Aveline looked at him. "And the conclusion?"

Lucas stepped closer and blew the smoke directly in her face. "The conclusion is, the colder you are, the more I like you.

Aveline was momentarily speechless. She couldn't quite grasp what he was thinking anymore.

She lowered her eyes slightly, waiting for the smoke to disperse in the wind, then asked, "Lucas, is it because you liked me during that year we were

together, or did you start liking me later?"

Lucas responded, "Does it make a difference?"

Aveline replied, "Maybe not, but I just want to know."

Lucas took a drag from his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing in a way that exuded a mature sensuality. "I don't know."

Aveline said calmly, "But the person I liked was the you from that year, not the you now. The you now is really detestable."

Her expression was serene, her eyes devoid of any emotion. After saying this, she turned and walked away.

Lucas' hand trembled slightly as he held his cigarette, feeling as if a knife had pierced his chest, bleeding and painfully raw.

Detestable...

She detested him now?

Why?Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Suddenly, Lucas stubbed out his cigarette and hurried after her, grabbing her wrist. He gazed deeply into her eyes. "Why do you hate me?"

Aveline was surprised he even asked. Wasn't this self-inflicted humiliation? She tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong, causing her some pain.

"I hate you because I just do, no reason!" Aveline snapped, her expression turning colder.

Lucas replied, "That's not true. Liking someone has reasons, so hating someone should have reasons too. For example, I hate today's weather because it's cold. Aveline, you say you hate me. What's the reason?"

Aveline pressed her lips together. "That's a long story."

Lucas stared at her. "You can take your time. I have all the time in the world."

Aveline felt a surge of frustration, an overwhelming sense of helplessness washing over her.

It felt as if she were trapped in an invisible net, no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free. A feeling of helplessness enveloped her.

Aveline asked, "And what happens once you know the reason?"

Lucas replied, "I'll try to change so that you can like me again."

"And then?"

Lucas said, "Then we'll be together, living a happy and joyful life."

Aveline suddenly laughed.

Lucas frowned. "What's so funny?"

Aveline said, "I just find it ironic. You gave up on me so many times before, and now you say you want us to be happy together. Isn't that funny?"

Lucas pressed his lips together, feeling a sharp, needle-like pain in his throat. Tightening his grip on her wrist, he said, "I was an idiot before, Aveline. But I don't believe our relationship is beyond repair." Aveline said, "That's your opinion, not mine."

Lucas responded, "But you used to love me. I can't believe you feel nothing for me now."

Aveline looked away. "That was in the past."

She paused and said, "Besides, we're divorced now, Lucas. Let me go. Let's both move on and start new lives. Isn't that better?"

Lucas said, "What kind of new life? You want to find a younger man, marry him, have kids, sleep with him? Sorry, I can't accept that. Just thinking about it

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makes me want to kill you both."

Aveline's breath hitched.