Yvonne smiled and said, "Sophia, you're here. No traffic on the way?"

Sophia, wearing a white dress with her long, straight black hair cascading over her shoulders, responded sweetly, "Madam. Yvonne, there was no traffic. Lucas is a great driver. We got here smoothly." Frederick added, "Now that you're here, let's go wash our hands before we eat."

His tone was warm, a stark contrast to his cold demeanor towards Aveline.

Even the servants' faces brightened with smiles. "Miss Winter, knowing you were coming, the chef prepared many of your favorite dishes."

The previously tense atmosphere was lightened up with Sophia's arrival.

Aveline stood aside, dazed as she watched the scene unfold.

The Tudor family didn't like her. They all preferred Sophia.

She suddenly understood why Lucas had agreed to bring her to the Tudor family. He was indirectly telling her that the family didn't like or welcome her.

It was a cruel way to crush her hopes.Property © .

The ironic part was that she had dressed up carefully, hoping the Tudor family would accept and like her.

Aveline clenched her hands, her nails digging into her palms, a sharp pain reminding her to stay rational.

00

Lucas's dark gaze fell on her pale face, a hint of irritation

flashing within him, but he simply said, "Go wash your hands. before eating."

How could she eat now?

"I..."

"Are you Aveline Young?" Sophia suddenly looked at her and walked over, smiling. "I've heard about you. I've always wanted to thank you for taking care of Lucas for a year.' She seemed genuinely grateful, her eyes clear and sincere.

At that moment, Aveline felt a deep sense of shame, as if she were an intruder who stubbornly refused to leave.

"No need to thank me," she said dryly.

The two women entered the restroom and stood by the sink to wash their hands.

As Aveline's gaze dropped, she suddenly noticed Sophia's leg beneath her skirt. Her eyes widened in shock.

One of Sophia's legs was a prosthetic!

Sophia seemed to notice Aveline's gaze and smiled slightly. "Did I scare you? I lost my leg two years ago while saving Lucas. Thankfully, after more than two years of rehabilitation and adaptation, I can walk on Aveline quickly looked away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare."

Sophia

dried her hands and looked at her. "I understand. I'm used to those looks over the past two years. But when will you and Lucas divorce? I appreciate that you took care of him this past year, but Lucas and I have

#15 BONUS

him back to me?"

Aveline's breath caught, her throat too dry to speak.

So, this was what Lucas meant by taking responsibility for her?

They had once been in love.

So, what about her and Lucas?

What did their year together mean?

Compared to Sophia's lost leg, that year together with him seemed insignificant.

Otherwise, how could Lucas give it up so easily?

Aveline closed her eyes for a moment. "I'll think about it."

Sophia smiled. "Please do it quickly. I don't want Lucas to be seen as ungrateful."

With that, she left the restroom first.

Aveline stood there, feeling dazed

So, taking in an amnesiac, mute man, caring for him for so long, and then being abandoned once he regained his memory-

wasn't he being ungrateful to her?