Divorced

“So, even though we’re divorced, you won’t consider my feelings at all, will you? ‘Aveline’s voice was so soft it seemed like it might be carried away by the wind.

Lucas loosened his grip on her wrist slightly. “Aveline, you can reconsider. We can remarry.”

Aveline jerked her wrist free with force. “No way. I will never remarry you!”

Her eyes were icy cold as she turned and walked away quickly.

Lucas stared at his empty hand, his gaze darkening. He watched her leave, then pulled out a cigarette and took a deep drag.

Divorce? Never in this lifetime. Even in death, she would still be his!

Aveline didn’t return to the studio.

In the afternoon, she met up with Selena for grilled fish. The spicy dish warmed her from the inside out.

Selena asked, “Now that you’re divorced, what’s your plan?”

Aveline replied, “Finish the projects I’m working on, then quit and leave Cloudflare City.”

Selena’s eyes lit up. “Where to? Take me with you!“.

Aveline said, “I haven’t decided yet. I just know I don’t want to stay here.”

Selena agreed, “That’s the spirit. You’re well off now; you can live any life you want. Why stay here and suffer?”

Aveline asked, “Are you sure you can leave?”

Selena said, “Of course. Once I’m bored, I’ll move on.” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Aveline nodded. “Alright, I’ll let you know when I’m ready. We’ll go together. First stop, the Arctic to see the Northern Lights.”

“Yes!” Selena cheered excitedly.

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II

They enjoyed their grilled fish and then went to see a movie. Spending time with a friend was the best way to lift her spirits.

However, while they were in the theater, Aveline’s phone vibrated. She pulled it out to see a photo in the dim light cast by the screen.

The image showed Bobby, severely beaten and barely conscious, lying on the floor. His eyes were fixed on the door, filled with a desperate longing for life.

Aveline’s breath caught in her throat, and she tightened her grip on her phone.

Selena glanced over, frowning. “Who is that? He looks like he’s about to die.”

Aveline put away her phone and replied, “Someone I used to know.”

Indeed, he did look like he was near death. But who sent her the photo? And why? What was their motive?

Seeing the picture, her first instinct was to save Bobby. But doing so would go against Lucas’s wishes. Was this person trying to provoke a conflict between her and Lucas? That seemed unnecessary since their relationship was already strained.

She watched the movie in a distracted state.

Selena noticed her unease and asked, “Does it have to do with that person?”

Aveline nodded. “Selena, I need to head home.”

Selena insisted, “I’ll take you back. I don’t feel safe letting you go alone like this.

With that, she firmly took Aveline by the arm and led her out of the mall.

Back at Maple Garden, Selena admired the house once more. “Big houses really are the best.”

Aveline walked to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a sip before dialing Lucas‘ number on her phone.

Selena stayed quiet, watching her closely.

“Hello?” The call connected, but it wasn’t Lucas‘ voice. It was Judy’s.

Aveline immediately recognized it. She tightened her grip on the phone and

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calmly asked, “Where’s Lucas? I need to