The next second, the tickling sensation returned to her cheek. Annoyed, she opened her eyes.

"What are you doing?"

Lucas stood by the bed, releasing her hair.

"You slept soundly," he said coldly.

Aveline, already cranky from being woken up, glared at him. "Do you need something?"

Wasn't he supposed to be busy with work? Why did he have to bother her?

Lucas, seeing her on the verge of exploding, let out a low chuckle.

He ruffled her messy hair and said, "Get ready. We're going out."

With that, he turned and left the guest bedroom.

Aveline, feeling frustrated, grabbed a pillow and threw it at the door.

Half an hour later, Aveline emerged from the guest room and asked coolly, "Where are we going?"

Lucas tossed her a jacket. "You'll find out when we get there."

She dutifully helped him wear his jacket, then walked straight to the door without a moment's hesitation.

Lucas watched her slender back, his eyes darkening slightly.

It was already dusk. The sky was ablaze with vibrant sunset clouds. Seeing the beautiful scene, Aveline's foul mood lifted.

She took out her phone and snapped a photo.

"What's so special about sunset clouds?" Lucas said indifferently.

"None of your business," Aveline retorted.

Lucas pressed his lips together, then suddenly grabbed her hand and raised it. "Wouldn't it be better to take the picture like this?"

Aveline paused, then sneered. "What's so great about a hand?"

She pulled her hand away and walked ahead on her own.

Lucas rubbed his fingertips, but he didn't get angry.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"You're going the wrong way," he said, turning and walking in the opposite direction.

Aveline, fuming, turned around and followed him.

Arthur Town, a quaint and tranquil locale, was bustling as the workday drew to a close, with more pedestrians on the streets and small vendors lining the sidewalks.

Aveline spotted some street food and walked over and bought some to eat without asking Lucas.

"Is it good?" Lucas asked, watching her intently.

Aveline nodded. "Not bad!"

She ate another piece.

Suddenly, Lucas leaned in and snatched the food from her hand, immediately frowning. "The taste is mediocre."

Aveline bristled. "I didn't say you could eat it!"

This man was insufferable!

But Lucas seemed to be in a good mood. He led her through several winding streets until they stopped in front of a barbecue restaurant. Aveline paused. She had worked part-time at this barbecue restaurant during her school days.

When she started high school, Hilda stopped supporting her

financially, so she had to fend for herself to continue her education.

+15 MONUS

She would come here to work after finishing her homework each day, earning just enough for her daily expenses.

Lucas said, "I had someone look into it. They said the food here is quite good. We'll have dinner here."

Aveline didn't respond and simply walked inside.

"Sit wherever you like, and order whatever you want!" The owner, still the same cheerful middle-aged man, came out with a big smile.

"Mr. Zane," Aveline called out with a smile.

"Huh?" Zane Looney looked up and froze for a moment. "You... why do you look so familiar?"

D