, they ended the call.

Outside, the streets had grown quieter, as most people had returned home for the holiday.

By noon, Selena and Aaron arrived at the hospital.

"I ordered a whole table of good food. Even though we're in the hospital, it's still New Year, so we have to eat and drink well!" Selena said with a cheerful smile. Aveline nodded. "Mm, once Lucas is discharged, I'll cook for you all."

Selena's face lit up with excitement. "Great! No chef's food can compare to yours!"

Aaron nodded in agreement. "That's true."

Aveline's gaze drifted back to the hospital bed. Lucas was still unconscious, but his condition had stabilized significantly.

As night fell, the distant sound of fireworks echoed in the background.

Standing by the window, Aveline watched the bursts of light across the sky her voice barely above a whisper. "Lucas, it's New Year Aren't you going to wake up and spend it with me?"

Her voice was so soft as if the slightest breeze could carry it away.

Then, unexpectedly, a raspy voice responded, weak but clear. "Did you prepare a New Year gift?"

Aveline spun around in shock, only to see Lucas, who had been in a coma moments ago, now awake, his eyes fixed on her.

She stood frozen for a moment before slowly stepping toward the bed. "You're awake?"

Lucas gave a faint smile, lifting his hand with difficulty to touch her face. "Yeah, I woke up. I heard what you said. I was afraid if I didn't wake up soon, you'd leave me."

Aveline fought to control her emotions, quickly pressing the call button for the doctors.

The medical team rushed in, conducting a thorough examination. It wasn't until late into the night that they confirmed Lucas was truly out of danger.

As soon as the news spread, Selena, Aaron, and Gernard arrived to see him.

Selena's eyes reddened as she looked at Lucas' pale but still handsome face. "Lucas, you're heartless Everyone's been worried sick about you, but you didn't wake up for them. Yet the moment Aveline comes back, you open your eyes. Do you have no shame?"

Chapter 888 Chapter 888 Lucas glanced at her and said, "Since when have I not been shameless?"

Selena paused, momentarily speechless.

Well, he wasn't wrong, was he?

Aaron chuckled softly. "Alright, let him be for now. You can say whatever you want once he's fully recovered."

Selena rolled her eyes. "I didn't even say anything bad!"

The night deepened, fireworks bursting in the distance. Aveline gazed at Lucas' handsome face before suddenly speaking up. "Lucas, I have a New Year's gift for you." "What?" Lucas looked at her in confusion.

Aveline smiled softly, placing her hand on her abdomen. "I'm pregnant."

For a moment, shock washed over Lucas' face.

His dark eyes filled with disbelief as he glanced between her face and her stomach.

"Really?" His voice was barely a whisper as if he thought he might be dreaming.

Aveline walked closer, taking his hand and placing it gently on her belly. "Can you feel it?"

Lucas didn't dare press too hard, his hand hovering lightly over her stomach. Of course, he couldn't feel anything yet, but his heart swelled with emotion.

She was pregnant with his child.

They were going to be parents.

A soft, muffled sob suddenly broke the moment.

Selena covered her mouth and dashed out of the room.

Aaron blinked in surprise.

"Hey, what's wrong with you?" He quickly followed her to check.

Gernard shook his head with a sigh, quietly leaving the room to give them some privacy.

Lucas held Aveline's hand, pressing it to his forehead with a reverence that almost brought him to tears. His voice, still raspy, trembled with emotion. "Aveline, thank you... Thank you for choosing to love me again." Though his voice was weak, his eyes were bright with emotion, and a tear slipped down his cheek.

at Aveline cupped Lucas' face, leaned down, and kissed his forehead. Her eyes were serious as she gazed at him. "Lucas, I'm trying to love you again, but don't lie to me anymore. If you do, I'll take the baby and leave, and I'll make sure our child calls you 'Uncle' instead."

Lucas pulled her close, kissing her firmly on the lips. "I would never."

...

For Lucas, everything seemed to be falling into place-his health was improving, Aveline was back in his life, and now he was about to become a father.

It was a time of many blessings, and his happiness helped speed his recovery.

Twenty days later, he was discharged from the hospital.

Aveline, now three months pregnant, had a slight curve to her belly. The two of them returned to the Tudor family home in Larbor City, where they enjoyed several lively family meals together. But Lucas had something else on his mind-getting remarried.

Nothing mattered more to him now.

Late one night, after Aveline had showered and settled into bed, Lucas slipped in beside her. He kissed her cheek and let his hand rest gently on her growing belly explaining that he wanted the baby to get used to his touch.

"Ave," he murmured, his voice deep and soft.

She looked at him. "What's on your mind?"

Lucas' dark eyes met hers. "Don't you think it's time we got remarried?"

Aveline's eyes flickered. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Lucas' expression grew more serious. "What's not good about it? You're already three months along, and my health is fine now." Aveline's ears flushed with embarrassment. "I'm just... still a little scared..."

Lucas, assuming she meant she was afraid of being hurt again, took her hand, his gaze earnest. "Aveline, I promised you I'd never let you down again. Besides, the entire Tudor Corporation is now in your name. I'm just hired CEO. If I ever hurt you, you could kick me out, and wouldn't even have the power to resist."

Chapter 889 Chapter 889 His expression was serious, but the words that came out were surprisingly meek.

Aveline blinked, staring at his face, suddenly realizing something seemed off... but what?

Slowly, she withdrew her hand and cautiously asked, "What exactly are you talking about?"

Lucas froze for a moment, then it hit him too.

"What do you think I'm talking about?" His gaze lingered on her face, finally settling on her reddening ears.

As the blush spread, the corners of his lips curved into a teasing smile. "So, you wanted it too?"

"Shut up!" Aveline immediately slapped her hand over his mouth. "What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever say I wanted anything?" Lucas didn't move away. Her soft hand covered his lips, his warm breath lightly brushing against her fingers-gentle yet undeniably stirring. Aveline recoiled as if shocked, quickly pulling her hand back and diving under the covers, turning her back to him. "Go to sleep, I'm tired."

"Mm, let's sleep," Lucas replied, though his eyes darkened with intensity.

When the lights went out, the room fell into silence and darkness.

Just like on many nights before, Lucas wrapped his arms around her, enjoying the warmth of her body against his.

But Aveline's body was tense.

She couldn't deny it. Ever since she got pregnant, the cravings had become much stronger-more intense.

But she couldn't bring herself to admit it.

In the darkness, she bit her lip, trying to relax, to drift off to sleep. But the harder she tried, the more restless she became.

And then, out of nowhere, the hand that had been resting innocently on her belly began to roam, sliding under her shirt to caress her smooth skin, slowly moving upward.

"What are you doing?" Aveline immediately grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks.

By pure chance, Aveline's hand landed right on his chest.

Lucas smirked. "So eager?"

Embarrassed and frustrated, Aveline quickly retorted, "I am not! Take your hand away..."

But instead of pulling away, Lucas leaned in, kissing her earlobe, his warm breath teasing her sensitive skin.

"One thing know for sure," he whispered, his voice deep and husky, tinged with a hint of seduction, "After the first trimester, it's perfectly fine to indulge in a little... exercise."

In the darkness, his words were low and magnetic, sending a shiver down Aveline's spine. Her breathing quickened, and she bit her lip before finally whispering, "Just... be gentle." en FindNovel "Of course," Lucas murmured.

His kisses trailed down her body, stoking the fire within her. As they surrendered to the moment, he pressed his lips against the corner of her mouth, repeatedly whispering, "I love you."

Completely lost in the heat of the moment, Aveline let herself fall, giving in to the overwhelming sensations.

And then, as they lay entwined, Lucas whispered softly against her ear, "Ave, let's get remarried. What do you think?"

"Mmm..." Aveline was too far gone to form coherent thoughts, her soft moan escaping her lips as he intentionally drew another sound from her.

Lucas chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

Half-dazed, Aveline barely registered what was happening. "...Huh?"

What had she just agreed to?

Oh well... she'd figure it out later. For now, nothing mattered but the moment.

...

The next day, Aveline was woken up by the sound of her phone ringing. Still groggy, she reached for her phone without checking the screen and answered. "Hello?" she mumbled.

"Aveline, it's me."

The voice on the other end was so familiar that it jolted her awake, her eyes snapping open.

Russell.

It was him!

They hadn't spoken in such a long time. She had assumed they'd left things as they were, with no need to revisit the past. Yet here he was, reaching out to her. "Russ," Aveline said, taking a moment to gather herself. "Happy New Year."

Chapter 890 Chapter 890 "Happy New Year! How have you been lately?"

Russell's voice carried a hint of laughter.

Aveline replied, "Pretty good. I found my biological parents and have returned to Labor City."

"I saw the news, but I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet." Russell's tone surprisingly carried a note of loneliness.

Aveline lowered her gaze, unsure of what to say. Their relationship was just a thin layer of unspoken feelings away from changing everything. Once that layer was pierced, nothing would be the same. They both paused, the silence stretching between them.

"I'm going abroad."

After a long moment, Russell's voice finally broke the silence.

Aveline was taken aback. "Why the sudden decision to go abroad?"

"I'm sorry."

But instead of answering her question, Russell offered an apology.

The unexpected apology left Aveline stunned.

She opened her mouth but couldn't find the words.

"I'm sorry for not being able to help you before. I also regret causing you some trouble later," he continued, skillfully avoiding the specifics yet making his meaning clear.

Aveline exhaled softly, then said, "Alright, I accept that. Since you've chosen to go abroad, focus on your career. I'm sure you'll succeed in what you want."

She understood that what Russell truly desired was status.

As for her... perhaps she was just a passing moment.

Russell smiled slightly. "Thanks for your kind words. I probably won't be able to attend your wedding, so don't bother sending me an invitation." Aveline remained silent.

On the other end, someone urged Russell to board his flight. He said, "I need to hang up now. Goodbye."

Without waiting for her response, he ended the call.

Aveline glanced at her phone, feeling a mix of confusion and shock as memories of Russell surfaced in her mind.

It all felt like a dream.

"What are you thinking about?"

Suddenly, Lucas's deep, magnetic voice broke through. He walked over, sat beside her, and wrapped her in his arms. Fresh from exercising and showering, he carried a crisp, swnover pleasant scent that sh Leaning against him, Aveline said, "Russell just called me."

At this, Lucas's expression darkened. "He even has the nerve to call you?"

"He was saying goodbye. He's going abroad for work."

As for his return, that remained completely uncertain.

Lucas scoffed. "At least he's leaving quickly."

Aveline looked at him and suddenly asked, "Lucas, where's your sincerity?" "Huh?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Aveline straightened her posture and said, "You only want to remarry, but have you thought about the wedding? We didn't have one the first time, and you expect the second to be the same?"

Her expression showed clear dissatisfaction.

Lucas raised an eyebrow, then replied, "I've been planning it all along."

"What?" Aveline was taken aback.

Lucas took her hand and led her to his study. After opening his computer, he revealed a folder labeled "Wedding Planning." A wedding... plan?

Aveline stared, caught between laughter and tears.

Lucas opened the folder, displaying various wedding plans, both traditional and modern, for her to choose from.

After a long silence, Aveline finally spoke, "I want a simple wedding with just close family and friends. A straightforward ceremony with their blessings; I don't like anything too extravagant."