Aveline's gaze turned icy. "Do you have any proof?"

Sophia responded, "He got poisoned after eating the food you prepared. What more evidence do you need?"

Aveline retorted, "He bought the ingredients himself. By your logic, could I say he poisoned himself to frame me?"

"You!" Sophia's face darkened. "Miss Young, that's unreasonable!"

Aveline replied, "It's better than twisting the facts."

The tension between them was palpable.

"Enough!" Lucas finally spoke. His handsome, stern

face was dark, and his gaze was cold as he looked at Aveline. "Do you not know why I want a divorce? Aveline, I don't want to be harsh, but you better sign the papers, or else..."

"Or else what?" Aveline stared directly at him, the man she once loved and shared a happy life with, her heart full of mockery. "Are you going to kill me?"

Her voice was light, like a feather landing on Lucas' heart, yet it irritated him for no reason. Wasn't she the one who wanted a divorce? Why was she saying this now?

Lucas' tone grew heavier. "What are you unhappy with about the divorce terms? Just tell me."

Aveline's fingers curled slightly, but her face remained calm as she said, "I won't divorce you until this matter is resolved.

Lucas' frown deepened.

Sophia interjected, "Lucas, if Miss Young is so stubborn, maybe we should take legal action."

Aveline stated, "I've already called the police. Once the investigation results are out, Lucas, you'll regret this."

Sophia was stunned, her eyes flickering.

Lucas turned to Sophia. "You should go home."

Sophia looked worried. "But..."

"It's fine," Lucas reassured her with a look.

Sophia stood up and left the room. Lucas didn't look away until she was gone.

Aveline felt an urge to slap him. Was he that reluctant to let her go? Did he like her that much? What did that make her?

She pulled out a chair and sat down, her clear eyes fixed on him.

Lucas frowned. "What are you looking at?"

"I'm looking at the man I once loved, realizing what a scumbag he turned out to be," Aveline said.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Lucas' face darkened.

After a moment, he spoke. "It's a fact that I got poisoned after eating the food you made."

"And it's a fact that I didn't poison you," Aveline retorted.

"Where's the proof?" Lucas asked.

"The police are still investigating," Aveline replied.

Lucas' gaze deepened. "Aveline, I believe you this time. Sign the papers, and we'll divorce."

Aveline let out a cold laugh. "No."

Lucas was speechless.

He was about to explode with frustration. What was she thinking? Wasn't this a good chance to sever ties with him? Why wouldn't she sign? Why wouldn't she agree to the divorce? She called him a scumbag a Aveline looked into his dark, complex eyes, unable to guess what he was thinking. As she watched his face, she suddenly stood up and moved closer.

Lucas frowned. "What are you doing?"

A bitter smile flashed in Aveline's eyes. "What? I'm your wife. Can't I be close to you?"

COMMINIS