As the streetlights began to glow, they illuminated half of Lucas' face, his eyes shrouded in the darkness inside the car, making it impossible to discern his expression. He asked coldly, "So, do you have a place to stay tonight?"

Aveline nodded. "I can stay with Selena or at a hotel. Cloudflare City is so big, and I have plenty of money. There's no way I won't find a place to stay."

"Heh!"

Something in her words amused Lucas. He chuckled softly and then said, " Maple Garden is already in your name. You can go back there tonight."

Aveline was surprised. "You acted that quickly?"

Lucas replied, "I can even be generous enough to give you a ride."

Aveline said, "That's not necessary."

With that, she turned and walked away.

From behind, Lucas called out, "We're divorced now. Are you afraid I'll devour you?"

Without turning back, Aveline replied, "We're not related anymore. It's better to keep a distance to avoid misunderstandings. I don't want to be blamed for anything."

Lucas didn't say anything else, his eyes watching her slender back until she

got into her car.

His car window slowly rolled up, and his face turned cold. He took out his phone and dialed Aaron's number.

"Hello?" Aaron answered a bit slowly, his voice sounding hoarse.

Lucas sneered. "It's not even nighttime yet, and you're already starting your nightlife? Isn't it a bit early?"

Aaron cursed softly and said, "You don't have a wife, you don't have nightlife. I won't argue with you."

Lucas said quietly, "Do you think if I asked Aveline to talk to Selena, would Selena listen?"

Aaron gritted his teeth. "Lucas, do you remember how I helped you back then? And now you're turning against me?"

Lucas replied, "What can I do? I'm divorced and wifeless."

"You're ruthless!"

Aaron finally gave in and asked, "What do you need?"

Lucas said, "Drinks."

Aaron sighed.

He seemed to be mentally preparing himself and after a long pause, said, "Alright, wait for me!"

Then he hung up.

11

Lucas put his phone back in his pocket and looked out the window, his eyes dark and unreadable.

:..

Aveline went to Maple Garden.

She felt a deep affection for this place. It was her first big home, and despite all the ups and downs, it was hers once again. Standing in the foyer, surrounded by the designs she adored, a smile spread across her face.

How wonderful.

She was now the owner of a large house!

She kicked off her shoes and happily walked around the room as if trying to imprint her essence into it.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She took it out and saw that it was Russell calling.

"Hello, Russ," Aveline answered.

Russell's cheerful voice came through, "You're back at Maple Garden?"

Aveline was surprised. "How do you know?"

Russell replied, "I'm staying nearby tonight. When I passed by your place and saw the lights on, I figured it must be you." Aveline said, "Yes, I'll be living here from now on."

Russell paused and asked, "What do you mean? Did you get divorced?"

"Yes!" Aveline admitted directly. It was something that made her happy, and she was eager to share her joy with someone. "Congratulations!" Russell said warmly.

"Thank you, Russ."

Russell continued, "Such a happy occasion deserves a proper celebration. How about we grab some seafood?"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.