Aveline wasn't sure what to do, so she decided to keep the evidence safe for now, knowing it would be a while before she could head to Larbor City.She kept herself busy for several days. The final designs were approved, and the winery project had started. She began interviewing designers, but after several rounds, none of the candidates stood out.Many had creative ideas, but they were impractical—imaginative concepts that would be difficult to bring to life.One day, Selena invited her out for a meal.The fondue pot simmered, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese and garlic. Aveline took a bite of her bread, but her attention was quickly drawn to Selena, who let out yet another sigh.“What’s wrong? You’ve sighed twenty-eight times since we got here.”Selena looked at her in mock surprise. “You were actually counting? I had no idea you loved me so much!”Aveline replied, “Cut the crap. What’s going on?”Selena sighed again. “I got called in for a talk with the
Aveline paused, looking at Selena. "You figured it out this quickly?"Selena's arm draped over Aveline's shoulder, her tipsy face flushed a soft pink under the flickering lights, her gaze unfocused as she stared ahead.“When I met with the Fletchers, they made quite the impression. They left me waiting in the conservatory for two hours before they saw me. And when they finally did, they didn’t even say what they wanted. They just handed me a stack of debutante photos and asked me to help pick Aaron's future wife. Can you believe it?” Her voice wavered, and tears began to stream down her face. She wiped them away with a quick swipe of her hand. “Ave, I thought I’d never fall for Aaron. I thought I could laugh off their little power play, but I couldn’t. I felt humiliated in a way I didn’t expect.”She looked at Aveline, her eyes red, and continued, “They didn’t say anything directly, they didn’t insult me, but I still felt small… ashamed. Ave, am I in too deep?”Aveline replied, "Yeah,
Aveline glanced over at Selena and asked, "Did you stay up all night?"Selena looked like a ghost as she wandered down from the balcony, still in her pajamas, with dark circles under her eyes. “Yeah,” Selena muttered, her voice thick with exhaustion. "Couldn't sleep."Aveline set a plate of breakfast on the table and gestured for her to sit. "Come on, eat something. We can talk after."Selena nodded and sat down, but her mind seemed elsewhere, her gaze unfocused as if she were still lost in her thoughts.Aveline sighed softly, knowing the weight of the decision that lay ahead for her friend. "Let's figure this out after you’ve had something to eat and maybe some coffee."Selena gave a weak smile. "Yeah, maybe coffee will help."They both knew there were no easy answers, but for now, breakfast was as good a start as any."You haven't slept all night?" Aveline asked, surprised.Selena nodded and moved closer, wrapping her arms around Aveline. The chill from her skin seeped through, and
Winter had settled in, and the season's first snowfall blanketed the ground. Aveline wrapped her scarf snugly around her face as she stepped out of the building. The sky had already darkened, and she noticed a car parked a short distance away. Her steps faltered slightly when she spotted Gernard standing there, clad in a black coat."Mr. Cooper," she greeted as she approached, offering a polite smile. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."Gernard smiled faintly and opened the car door. "No need to apologize; I just got here myself. Let's get in.""Alright." Aveline nodded.Earlier, Gernard had contacted her out of the blue, saying he wanted to meet. She felt a little puzzled but didn't refuse. After all, Gernard was her brother by blood. Perhaps this would be a chance to gauge his stance on things.The car's heating was on high, quickly dispelling the cold as Aveline removed her scarf. They drove to a restaurant, and once inside a private room, Gernard spoke up, "I came back unexpectedly t
As Gernard spoke of his sister, a hint of fondness and helplessness appeared on his face. Aveline watched him quietly for a moment before saying, "I actually have a question I want to ask you.""Go ahead," Gernard replied, his expression soft and patient. For some reason, every time he saw Aveline, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity that made him more patient than usual.Aveline hesitated for a second before speaking, "I know someone whose identity was stolen by another person. This person not only took everything that should have belonged to her—her life, her opportunities—but also went so far as to try and destroy her, using any means necessary, even resorting to arson and drugging. What do you think my friend should do?"Gernard's brow furrowed as he listened. "Your friend should expose the impostor for their crimes and reclaim everything that was stolen from her."Aveline kept her gaze fixed on him. "Do you really think that?""Of course." Gernard nodded firmly, answeri
"When will you divorce her?"In the private room, the girl gazed at the man before her with deep affection.Aveline stood outside the private room with cold hands and feet. Like the girl inside, she stared at the man's handsome, sharp face, as her complexion gradually turned pale.That was her husband, Lucas Tudor.He was mute, working as a server in this club. Today, she got off work early to go home with him but didn't expect to stumble upon this scene.The man who usually wore a server's uniform was now in a tailored suit, his short hair meticulously styled. His expression was noble and cold, with an air of elegance and aloofness she had never seen before.His thin lips parted, his voice low and pleasant. "I'll bring it up to her soon."She shut her eyes abruptly and turned to leave.He could speak.His voice was actually so pleasant.However, she never expected that the first words she would hear him say were about divorce.Aveline was in a daze, thinking she must have mistaken som
Earlier, when she heard his voice, it was mixed with music, making it hard to hear clearly. But now, his deep, magnetic voice came from right above her, so clear that it struck her heart, leaving her breathless with pain.He could speak.However, he hadn't told her about it immediately.In fact, he wanted to divorce her.All of it was true.Why?Why did he want a divorce?Aveline wanted to ask, but she held back.Why should he get to divorce her just because he wanted to?Over the past year, she had done nothing to wrong him. Even if he wanted a divorce, he owed her an explanation!Aveline's heart felt cold, but she craved the warmth of his body, hugging him even tighter."Yes, I heard you talking to someone, but I didn't catch what you said. Lucas, your voice is so nice."She kissed his back."Lu."It was what she called him only in their most intimate moments.Whenever he heard it, he would respond with even more passion.But tonight, Lucas pushed her away."I'm tired."Aveline's fac
Aveline looked at him. "Say something."Lucas responded, "Let's eat first."He gently pushed her away and walked to the dining table, placing the breakfast on it.Aveline's heart sank deeper into despair as she stared at his back, pain evident in her eyes.She had stopped him from saying the word "divorce," but his attitude was clear. He was distancing himself from her, not even offering a false promise.He never used to be like this!In the beginning, he just followed her everywhere, clinging to her. Later, when she decided to take him in, she taught him to read and learn sign language. His gaze on her became more focused.No matter what she did, his eyes were always on her, as if she were his whole world."Lucas, you didn't give me my good morning kiss."Aveline walked over and said, reminding him of the promise they made after they got together.Lucas pushed the milk toward her. "Let's eat first. I have something to tell you later."Aveline clenched her fists. "If I don't eat, will