He held her there for a long time, just embracing her, before finally letting her go.

When Aveline's feet touched the ground, the surreal feeling slowly faded. Her breathing remained unsteady, and her body felt weak, too drained to push him away.

Lucas kept his grip on her until she was steady on her feet, then released her. His eyes, dark as the night, lingered on her for a long moment, but he said nothing before turning and leaving the room. The crisp scent that clung to him faded as he walked away.

Aveline, nearly drained of all energy, emerged from the bathroom. As she sat on the edge of the bed, her emotions gradually settled.

She thought...

"Ave!" Selena's voice called out suddenly.

She rushed in, and seeing Aveline sitting on the bed, quickly asked, "I just saw Lucas leave. It looked like he'd been drinking, and his clothes were a mess. He didn't do anything to you, did he?"

As she spoke, her gaze landed on Aveline's face, instantly noticing her swollen, kiss-bruised lips.

"Oh... this..." Selena pointed at her lips, "He really went all out, huh?"

Aveline was speechless.

The complex and heavy feelings she'd been grappling with evaporated the moment she heard Selena's words.

didn't do anything," Aveline replied. "What about you? Didn't

finished up early and decided to head back. I didn't like the thought of you being home alone, so I came to keep you company. But wow, if I'd come back just a bit sooner, would I have walked in on

her a silent, pointed

backtracked, "Okay, okay, I'm sorry! Don't be mad, beautiful Ave. I won't tease

apply her skincare, but as she looked in the mirror, her eyes couldn't help but fall on her swollen, kiss-bruised

she felt a strange sense

her insistence on divorcing him meant that no

How could that be?

was

closed her eyes, willing herself not to dwell on

day before the court

details for the courtroom. By the time they finished, it

sunlight bathed her, making her feel cozy. She headed towards her car, got in, and fastened

"Drive."

voice came from

only see a

who are you?" she

suddenly find someone

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