Aveline put down her phone and looked at him. "Taking care of your doesn't require me to buy local specialties."

Lucas responded, "Eating the local specialties might help me recover faster."

Aveline sighed and stood up. "Fine, but you better eat them all!"

Lucas watched her storm out, feeling irritated himself. He tugged at his tie, feeling a growing sense of frustration. Things hadn't always. been like this.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

A year ago, they were so happy together.

Lucas closed his eyes briefly.

Aveline quickly returned within an hour, setting

down the local specialties in front of him and raising her chin. "Here you go. Enjoy your meal."

Lucas's temple throbbed. "Aveline, are you doing this on purpose?"

Aveline spoke earnestly. "These are Arthur Town's specialties. Look at this colorful bracelet, isn't it pretty? And this intricately embroidered handkerchief is a true cultural gem. You wanted local specialties, and I brought you all of them."

She pulled out a chair and sat in front of him. "Lucas, I did exactly what you asked. If you have a problem with it, you're just being unreasonable."

Lucas glared at her coldly.

Aveline felt incredibly pleased, especially seeing him frustrated. She was delighted!

At that moment, Lucas' phone rang. He glanced at it, his expression changing slightly before he answered, "Hello, Sophia."

Aveline's smile froze instantly.

Just her luck!

Her good mood was ruined!

Sophia's gentle voice came through. "Lucas, are you still in Arthur Town?"

"Yes" Lucas replied indifferently.

"When will you be back?" Sophia asked.

"I'll come back once things here are settled," Lucas said.

Sophia replied, "How about I come over to keep you company? I miss

you so much."

Lucas' gaze shifted to Aveline's face, observing her indifferent

expression. He had initially intended to agree to Sophia's suggestion, but as the words formed, he found himself saying, "No need. I'm very. busy and won't have time for you." Sophia responded, "Alright then. Just let me know when you get back, and I'll welcome you home."

It was as if she hadn't taken Lucas' words to heart.

Lucas gave a brief acknowledgment and ended the call.

He stared at Aveline, trying to read her expression, but she remained impassive as if she didn't care about his interactions with other

women. This realization soured his mood instantly.

"I'm hungry," he said coldly.

Aveline paused, unable to refuse this time. Cooking for him was part of taking care of him.

She stood up and went into the small kitchen.

Lucas watched her get busied as she prepared his meal The

his chest seemed to ease slightly.

He absentmindedly toyed with a colorful bracelet from the assortment of local crafts on the table.

In the afternoon, various leaders from Arthur Town came to visit Lucas.

Seeing Aveline, Steve's eyes flickered with curiosity, but he didn't ask any questions.

Lucas briefly updated them on his current situation and the upcoming inspections, assuring them that his work wouldn't be delayed.

While they discussed business in the living room, Aveline retreated to the guest bedroom to rest.

Unknowingly, she fell asleep.

After some time, she felt a tickling sensation on her cheek. She brushed it away, furrowing her brows in annoyance.