She gripped the prosthetic leg tightly, her face a mask of grief barely held together. Though she fought to put on a brave front, her trembling gave her away, painting a picture of fragile vulnerability. Aveline said, "Let me take you back. Which floor do you live on?"

"No need."

Sophia refused outrightly and then looked at Lucas. "Goodbye, Lucas."

With that, she hopped towards the elevator, her figure thin and fragile, looking both wretched and delicate.

Suddenly, Lucas walked over and supported her arm. "Let me help you.

Sophia's eyes turned red. "Lucas, it's okay. I can manage on my own..."

Lucas didn't say a word, just continued to support her towards the elevator.

Sophia stared at him, tears falling, her gaze so intense it seemed like it could melt him.

Aveline stood at the doorway, watching the scene intently.

What could she say?

Sophia lost her leg because of Lucas, so he should be responsible for

her.: owner of this content.

She understood that.

But she couldn't help feeling uncomfortable.

Especially when she saw Sophia hugging the prosthetic leg and sobbing, it made her even more uneasy.

Despite Sophia appearing to have ulterior motives, Aveline lowered her eyes, feeling guilty for her unkind thoughts. After all, Sophia had lost a

leg, and here Aveline was, entertaining such thoughts.

Aveline took a deep breath to regain her composure, then headed straight into her room.

As it was late and she needed rest, Aveline chose to push the matter aside. With Lucas gone over there, he likely wouldn't return tonight. Closing the door with that in mind, she settled in for the night. Meanwhile, downstairs.

Lucas guided Sophia into the room, easing her onto the sofa. Without a word, he took the prosthetic leg from her grasp and began to reattach

1. it.

Sophia refused again. "Lucas, don't. I can do it myself."

Lucas said calmly, "If you want me to guilt-trip me, it'd be better to let me see your injury."

Sophia froze at his words.

She looked at him in disbelief, "What... what are you saying?"

Lucas raised his eyes to meet hers. "Isn't that your goal?"

Sophia lifted her hand to hit him, but it stopped mid-air, trembling. Lucas, is that what you think of me?"

Her voice shook, and her heart sank deeper into despair.

She'd always known Lucas was cold and distant. Even when they were engaged, he'd barely shown a flicker of warmth.

So, she'd thought, maybe the whole life-saver reminder would pile on the guilt. At least when he saw her prosthetic, he'd remember she lost her leg for him.

But now, he was saying such hurtful things to her!

He knew she'd sacrificed her leg for him, and he could still be so cruel!

Sophia felt like Lucas was like a stranger, the way he was looking at her

now appeared so distant.

While she was lost in thought, Lucas had already reattached her prosthetic leg. He stood up, looking down at her, and said, "Sophia, you should cherish your prosthetic leg. This tactic won't work many times."

With that, he turned and walked away.

"Lucas, you're a bastard!"

Sophia suddenly lost her composure, and she grabbed a cushion and threw it at him!

Lucas didn't dodge, letting the cushion hit his back.

Without looking back, he left.

Sophia sat on the sofa, trembling with anger.

Despicable!

So despicable!

She had sacrificed so much, yet it couldn't evoke a shred of guilt from him!