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

She had given up struggling long ago.

She couldn't break free.

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

Sleep overtook her, and Aveline closed her eyes.

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

The water on his body had been replaced by sweat.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

Aveline, who had finally fallen asleep, was awakened once more.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

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

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

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

The next morning.

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

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

Her back and waist ached.

She felt terrible.

Damn him!

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

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

"Hello?"

"Ave, do you want to go shopping?"

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

"What's going on?" Selena asked.

Aveline sighed. "Maybe in a few days."

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

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

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

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

"Got it!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Of course," the sales assistant said.

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

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

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