Lucas frowned and hung up the phone, then walked out.

In the garden, Sophia had already approached Barbara. She held out a cotton candy shaped like a kitten. "Madam Barbara, look at this cute little kitten."

Barbara's eyes lit up when she saw the cotton candy, but she didn't take it. Instead, she tugged on Aveline's hand.

"Granddaughter-in-law, you get me cotton candy. I don't like kittens; I like bunnies."

From the moment Sophia appeared, Aveline had instinctively tensed up. But when she heard Barbara's voice, she suddenly relaxed. An indescribable feeling welled up inside her, making her feel a bit sad and "Okay, I'll get you one," Aveline said.

Barbara smiled brightly. "My granddaughter-in-law is the best."

Sophia, still holding the cotton candy, froze awkwardly. She slowly withdrew her hand and looked at Aveline. "Madam Barbara likes you very much."

Aveline replied calmly, "She just happens to find me pleasing."

Sophia smiled slightly, lowering her eyes with a hint of

displeasure flashing in them.

'What did she mean by that?

'Was she implying that I didn't please Barbara?'

"Grandma," Lucas said as he walked over, "are you tired? Do you

want to rest?"

Barbara clutched Aveline's hand. "I want my granddaughter-in-law to come with me."

Aveline said, "Alright."

She supported Barbara and started to walk back to the small building.

After a few steps, Barbara noticed that Lucas wasn't following. She immediately waved him over. "Grandson, come here!" Aveline couldn't help but feel amused.

The tone she had used to call him sounded a bit insulting, didn't it?

Lucas walked over and supported Barbara. "Let's go, Grandma."

Barbara was delighted. "Grandson, you need to cherish you wife, or she'll run away, and you'll regret it. It'll be too late by then!"

She leaned in closer to Lucas. "Let me tell you, regret is a very, very bitter feeling. You won't be able to handle it!"

He needed to understand that once something is done, it couldn't be undone.

Lucas just listened, saying nothing.

Aveline glanced at him, her clear eyes shimmering slightly.

Regret? How could he possibly regret it?

They were already at the lawyer's office. If it weren't for Barbara causing a scene, they would have filed for a divorce by now.

A wave of bitterness spread within her, and she forced herself not to think too much.

Sophia stood behind, watching the group, feeling like they were a happy family while she was just an outsider.

Her other hand suddenly squeezed the cotton candy. The fluffy treat was instantly crushed, eventually forming a lump that she tossed into the trash.

Aveline and Lucas helped Barbara back to her room when Lucas's

phone buzzed. He looked at Aveline. "Please take care of

Grandma for a moment."

Lucas immediately took his phone and stepped out.

"Where is he going?" Barbara asked, puzzled.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Aveline replied, "Your grandson is very busy with work. He's dealing with something for his job."

"Oh," Barbara said, not seeming to mind his absence.

Aveline took out a storybook and began reading to Barbara.

After about ten minutes, Barbara fell asleep.

Aveline tucked her in and quietly left the room.

As she walked to the garden, she saw two people standing together. The sunlight poured over them, with Lucas's back facing her, and in front of him, Sophia was looking up at him, her eyes filled with affection. Aveline intended to look away, but the next second, she saw Lucas reach out and hug Sophia.

Her breath caught, feeling as if a knife had been plunged into her heart, the pain causing her to sway slightly.