"Lucas..." Aveline murmured his name as she dialed his number.

Zachary watched her, shaking his head with a sigh.

Maybe she didn't even realize it herself, but her resistance to Lucas had softened.

After all, she wasn't heartless. How could anyone remain unmoved in the face of sincere apologies and requests for forgiveness? The busy signal droned in her ear, and as the dull beeping continued, Aveline's expression turned sour.

Why wasn't he picking up? Where had he gone?

In the end, the call disconnected automatically.

"He won't take my call... then I don't need him," Aveline muttered, wobbling slightly as she stood up and headed toward the door. Zachary quickly stepped in to steady her, preventing a fall.

But Aveline pushed him away. "I... I'm fine. I can manage on my own."

He stayed close, ready to catch her if needed.

Given how much she had drunk, her unsteady gait was no surprise.

Thankfully, despite her zigzagging path, she managed to avoid falling.

Back in her room, Zachary said, "Get some rest. I'll leave now but call me if you need anything."

sure." Aveline nodded, her voice a

at her-she was lying on the bed with

a soft sigh, he shut the

pillow, Aveline

half-conscious state, she began

Smoke?

smell like

jolting her fully awake. She opened

sat up and looked around, she caught sight of flames flickering outside the

haze of alcohol cleared

Fire!

the bathroom. She soaked the coat thoroughly

fire in the hallway was even fiercer than she'd imagined. Amidst the chaos, Aveline could

she slammed the door shut,

did this happen? How did a fire

the fire department, but there was no signal. She

Someone had

meant to burn them alive. What

Aveline!" Zachary's muffled

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