Aveline's mind was truly in turmoil.

Soon, the sound of running water from the bathroom came, and she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Gradually, she relaxed, hugging herself.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, the bed beside her dipped, and Lucas, his body slightly cool and damp from the shower, lay down next to her, hugging her tightly.

Aveline didn't move or struggle.

Lucas kissed her shoulder. "Good night, my wife."

Aveline's eyelashes trembled, but she still didn't respond.

The next day.

When Aveline arrived at work, she saw that Sidney was already there. He was wearing a clean white shirt, looking bright and handsome, exuding the energy of a young man. Zoe was chatting with him, and Sidney was smiling as he answered her.

Seeing Aveline, Sidney immediately stood up and walked over. "Good morning, Miss Young!"

Aveline gave a faint smile. "We're colleagues now, you can call me Aveline."

Sidney, a bit embarrassed, rubbed his nose. "Aveline."

"Yes, good morning." Aveline nodded slightly.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Zoe, sitting at her desk, remarked indifferently, "If I didn't know you were already married, I'd think you two were a couple."

Sidney frowned at her words and said, "Don't talk nonsense. Aveline and I are friends."

Zoe scoffed, clearly not believing him.

Aveline ignored her and asked, "Are you familiar with the work yet?"

Sidney nodded. "I've contacted a few project managers we've worked with before to see if they have any projects. I want to try and secure some." Aveline said, "Keep up the good work!"

"I-will!" Sidney's eyes shone brightly.

When Maria arrived, she looked listless, yawning as she entered the office. Before going in, she glanced at Sidney. "Sidney, come here for a moment." "Okay," he replied.

Sidney followed Maria into the office.

Maria said, "There's a business dinner this afternoon. Come with me. It's a good opportunity for you to meet more project managers,"

Sidney nodded. "Alright, boss."

Maria smiled. "Work hard. You have a bright future ahead."

Sidney gave a shy smile.

Maria looked at him, finding him pleasing to the eye. If only his affections weren't directed at Aveline...

In the afternoon, Sidney was no longer in the studio.

Aveline continued working on her designs. When she finally looked up, the sky had already darkened. The office was once again empty, with only her remaining. She stretched, turned off her computer, and got up to leave.

While waiting for the elevator, the hallway lights suddenly went out, startling her.

She looked cautiously into the darkness, her palms breaking out in cold sweat.

At that moment, the elevator arrived, and she quickly stepped inside.

She pressed the close button, but for some reason, the elevator doors wouldn't close.

Too scared to step back out, she stood in the corner and took out her phone to call someone.

Her heart was pounding as she kept her eyes fixed on the entrance.

Then, her phone rang, startling her again. She immediately answered it.

"Hello?"

"Have you finished work?"

The man's deep voice came through, providing her with a sense of security in the eerie and strangely terrifying atmosphere.

"I... I'm in the elevator, but the doors won't close," Aveline said, swallowing hard, her voice hoarse.

"I'm coming up right now."